Bob Marquis - Dollhaus: Bobby was born into a family with strong ties to the arts. As a child , he studied classical music , then evolved into a prolific bassist in jazz , rock , reggae , and now, his creation of Dollhaus melts his influences all in one. In 1979 , after a long period of time living in Lippe-Detmold , Germany , he returned to Ottawa , Canada to begin a new life in music.
Taking direction from the Germanic masters, Bob also has tapped into influences from abroad to create a sound with a decidedly Euro-industrial flavour.
He communicates his message in songs he is composing and performs in both English and German. And now , after 10 months in the " SOUND CREATION " Studio , the first release of " DOLLHAUS " is available. 10 tracks were recorded for the album , between January and September , 2007. The album starts off with the controversial first verse of the German National Anthem, which had been abolished by the Allies after WW II. "Deutschland ueber alles ". " Happy Friday" commences the raucous Dollhaus sound with Fripp style lead guitar. " Breakdown" carries on with an attitude of smart-ass little girls up to no good. Then ,April Kibzey gets the ball rolling with " Things" which talks about abuse , seduction , and innocence.
"Gewalt" is german for 'Violence". The theme of this song is about the battles between swarm gangs. "Endlich Freitag" is the german version of "Happy Friday". The album then lulls itself into a powerful rock symphony with the song "Nicole" about Bob,s close friendship with a german girl that inspired him to write this album. Bob,s sense of humor comes out as he turns a traditional german beer drinking song, into a Bing Crosby meets Till Lindemann "Trink , Bruederlein Trink" duet. " Katerpillar Blues " is a great hangover remedy with heavy head pounding guitar work by Scott Walsh. Kater is german for Hangover. Then the album features the wild horn section as Terry Owen and Ed Krul trade maniacal solos in "Dollhaus" , a song about a mischevious kid taking over his parents house in a free form jam session. CHUCKY? Move over. This DOLL is worse than you. "DOLLHAUS...........LOS! NOW AVAILABLE! 15 dollars CDN / US 10 EUROS. ORDER ONLINE myspace.com/dollhausbm
We are currently recording our second album entitled "LOVE AND LIGHT" inspired by the most beautiful artist and woman in the world. SHIRLS!
FLASHBACK IN HISTORY ON BAND MEMBERS
During the 80s, Bob Marquis had a 5 year successful career with a ska/reggae band called "The Pushkins". They got their first gig opening up for an already established band known as "The Red Squares" at the Roxy Club in Ottawa. After gathering a large following of their own, they became headliners at bigger venues such as Barrymores . They opened up for The Parachute Club on two occasions , London based ska band Bad Manners respectively at Carleton University,as well as Doug and the Slugs at Camp Fortune .The band also became close friends with Steele Pulse. In 1983 they released a three song EP entitled "Pushkins" and in 1985 released a six song EP entitled "Inviting and Invading".
In 1983 CBC television created an all Canadian Show called "The Fame Game" where bands all across Canada competed to win a video and recording contract if chosen the next best upcoming act. Since then Canadian and American Idol has surfaced the airwaves.
When the creative juices with The Pushkins soured the band members all went in different directions. Bob decided to carry on in the Ottawa scene and formed a small cover band with Scott Walsh. Scott and Bob played together in a Blues band called "Four on the Floor". Scott began his career as an engineer/ musician/ producer with the creation of his studio "Sound Creation" and has done work with David Matthews, Lola Spriggs, Dan Beehler (former drummer and singer for Ottawa metal band Exciter) as well as a live recording for Canadian band "Saga".
Terry Owen and Ed Krul are two of the finest brass musicians. Both have just finished playing the 2007 Ottawa Bluesfest and have jumped onto the Dollhaus project.
Graham Fairley has played drums in local Ottawa bands such as "Chicken Head" which covered Sabbath and Deep Purple material, and adds a solid beat to "Dollhaus".
Georg Friedrich Trommelstock is the rhythmic spirit behind Dollhaus and was re-incarnated from antique German machinery.
Colleen's connection with Bob is through the Ottawa 80's music scene where she was keyboardist and lead singer for the heavy pop band "Screaming Bamboo". Following close in her footsteps is her daughter Pascale Riel who's haunting voice is featured on the upcoming CD.
Tanya Onysko is a professional violin teacher and has played in several bands and has added her talents to Dollhaus as well.
April Kibzey joined Dollhaus and adds a sensuous lead vocal on a song she composed with Bob called Things. She is HOT!
This is the video for our Track 'Things' Featuring our good friend in the U.K Shirls.. video directed & starring Shirls, ( www.myspace.com/shirl156 ) Filmed & Edited By Mark Ellison..( www.myspace.com/markellison )
We thank Shirls and Mark for their friendship and dedication to Dollhaus!Hope you enjoy...
