From “Innocent Bystander” to “No Schedule Man”

When it comes to music, KB’s appreciation always rested on the craft of songwriting. Kevin is extremely passionate about the many albums, artists and songs that have inspire him.

Since the early 90’s, Kevin has written hundreds of songs, but has recorded and released only a handful to date. As time passes, he hopes to bring an increased earnestness for recording and releasing parts of his vast collected catalogue.

Until then, here’s a look at Kevin’s musical history to date:

Solo: The Return of No Schedule Man CD Cover

 “Solo: The Return of No Schedule Man”
4-Song EP released February 21, 2014

Track Listing:

1. Intro: Old MacDonald
2. Deja Vu
3. Bilge Rat Blues
4. Lullaby
5. March

About “Solo: The Return of the No Schedule Man”

This project marks a time that lifted Kevin from the ashes of divorce and other adversities he had to work through in late 2010 through 2011. After largely losing his spark for a couple of years, he began noodling on the guitar again and recording different bits of songs he’d tinkered with over the years.

One day, he overheard his oldest son, Eddie (who would have been 10 at the time) humming the melody to what later became the song, “Deja Vu” (written about a recurring dream he used to have where a tornado seems about to strike) Shocked, he inquired of his son, “How do you know that song?”

Ten-year-old Eddie replied, “You were playing it in the car a couple of weeks ago, Dad. It’s really good. You should put it on iTunes.”

And so he did.

For this project, although both “Bilge Rat Blues” and “March” were originally conceived as rock songs, Kevin insisted it be all acoustic so that it would sound as if they could be performed by a couple of people sitting on a front porch.

The “solo” reference was also a nod to the fact that he felt largely vulnerable and on his own at that time in his life but that he kept moving ahead anyway.

CREDITS:

All songs written by Kevin Bulmer (SOCAN) except “Old MacDonald.”
Produced by Kevin Bulmer with Tim Schwindt.
Recorded at River Music Productions in London, Ontario.
Engineered, mixed and mastered by Tim Schwindt for River Music Productions.

Musicians:

Kevin Bulmer (lead and backing vocals, guitars)
Tim Schwindt (percussion)
“Left Right Left” vocals on “March” by Eddie Bulmer, Margaret Bulmer, Caroline O’Neil, Kevin Bulmer, Tim Schwindt, Patti Schwindt, Justyn Schwindt and Heather Schwindt

Download, stream or purchase “Solo” …

No Schedule Man CD

“No Schedule Man”

12-Song CD released on June 26, 2010

Track Listing:

  1. Hope Over Hurt
  2. No Schedule Man
  3. Bagley Avenue
  4. Sunny Day in November
  5. Awake (But Not Alive)
  6. Do Better
  7. South Carolina
  8. Orlando
  9. Every Time I Look Into Your Eyes
  10. Everything’s Just Fine
  11. Kevin’s Prayer
  12. Song For Sean

About “No Schedule Man”

Comprised of twelve songs written between 2002 and 2009, this collection reflects Kevin’s strong feelings for hope and positive action, as well as introspection and accountability.

On this record Kevin tips his hat to many of his musical influences of that time with songs like “Hope Over Hurt” (Great Big Sea), “Bagley Avenue” (David Francey), “Orlando” and “Do Better,” (Jimmy Buffett) and “Kevin’s Prayer” (Bruce Springsteen). From the shuffling rockabilly of the title track to the harrowing introspection of “Awake (But Not Alive),” Kevin takes listeners on a musical journey on this CD, which ends where it starts: with a message of love, hope and faith.

CREDITS

Produced by Kevin Gorman and Kevin Bulmer.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Kevin Gorman at KG Records in London, Ontario CANADA.
All songs by Kevin Bulmer (SOCAN) except “Every Time I Look Into Your Eyes” by Kevin Bulmer (SOCAN) and Kevin Gorman.
Musicians: Kevin Bulmer (lead & backing vocals, guitar), Kevin Gorman (piano, backing vocals, percussion, bass, organ), Alyssa Sestric (backing vocals).
Cover photos (front and back): Margaret Bulmer “Nothing Gold Can Stay.”
Photo credits: Margaret Bulmer, Kevin Bulmer

Download, stream or purchase “No Schedule Man” …

Kevin Bulmer - I Remember

“I Remember”

3-song EP released July 27, 2007

Track Listing:

  1. Wallaceburg
  2. Glass
  3. I Remember

About “I Remember”

Kevin took on this project in honour of his grandfather, Murray Newkirk, writing and recording three songs in support of the Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing (WAMBO) and the town of Wallaceburg in general.

In February of 2007, Kevin brought to Wallaceburg a song he’d written years earlier. He played it for WAMBO Chairman, Chip Gordon and town historian and author, Alan Mann. They instantly encouraged Kevin to continue with the project.

Kevin soon wrote the songs “I Remember” and “Glass” and began the process of trying to get them on CD. To help out, he called his old friend from the Riverband, Dave Cook, and began working with London-based producer, Kevin Gorman.

CREDITS

Produced by Kevin Gorman and Kevin Bulmer
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Kevin Gorman at KG Records in London, Ontario CANADA
All songs by Kevin Bulmer (SOCAN)
Musicians: Kevin Bulmer, Dave Cook Kevin Gorman
Cover photos (front and back): Al Mann, Mann Historical Files
Design by Jeff Graham, CPT Entertainment Inc.and Kevin Bulmer
Photo credits: Al Mann

Download, stream or purchase “I Remember” …

ADDITIONAL ORIGINAL MUSIC ADVENTURES

2001: Celebration of Lights and Solo Acoustic

One of the biggest events in the Sarnia-Lambton community is the annual Christmas time light display, the “Celebration of Lights”. In the summer of the 2000, the event organizers approached Kevin about writing and recording a new theme song. The result was “Light It Up” which Kevin recorded with Mark O’Reilly of Sarnia.

The song received significant airplay on CHOK Radio in Sarnia that holiday season. Kevin also performed the song, along with “Freedom” at the official opening ceremonies at the Dow People Place in Sarnia(old friend Kevin Claxton joined him for lead guitar and harmony vocals).

Kevin also produced and performed a solo acoustic concert designed as a fundraiser for the Celebration of Lights, a non-profit group.

2000: “Freight Train”

On the heels of Kevin’s experience with the Riverband, Kevin put together the three-piece outfit he called Freight Train for one reason: “I’d been told you couldn’t go into a bar and perform original music and get away with it. So, I decided to go out and do exactly that.”

“The first night was a little rough, I’ll admit,” Kevin remembers with a chuckle. “But once we got our feet underneath it, we cooked up it real nice. And yes, people danced to the original songs and even sang along with a couple by the third night. In fact, every now and then, I still get asked if Freight Train is ever going to do another gig.”

Some highlights:

  • Interviewed and performed “Freedom” on the Cogeco TV show Harada and Friends
  • Performed “Freedom” live on 99.9 the Fox FM in Sarnia
  • Four-night run at Dallas City Limits in Sarnia

Late 1990′s: The RiverBand

The group approached Kevin about coming on board as a songwriter, rhythm guitar player and backup vocalist. On the premise that the group was intent on recording a new pop/rock original CD, Kevin agreed. He quickly learned the band’s catalogue of cover material and set out on writing new songs, one of which was later performed on live TV.

Months later, little interest had been shown by the band in pursuing original music. “I had an absolute blast with those guys but I didn’t get the impression they really wanted to break from their formula of performing popular cover songs, and I suppose I can understand why, looking at the success they’d had with that,” Kevin reflected. “But that’s not why I was there. So I wished the guys the best and moved on.”

Some highlights:

  • Headlined Canada Day Festival in Centennial Park in Sarnia in 1999.
  • Performed throughout Lambton County and parts of Kent County in Ontario
  • Performed Kevin’s original song “Sunken Soldier” live on CFPL TV in London

Early 90′s: “Innoncent Bystander”

Innocent Bystander was Kevin’s first band. He sang lead and co-wrote all the original songs for the group, which had a brief but productive run of rock and roll in the early 1990’s. Some highlights:

  • Recorded a 5-song demo tape called “Forget About Tomorrow” (sold every copy!)
  • Won Beal Secondary School’s “Battle of the Bands”
  • Represented London and the “Stay Clear Festival” and performed in Toronto
  • Played festival at Victoria Park in London, opening for the Doug Varty Band
  • Performed at Canada Day Festival at White Oaks Park in London, where Kevin also performed the National Anthem