Weaves' heavily hyped self-titled debut album came out last week. The band has been working at a feverish pace over the past couple years, playing showcases filled with influential tastemakers - like NPR's Bob Boilen and the New York Times' Jon Pareles - and recording the songs for this album.
We invited the Toronto-based band to do a First Play Live session with us, but rather than record them in our studio, we asked them to pick the location. The band suggested the Allan Gardens Conservatory, a beautiful greenhouse in one of the oldest parks in Toronto. We didn't even know if it was possible to record at the Conservatory, but after several permit forms were filled out, the process was easier than expected. The staff at the Gardens were incredibly accommodating, leaving their spring show intact an extra week so that Weaves could perform among the hydrangeas.
During Weaves' enthusiastic performance, Bines fell right into the flower bed while thumbing his bass on "One More." Burke's reaction is perfect, as the band doesn't miss a beat.
Watch Weaves rock five songs from their new album surrounded by the verdant foliage of the Allan Gardens Conservatory:
Special thanks to the staff at the City of Toronto and Allan Gardens for making this session possible.
