While the jam band and progressive rock scenes in the States continue to thrive, thanks to a startling number of passionate and gifted acts, it?s been relatively tough sledding for those musical forms in this country.? However, the upward direction that Chris Colepaugh?s career has taken is a sure sign that rock music fuelled by instrumental intensity does have an audience in Canada ? and a devoted one at that ? if it is properly minded.? Heading into a Saturday night show a the Sidetrack Caf?the Moncton, NB ? based guitarist, singer and songwriter expects nothing less than the rabid reception he?s enjoyed in other parts of this country during his lengthy road trip.

?This is our ninth tour across Canada and we see the turnouts in every city and town we play picking up, ?says Colepaugh.? For some time now the adventurous musician who appreciates the ground tilled by The Grateful Dead and Phish has enjoyed pulling in to what he terms ?cool hot spots? for the band.

?We?re known for putting on pretty intense shows.? My philosophy is I want the performance to be a show. Some jam bands forget that element, ?continues Colepaugh, who is starting to gain notoriety stateside, particularly along the eastern seaboard of that country, where the band recently toured with the North Mississippi All-stars.? Thanks to some connections via a friend working for Artimus Records, which distributes Tone Cool ? home base for the All-stars ? Colepaugh and the Cosmic Crew were introduced to what he says was ?a read made crowd for us.?

?One show was in front of a crowd of about 5,000 in Providence, RI and we kicked the living daylights out of them.?

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