The Fragments have been performing an eclectic range of indie pop for over 13 years. Their debut CD, which was played by college radio stations across Canada, was praised by the Calgary Herald as being “an unabashedly odd and joyously weird, slightly askew pop record.”
The band’s 2023 album, Get Ready, consisted of original tunes that were inspired by the Great American Songbook and Tin Pan Alley sounds of yesteryear. They also worked with guest saxophone player Shawn Ferguson, which was exciting for the group. The Fragments were surprised and delighted when they were nominated for Jazz Recording of the Year for the YYC Music Awards in 2024.
This time out, however, with 2025’s Side by Side, The Fragments have made a sudden turn to explore country music, and they go all in with a classic Bakersfield sound, fuelled in part by their guest guitarist David Hirschman.
The album features toe-tapping train rhythms, western-swing paeans to the prairies, and, of course, a number of heartbreak ballads that showcase frontman David Martin and keyboardist/vocalist Natasha Sayer (who is also a member of Magnolia Buckskin).
January 10th will mark the release of Side by Side, their eighth album recorded by Dale Ulan, at the Ironwood Stage and Grill.
Name:
David Martin (frontman for The Fragments)
Genre:
From jazz to country, and everything in between
Founded:
2012
# of Albums:
8
Latest Album:
Side by Side
Latest Single:
Please Do Not Ask Me
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Bob Dylan
Favourite musician now:
Charley Crockett
Guilty pleasure song:
Shake It Off
Live show ritual:
Take a nap beforehand
Favourite local musician:
Carsten Rubeling (my trombone hero)
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
My kids force me to be an early bird
Road or studio?
Studio
Any shows or albums coming up?
Album release party on Jan. 10th at the Ironwood Stage and Grill
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Trullo Trattoria
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The Ironwood
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Recordland
