Thursday August 03, 2006

Aaron Walpole can’t wait to get on stage this holiday weekend to have his fans, family and friends hear the songs that highlight his debut album that hits stores Tuesday. The third-place finalist on last year’s Canadian Idol is hosting CD release parties Saturday and Sunday at Coolz Warehouse on Talbot Street. (T-J photo by Jeff Renaud)

By Jeff Renaud
http://www.stthomastimesjournal.com/story.php?id=246164
for the Times-Journal
With Aaron Walpole’s self-titled debut album due to hit record stores on Tuesday, the soul man of St. Thomas wanted to give his family and friends a chance to grab their copies early.
So the Parkside Collegiate Institute alum is holding not one, but two CD release parties over the Civic Holiday weekend.
The third-place finalist on last year’s Canadian Idol is hosting CD release parties Saturday and Sunday at Coolz Warehouse on Talbot Street.
The 10 p.m. show on Saturday is the official launch, while the 7 p.m. Sunday show is an all-ages performance.
  Advance tickets are available at Coolz Warehouse, CD Plus in Elgin Mall and Mackie’s in Port Stanley. Tickets are also available at the door.
  Copies of the CD are available at both shows and there will be lots of giveaways and door prizes, as well.
  “It’s going to be great to get up and perform in front of all my family and friends at Coolz Warehouse. I am really excited about launching my first CD right here in St. Thomas,” said Walpole. “The CD sounds great and we’re really proud of it. I really think everyone is going to love it.”
Highlights of the soul/rock/pop collection, produced by Harry Hess and Pete Lesperance of Harem Scarem fame, include the debut single 42nd Street, the reggae influenced Day After Day, the Walpole-penned Impatience and a cover of These Eyes, the Guess Who song that was his trademark performance on last year’s Idol.
St. Thomas native Chris Eveland is the featured lead guitarist on the album while Londoners Kevin “Mookie” Komatsu and Gabriel Beisetzer play drums and bass guitar respectively.
The album is being released by Sony BMG Music, the label for countless Canadian music icons ranging from Avril Lavigne and Our Lady Peace to Celine Dion and Leonard Cohen.