I grew up two doors down from Ian Froman who left Ottawa to study drums and music at the Berkeley School of Music in Boston. For many years he has been teaching at Berkeley and NYU, recording and touring. Among his credits are being a member of Forward Motion and supporting Miroslav Vitous.

Of all the bands of which Ian has been a part, Metalwood (with Chris Tarry on bass, Mike Murley on sax and Brad Turner on trumpet and keyboards) is a standout. After five amazing CDs and a couple of Juno Awards (1998 for Metalwood and 1999 for Metalwood 2), the band just kind of disappeared — even their website vanished. Because I had discovered them at the end of their run, I never had a chance to see them live. I sent a note to Ian asking him to contact me if he ever passed through Ottawa, again.

Ian’s note arrived almost two months ago; Metalwood would be performing at Greenfields Pub in Ottawa on June 20. I didn’t miss it. The band (with guest David Braid in place of Brad Turner who was unavailable for the gig) was incredible. You’d swear they’ve been playing together everyday since Chronic, their last studio album, which was released four years ago. The band was tight and energetic. Chris and Ian clearly enjoyed being on stage together, again.

Metalwood is apparently playing a number of shows across Canada during the next three weeks. If you are able, be sure to check them out.