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Founded by singer/songwriter/guitarist Alex Radeff as a vehicle for his eclectic songs, Donkey is an original rock/pop group based in Toronto. The music ranges from melodic rock to avant garde and beyond, each song from a unique songwriting perspective. The project first gathered critical praise with two independent releases in the mid/late 90's. High profile media figures such as Moses Znaimer and Gary Topp heard and supported the group's musical/artistic direction. Building a loyal following as a trio in Toronto's "live original music scene" and encouraged by airplay on Canadian, European and American radio, Radeff and Donkey maintained a steady stream of club dates in such Toronto venues as the Horseshoe, El Mocambo, Lee's Palace, Rivoli and the Opera House among others. 1999 saw Donkey release the debut CD "Kickback". The rocking anthem "Wartime" was a hit in Romania where it remained in the Top 20 for 14 weeks while the Kosovo war raged on. "Kickback" also received airplay in Canada, the U.S. and Japan. Through the years 2000/2001 Donkey continued a busy schedule of live shows including two excellent headlining dates at Toronto's Hard Rock Café with the late, legendary impresario Gino Empry in attendance. 2003 brought the release of "Nodding At The Universe", a collection of adventurous musicianship and songwriting that saw airplay and exposure far & wide. In October 06 Alex Radeff (solo) opened for British rock legend Arthur Brown when he came to Toronto on tour. "Good lyrics" said Arthur. From 2004-2008 the band continued to gig through a netherworld of Toronto bars and nightclubs, performing 80 one nighters by the end of 08 . Alex Radeff & Donkey's third CD is called "The Calling Of The Streets" and it is their best work yet. As 2009 unfolds the band continues to grow creatively and remain active on the live scene in Toronto.
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