The Abrams (formerly The Abrams Brothers) are a Canadian country band composed of fourth-generation musicians John Abrams and James Abrams. They have performed with acts such as John Hammond,[1] Feist, Dean Brody, The Chicks, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Luke Combs.
The Abrams | |
|---|---|
 The Abrams Brothers at the Toronto International Film Festival, Canadian Film Centre Annual BBQ 2012 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Kingston, Ontario, Canada |
| Genres | Country, bluegrass, folk |
| Labels | Warner Music |
| Members | John Abrams James Abrams |
| Website | www |
Biography
editThe Abrams have been performing together since John was 11 and James was 9.[2] In 2005, the group was named Emerging Artist of the Year at the Canadian Bluegrass Music Awards.[3] In 2006, they received the Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin.[4] The Abrams Brothers at age 12 and 15, were the youngest Canadian duo to play the esteemed Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Abrams released a Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie tribute album entitled Blue On Brown in 2009.[5] Arlo Guthrie responded to the record by saying the band was "way too young to be playing that good. I know I will be hearing from The Abrams Brothers for a long time to come."[6]
The band released their first album of original material Northern Redemption in 2011 on Fontana North/United For Opportunity. The album was produced by Canadian singer-songwriter/producer Chris Brown formerly of The Bourbon Tabernacle Choir, whose credits include The Barenaked Ladies, Ani DiFranco, and Tony Scherr.[4]
The Abrams have been involved in many community service projects in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario, including the Robinson Community Garden, which supplies the local Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, and Martha's Table.[7] In spring 2012 they launched the Musicville Ontario initiative, in which they donated $1000 to a local music education charity.[8]
The Abrams released their major label debut EP on May 20, 2016, via Warner Music Canada. The EP was produced by Gavin Brown at Noble Street Studios in Toronto, Ontario. The first single from the album, "Fine" was released April of that year.[9] The album earned the band a CMAO win for Roots Artist/Group of the Year.
On May 15, 2019, The Abrams released a brand new single, "Sounds Good To Me," produced by Matt Rovey, who has worked with Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson. A new collection of music will be released later in 2019.
Members
edit- John Abrams – vocals, guitar
- James Abrams – vocals, violin
Discography
edit| The Abrams discography | |
|---|---|
| Studio albums | 4 |
| EPs | 1 |
| Live albums | 7 |
| Singles | 5 |
| Music videos | 6 |
Albums
editStudio albums
edit| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Carrying On |
|
| Iron Sharpens Iron |
|
| Blue On Brown |
|
| Northern Redemption |
|
Extended plays
edit| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| The Abrams |
|
| Reminder |
|
Singles
edit| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Mermaid Town" | 2010 | Non-album single |
| Fine | 2016 | The Abrams |
| Spend Your Life With Me | ||
| Champion | 2017 | |
| Sounds Good To Me | 2019 | Reminder |
Music videos
edit| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| Viva la Vida | 2009 | Northern Redemption |
| Mermaid Town | 2010 | — |
| Northern Redemption | 2012 | Northern Redemption |
| Fine | 2016 | The Abrams |
| Champion | ||
| Spend Your Life With Me | 2017 |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee/Work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | CMAO Awards | Roots Artist or Group of the Year | The Abrams | Won | [10][11] |
| Group or Duo of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| Rising Star Award | Nominated | ||||
| 2023 | Country Music Association of Ontario | Roots Artist or Group of the Year | The Abrams | Nominated | [12] |
References
edit- ^ "John Hammond, March 2012". hughsroomlive.com. Hugh's Room Live. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
- ^ "The Abrams Brothers: From Bluegrass to 'Newgrass'". Cashbox Canada. Archived from the original on 19 September 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ "CMT: The Abrams Brothers". Archived from the original on July 4, 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ a b "The Abrams Brothers Biography". Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ "The Abrams Brothers", The Toronto Star, 12 March 2009
- ^ "Live On Stage: The Abrams Brothers". Archived from the original on 16 April 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ "Sowing the seeds of community spirit". The Kingston Whig-Standard. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ "The Abrams Brothers back music education". Kingston This Week. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ "The Abrams | Warner Music Canada". Warner Music Canada. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
- ^ "Nominees announced for 2017 CMAO Awards hosted in London". AM980. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
- ^ "CMAO Awards - Winners! - Country 101.1". Country 101.1. 12 June 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
- ^ "2023 CMAOntario Awards: Celebrating the Best Country Music In Ontario". Front Porch Music. March 27, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.