Born in Ontario, Page took piano lessons as a child and sang in a youth choir. By his teens, he had struck up a songwriting partnership with schoolmate Ed Robertson that eventually led to the formation of adult alternative band the Barenaked Ladies.
From 1992 to 2009, Page shared lead vocal duties with Robertson in the group, and wrote or co-wrote many songs on such albums as 1992's “Gordon,” 1996's “Rock Spectacle,” 1998's “Stunt,” 2000's “Maroon,” 2003's “Everything to Everyone,” and 2007's “Barenaked Ladies Are Men.” Page also appeared on the band's 2008 children's pop album, “Snacktime.”
Page will tell you that the themes explored in his latest solo project, “Page One” are those of love, loss, and new beginnings. These are universally felt, and no less so for Page. The album marks his first solo release since leaving the highly-successful band he co-founded, wrote and performed with for more than 20 years.
“It feels great. It’s not as difficult as I thought it could be, being out of my comfort zone,” says Page. “As soon as I’d left BNL, I told my agent to put me on as many folk festivals as possible, so no one could assume I’d slip into the clichéd role of the eccentric hermit. I’m much more the eccentric extrovert!”
Page added, “I’d like to think I’m still delivering that thing that has connected with audiences for so long. I enjoy the process of being artistic, of taking chances and not knowing what might come next. Some listeners might have expected a brooding, woe-is-me album from me but, while there is some reflection, this is not a collection of diary entries. It’s been very liberating to make this solo record, as there’s been no ‘conflict’ with other projects. That in itself has been a true pleasure.”
Tickets for the Hunter River show are available online through the venue website at www.harmonyhousetheatre.com, or by phone at 964-2255.
