The Abrams

Canadian country band
The Abrams
The Abrams Brothers at the Toronto International Film Festival, Canadian Film Centre Annual BBQ 2012
The Abrams Brothers at the Toronto International Film Festival, Canadian Film Centre Annual BBQ 2012
Background information
OriginKingston, Ontario, Canada
GenresCountry, bluegrass, folk
LabelsWarner Music
MembersJohn Abrams
James Abrams
Websitewww.theabramsmusic.com

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.

Biography

The 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

  • John Abrams – vocals, guitar
  • James Abrams – vocals, violin

Discography

The Abrams discography
Studio albums4
Live albums7
Music videos6
EPs1
Singles5

Albums

Studio albums

Title Album details
Carrying On
  • Released: 2004
  • Label: MasterShield
  • Format: CD
Iron Sharpens Iron
  • Released: 2006
  • Label: MasterShield
  • Format: CD
Blue On Brown
  • Released: July 22, 2008
  • Label: United For Opportunity
  • Format: CD
Northern Redemption

Extended plays

Title Album details
The Abrams
Reminder
  • Released: September 20, 2019
  • Label: Warner Music
  • Label: CD Digital download, streaming

Singles

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

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

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

  1. ^ "John Hammond, March 2012". hughsroomlive.com. Hugh's Room Live. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  2. ^ "The Abrams Brothers: From Bluegrass to 'Newgrass'". Cashbox Canada. Archived from the original on 19 September 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  3. ^ "CMT: The Abrams Brothers". Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  4. ^ a b "The Abrams Brothers Biography". Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  5. ^ "The Abrams Brothers", The Toronto Star, 12 March 2009
  6. ^ "Live On Stage: The Abrams Brothers". Archived from the original on 16 April 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  7. ^ "Sowing the seeds of community spirit". The Kingston Whig-Standard. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  8. ^ "The Abrams Brothers back music education". Kingston This Week. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  9. ^ "The Abrams | Warner Music Canada". Warner Music Canada. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
  10. ^ "Nominees announced for 2017 CMAO Awards hosted in London". AM980. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  11. ^ "CMAO Awards - Winners! - Country 101.1". Country 101.1. 12 June 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  12. ^ "2023 CMAOntario Awards: Celebrating the Best Country Music In Ontario". Front Porch Music. March 27, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
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