

**Northern Journey**

A Guide to Canadian Folk Music on CD

Gene Wilburn

Reprint of the 2nd Edition, Reference Press, 1998

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 978-1-895934-12-0

Copyright © 1995, 1998, 2013 Gene Wilburn 
Table of Contents

Introduction

Acknowledgements

Artists

A

Tarig Abubakar & the Afro-Nubians

John Acorn

Ad Vielle Que Pourra

Susan Aglukark

Jerry Alfred & the Medicine Beat

Jenny Allen

Robert Amyot

Ancient Cultures

Anderson & Brown

Mary Anderson

Anderson & Meis

The Angstones

Anoosh

Jann Arden

Holly Arntzen

Arrandale

The Arrogant Worms

Robert Atyeo & the Friendly Giants

B

Sam Baardman

Back Alley John

Brenda Baker

The Barra MacNeils

Erin Benjamin

Willie P. Bennett

Emile Benoit

Jennifer Berezan

Anita Best

Anita Best & Pamela Morgan

Bob Bigwood

The Bird Sisters

Heather Bishop

Fiona Blackburn

The Blackflies

Blackie & The Rodeo Kings

Louis Blanchette

Rick Bockner

La Bolduc

Bob Bossin

La Bottine Souriante

Bill Bourne

Bourne & Johnson

Bourne & MacLeod

Bourne, Schuld, Stamer

Bourque Bernard et LePage

Farrell Boyce

Mark Bracken

David Bradstreet

Diana Braithwaite

Brakin' Tradition

Jim Brannigan

Don Bray

Cori Brewster

Bonnie Brigant & Clare Adlam

Bristol's Hope

Brookfield

Alistair Brown

Anne Beverly Brown

Jacquelyn Brown

Ken Brown

Shawn Brush

Harry Bryan

Buddy Wasisname & the Other Fellers

Edith Butler

C

Liam Callaghan & the Water of Life

John Allan Cameron

Moira Cameron

Bill Candy

Cape Breton Chorale

Cape Breton Summertime Revue

Captain Tractor

Ceilidh Friends

Chaisson Family

Don Chambers

Al Cherny

Cindy Church

Clancy, Evans & Doherty

Cobbler's Apron

Bruce Cockburn

Eddie Coffey

Leonard Cohen

Colcannon

The Cold Club

College of Piping

An Còmhlan

Compadres

Connemara

Stompin' Tom Connors

J.P. Cormier

Joe Cormier

Courage of Lassie

Doug Cox

Bill Craig

Cravan Spirit

Seamus Creagh

Lee Cremo

Crickle Wood

Crooked Stovepipe

Crosby Stills Nash & Young

Susan Crowe

D

Danko, Fjeld & Anderson

Tracey Dares

Brock Davis

Daisy DeBolt

Linda Dempster

Dent-de-lion

Stefan des Lauriers

Allen des Noyers

Mark Despault

Alpha Yaya Diallo

Djolé

Melanie Doane

Allen Dobb

Dobb & Dumela

Dario Domingues

Donnie & Buddy

Teresa Doyle

Teresa Doyle & Toshizo Tanaka

Tommy Duchesne

Jack Duncan & Shangó Ashé

Donna Dunlop

Jackie Dunn

Ken Dunn

E

Eagleheart Singers & Drummers

Fred J. Eaglesmith

Eco Andino

Shirley Eikhard

Jimmy Ekho

Lenore Elaine

Susan Ellenton

Kirk Elliott

Elysian Dream

Mary Anne Epp

David Essig

Danishka Esterhazy

Evans & Doherty

F

Failte

Tammy Fassaert

Fat Man Waving

Fear of Drinking

Stephen Fearing

Beth Ferguson

Salvador Ferreras

Ferron

Rick Fielding

Figgy Duff

Rick Fines

Finest Kind

Finjan

Fischer & Lee

Winston "Scotty'' Fitzgerald

Flatland 6

The Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band

Folk of the Sea

Roy Forbes

Four the Moment

Jason Fowler

J. Hubert Francis & Eagle Feather

Les Frères Labri

Friends of Fiddler's Green

Cate Friesen

Gayleen Froese

G

The Gaelic College Pipe Band

Bill Gallaher

Lennie Gallant

Boying Geronimo

Geoff Gibbons

Jennifer Gibson

Eve Goldberg

Gopher Baroque

James Gordon

Myk Gordon

Lawrence Gowan

Ann Gray

Great Big Sea

The Great Western Orchestra

Jeremy Greenhouse

Brian Gregg

Al Grierson

Grievous Angels

Guignolée

Rufus Guinchard

The Gumboots

Gypsalero

H

Mark Haines & the Zippers

Half The Sky

Joe Hall

Karen Leslie Hall

Ken Hamm

Marie-Lynn Hammond

Slavek Hanzlik

Kyp Harness

Dave Harris

Tim Harrison

Bruce Harrot

Paul Haslem

Heartbreak Hill

Wade Hemsworth

The Henrys

Paddy Hernon

Jean Hewson

Veda Hille

Jim Hiscott

Stephen Hogg

Jerry Holland

Robert Burton Hubele

Ron Hynes

I

Ian & Sylvia

Icy Bridge

The Immigrants

Inconnu

May Ip

The Irish Descendants

The Irish Rovers

J

Jackson Delta

Irene Jackson

Tom Jackson

Jar O' Comfort

Larry Jensen

Jerusalem Ridge

Jimmy George

Juba!

Jughead

K

Connie Kaldor

Kanatan Aski

Rachel Kane

Kashtin

Katari Taiko

James Keelaghan

Faye Kellerstein

Terry Kelly

Kathy Kidd

Kilgore Trout

Killiecrankie

The Kitchen Boys

Lorraine Klaasen

Richard Knechtel

Mary Knickle

Daniel Koulack

Susan Kuelken

L

Labrador Black Spruce

Gérard Lajoie

Chris Lakerdas

Mary Jane Lamond

Ned Landry

Penny Lang

Daniel Lapp

Sam Larkin

Grey Larsen & André Marchand

Grit Laskin

The Latest Rumour

Gregg Lawless

Jim Layeux

Francis J. Leahy

Leahy

David Leask

Roland Lebrun

Félix Leclerc

Anne Lederman

Jess Lee

Lee Pui Ming Ensemble

Légende

Emory Lester

Tom Lewis

Lewis, Pint & Dale

Gordon Lightfoot

Su-Chong Lim

Oscar Lopez

Barry Luft

M

Charlie MacCuspic

Buddy MacDonald & John Ferguson

Howie MacDonald

Laurel MacDonald

Celso Machado

Jamie MacInnis & Paul MacNeil

Sandy MacIntyre

Ashley MacIsaac

Dave MacIsaac

Dave MacIsaac & Scott Macmillan

Wendy MacIsaac

Buddy MacMaster

Natalie MacMaster

Scott Macmillan

Rita MacNeil

Cyril MacPhee

Mad Love

Mad Pudding

Aimé Major

Malaika

Eval Manigat

Mariposa in the Schools

Marcel Martel

Harry Martin

Lawrence Martin

Danielle Martineau

Brent Mason

Barb Mattiacci

Zeke Mazurek

Doug McArthur

Doug McArthur & Jeffra

John McDermott

Eileen McGann

Kate & Anna McGarrigle

Donald McGeoch

McGinty

Loreena McKennitt

John McLachlan

Sarah McLachlan

Murray McLauchlan

Big Dave McLean & Tim Williams

Heather McLeod

Mark McNeil

Les Méchants Maquereaux

The Men of the Deeps

Scott Merritt

Don Messer

Lynn Miles

Will Millar

Cathy Miller

Mikel Miller

Miller's Jug

Joni Mitchell

Michael Mitchell

Modabo

Terry Morrison

Ann Mortifee

Brian Morton

Moxy Früvous

Mr. Mole

Mundy's Bay Grog League

Lee Murdock

N

Arnie Naiman & Chris Coole

Jory Nash

The Nationals

Nazka

New Earth

Ngoma

Night Sun

Faith Nolan

Chris Norman

Northern City Limits

Bertha Norwegian

O

Gary William O'Hart

Tom O'Keefe

The Octet

Odd One Out

Terry Odette

Ojnab

Lowry Olafson

Open Mind

Orealis

Orquesta BC Salsa

Len Osland

Walter Ostanek

P

The Paperboys

Paris to Kiev

David Parry

Jim Payne

Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne

Ken Perlman

Mark Perry

Colleen Peterson

Terry Phelps

Pipestone Creek Singers

The Plankerdown Band

Murray Porter

John Prince & A Piece of the Rock

Puirt a Baroque

Q

Lei Qiang

Quartette

Quigley Ensemble

Bob Quinn & The Quincept Project

Lester Quitzau

R

The Rankin Family

Rita & Mary Rankin

Rare Air

Rawlins Cross

Glen Reid

Loretto Reid & Brian Taheny

J.P. Riemens

Tracy Riley

Nancy Roach

Ian Robb

Robert & Susan

Dyhan Roberts

Robbie Robertson & the Red Road Ensemble

Andrew Roblin

Georges Rodriguez

Garnet Rogers

Stan Rogers

Deborah Romeyn

The Rose Vaughn Trio

Don Ross

Wayne Rostad

Karl Roth

Ryan's Fancy

Denis Ryan

S

Buffy Sainte-Marie

Trichy Sankaran

Sazacha Red Sky

Mose Scarlett

Scatter the Mud

Lesley Schatz

Oliver Schroer

Pierre Schryer

The Schryer Triplets

Sandy Scofield

Seanachie

Seventh Fire

Ron Sexsmith

Shanty Boys

The Sharecroppers

Sho Do Man

Simani

Siren's Whisper

Six Mile Bridge

Christina Smith & Jean Hewson

Laura Smith

Bob Snider

Charlie Sohmer

Sons of Maxwell

Isidore Soucy

Spirit of the West

Starb'ard Side

Bob Stark

Stevedore Steve

Jim Stewart

Paul Stewart

Stone Whistle

Stringband

Brenda Stubbert

Ben Sures

Suroît

Ruth Sutherland

Gwen Swick

T

Tamarack

Ian Tamblyn

Tanglefoot

Pat Temple and the High Lonesome Players

Oscar Thiffault

Three Sheets to the Wind

Tickle Harbour

TIP Splinter

Brent Titcomb

Hugo Torres

Eleanor & Graham Townsend

Graham Townsend

Tranby Croft

Travels with Charley

Lucie Blue Tremblay

Trilogy

Triple Threat

Kelli Trottier

Terry Tufts

Paddy Tutty

Two-Penny Opera

Ian Tyson

Sylvia Tyson

Tzimmes

U

UHF

Uisce Beatha

Shari Ulrich

Uzume Taiko Ensemble

V

Valdy

Virgo Rising

W

The Wakami Wailers

Len Wallace

Peggy Ward

Baxter Wareham

Jennifer Warnes

Jackie Washington

Bobby Watt

Diamond Joe White

Minnie White

Nancy White

The Whiteley Brothers

Chris Whiteley

Ken Whiteley

Ken Whiteley, Jackie Washington, Mose Scarlett

WhiteTail Singers

David Wiffen

David Wilkie

Tim Williams

The Willies

Johnny Wilmot

Tom Wilson

Jesse Winchester

Richard Wood

Scott Woods

The Wyrd Sisters

Y

Yakudo

Kathleen Yearwood

Lesley Young

Neil Young

Compilations

Amber Christmas

Another Time: the Songs of Newfoundland

Anthology of Canadian Folk Music

Atlantic Fiddles

The Best Cree Fiddle Players of James Bay

The Best of Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre

Canada: A Folksong Portrait / Un Portrait Folklorique

Canadian Fiddle

Children of the World

Close to the Floor: Newfoundland Dance Music

Folklore de Montréal / Montreal Folklore

The Gathering: A Compilation of Toronto World Music

Golden Fiddle

Héritage Québécois

I Am An Eagle

Jigs & Reels

Kick at the Darkness: Songs of Bruce Cockburn

Mariposa '93: A Compilation of Canadian Musicians

Moose: the Compilation

Music of the inuit / Musique Des inuit

Musique Multi-Montréal

Nunavik Concert

The Orchard Sessions 93: A Canadian Bluegrass Sampler

Our Labrador

Singers and Songs of Canada / Canada Chanteurs et Chansons

Songs of the Sea

The Sounds of Nova Scotia

Stuck on a Cold Steel Pole

A Taste of Atlantic Canada

Thank You Lord!

About the Author

# Introduction

_Northern Journey_  was first published in 1995, by Reference Press, and was updated with a second edition in 1998. This is an ebook reprint of the Reference Press 1998 second edition.

_Northern Journey_ is a guide to the traditional and contemporary acoustic music of Canada released in CD format at that time. In scope, it is similar to a Canadian folk festival, featuring artists who embrace a mix of styles ranging from traditional Scottish/Cape Breton Celtic music to contemporary performing songwriters, plus a sprinkling of blues, bluegrass, First Nations music, and Canadian-based worldbeat music.

Prior to this ebook edition, _Northern Journey_  has been out of print and inaccessible to readers. It covers nearly 1000 albums recorded by over 500 Canadian artists. The guide is divided into two sections: Artists and Compilations. The alphabetically-arranged Artists section describes the type of music an artist or group performs, and presents a discography of the artists' recorded work, including each album's song tracks and total playing time. The Compilations section covers anthologies of folk music recorded by various artists.

At the time of its publication, _Northern Journey_ was intended to be to Canadian folk music what the _Penguin Guide_  was to classical or jazz, or the _Rolling Stone Guide_ to rock music: a buyer's guide for music lovers and collectors. As such it represents a snapshot in time. Unfortunately there were no resources available for updating and maintaining the guide after the second edition.

In the time since it was published several of the artists in the guide have died, others have gone on to flourishing careers, and many new artists and groups have since debuted. Even so, _Northern Journey,_ aged fifteen years, remains a valuable resource for music collectors and folk music historians. It has been reissued in ebook format so that it remains available for those who find it useful. The search function of an ebook reader makes it easy to use the guide to find particular artists and songs.

Readers interested in keeping up with Canadian music today are encouraged to attend local folk festivals, folk clubs, and concerts. You can directly support the artists by attending their gigs and purchasing their albums. In doing so you will be well rewarded.

> _— Gene Wilburn, Port Credit, Ontario, August, 2013_

# Acknowledgements

My foremost thanks to the artists in this guide who have created a treasure trove of music. Thanks too to those artists and record companies who were able to support this project by sending me albums and biographical material.

From the start, many individuals have given me help and encouragement, but I would like especially to thank the following individuals who have gone far beyond the call of friendship or duty: Derek Andrews, Ossie Branscombe, Gary Cristall, Steve Fruitman, Susan Martinez, Les Siemieniuk, and the late Rick Fielding. I have also received continual assistance from the members of the Maplepost mailing list who, for several years now, have answered my many queries promptly and with good humour.

Extra thanks to Canadian folklorist and radio host Steve Fruitman for conceiving and implementing the annual CIUT-FM Porcupine Awards, that, at the time the guide was compiled, provided the only comprehensive folk music awards in Canada. Porcupine Award winners are noted throughout the guide.

Deep thanks as well to Gord Ripley of Reference Press for believing enough in this book to publish it twice as a Reference Press print edition.

And to my wife, Marion, and my son, Trevor, thanks for your patience and your unfailing support. This project could not have happened without you.

# Artists

## A

### 1755

_French-Canadian; Acadian; Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

1755 was one of Canada's first Celtic rock bands. Combining elements of Cajun, bluegrass, and Celtic music, they created a stir with their upbeat arrangements, Acadian spirit, and roots-based instrumentation, paving the way for all the Celtic bands that were to follow. Their debut album, _1755_ , still sounds fresh today. From the topical, humourous "C.B. Buddie" to the bluegrass-oriented instrumental, "La Toune a Louis Arsenault," the band set high standards. The followup album, _Vivre a la Baie_, from 1979, is more rooted in traditional music and features even more adroit playing than their first album. The various members of 1755, which recombined periodically, included Roland Gauvin, Gerry Forest, Pierre Robichaud, Pete Gaudet, Kenneth Saulnier, Donald Boudreau, and Ronald Dupuis.

> **1755**  
>  1978, reissued 1994 Isba (K 5003)  
>  _Hallo Joe; C.B. Buddie; Confession; La Toune a Louis Arsenault; Le Monde qu'on Connait; Maudite Guerre; Rue Dufferin; Boire Ma Bouteille; U.I.C. (Unemployment Insurance Commission); Le Monde a Bien Change; Geddap Sam; Vie de Fou; Je Chante pour Toi 36:57_

> **Vivre a la Baie**  
>  1979, reissued 1994 Isba (K 5004)  
>  _La Gang Arrive; Reel du 375 I eme; Mon Coin de l'Acadie; Le Jardinier du Couvent; Southville; Kouchibouguac; Je T'Aime; Vivre a la Baie; Le Pire s'en Vient; J'ai Passe Toute la Nuit Deboute; Disco Banjo 40:53_

* * *

### Tarig Abubakar & the Afro-Nubians

_Worldbeat_

The late Tarig Abubakar hailed from Khartoum, Sudan, at the crossroads of African and Arabic culture. Abubakar sings in Arabic, but his music was pan-African, derived from styles as diverse as shaaby-rock from Egypt, Amharic soul from Ethiopia, rumba-soukous from Zaire, and Sudan's own traditional haqeeba music. After settling in Toronto, Abubakar formed the Afro-Nubians, a ten-piece band with players from Ghana, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, and Zaire. Abubakar fronted the band as singer and sax player. On _Tour to Africa_ , the title track is described in the liner notes as "a gentle, swaying safari to 45 countries, from Algeria to Zaire." "Unity" is a plea for pleace and harmony in his homeland. The Afro-Nubians, on this album, are Adam Solomon, Kobena Acquaa-Harrison, Solomon Hasballa, Eshet Mengesha, Booker T., Misara Ghandi, Zafrino, Kobena Rueben, Bishop Okele, Godfrey Sekijoba, Hamad Ismail, Tarig Tijani, Walid Abdelaziz, Hadi Ahmed, Joseph Ashong, and Kofi Ackah. Adubakar died in an automobile accident in the Sudan, January 28, 1998.

> **Tour to Africa**  
>  1994 Stern's Africa (STCD 1058)  
>  _Tour to Africa; Gorba; Hawiah; Unity; Zinjeah; El Serah; Tum Tum; Jenob El Sudan; Gadar; Akwani; Jenob El Sudan 49:56_

* * *

### John Acorn

_Natural History; Singer-Songwriter_

John Acorn, an Edmonton, Alberta naturalist, is the host of two popular shows on Canadian TV: _The Nature Nut_ , a family show on natural history, and _Twits And Pishers_ , a show about bird watching. For the _Nature Nut_ series, he has composed and recorded a series of songs and ditties that are catchy, folksy, and zany. Kids love them, and you probably will too. This is the only CD in the guide where you will encounter a song—"Joe Snumm, Fish-At-Large"—that was written "as a spontaneous expression of sincere admiration for the purity of fish." Use your kids as an excuse to buy this one for yourself if the title makes you feel self-conscious.

> **The Nature Nut**  
>  1994 Great North (SA94631)  
>  _I'm a Nature Nut; Life Under the Microscope; I Could Be Your Tall Lungwort, Baby; Waterbug; There's Nothing Wrong with Frogs; I Saw the Butterflies; Telephoto Man; Bird Watching on the Beach; Munching on Aphids; Beetle Grabbin' Man; Tracks in the Snow; Joe Snumm, Fish-At-Large; The Ballad of Bird Watcher Betty; Macro Thing 42:26_

* * *

### Ad Vielle Que Pourra

_French-Canadian; Traditional; Contemporary_

Ad Vielle Que Pourra is a Quebec group full of surprises. Its hallmark is traditional French instruments, but Ad Vielle plays music on them that, as the liner notes state, "is not indigenous to the regions where the instruments come from." They intermix Parisian waltzes, Breton sea songs, bourrees, gavottes, schottisches, and original compositions with abandon. the name Ad Vielle Que Pourra is a pun—a play on the French expression _advienne que pourra_ ("come what may"). The _vielle_ is from _vielle a roue,_ a French instrument commonly known as the hurdy-gurdy.

The founding members of Ad Vielle are Brussels-born Daniel Thonon, a luthier who plays an intricately carved hurdy-gurdy he built himself; Alain Leroux, born in Brittany and a fiddler specializing in traditional Breton, Scottish, and Irish melodies and songs; Clement Demers, an Ontario-born accordionist who learned Quebecois tunes while living in Quebec and Cajun tunes while travelling through Louisiana; Luc Thonon, a multi-instrument musician who plays the rare Flemish bagpipes; and Gilles Plante, a Montreal-born flute, recorder, and bagpipe player who went to Brittany to study the music and culture of his ancestors.

Ad Vielle's debut album, _New French Folk Music,_ will appeal to those who enjoy the sound of traditional instruments, especially the infrequently-heard hurdy-gurdy. The music is bouncy and subtly flamboyant. On _Come What May_ the sound shifts slightly as accordionist Clement Demers leaves the group and is replaced by Jean-Louis Cros on guitar. There's a hint of introspection absent from their debut album. On _Musa ique_, their third album, the introspection disappears and the band is back in full flight. The sound is as infectious as ever, but also fuller. All three albums are delightful.

> **New French Folk Music**  
>  1989 Green Linnet (GLCD 1099)  
>  _Schottische du Stockfish; Malloz Ar Barz Koz O Vervel; Chupad Melen/Hanterdro Tid' Poc'h; l'Agacante/Valse du Milieu/Valse du Faucigny; La Pucell d'Ussel; Les Filles de France; Suite de Gavottes Evit Leroux; Bourr ees Dans le Jardin; Polkas Ratees; Valse des Coquelicots/Java Niaise; Fillettes des Campagnes; An Dro Pitaouer/An Dro Evit Jakeza; La Malfaissante 52:14_

> **Come What May**  
>  1991 Green Linnet (GLCD 1112)  
>  _Un Cosaque a Paris; Adagio des Annees Mornes; Evit Gabriel; Kanaouen An-Dud a Vor; Micro-Polka; Valse Minette/Les Patates Ont Germe a St. Amable; Tu Nous les Kas-Ebarh Toi; Chanson a la Mariee; Laride D.T./Polka d'Éte; Plinn an Enaouer; À St. Malo-Sur-Mer; Le Drao du Mao; Le Conscrit de Napoleon; Bouree en Re 51:48_

> **Musa ique**  
>  1994 Green Linnet (GLCD 4017)  
>  _Serre-Moi Plus Fort, Victor/Plant a Cao; An Avel a Varo; Gavotte "Fair Foot''; Un Quebecois a Caracas; Lou Mes de Mai Vendra; J'ai Vu Boulou, le Reinhardt Et la Musette; Leve la Jambe Armande; Un Garçon de Mon Village; Andropov/Polka Felix; La Tranchefoie; Javadvielle; La Complainte des Rengaines 53:47_

* * *

### Susan Aglukark

_First Nations; Contemporary; Christmas; Singer-Songwriter_

Canadian audiences have come to appreciate Inuit performer Susan Aglukark from her televised appearances on musical shows and specials. Her sweet soprano, whether she's singing in English or Inuit, makes you sit up and take notice. She received a Juno in 1995 as "New Solo Artist." The sweetness of her voice, however, is frequently belied by the starkness of the lyrics on her albums _Arctic Rose_ and _This Child_ which deal with hard topics such as abuse of women and people who become life's casualties. _Arctic Rose_ , which was awarded 1995 Juno in the "Music of Aboriginal Canada Recording" category, closes with what has become Aglukark's signature song—"Amazing Grace"—sung in Inuit. _This Child_ takes Aglukark a large step forward from the somewhat mundane arrangements on _Arctic Rose_. "The recording is enveloped in layer upon evocative layer of dramatic [Inuit] chants, cascading piano runs and sweeping acoustic rhythms"—Mitch Potter, _Toronto Star_. Aglukark's _Christmas_ album capitalizes on her sweet voice, but a curious lack of energy on the recording results in a rather dull album.

> **[Christmas]**  
>  1993 EMI (E2 7243 8 27989 2 7)  
>  _O Come All Ye Faithful; Away in a Manger; It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; Joy to the World; Little Toy Trains; Santa Claus Is Coming to Town/Jingle Bells; The First Noel; Hark the Herald Angels Sing; O Little Town of Bethlehem; Silent Night, Holy Night 31:39_

> **Arctic Rose**  
>  1994 EMI (E2 7243 8 / 28605 25)  
>  _Arctic Rose; Song of the Land; Still Running; Wanderin' Child; Learn to Love Yourself; Searching; Anger and Tears; Rollin' On; Mama's Prayers; Amazing Grace 36:46_

> **This Child**  
>  1995 EMI (E2 7243 8 32075 2 7)  
>  _This Child; Shamaya; Suffer in Silence; O Siem; Dreams for You; Hina Na Ho (Celebration); Kathy I; Pond Inlet; Slippin' Through the Cracks; Breakin' Down; Casualties of War 48:54_

* * *

### Jerry Alfred & the Medicine Beat

_First Nations; Singer-Songwriter_

An artist from the Northern Tutchone Nation, Jerry Alfred blends traditional musical styles and chants with contemporary instruments to create songs that sound at once ancient and modern. _Etsi Shon/Grandfather Song_ (1994) is an album that is accessible to a wide listening audience—reflecting a deep spirituality and communion with the land and its people. Alfred sings lead vocals and plays guitar and traditional drum while his band—The Medicine Beat—fills in with keyboards, accordion, harmonica, and backup vocals.

_Nenda a_ (1996) continues Alfred's poetic messages and his soft lyrical voice backed sometimes by nothing more than a hand drum and other times by a full band. The liner notes contain translations of the Tutchone songs into English. Deeply captivating, the introspective melodies and chanted chorus draw you into Alfred's lyrics and music. "Pelly Song" translates to "I'm sitting here looking at the river. If that water were to flow backwards I could go back and see all the things that happened before." Produced by Bob Hamilton, _Nenda a_ includes the fine backup playing of Alfred's band, The Medicine Beat, consisting of Bob Hamilton, Andrea McColeman, Marc Paradis and Marie Gogo.

> **Etsi Shon/Grandfather Song**  
>  1994 Jerry Alfred (JA1-1994)  
>  _Generation Hand Down; The Warrior Song; Caribou Stick Gambling Song; Taan Mun/Lake Laberge; The Grandfather Song/Etsi Shon; MacMillan River Love Song; Beginner Gambling Song; The Watchmen; Salaw; A Love Song; Towhata Lake 47:26_

> **Nenda a—-Go Back**  
>  1996 Etsi Shon (CRCD002)  
>  _Beware; Pelly Song; Residential School; Old Ways; Homeless; Nenda a—Go Back; Another Love Song; McQuestion River Stick Gambling Song; Haven't I Told You?; Dene Kazhe; Solzhee 45:27_

* * *

### Jenny Allen

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

With a versatile voice that lends itself to folk, pop, jazz and blues arrangements, Alberta-raised Jenny Allen is a talented singer-songwriter whose lyrics intertwine themselves around her unusual guitar work. Listening to _Something to Say_ —produced by Valdy—is a delight. From the hard-edged vulnerability of "Freeway Lines" to the jazz-oriented "Flesh And Bone," to the lonesome "Sail Away," she has created a contemporary folk album that should interest listeners who also enjoy early Joni Mitchell recordings. Allen's slightly countryish voice lingers on in your mind long after the album has finished.

> **Something to Say**  
>  1991 Strange Pagan (SPR 01-CD)  
>  _Freeway Lines; Seabird; Flesh and Bone; Sail Away; Shades of Blue; So This Is Love; Voices; Over from the Start; Stuck with Me; Something to Say; Walking Away; The Fire 42:44_

* * *

### Robert Amyot

_French-Canadian; Traditional_

Montreal-born Robert Amyot, who records in France, is a student of the historic material of Brittany, France, and Quebec. A piper who went abroad to study, he encountered _Gallo_ traditional singing (a traditional chant from Higher-Brittany) which reminded him of the songs of his Quebec childhood. On his return to Quebec he met Danielle Martineau and Michel Faubert who introduced him to additional historic Quebec songs. On _Sur la Vignolon_ , on the French Auvidis label, he sings several of these songs, and plays pipe, accompanied by French pianist and accordionist Albert Tovi. This highly interesting recording is worth seeking out if you enjoy traditional music.

> **Sur la Vignolon**  
>  1990 Auvidis (B 6740)  
>  _La Veill ee; Peine d'Amour; Les Filles d'Amerique; Margot Fringue; Sur le Joli Son du Verre; Le Petit Moine; Adieu, Je m'en Vas; Le Mai; Rencontre Mine; Sur la Vignolon; Le Cure Bon Garçon; Le Petit Moulin; Il m'A Tant Fait Plaisir; Le Rhume; Le Charbonnier 52:44_

* * *

### Ancient Cultures

_Worldbeat; Christmas_

Canadian music fans are indeed fortunate. With a national culture that embraces cultural diversity, we are continually treated to the musical traditions of citizens who have moved to Canada from other countries. And, inevitably, native-born Canadians join forces with newly-arrived Canadians to form musical collaborations. Ancient Cultures is such a collaboration—a group that plays Latin American folk music.

Ancient Cultures, based in Vancouver, is composed of a mixed group of musicians. Alberto San Martin, Carlos Cortes, and Angel Araos come from Chile, but their musical roots are in jazz, folk, and classical music respectively. Fito Garcia comes from Guatemala and arranges and plays salsa music. Edward Henderson is from Vancouver Island where he grew up playing folk and classical music. Carlos Galindo Leal is from Mexico and has many years experience playing Spanish and Latin American music. Their debut album, _Acoustic Mirage/Espejismo Acustico_ , combines their musical backgrounds into a deft, understated, weave of Latin American music. It is a beautiful, introspective offering. By their second album, _El Camino Real_ , the group achieves full maturity. Awarded a Juno in 1994 as "Best World Beat Recording," the album displays more creative energy and a clearer sense of direction. This is a fine, sure album that should be on playlist of anyone who loves Latin American music. And for those who like Christmas albums with a twist, _The Miracle of Christmas_ , which features the Vancouver Chamber Choir along with the Latin American folk instruments, is an album that is irresistible.

> **Acoustic Mirage / Espejismo Acustico**  
>  1992 Invincible (INVCD150)  
>  _Ventolera; Vibrations; In the Beginning/Cochabamba/Santa Cruz; The Weavers/The Water Is On; Berlin Colony; The Dream Elsewhere; Clearcut; Sustainable; Song for a Princess; Pampa Lirima; Susurro; Inner Waves; Estudio Para Zampo ña; La Partida; Shattered Dreams; �Ay! �Ay! �Ay! 46:22_

> **El Camino Real**  
>  1993 Invincible (INVCD057)  
>  _El Camino Real; Jungle Beat; Dolencias; Andean Dance in G Minor; Rio Apurimac; Persecucion de Pancho Villa; Estudio Para Charango; Serenade; La Guacamaya; Solitude; Jachauru; Ramis; Mama Chilindra; Juan Jose; Sencillo; Tinku; El Condor Pasa 51:03_

> **The Miracle of Christmas**  
>  1994 GRD (GRDCD060)  
>  _We Three Kings; Deck the Hall/Christmas Bells in Summer; Angels We Have Heard on High; Reyes Morenos; O Holy Night; What Child Is This; Patapan; Bolivian Carol; Ring Christmas Bells; A la Nanita Nana; Los Reyes de Oriente; Ni ño Lindol; Away in a Manger; Pascua Linda; The Huron Carol; Silent Night 49:03_

* * *

### Anderson & Brown

_Traditional; Celtic; New Age; Christmas; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in Stratford, Ontario, Anderson & Brown is a folk duo featuring Mary Anderson on harp and Ken Brown on guitar, flute, and vocals. Together they explore the lyrical edges of the traditional Celtic repertoire. Their work is never rushed or frenzied as they work their way inside the loveliness and beauty of traditional music, presenting it in fresh, frequently dreamy, arrangements. On _Off On A Tangent_ (1990), they state that "like many Canadians, we were not brought up in the Celtic music tradition—we drifted into this music and fell madly in love." The album is primarily instrumental, with harp and guitar and occasionally harp and flute. Brown's soft, gentle voice accords well with Anderson's harping.

_Crimson_ (1991) captures Anderson & Brown in an adventurous mood. In addition to the traditional repertoire, they introduce original compositions such as "Tangent's Delight"—"one hundred and fifty pounds of Newfoundland puppy greeting the morning with boundless enthusiasm is something you just have to experience"—plus original arrangements of the poems "The Bells of London" and "The Jabberwock."

_Alone with a Dream_ (1994) continues their exploration of traditional material while adding their own compositions and arrangements. As on their previous albums, there's a timeless, unhurried quality to the performances that encourages you to drift into the inner sanctum of the melodies. If you feel life is too rushed and hurried, queue up an Anderson & Brown CD, prop up your feet, and immerse yourself in some musical zephyrs.

_In the Moon of Wintertime_ (1995) was the duo's last recording before they went their separate ways, musically. An all-instrumental album, with guest musician Paul Haslem on hammered dulcimer, _Wintertime_ is an exploration of winter themes—a mix of traditional Christmas music and two Haslem originals ("Frost on the Steeple" and "First Snow"). The album is an ethereal mix of harp, flute, guitar and hammered dulcimer. Poetic and lovely.

> **Off on a Tangent**  
>  1990 Anderson & Brown (A&B101CD)  
>  _Rusty Gully; The Blarney Pilgrim/The Rights of Man; Loch Tay Boat Song (Harold Bolton); Lochaber No More/Gravel Walk; Off She Goes; Snowy Breasted Pearl; Farewell to Aberdeen/Morgan Magan; I Will Go; My Lagan Love/Lark in the Clear Air/Whelan's Jig; Eleanor Plunkett/The Flowing Tide; Willafiord; Farewell/Massacre of Glencoe; Caitlin Triall/Morrison's Jig 58:06_

> **Crimson**  
>  1991 Anderson & Brown (A&B102CD)  
>  _Tangent's Delight; The Bells of London; Ned on the Hill; Tread Softly; One Lone Flight; Peggy Gordon; The Jabberwock; Reel de Ti-Jean; Ye Banks and Braes; Friendship; In the Bleak Mid-Winter 48:15_

> **Alone with a Dream**  
>  1994 Anderson & Brown (A&B103CD)  
>  _Silkie; Virgin Carol; Fandango; Winter's Touched My Heart; Alone with a Dream; Full Moon Pacific; The Rights of Man; Victim of War; Lament; Waltz—Late Afternoon Late; Lord Franklin's Lament; Barham Down 49:13_

> **In the Moon of Wintertime**  
>  1995 Anderson & Brown (no catalogue number)  
>  _What Child is This; Coventry Carol; Frost on the Steeple; Un Flambeau, Jeannette Isabella; Huron Carol; Come Gentle Night; Virgin Carol; First Snow; O Come Emmanuel; In the Bleak Mid-Winter; Silent Night 41:45_

* * *

### Mary Anderson

_Celtic; Harp_

Mary Anderson is an Ontario Celtic harpist who, at one time, teamed up with Ken Brown to form Anderson & Brown. She has also produced solo recordings: _Flowering Trees_ and _Ballade ... Voyage_. Both albums feature Celtic and traditional material played _adagio_ , squeezing every nuance out of the melodies. The result is haunting, beautiful, and relaxing, but these are not albums for those who like their Celtic music on the bouncy side.

> **Flowering Trees**  
>  1988 Anderson & Brown (FT001-CD)  
>  _Cosmic Cord; O'Carolyn's Welcome; Planxty Elora; Blackbird; Paul's Song; Munster Cloak; Humorous of Ballyloughlin; King's Dance; Dance of the Circle; Rathdrum Fair; Flowering Trees; Buncloudy; Wolfies Hay Day; Carrik Fergus 42:59_

> **Ballade ... Voyage**  
>  1991 Anderson & Brown (A&B 201CD)  
>  _My Love Is like a Red, Red Rose/Lark in the Clear Air; Carrickfergus/Brink of the White Rocks/The Parting Glass; Munster Cloak/Wolfie's Farewell; She Moved Through the Fair/Childgrove/Ye Banks and Braes 60:37_

* * *

### Anderson & Meis

_Celtic; Harp_

Ontario harpists Mary Anderson and Joanne Meis combined their talents in harp duets on _Celtic Spirit_ , an easy-paced, intimate collection of Celtic and traditional music that includes "Scarborough Fair," "Down by The Sally Gardens," "The Lark in the Morning," "Barbara Allen," and "The Ash Grove."

> **Celtic Spirit**  
>  1992 Oasis (NHCD 201)  
>  _Scarborough Fair; Brian Boru's March; Down by the Sally Gardens; Lark in the Morning; The South Wind; Barbara Allen; Early One Morning; Ash Grove; Gus Breo; The Star of County Down; Garten Mother's Lullaby 44:09_

* * *

### The Angstones

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Angstones, an Ottawa band made up of musicians who also play in Fat Man Waving and Six Mile Bridge, mix European and American folk music with zany lyrics and a jumping beat on _Kommen Een Der Karz_ (1992), their first CD. The band then mixes the rhythms of Eastern Europe and the Middle East on _When Ahab Met Moishe_ (1994). The cover of the album is a takeoff of a 1950's movie poster and the liner notes describe the album as "the story of two men caught in the whirlwinds of a part of the world where no one can be trusted, let alone someone from another race. Moishe, a Jewish hockey writer for the Papaslavian Free Press, and Ahab, a waiter in an Arabic restaurant, find themselves entangled in the web of an international smuggling ring." The zaniness is sometimes fun, sometimes forced. After one listen, it'll probably remain on your shelf, unplayed.

The zaniness hits its apogee on _The Hills are Alive_ (1995), a spoof of Rogers and Hammerstein's _Sound of Music_. The spoofing is understated—the excellent musicianship might lead a casual listener to believe that this is a serious album. There is no question that the band is enjoying the music even while making fun of it, however lightly.

Angstone are Peter Kiesewalter on reeds and accordion, Kurt Walther on guitar, Rob Frayne on sax, John Geggie on bass, and Ian Mackie on drums.

> **Kommen Een Der Karz**  
>  1992 Canal (CANAL-256CD)  
>  _Kommen Een Der Karz; Papaslavian Variations; Old Dan Tucker; Hiroshima Sunset; Peasant Dance; Wedding in Babishjac; Maison Lafayette House; Digital Bulgarian Folkdance; Papa and I; On the Trail to Kozatzke; Swords of Bronze 45:35_

> **When Ahab Met Moishe**  
>  1994 Canal (CANAL 265CD)  
>  _The Wild Boar; Breakfast in Istanbul; Ay, Ay, Ay; Ega; Wasabi Breath; Kopanitsa; The Line; Black Sea Caf e; Jaromir Jagr; When Ahab Met Moishe; Angst for Nothing 48:33_

> **The Hills are Alive**  
>  1995 Canal (CANAL 268 CD)  
>  _Prelude; Climb Every Mountain; Do-Re-Mi; The Lonely Goatherd; Something Good; My Favorite Things; The Sound of Music; I Have Confidence; Maria; Edelweiss; Sixteen Going on Seventeen; So Long, Farewell 40:08_

* * *

### Anoosh

_Worldbeat_

Montreal worldbeat band Anoosh blends Middle-Eastern Armenian roots with North American music to create a jazz-oriented sound based on instruments as diverse as tabla, djembe, sax, flutes, guitars, ud (lute), and drums. The band has performed at venues such as the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Vancouver Folk Festival, WOMAD, and the Hamilton Earth Song Festival. The bouncy numbers on _Kess Kiss Passe_ , such as the title song and tracks like "Sambra," "Finchan," and "Chameau" are sure to attract new fans to the infectious rhythms of the band.

> **Kess Kiss Passe**  
>  1991 Hima Hoss (HH-1191)  
>  _Kess Kiss Passe; Samra; Mart Tch Kide; Mertchouni Bess; Ouzem Tchouzem; Banat Iskandaria; Finchan; Tchene Tche; Oushatsan; Chameau; Fayda Tchiga; Guessen Te; Kess Kiss Passe (Instrumental) 50:33_

* * *

### Jann Arden

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Jann Arden, from Calgary, is an immensely popular singer-songwriter who, in the early stages of her career, performed on the folk circuit at venues like the Edmonton Folk Festival. Her atmospheric, moody, love songs are characterized by simple arrangements that bring her expressive voice front and centre. Arden's first two CD's, _Time For Mercy_ and _Living Under June_ appeal to a broad audience. Arden is the recipient of numerous Juno awards, including "Songwriter of the Year" and "Female Vocalist of the Year" in 1995.

> **Time for Mercy**  
>  1993 A&M (31454 0071 2)  
>  _I Would Die for You; Waiting for Someone; Will You Remember Me; We Do Some Strange Things; I'm Not Your Lover; Give Me Back My Heart; The Way Things Are Going; Kitchen Window; I Just Don't Love You Anymore; Time for Mercy; Over You 50:48_

> **Living Under June**  
>  1994 A&M (314540248-2)  
>  _Could I Be Your Girl; Demolition Love; Looking for It; Insensitive; Gasoline; Wonderdrug; Living Under June; Unloved; Good Mother; It Looks like Rain 43:22_

* * *

### Holly Arntzen

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The tradition of political and social protest songs is one of the enduring legacies of folk music. British Columbia singer-songwriter Holly Arntzen embraces the tradition—putting her fine voice and writing energy into songs about contemporary situations and conditions. On _Holly Arntzen_ she sings about the environment, corporate greed, changing times, and the shallowness of contemporary life. Throughout her work, however, is a thread of optimism and hope. Arntzen is a talented singer-songwriter whose work stands up well to repeated listening.

> **Holly Arntzen**  
>  1991 Artist Response Team / WEA (CD 74829)  
>  _I Believe; Rushing River; Born in the Country; Stand Up; Deep in My Heart; Tracktown; 3 Minute Culture; Feeling like a Stranger; Blade and Flame; Forget and Forgive 45:09_

* * *

### Arrandale

_Traditional; Contemporary_

Based in Owen Sound, Ontario, Arrandale is a folk group whose first CD, _Arrandale_ , is a mix of old favourites, with a Celtic bias, plus some odd material such as "New Orleans." Arrandale has an engaging, clean-cut sound with pleasant voices and arrangements. The banjo, mandolin, and whistle accompaniments form excellent bridges between the vocals. While it doesn't break any new ground, _Arrandale_ is an album you can enjoy listening to repeatedly.

_Time Revelers_ , Arrandale's second CD, takes the group a notch forward from its earlier _Arrandale_ release. Mixing original material written by band members Derek Cunningham and Brian Davidson with traditional material and covers of Stan Rogers, Eric Bogle, and Leonard Cohen, Arrandale sings and plays with increased authority. They mix a good blend of whistles, banjo, and guitars on musical interludes and a good tapestry of male and female voices on harmony. A solid pub band, Arrandale occasionally leans too heavily on electric guitar and drums and the delivery tends, in places, to get shouty.

The members of Arrandale are Derek Cunningham, vocals, guitar; Dave Comber, vocals, banjo, autoharp, bodhran; Brian Davidson, bass, mandolin, percussion, vocals; Bill Farrar, vocals, whistle; Dave Farrar, drums, vocals; Gillian McManaman, vocals, whistles.

> **Arrandale**  
>  1992 Arrandale (no catalogue number)  
>  _Foggy Dew; Molly Malone; Leaning Stone; New Orleans; Garten Mother's Lullaby; I Know Where He Is; Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya; Come Ye Ore Frae France; John Anderson; Sarah; John McLean's March; Tiree Love Song; John Barleycorn; The Piper O' Dundee 46:32_

> **Time Revelers**  
>  1995 Arrandale (no catalogue number)  
>  _Fine Line; The Ribbon; Oblivion; Song for Ireland; Follow Me up to Carlow; I Once Loved a Lass; The Mary Ellen Carter; Leaving Nancy; Song of Bernadette; The Galway Races; Standing on a Rock; Unable; Tyneside Set 52:03_

* * *

### The Arrogant Worms

_Contemporary; Humour; Singer-Songwriter_

At the edges of folk festivals you often find clowns and jesters. Occasionally they make music and end up on stage. On their debut album, _Arrogant Worms_ , the group presents a mix of off-the-wall lyrics done in a variety of styles from folk ("The Last Saskatchewan Pirate") to reggae ("The Credit Song") to rock ("Let's Go Bowling"). _Russell's Shorts_ (1994), their second CD, delivers the zaniness of songs such as "Carrot Juice Is Murder" and "Killer Robots from Venus." The album also achieves a more respectable duration. _C'est Cheese_ (1995) continues the format with numbers such as "Kill the Dog Next Door," "Sex, Drugs & RRSPs," and "Proud to be a Banker." These CDs are fun and decently performed. The Arrogant Worms consist of Mike McCormick, Trevor Strong, John Whytock, and Steve Wood.

> **Arrogant Worms**  
>  [no date] Festival (AW-444)  
>  _The Last Saskatchewan Pirate; The Credit Song; Let's Go Bowling; Goin' Huntin'; Don't Go into Politics; No Sale/No Store; The Canadian Crisis Song; The Ballad of Dan; Jesus' Brother Bob; I Want to Look like Arnold; Car Full of Pain; The Christmas Song 29:38_

> **Russell's Shorts**  
>  1994 Festival (AW-555)  
>  _Tokyo Love Song; Carrot Juice Is Murder; Rippy the Gator; Killer Robots from Venus; Having Fun Is Bad for You; The Fishing Song; William Shakespeare's in My Cat; A Night on Dildo; The Last Sensitive Cowboy; Losing Hair Under God; Big Fat Road Manager 41:19_

> **C'est Cheese**  
>  1995 Festival (AW-777-2)  
>  _Sam, the Guy from `Quincy'; Kill the Dog Next Door; Lonely Lab of Broken Hearts; Sex, Drugs & RRSPs; History is Made by Stupid People; My Voice is Changing; Proud to be a Banker; Horizon; The Happy Happy Birthday Song; Dangerous; The Mountie Song; Dog Food Woman; Mounted Animal Nature Trail; A Real Letter from a Real Yahoo; Let There Be Guns 40:25_

* * *

### Robert Atyeo & the Friendly Giants

_Contemporary; Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

Robert Atyeo began his musical career at age nine, playing ukulele. In subsequent years he developed his singing and songwriting, living and travelling through various parts of North America. Since the early 90's he has lived in Ontario, pursuing his musical career full time. For some time he billed himself as "Robert Atyeo & the Friendly Giants." A long-time favourite at folk festivals, Atyeo's distinctive blues guitar licks and fresh lyrics have gained him a large following. _Songs for Your Face_ (1993), with tunes like "Swimming in Love," introduces his folk/blues style. This solid album, with expressive lyrics and good arrangements, shows a strong, developing songwriter. _Angels on a Cliff_ (1994) moves Atyeo and his band into another gear altogether. The songwriting has matured and the arrangements reach a higher level. The Friendly Giants on _Angels_ include Tony Quarrington on lead guitar, Jeff Bird on bass guitar, Willie P. Bennett on harmonica and mandolin, plus several guest musicians.

_Heart Like a Rubber Ball_ (1998) shows a mature artist who is comfortable with his material and his presentation. A simply produced recording, it features Atyeo's engaging blues/swing guitar work and lyrics with minimal accompaniment. Co-produced by Atyeo and Michael Birthelmer, guest musicians on this fine recording include Brian Griffiths, Stephen Fearing, and Dino Verginella, with Tannis Slimmon on harmony vocals.

> **Songs for Your Face**  
>  1993 Here and Now (RAFG-2-9301)  
>  _Swimming in Love; Heart in Two; Famous for Nothing; The Wishing; Calm Down; Don't Wanna Be Late; Picture of You; After Everybodies Gone; Out of Control; Poison Jane 38:27_

> **Angels on a Cliff**  
>  1994 Here and Now (RAFG-8-9402)  
>  _The Floor Is Closer Than You Think; Best Friends Again; Neil's Guitar; The Song; Angels in the Backseat #1; Chickens on a Cliff; Distance Between Us; Shave the Monkey; Leaving the Body (2nd Movement); Push Comes to Shove; Flash in the Pan; Suck It In; Who Decides; Leaving the Body (1st Movement); Welded; Angels in the Backseat #2 52:02_

> **Heart Like a Rubber Ball**  
>  1998 DROG (no catalogue number)  
>  _Floatin' & Hummin'; Heart Like a Rubber Ball; Slappin'; What the ...?; Give It; Beautiful Monster; Melody is My Wine; Alone on Valentine's Day; If That Isn't Love; Heart Talk; Waterbugs & Thieves 40:51_

* * *

## B

### Sam Baardman

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Baardman has emerged as one of the city's strongest and most literate songwriters"— _Winnipeg Free Press_. A veteran of the prairie music scene, Sam Baardman has performed at all the Manitoba folk festivals, including Brandon, Gimli, Morden, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival. A gifted musician, Baardman plays guitar in the Winnipeg Celtic quartet Ten Bones. He also teaches Celtic music for guitar, mandolin, mando-cello and tenor banjo and leads songwriting workshops.

In 1997 Baardman released his first solo CD, _Kicking the Stone Home_. An album in the socially-conscious school of songwriting, this recording presents Baardman's lyrical talents in a variety of material ranging from the ballad "Hearts & Hands," chronicling the life of a generation reeling at the end of the twentieth century, to the intimate "Every Little Piece," to the folksy warmth of "Kicking the Stone Home." With a sound firmly rooted in tradition, the socially critical "Come Down to the River" and the ditty "Run Diggy Diggy" show the remarkable breadth of Baardman's scope as a songwriter. _Kicking_ is a fine contemporary folk album. Recommended.

Produced by Dan Donahue and Sam Baardman, additional musicians on _Kicking_ include Susan Israel, Karla Ferguson, and Dan Donahue.

> **Kicking the Stone Home**  
>  1997 Sam Baardman (spb-3883-1)  
>  _Kicking the Stone Home; Elvis Slept Here; One Slow Kiss; The Cuckoo; Come Down to the River; Cold Hand Settles on Me; Every Little Piece; Run Diggy Diggy; Hold Me Up; Hearts & Hands; Owl in the Barn; Soft Grey Glove 42:24_

* * *

### Back Alley John

_Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

Calgary-based blues artist Back Alley John (John Wilson), rolls out an excellent set of original and traditional numbers on _Out on the Highway_ (1992). Playing harmonica, acoustic guitar, and electric slide guitar, he joins his backup musicians on fine songs like "Out on the Highway," "Yo-Yo String," "Pork Chop," and "No Place in Mind"—all Wilson compositions.

_More a Feeling than a Living_ (1995) features more instrumentation, including mandolin, banjo, bassoon, accordion, keyboards and drums to accompany the electric and acoustic guitars. The album, a mix of Wilson originals and blues classics by Muddy Waters, Blind Boy Fuller, and Mississippi Fred McDowell, has a light touch. A good purchase for those who enjoy traditional, primarily acoustic, blues.

> **Out on the Highway**  
>  1992 Back Alley John (no catalogue number)  
>  _Out on the Highway; Yo-Yo String; 9/8 Nervous Man; Careless Love; Pork Chop; You Don't See the Blues like Me; Ham Bone Boiled; The Blues Is a Memory; Need My Baby; No Place in Mind; Pickin' the Blues; Cold Blue Moon 45:20_

> **More a Feeling than a Living**  
>  1995 Back Alley John (CD-JW1002)  
>  _Mellow Down Easy; St. Louis Blues; No Sugar Baby Now; Come Back Home; As I Go Wondering Around; James Alley Blues; Hoy Hoy; Three Times a Day; Mole in the Ground; Nothing to do All Day; Who's Been Here?; Early Last Night; I'm a Man; Up Yer River; Walking My Blues Away; Heaven Sitting Down 48:23_

* * *

### Brenda Baker

_Contemporary; Children's; Singer-Songwriter_

Saskatchewan-based Brenda Baker is a multi-talented artist who balances songwriting, children's music and the production of her own kid's TV show. Her debut CD _Brenda Baker_ (1989) introduces her fine singing voice, mature songwriting and energetic, experimental arrangements.

"Wow! Zap! Pow! This is like no other recording you'll ever own"— _Sing Out!_ _Daughter of Double-Dare_ (1993) inspires this kind of comment. A combination spoken/sung recording, its feminist lyrics and sentiments exude energy and creativity. There are some great songs on the album, but some listeners may find the interspersing of readings among the music somewhat distracting.

_Looking for Grandma's Teeth_ (1994) is a more conventional children's album focusing mainly on humourous material. The songs are sprightly, well sung and well arranged. An excellent children's album.

> **Brenda Baker**  
>  1989 Brenda Baker (no catalogue number)  
>  _Big Blue Ring; People on Trains; Damn the Highways; Sex and the Bomb; The Price We Pay; Millie Mine; I Watch You; Said I'd Love To; Madonnas and Mary Magdalenes; Man of My Dreams 41:37_

> **Daughter of Double-Dare**  
>  1993 Brazen Hussy (BB3-DDD93)  
>  _Daughter of Double-Dare; Whatcha Call Insane?; What We're Capable Of; Letter by Letter; This Room; Barcelona Bridge; Love I Can Live With; Bye-Bye Becky; The Riot Girls; Cindy; Call Yourself a Woman; The F-Word; On Tattoos, Poetry, Genius, and the Natural Order of Things; Man of My Dreams; Songwriters in Love; Boyland; God Wears Sunglasses; If I Was Madonna 72:53_

> **Looking for Grandma's Teeth**  
>  1994 Brazen Hussy (BB6-LGT94)  
>  _Mail Myself to You; Isn't It Grand; One Bottle of Pop; At the 'Quarium; The Hippopotamus; Canoe Round; The Little White Duck; Hinana H oho Hine; Looking for Grandma's Teeth; Circle; Building Bridges; If I Had a Hammer; The Thing That Isn't There; White Coral Bells; The Dust Devil Dance; We Shall Be Free 39:36_

* * *

### The Barra MacNeils

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

Another of the musical families from Nova Scotia, the Barra MacNeils consist of Sheumas MacNeil on keyboard and vocals, Kyle MacNeil on guitars, violin, mandolin, and vocals, Stewart MacNeil on electric bass, accordion, whistles, and vocals, and Lucy MacNeil on violin, celtic harp, bodhran, and vocals.

Their first album, _The Barra MacNeils,_ is a solid debut effort, featuring a mix of instrumental and vocal music. Their second album, _Rock in The Stream_ , continues the pattern of Celtic instrumentals alongside vocal numbers. _Timeframe_ alternates between traditional and contemporary material with the two types of music slightly at odds. _Closer to Paradise_ continues the swing towards contemporary songs by songwriters such as John Sebastian, Dougie MacLean, Tony Arata, plus some original works by the MacNeils. The middle-of-the-road sound is pleasant, but the infectious quality of their traditional music is missing. _The Traditional Album_ is easily the Barra MacNeils' best album to date. By eschewing vocals altogether, the Barra MacNeils have put together an entirely convincing and satisfying album based on dance music. The Barra MacNeils received the "Roots/Traditional Artist of the Year" East Coast Music Award in 1995.

The Barra MacNeils are a band with a split personality. They are one of the finest traditional, Celtic instrumental bands in Nova Scotia but when the Barras sing their own Celtic-tinged pop music they are, at best, an average pop group without enough punch for good rock or enough vinegar for good roots. And that's the problem with _The Question_. Despite one charming traditional track, "Seallaibh Curaidh Eoghainn," and a good cover of Shel Silverstein's "Ballad of Lucy Jordan," the rest of the album is a yawner. Unless you're a loyal Barra MacNeil fan, you may want to pass on this one.

> **The Barra MacNeils**  
>  1986 Polydor (314 519 027-2)  
>  _Eating Bonnach/Drowsy Maggie/Drunken Landlady; No More Good Times; One for Jeffy/Lovat's Restoration/Jig of Slurs/Angela Cameron/Mrs. George Johnstone of Byker; The Marquis of Huntly's Snuff Mill; Traditional/Traditional/Jenny Picking Cockles; Willie C.; Trip to Sligo/Murdo MacKenzie of Torridon; Highland Queen/Sweep's Hornpipe/Traditional Hornpipe/Devil and the Dirk; Proud Spirit 34:41_

> **Rock in the Sun**  
>  1989 Polydor (314 519 028-2)  
>  _Rattlin, Roarin Willie; Glenpark Medley; The Island; The Lone Harper; Red Ice; High Bass Tunes; Coaltown Road; Highland Exchange Medley; Kitty Bawn O'Brien; Standing by the Subway; Beautiful Point Aconi 41:58_

> **Timeframe**  
>  [no date] Polydor (314 519 029-2)  
>  _Banks of the Roses; Flow Time; Didn't Hear the Train; Flower Basket Medley; Song for Peace; Isle of My Dreams; Looking Back; Row Row Row; Ian Hardie Set; My Heart's in the Highlands 41:10_

> **Closer to Paradise**  
>  1993 Polydor (314 521 016-2)  
>  _We Celebrate; Darling Be Home; When I'm Away from You; Closer to Paradise; Chase the Man; Dancing We Would Go; In the Wink of an Eye; Frostbite; Caledonia; the Dusty Windowsill/The O'Keefe's of Dublin; Mo Nighean Dubh (My Black Haired Girl); Am Pige Ruadh (Mouth Music) 44:33_

> **The Traditional Album**  
>  1994 Polydor (314 523 251-2)  
>  _Clumsy Lover Set; Celtic Harp; Tribute to Robert Stubbert; The Visit Medley; The Maids of Arrochar; The Brolum Set; Twice a Year Fiddler; March-Strathspeys-Reels; Memories of Mary Ann MacKenzie; Wedding Party Medley; Toonik Tyme; Twin Fiddles; Neil Gow's Lament for the Death of His Second Wife 52:59_

> **The Question**  
>  1995 Polydor (314 529 077-2)  
>  _Myopic; Seallaibh Curaidh Eoghainn; The Ballad of Lucy Jordan; Going Down the Road; Oh My; She the Ocean; 17; Turquoise Shoes; The Question; Falling; Part of Me; All or Nothing; Goin' Back 52:39_

* * *

### Erin Benjamin

_Contemporary; Jazz; Singer-Songwriter_

A songwriter based in Sudbury, Ontario, Erin Benjamin's music is, as her web page states, "an eclectic blend of folk, pop and jazz and is characterized by open tunings, unconventional phrasing, unusual chord progressions and powerful vocals. The result is a dramatic, sensual, passionately original sound that defines the tribulation and ardour of her 28 years on the planet." This is an apt description of Benjamin's music.

A winner in the 1996 Ontario Council of Folk Festival's "Songs from the Heart" songwriting competition with her entry, "Long Hard Fall," Benjamin has released her debut CD, _Erin Benjamin_. The album sounds more like a release from a long-established artist. The arrangements are sophisticated and exciting and the vocals are terrific. Benjamin is a talent to watch.

_Erin Benjamin_ was produced by Dick van Raadshooven, Benjamin's musical director who accompanies her on stage with cello, bass, guitar, and percussion. His influence can be detected in the beautiful, jazz-style arrangements of many of Benjamin's songs.

> **Erin Benjamin**  
>  1996 Baby Hugh (no catalogue number)  
>  _Steal Away My Heart; Long Hard Fall; Just To Be Alone; Blame It on the Wind; She is a River (intro); She is a River; Hey Mr. Weatherman; Home Is Where the Heart Is 33:22_

* * *

### Willie P. Bennett

_Contemporary; Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

A longtime veteran of the folk circuit, Ontario-based Willie P. Bennett delivers his emotionally-charged music in a slightly down-and-out voice that reflects a performer who has lived what his songs are about. A talented songwriter whose early work has long been out of print, it's a pleasure to see some of the best of his early work gathered together in the retrospective CD, _Collectibles_ —a mix of musical influences, highlighting Bennett's wide-ranging styles. There's a countryish quality to many of his early hits—songs like "Willie's Diamond Joe" and "Blackie and the Rodeo King." "Summer Dreams, Winter Sleep" is a strong bluegrass, instrumental track. A particular gem is "Music in Your Eyes," which Garnet Rogers covered on his debut album. Its unusual cadences and melody have remained fresh and captivating over the years. _The Lucky Ones_ , a later album, features Bennett in a more country/blues vein with a full electric backup band. The songwriting is less inspired and, by folk standards, the album is over-produced and monotonous. _Take My Own Advice_ features Bennett in another heavily produced album, but the musicians are more interesting and the backup vocals by Colleen Peterson are noteworthy. While the lyrics are not vintage Bennett, they carry the album reasonably well.

> **Collectibles**  
>  1975-78, reissued 1991 Dark Light Music (DL 12001)  
>  _You; Lace and Pretty Flowers; Come on Train; Willie's Diamond Joe; Blackie and the Rodeo King; If You Have to Choose; Me and Molly; Summer Dreams, Winter Sleep; Storm Clouds; Country Squall; My Pie; Music in Your Eyes; Down to the Water; Hobo's Taunt; Pens and Paper 57:53_

> **The Lucky Ones**  
>  1989 Duke Street (DSRD 31059)  
>  _Train Tracks; The Lucky Ones; Ain't Got No Notion; Cryin' the Blues; Goodbye, So Long, Hello; Tryin' to Start Out Clean; Reckless Baby; Don't Have Much to Say; Patience of a Working Man; Andrew's Waltz 33:02_

> **Take My Own Advice**  
>  1993 Dark Light Music (DL 12003)  
>  _L.A.D.T. (Livin' in a Dirty Town); Jukebox; (If I Could) Take My Own Advice; Step Away; You Care; Sometimes It Comes So Easy; Katie's Tune; Breaking the Silence; Blood Brother; Push On; Red Dress; Why'd I Go Zydeco 47:59_

* * *

### Emile Benoit

_French-Canadian; Fiddle_

"Benoit's influence on Newfoundland folk music can't be understated. His capacity for writing tunes was nothing short of amazing"— _Dirty Linen_. Emile Benoit was born and raised in Black Duck Brook, on the Port-au-Port peninsula of Newfoundland. A many-sided man who listed fisherman, farmer, healer, dentist, part-time veterinarian, blacksmith, storyteller, raconteur, musician, and composer among his careers, Benoit began playing fiddle at age nine. Renowned for his _joie de vivre_ , Benoit entertained audiences at many of Canada's major festivals. In later years, he toured with Figgy Duff and, fittingly, _Viva la Rose_ was produced by Figgy Duff's founding members: Noel Dinn, Gary Furniss, and Pamela Morgan. This fine album is a tribute to the victory of spirit and music. Benoit has been inducted into the Porcupine Hall of Fame.

> **Viva la Rose**  
>  1992 Amber Music (ACD 9014)  
>  _Christina's Dream/Tootsie Wootsie; Neil Murray's Dinner Jig/Go to the Cape Uncle Joe/Forgotten Note; Noel Dinn/Pamela's Lonely Nights; Vive la Rose; Waltz in the House; The Land We're Walking On; Skipper and Company/On the Road Again/Claudine; Festival Reel/Jeff's Tune/Meech Lake Breakdown/McCormack's Breakdown; Sally's Waltz/Wedding Waltz; Fight for Your Rights; Jerry's Red Mountain Jig/Le Papier `Le Gaboteur'; Lady Margaret; Brother's Farewell/Caribou Skin Nailed Around the Circle/Wayne and the Bear 40:39_

* * *

### Jennifer Berezan

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Jennifer Berezan is a bright rising folk star, evoking the vocal strength of Mary Chapin Carpenter as she keenly observes life, love, politics and injustice"— _Dirty Linen_. Jennifer Berezan, who has taken up residence in California, is a contemporary Canadian singer-songwriter who layers her work with electric instrumentation over lyrics and acoustic guitar. _Borderlines_ is a good, if heavily produced, album that contains some strong moments, such as the introspective look back at Canada in "Borderlines." A solid early album from this songwriter.

> **Borderlines**  
>  1992 Flying Fish (FF70615)  
>  _Shadows on the Street; Borderlines; State of the Union; While We Are Here; When You're Young; You're Gone; Katie's River; One and One Makes Three; Calling; Angel Boots 43:29_

* * *

### Anita Best

_Traditional; Celtic_

Anita Best, a Newfoundland native, is equally respected for her folklorist collecting of traditional Newfoundland songs and her performance of them. She is frequently a collaborator with other performers, such as Pamela Morgan and Baxter Wareham. _Crosshanded_ , from 1997, is her first solo recording.

The term _cross-handed_ is a regional Newfoundland expression that means "carrying out any activity alone rather than in a group"— _Dictionary of Newfoundland English_. This expressive term fits the album title, meaning solo singing, unaccompanied. Best has handed us a treasure with this album. She sings the songs on the album a cappella, the way they were sung in the oral tradition that still existed when she was a young girl in Newfoundland. As she explains, "when I was a child, and before my time, songs were sung without music. Music was saved for dancing."

Hearkening back to a time when singing was more deeply embedded in the fabric of our culture, from entertainment to simply passing the time, these songs are a sample of the ballads and ditties the settlers brought with them from England, Ireland and France. Best brings forth their unadorned beauty and humour. Produced by Pamela Morgan, _Crosshanded_ is highly recommended.

> **Crosshanded**  
>  1997 Amber (9804-2)  
>  _Lord Bateman; Tobacco; Blanche comme la neige; The Soup Supper in Clattice Harbour; Dr iharin Ó Mo Croi; The Water Witch; Le jeune millitaire; Hush-o-bye Baby; Me Old Ragadoo; The Liverpool Pilot; The Spanish Captain; Gull Cove 60:29_

* * *

### Anita Best & Pamela Morgan

_Traditional_

Anita Best, folklorist and singer has combined with fellow Maritimer Pamela Morgan, formerly of Figgy Duff, to create _The Colour of Amber_ , one of the most haunting and beautiful Canadian traditional folk albums ever recorded. In the early style of Figgy Duff (the producers of the album were Figgy Duff'ers Noel Dinn and Gary Furniss), Best and Morgan take traditional material and deliver it in a freshened-up format. Their perfectly blended voices float through the material carrying you into the sadness, sorrow, and contemplativeness of another time. A recommended album for anyone who loves traditional music. _The Colour of Amber_ received a "Gem of Canada Album" Porcupine Award in 1992.

> **The Colour of Amber**  
>  1991 Amber Music (ACD 9008)  
>  _S uil a Gra; She's like the Swallow; The Lowlands of Holland; Le Vingt-Cing de Juillet; A Sailor's Trade Is a Weary Life; The Two Sisters; The Green Mossy Banks of the Lee; John Barbour (Willy O'Winsbury); Brave Marin; The Maid on the Shore; Lowlands Low 48:24_

* * *

### Bob Bigwood

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario singer-songwriter Bob Bigwood penned all the songs on _Dreamcatcher_ (1995). The soft, congenial lyrics of tracks such as "What Will the Next Love Bring," "Silver and Gold," and "Tumbleweed Blows" reflect contemporary musings on love, travel and change. The album has a rock/pop bias with electric guitar, drums, keyboards and wall-of-sound background vocals punctuating the acoustic guitar work. Produced by Bob Bigwood, additional musicians include Ben Simon, guitars; Justin Gray, keyboards and backup vocals; Bonnie Gladstone, backup vocals; Bret Vanderburg, bass; and Paul Bannerman, percussion.

> **Dream Catcher**  
>  1995 Simony (SR 101-2)  
>  _What Will the Next Love Bring; Good to See You Smiling; Without You Near; Silver and Gold; Wind Across the Lake; You Are Thunder; Tumbleweed Blows; Strike of 78; Applaud a Little Longer; Friday Night 44:55_

* * *

### The Bird Sisters

_Contemporary; A Cappella; Singer-Songwriter_

The Bird Sisters of Guelph, Ontario began their career as an a cappella group, later branching into a mix of a cappella and instrument-backed numbers. By their second album, _Different Stories_ (the first was never released on compact disc), they centred their vocal harmonies around original material written by the members of the group: Tannis Slimmon, Sue Smith, and Jude Vadala. The Bird Sisters, with their acoustic guitar work and excellent lyrics, provide melodic listening for anyone who loves tight, three-part harmony.

> **Different Stories**  
>  [no date] The Bird Sisters (TBS 002)  
>  _Why Can't You Read My Mind; Slips Through the Crack; Skylark; Carley's Song; Gettin' Lots of Sleep; Back to the Desert; Spirit House; To the Bone; Falling for You; The Dove Flies; Get up and Fly; Different Stories 41:33_

> **She & She & She**  
>  1995 DROG (BS 003)  
>  _The Pocket Song; If All the People; Thousand Ages; Am I; Emily; Give Me Cover; Laura's Song; Met Him on the Train; Bleed All the Lines; Sugar in Surrender; (I Don't Know) How to Love You; Just Keep Walkin'; Play All Your Aces 55:50_

* * *

### Heather Bishop

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Manitoba singer-songwriter Heather Bishop is one of Canada's more independent artists, following a muse that doesn't follow any predictable musical styles or channels. Her fresh, intimate, lyrics are combined in arrangements that are more pop than folk, but there's a rootsiness to her work that springs from the Prairies. Folkies new to her work may want to try one of her earlier albums, _A Taste of the Blues_ , to test the waters.

> **A Taste of the Blues**  
>  1986 Mother of Pearl (MPCD006)  
>  _Taking My Baby up Town; A Taste of the Blues; On the Run Again; You Don't Own Me; Seduced; Tell Me More and More; Daddy's Little Girl; Spirit Healer; Keeping On; If You Love Freedom 34:04_

> **Walk That Edge**  
>  1989 Mother of Pearl (MPCD007)  
>  _Coming for You; Let Them Talk; Walk That Edge; Blanket of My Love; Given for Free; Break My Heart; It Calls You to Sail; I'm Not the One; Lay Me Down; Anna Mae 40:35_

> **Old New Borrowed Blue**  
>  1994 Mother of Pearl (MPCD009)  
>  _Yes to Life; Nothing like the Freedom; Grandmother's Song; Waltz Me Around; Do I Move You; I'm Not the One; Spirit Healer; Our Silence; Les Moutons; Did Jesus Have a Baby Sister; Tell Me More and More; Yukon Rain; Prairie Wind; Sailing Away; Cry Me a River; Break My Heart; If You Love Freedom; Ancient Cry 73:08_

> **Daydream Me Home**  
>  1994 Mother of Pearl (MPCD010)  
>  _Let Me Make It up to You Tonight; Sheik Shaboom; Daydream Me Home; Waitin' for You Mama; Born to Live; If You Leave Me Darlin'; The Galaxy/Lighten Up; Dream Line Special; Hymn to Her; Warrior 38:00_

* * *

### Fiona Blackburn

_Traditional; Celtic_

"My find of the year"—Max Ferguson, CBC radio. Vancouver native Fiona Blackburn, with a degree in voice performance from the University of British Columbia, sang and recorded with the internationally-acclaimed Vancouver Chamber Choir for several years. She has also been a guest soloist for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Okanagan Symphony, Masterpiece Music, the Vancouver Bach Choir, Music in the Morning, and Vancouver New Music.

After all the classical work, Blackburn wanted to find her own, unique sound through the Scottish and Irish music of her roots. This personal journey has resulted in a debut recording called _Land of Passages_ (1995). Blackburn brings a new perspective to Celtic material, infusing well-known songs with a fresh new sound that is arresting in its uniqueness. Traditionalists may have misgivings about the approach, but Blackburn's wonderful, understated voice creates a magical spell.

Produced by Rick Kilburn, who also plays bass, additional musicians on _Land of Passages_ include Miles Black, Mark Ferris, Roger Baird, Salvador Ferreras, and Marcelle Nokony.

> **Land of Passages**  
>  1995 Talisman (TALCD9501)  
>  _Toward Juneau; When Your Daddy Comes Home from the Sea; Dear Harp of My Country; Nadu-Nadudu; Lewis Bridal Song; Ca' the Yowes; If It's All the Same to You; Land of Passages; Cois Abha M oire Na nDeise; She's Like the Swallow; Gartan Mother's Lullaby; Seinnidh Mi Dan; Next Market Day; An Eriskay Love Lilt; Ho! Mo Leannan/Clapping Song 62:29_

* * *

### The Blackflies

_French-Canadian; Zydeco; Singer-Songwriter_

The Blackflies is a Toronto band that evolved from an earlier band named the Cajun Ramblers. For a short while the band was named Poutine. Noted for their fun-loving approach to the music of Quebec, Louisiana, and northern Ontario, the Blackflies alternate styles from track to track with ease and conviction. Anchored by Peter Jellard's deft, dependable accordion playing, the band plays both dance-oriented music and songs by Blackflies' chief songwriter, vocalist, and noted folk-music historian, Steve Fruitman.

With its zany mixture of styles and its deep-rooted respect for the music of the past, the Blackflies debut album, _Poutine_ , is about as eclectic as anything in the catalogue. There are tribute songs galore: "Calabogie Blackbird" for Tommy Sharbot (an Ottawa valley fiddler and baseball player), "Lino Bozzer" for Lino Bozzer (a Timmins, Ontario, baseball player) and the venerable "Northern Ontario Blues" by Mac Beattie. One of the highlights of the album is Steve Fruitman's "Safety Toe Boots" song about "the shoe selling in the Ontario Northland". You have to take your hat off to a band that can combine that with "Reggae Poutine" and "Carta Blanca Polka". For sheer fun and joie de vivre, _Poutine_ is hard to beat.

Members of The Blackflies include Peter Jellard, fiddle, accordion; Rick Conroy, pianos, piano accordion; Steve Copek, guitars; Tim Hadley, bass and vocals; and Steve Fruitman, vocals, mandola, drums, washboard, spoons.

> **Poutine**  
>  1997 Blackflies (BFCD1)  
>  _King Street Car; Calabogie Blackbird; Deer Creek; Reggae Poutine; Yapper's Reel; Northern Ontario Blues; Lullaby for Otis; Cajun Special; Valse de Jessie; Safety Toe Blues; Qu ebecois Swing; Lino Bozzer; Robe de mariee / Pleasant Birthday; Clog a Ti-Jules; Carta Blanca Polka (Cuando!) 49:29_

* * *

### Blackie & The Rodeo Kings

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Tom Wilson, Colin Linden and Stephen Fearing, three of Ontario's top contemporary musicians, created a stir when they combined into a temporary band called Blackie & The Rodeo Kings to create a tribute album for singer-songwriter Willie P. Bennett. United by their love of Bennett's music, they released _High or Hurtin': The Songs of Willie P. Bennett_ (1996). The album is electric—one of the finest folk-rock albums released in recent years. The trio trade off on lead vocals and presumably each member was responsible for arranging his particular cuts. Image Fearing singing "Lace and Pretty Flowers," Linden singing "Music in Your Eyes," and Wilson singing "Blackie & the Rodeo King" and you've got the picture. With Willie P. Bennett himself backing the boys up on harmonica and mandolin.

> **High or Hurtin'**  
>  1996 True North (TNSCD 0115)  
>  _Come On Train; White Line; Lace and Pretty Flowers; Has Anyone Seen My Baby Here Tonight?; Music in your Eyes; Job Disorder; For the Sake of a Dollar; Blackie & the Rodeo King; Rains on Me; Stealin' Away; Country Squall; Faces; Turnkey; Driftin Snow 71:55_

* * *

### Louis Blanchette

_French-Canadian; Harmonica_

With harmonica accompanied by guitar and lively foot tapping, Quebec artist Louis Blanchette is highlighted on the historical recording, _Louis Blanchette_ , in a delightful series of reels. Issued as part of the Heritage Quebecois series, this MCA CD contains no liner notes. An important release for fans with a deep interest in the history of Quebec's music.

> **Louis Blanchette**  
>  [no date, reissued 1991] MCA (MCAD-10494)  
>  _Reel Blanchette; Reel des Noces d'Argent; Reel des Trois Rivi eres; Reel Como; Reel des Fiançailles; Reel d'Argenteuil; Reel d'Or; Reel Yankee Doodle; Reel des Jeunes Maries; Reel Bastringue; Reel Bagot; Reel d'Union; Reel de Cap Rouge; Reel des Noces de Diamants; Reel de Campbellton 42:44_

* * *

### Rick Bockner

_Contemporary; Blues; Jazz; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in British Columbia, Rick Bockner is a consummate guitarist and composer, writing songs that cross between folk, blues and jazz. On his CD _Trouble with the Moon_ (1995), his material would sound equally at home on a stage in the 30's or 40's. There's an old-time feel to his jazz chord progressions and lyrics that is augmented perfectly on this album by trumpets, clarinets, mandolin, accordion, cello, fiddle, tin whistle, and even bodhran. If you enjoy swing-style music with strong roots elements, this album is a highly recommended.

> **Trouble with the Moon**  
>  1995 Rick Bockner (no catalogue number)  
>  _Otherwise; Trouble with the Moon; Rainy Night in Chinatown; Ghost Town Revival; Fragments of Perfection; Caveman; Everyday Blues; Talking Ocean; Heartburn; Old Stone Walls; The Tyee Song; Apocalypse Waltz 51:17_

* * *

### La Bolduc

_French-Canadian; Singer-Songwriter_

Mary Rose-Anna Travers (1894-1941), known by her stage name "La Bolduc," was born of an Irish father and a French-Canadian mother. From them she developed a love of folk music and "chant populaire." From an early age she played violin, bombarde, and concertina. Her family left the Gaspe and moved to Montreal when she was thirteen. She later married Edouard Bolduc and began performing on stage as Mme Edouard Bolduc. More of a "chanteuse" than a folksinger, La Bolduc wrote topical, satirical songs that were extremely popular in their day. The CD, _La Bolduc_ , from the MCA Heritage Quebecois series, provides a good sampler of her work, but, alas, contains no liner notes. In contrast, the lovingly crafted four-CD box set, _L'Int egrale_, from Analekta contains liner notes (in French), lyrics, and lexicography that translates La Bolduc's colloquialisms and witticisms into everyday French. The discs from _L'Int egrale_ are also available as individual CDs.

> **La Bolduc**  
>  [no date, reissued 1991] MCA (MCAD-10486)  
>  _J'ai un Bouton sur la Langue; Les Maringouins; Le Petit Sauvage du Nord; La Bastringue; Ca Va Venir, D ecouragez-Vous Pas; La Lune de Miel; Je m'en Vais au Marche; Les Policemen; Un Petit Bonhomme Avec le Nez Pointu; Nos Braves Habitants; Si Vous Avez une Fille Qui Veut se Marier; Les Agents d'Assurance; Les Souffrances de Mon Accident; Johnny Monfarleau; La Pitoune 40:37_

> **L'Int egrale**  
>  1993 Analekta (AN 2 7001-4)  
>  _**CD1:** Je m'en Vais au Marche; Les Souffrances de Mon Accident; Tout le Monde a la Grippe; Le Voleur de Poule; Les Belles-Meres; Quand J'ai Vingt Ans; Gedeon Amateur; Les Pompiers de St-Eloi; Arrete Donc, Mary; Les Medecins; Les Colons Canadiens; La Lune de Miel; Les Cinq Jumelles; La Gaspesienne Pure Laine; Les Vacances; Sans Travail; En Revenant des Foins; Les Conducteurs de Chars; Les Policemen; Les Americains; L'Enfant Vole 60:01_

_**CD2:** Si les Saucisses Pouvaient Parler; Quand J'Étais chez Mon Pere; Les Femmes; J'ai un Bouton sur la Langue; Rose Cherche a se Marier; Bien Vite c'est le Jour de l'An; Voila le Pere Noel Qui Nous Arrive; Danse en Souliers de Boeuf; R'Garde Donc c'que t'as d'l'Air; Tit Noir a le Mal Imaginaire; Chanson de la Bourgeoise; Ah! C'Qu'il est Slow Tit Joe; Le Commerçant des Rues; La Cote Nord; Aux Chauffeurs d'Automobile; C'est la Fille du Vieux Roupi; Il Va m'Faire Mourir C'Gars-La; L'Ouvrage aux Canadiens; La Chanson du Bavard; Le Sauvage du Nord; Jean Baptiste Beaufouette 59:47_  
_**CD3:** Les Filles de Campagne; No Braves Habitants; Fetons le Mardi-Gras; Un Vieux Garçcon Gene; La Grocerie du Coin; Le Proprietaire; Le Jour de l'An; Le Bas de Noel; Les Agents d'Assurance; Rouge Carotte; La Bastringue; Mademoiselle, Dites-Mois Donc; Ca Va Venir, Decouragez-Vous Pas; Fin Fin Bigaouette; Toujours ;l'R-100;; Les Maringouins; Un Petit Bonhomme Avec un Nez Pointu; Chez Ma Tante Gervais; Mon Vieux est Jaloux; La Pitoune; Reel Turlute; Valse Turlutee 62:25_  
_**CD4:** Fricassez Vous; La Morue; Gigue des Commeres; Fantaisie Écossaise; Le Joueur de Violon; Ton Amour, Ma Catherine; Reel Comique; Galop des Pompiers; Le Bonhomme Et la Bonne Femme; Si Vous Avez une Fille Qui Veut se Marier; Arthimise Marie le Bedeau; Tourne Ma Roulette; La Servante; Regardez Donc Mouman; La Cuisinere; Johnny Monfarleau; Valse Denise; Reel de la Goelette; Gendre Et Belle-Mere; Quand on S'Est Vu; Y'A Longtemps Que Je Couche Par Terre; La Gaspesienne 59:36_

* * *

### Bob Bossin

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

With the 1994 release of _Gabriola VOR1XO_ , British Columbia folksinger Bob Bossin returned to recording after being away from the studio for fifteen years. Accompanied by friends and guest musicians galore, Bossin, founder of the legendary Toronto-based Stringband, starts off the album with "Sulphur Passage," a protest song about logging in Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. After this captivating start, the album meanders through a delightful set of original songs, some whimsical, some profound. Fans will be delighted to listen to Bossin once again. And for any non-Canadians who are grappling with the album's title, Gabriola is the name of the island on which Bossin lives, and V0R 1X0 is its Canadian postal code.

> **Gabriola VOR1XO**  
>  1994 Nick (007-CD)  
>  _Sulphur Passage; Madelyn's Lullabye; La Chanson Franc ee; Love in Seven; Ya Wanna Marry Me?; Lying Here with Annie; Bill Miner; Cleaning up the Oil; 1800-And-Froze-To-Death; Our Little Town; The Secret Life According to Satchel Paige; People like You 42:09_

* * *

### La Bottine Souriante

_French-Canadian; Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Juno Award-winning La Bottine Souriante (the name translates as "smiling boot") may be the best known folk group from Quebec. La Bottine Souriante arose as part of the fresh and exciting atmosphere that accompanied the founding of the Parti Quebecois and the rediscovery of Quebec roots and traditions that gave its people a renewed sense of pride. Over its long performing career the band has undergone several changes of personnel and direction, but what remains is always a lively, instrumentally-oriented sound. All of their early albums have been reissued on CD.

_Y'A Ben du Changement_ (1978) and _Chic N' Swell_ (1982) emphasize the traditional reels and the _chansons a repondre_ (call-and-response singing) of Quebec folk music. The album features mouth music, step dancing, and fiddle pieces all played with delight, respect, and a strong underlying sense of humour. The personnel on this album are Andre Marchand, Daniel Roy, Martin Racine, Yves Lambert, and Mario Forest. _La Travers ee de l'Atlantique_ continues in the same vein, with what appears to be the same personnel (the cast was accidentally left off the CD liner notes). With _La Travers ee_, the band began to add its own original compositions into the mix. By _Tout Comme au Jour de l'An_ (1987) and _Je Voudrais Changer D'Chapeau_ (1988), the material was becoming increasingly eclectic. _Je Voudrais Changer_ won a Juno in 1990 in the "Roots & Traditional" category. On these albums the personnel consist of Michel Bordeleau, Yves Lambert, Andre Marchand, Denis Frechette, and Martin Racine.

With the release of _Jusq'aux P'tites Heures_ in 1991, which won a 1993 Juno in the "Roots & Traditional" category, the band underwent a fundamental change in personnel and sound. Wildly eclectic by this point, the band added trumpets, trombones, and saxophones to the traditional base. The enlarged band includes Regent Archambault, Michel Bordeleau, Lafleche Dore, Robert Ellis, Denis Frechette, Jean Frechette, Yves Lambert, Martin Racine, and Andre Verreault. With the release of _La Mistrine_ , La Bottine Souriante appears to have veered its brassy, energetic mix back towards its roots. _La Mistrine_ received a Porcupine in the "Mme La Bolduc Award for Quebecois Folklore" category in 1994.

> **Y'A Ben du Changement**  
>  1978 Mille Pattes (MMPCD-265)  
>  _Sur la Montagne du Loup; Trinque l'Amourette; La Ronfleuse Gobeil; Pinci Pincette; Y a Ben du Changement; Le Manifeste d'Un Vieux Chasseur d'Oies; La Banqueroute; Reel des Ouvriers; L'Ivrogne; Sur la Grande C ote; La Tuque Rouge; Le Reel a Bouche Acadien 42:12_

> **Les Épousailles**  
>  1980 Gamma (GCD-256)  
>  _Les P'Tits Plaisirs de Basile/Le Reel de la Chicaneuse; Le Reel des Deux Lisa/Le Reel du Cordonnier; Les Plaisir de la Table/La Javalsurka du Grain de Beaut e; La Chanson des Pommes de Terre; Le Reel du Pendu; La Nuit de Noce/La Rosee du Matin/Tire la Langue; La Confession d'Un Moribond/La Sauvagesse/La Belle Catherine/Le Reel a Neuf; La Chanson d'Un Embete; La Chanson de la Langue Française/Le Reel a Blanchette/Le Reel a Pierre Leon; Mon Pere Mariez-Moi Donc/Le Reel des Nouveaux Maries 39:13_

> **Chic N' Swell**  
>  1982, reissued 1987 Green Linnet (GLCD 3042)  
>  _Le Batteux/La Grande Gigue Simple; La Tapinie/Le Reel des Voyageurs; Sure le Chemin du Mont; Le Rossignol Sauvage; Nos Braves Habitants; La Danse des Foins; Le Bal chez Ti-Guy; Les Robineux; Les Patins de Pauline/Le Petit Bu Cheux; La Ziguezon; Le Tablier du Macon/Le Reel a Remi; Les Trois Capitaines 38:29_

> **La Travers ee de l'Atlantique**  
>  1986, reiussed 1988 Green Linnet (GLCD 3043)  
>  _Sur le Pont d'Avignon; Le Meunier Et la Jeune Fille; Le Reel des Vieux/Le Reel a Jules Verret; J'Aurai le Vin/Le Reel du Petit Cheval de Bois; La Belle Ennuitee; La Traversee de l'Atlantique/Le Set Carre a Pitou Boudreault; Le Lac a Beauce/Le Reel St-Jean; Le Madelon; Le Reel du Mal de Do; La Chanson des Menteries; Hommage a Philippe Bruneau/La Valse d'Hiver; La Chanson des Pompiers 40:19_

> **Tout Comme au Jour de l'An**  
>  1987 Mille Pattes (MPCD-2035)  
>  _La Fille Engag ere; Le Reveillon du Jour de l'An; La Parente; La Poule a Colin; Un Dimanche au Matin; Oublions l'An Passe; Pot-pourri de l'Essoufle; Pot-pourri Surf and Turf; Valse Bernadette; Reel de Jos Cormier 38:56_

> **Je Voudrais Changer d'Chapeau**  
>  1988, reissued 1990 Rounder (CD 6041)  
>  _Le Festin de Campagne/Marie Sauce Ton Pain; La Gigue de M. Lasant e/La Gigue a Medee; C'est Dans Paris; Le Reve du Queteux Tremblay; La Brunette est La/Les Quatre Fers en l'Air; Belle Virginie; Je Voudrais Changer d'Chapeau/Reel Beatrice; Les Filles de la Rochelle; La Valse des Belugas; Hommage a Edmond Parizeau/Dedicado a Jos; La Contumace; Le Reve du Queteux Tremblay 2 40:21_

> **Jusq'aux P'tites Heures**  
>  1991 Mille Pattes (MPCD-2037)  
>  _La Chanson du Qu eteux; Le Reel de Pointe-au-Pic; Un P'tit Coup Mesdames; Nuit Sauvage; Par un Dimanche au Soir (Ou Ninette); L'Acadienne; Émilien; Corps Mort/Fleur de Mandragore; Turlutte des 33 Voleurs; Brandy Payette; Picoro; Derap de la Guerre 49:46_

> **La Mistrine**  
>  1994 Milles Pattes (MPCD-2038)  
>  _Le Reel des Soucoupes Volantes; Ici-Bas sur Terre; Martin de la Chasse-Galerie; La Mistrine; Le Reel de la Main Blanche; La Tourti ere; Le Reel Irlandais Ou Bees Wax, Skin Sheep; Christophe; La Complainte du Folkloriste; Le Rap a Ti-Petang; Reel de la Sauvagine; Dans Nos Vieilles Maisons 43:26_

* * *

### Bill Bourne

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Alberta-based Bill Bourne is a prolific songwriter and dazzling guitarist whose inspiring sound has its roots in influences as broad-ranging as African highlife, blues, swing, gospel, Celtic, Cajun, aboriginal and flamenco. To say the least, there's no convenient category that easily describes his work. In concert, Bourne is riveting. Possessing a soulful voice, he performs strongly rhythmic tunes that often have a sense of spiritual purpose.

In addition to his Juno Award-winning release with Alan MacLeod, Bourne has had five other Juno-nominated albums as well as three recordings with Scotland's Tannahill Weavers. Bourne's discography includes _Bill Bourne_ (1982), _Passage_ (with the Tannahill Weavers, 1984), _The Best of The Tannahill Weavers_ (1989), _Dance & Celebrate_ (Bourne & MacLeod, 1990), _Moonlight Dancers_ (Bourne & MacLeod, 1992), _Dear Madonna_ (Bourne & Johnson, 1994), _Celtic Folk Festival_ (with the Tannahill Weavers, 1996), _Victory Train_ (Bourne & Johnson, 1996), _No Special Rider_ (Bourne, Schuld & Stamer, 1997), _Farmer, Philanthropist & Musician_ (1997), and _Sally's Dream_ (1998).

_Farmer, Philanthropist & Musician_ (1997) is partly a compilation album of work by Bourne and his musical partners and partly an album of new and unreleased material. As such the album works as a good introduction to Bill Bourne. There are selections from Bourne & MacLeod albums—"Pitsberg," "Oblioh," "Trust in Love"—Bourne & Johnson—"The Road to Tokyo," "Your Amour Sitar"—and an out take from Bourne Schuld & Stamer—"Uncle John's Gospel." Other songs are studio recordings and recordings from concerts, such as "Ole Buffalo" recorded at the 1994 Edmonton Folk Festival.

_Sally's Dream_ (1998) may possibly be Bourne's finest album to date. The tracks range from diverse original songs such as "The 20th Century Requiem," "Sally's Dream," and "Summer at the Circus" to tribute songs such as "Louis Collins" (Mississippi John Hurt) and "Worried Man Blues" (traditional, arranged by Bill Bourne). The guitar work is arresting and, as always, Bourne's voice is electric. What is remarkable about this recording is that, with exception of backup vocals on "Blue Eyed Moggie," there are no additional musicians on the recording. Between voice, harmonica, foot tapping and extraordinary guitar work, Bourne sounds like a full band. Highly recommended.

> **Farmer, Philanthropist & Musician**  
>  1997 Blue Streak (BSCD 97002)  
>  _Pitsberg; The Horseman; Bluebird; The Road to Tokyo; Slidin' Delta; Stick 'em up Baby; Oblioh; Ole Buffalo; Uncle John's Gospel; Your Amour Sitar; Trust in Love; Give It to Me 51:31_

> **Sally's Dream**  
>  1998 Ragged Pup (RPR 0008)  
>  _The 20th Century Requiem; Sally's Dream; Old Hag/Go from My Window; Louis Collins; Blue Eyed Moggie; Worried Man Blues; Summer at the Circus; Only a Fool; Seven Angels; Dance and Celebrate/Manumit; The Wild Watusi 47:06_

* * *

### Bourne & Johnson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Following his collaboration with Allan MacLeod, Bill Bourne joined forces with Shannon Johnson to form the Alberta-based duo Bourne & Johnson. Bourne's rhythmic syncopated lyrics continue to dominate the tracks, with Johnson's engaging voice in harmony and her subtle fiddle playing taking the place of MacLeod's bagpipes. The result is highly effective. Bourne is engaging, as always, and Johnson's voice adds a new dimension to the delivery. _Dear Madonna_ (1994) also shows another side of Bourne—thoughtful, introspective songs that contrast with his trademark upbeat dance songs.

_Victory Train_ (1996) moves the duo up a notch, with the integration of their styles becoming more sure and expressive. The bluesy dance music is still a central focus, but Shannon Johnson's showcase cut, "Shannon's Tunes," is the album's highlight. Johnson's original fiddle compositions are driven to high energy, riding on bass and guitar accompaniment. Bourne continues to grow as a lyricist, as seen on cuts like "Victory Train," "Joey Marmalade's Farewell," and the catchy "Nothin' to do but Sing This Song." A first-rate recording.

> **Dear Madonna**  
>  1994 Rynde (CD-1502)  
>  _Dance the Night Away; Here Is a Heart; Dear Madonna; Carnal Minded Men; Red Moon; Shinin' Mary & the Bad News Bears; Beer Belly Billy and Mary Laydown; Wildwood Flower; The Hobo Sunny Blue; Baggins; The Road to Tokyo; Gone Fishin' 52:11_

> **Victory Train**  
>  1996 Free Radio (FRCD 001)  
>  _Shuffa' Bone Rhythm; The Mango Song; Sunday at the Shean's/The Blue Meadow/Apple Wine Sunshine/The Blacksmith's Hotfoot Boogie; Miles of Dreams; Pallet on Your Floor; Victory Train; Joey Marmalade's Farewell; Peace River; Like a Poor Boy; Your Amour Sitar; Follow the Drinkin' Gourd; Nothin' To Do but Sing This Song 64:49_

* * *

### Bourne & MacLeod

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Alberta-based Bill Bourne and Alan MacLeod, both former Tannahill Weavers, put together one of the most infectious, unique sounds to hit the festival circuit in the early 90's. Bourne's striking voice and syncopated lyrics combine with MacLeod's inspired bagpipe accompaniment to create a fresh, joyous sound. _Dance & Celebrate_ is aptly named—one of the most enduring and listenable albums released in 1991, it was awarded a 1991 Juno in the "Roots & Traditional" category. _Moonlight Dancers_ , from 1992, is cut from the same mould and it, too, is an extremely danceable album. Both are highly recommended.

> **Dance & Celebrate**  
>  1991 Attic (ACD 1314)  
>  _Dance & Celebrate; The Turkey (Take Him Down); I Love Jeanie; Around the Horn; Ole Buffalo; Communicate; Lost on the Bayou; Trust in Love; Riding Mountain/Hare O' the Dug; The House; Tumblin' Down; Let the Children Rule 47:02_

> **Moonlight Dancers**  
>  1992 Attic (ACD 1343)  
>  _Oh Love; Home Sweet Home; The Circus Song; Back to the Island/The Clumsy Lover; Pitsberg; Ship of Fortune; Solomon; Oblioh; Roll River Roll; Moonlight Dancers; Livin'; Long John Silver; The Riverboat Song; Raven's Song 55:16_

* * *

### Bourne, Schuld, Stamer

_Blues_

_No Special Rider: Country Blues_ (1997) was the brainchild of Andreas Schuld who brought Bill Bourne and Hans Stamer together for the first time. They headed off to the studio and in a few hours had 24 songs recorded, almost all of them first takes. A tribute to the blues that influenced all three artists, the recording has a special direct, honest feel that got it nominated for a Juno Award in the blues category in 1998. Acoustic blues fans will find this an immensely satisfying recording, well worth collecting. The album was produced by Andreas Schuld.

> **No Special Rider: Country Blues**  
>  1997 Blue Streak (BSCD 97001)  
>  _There's a Man Going Round Taking Names; St. James Infirmary; Fishin' Blues; Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning; Ol' Hannah; Blue Yodel #10; Bollweevil; Alberta Let Your Hair Hang Low; In the Evening, When the Sun Goes Down; Uncle John's Gospel; Casey Jones; Long Gone Blues; Sweet Home Chicago; Special Rider Blues; The Midnight Special 57:46_

* * *

### Bourque Bernard et LePage

_French-Canadian; Traditional; Celtic_

Veterans of Éritage, Ad Vielle Que Pourra, and Ouzo Power, Benoit Bourque, Gaston Bernard, and Simon LePage are known across North America for dynamic performances that combine French-Canadian music and dance with Celtic, jazz, and world music influences. With _Matapat_ (1998), Bourque Bernard et LePage let loose on fiddle, accordion, bass, vocals, mandolin, bones, spoons, and feet to create an exciting album of tunes and songs.

With contemplative instrumentals ("La valse matique"), sad love songs ("Beau rossignol sauvage"), zesty tune medleys ("La suite du Bourque emissaire," "La traverse du Saguenay/Le grande triomphe"), modern mouth music ("La turlutte a `Pit"'), and infectious step dancing ("Valse clog/Valse de Cesny"), _Matapat_ is one of the finest introductions to French-Canadian music available. A thoroughly delightful album.

> **Matapat: Musique traditionnelle du Qu ebec**  
>  1998 Borealis (BCD110)  
>  _La suite du casse reel; Matapat; La suite des rubans; La musette et le hautbois; La traverse du Saguenay/Le grand triomphe; La valse matique; Le damn e; Beau rossignol sauvage; La turlutte a "Pit''; La pipe cornue/Le capitaine; Valse clog/La valse de Cesny; La suite du Bourque emissaire 39:49_

* * *

### Farrell Boyce

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Farrell Boyce, based in Burlington, Ontario, is a renaissance type. An environmental scientist at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Boyce was Hamilton, Ontario "Environmentalist of the Year" in 1992 for his environmental activism. He is also a painter and musician. From school days on he wrote poetry and strummed the guitar. It was Stan Rogers who inspired him to put the two together.

Boyce is a member of two bands, Raspberry Jam (folk) and Hot Biscuits (swing). Raspberry Jam's repertoire includes many songs written by Boyce on its two cassette releases, _Band in the Park_ and _Innocent Bystanders_. Boyce also supports the band on guitar, banjo, mandolin and accordion. Several of Boyce's songs have been performed and recorded by other artists, notably Magpie, Eric Nagler, and Ken Lonnquist.

Boyce's rich baritone voice is one of the hallmarks of his solo CD _Whatever Happened to That Golden Glow?_ featuring sixteen of his new songs. The album also includes a Stan Rogers' "Rawdon Hills," a lumbering song from Quebec, and a Rogers and Hart tune. With a large supporting cast of musical friends, this eclectic album, produced by Farrell Boyce and Steve Didemus, covers a lot of ground and covers it well.

> **Whatever Happened to That Golden Glow?**  
>  1996 Farrell Boyce (RJE9501CD)  
>  _Barrachois Trout; Whatever Happened to That Golden Glow?; Disneyland; The Ski Tour Song; Dravons la gatineau; Looking for N; A Song for Skedans; Behead; Chico Mendez; Northern Dancer; Twelfth of March; The Hard-Rock Men; Buffalo Jump; G.I. Joe Breaks Down and Cries; The Rawdon Hills; My Romance; Falling into Jupiter; Be Thou My Vision; Turning to the Light; Be Thou My Vision (reprise) 62:35_

* * *

### Mark Bracken

_Guitar_

If you love guitar music, _Revival_ is a recommended purchase. British Columbia guitarist Mark Bracken plays a lovely set of original compositions in open tunings that burrow into the simple, special essence of six- and twelve-string acoustic guitar. The sound is laid-back and easy—the kind of album that makes you want to curl up in front of a fireplace.

> **Revival**  
>  1994 Mark Bracken (AMB 10943)  
>  _Sun Rays; Reflections; Carolina; White Rose; Heaven's Angels; Sea Bird; Ancient Journeys; Fantasia; The Raven; Angelic Rose; Revival; Open Chords; Dawn 42:37_

* * *

### David Bradstreet

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto-based singer-songwriter David Bradstreet has been a working musician and composer since 1968. He has toured with Laura Nyro, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Supertramp, Todd Rundgren, Pablo Cruise, Joan Armatrading, John Prine, Harry Chapin and others, as well as his own concert, club and festival appearances throughout Canada, the US and Europe. He has four vocal albums to his credit: _David Bradstreet_ (1976), _Dreaming in Colour_ (1977), _Black & White_ (1980), and most recently, _Renaissance_ (1998). He has also released three albums of musical composition: _Whispering Woods_ (1997), _Natural Stress Relief_ (1998) and _Natural Sleep Inducement_ (1998) for the Solitudes label, inspired by the nature recordings of Dan Gibson. Bradstreet received a Juno Award for Best New Male Vocalist in 1977.

His latest recording, _Renaissance_ , includes a new recording of the title song, "Renaissance," which has previously been recorded by Valdy. With tasteful pop arrangements, the album, produced by Bradstreet, features an excellent cast of supporting musicians, including Carl Keesee, bass; Al Cross, drums; Oliver Schroer, fiddle; and Billie Hughes, Rebecca Campbell and Jane Siberry on vocals.

> **Renaissance**  
>  1998 Street (SR-004)  
>  _No Turning Back; Language Lies; The Handout; Renaissance; Two Minds; High Ground; I Just Walk Away; Another Human Failing; We Walk These Streets; The Next Boat Train; Holding My Breath; Oaklands 47:23_

* * *

### Diana Braithwaite

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

On _In This Time_ Diana Braithwaite sings compelling songs about the experiences of Black people. "Black Angel" is "dedicated to the thousands of Black women and men who sought freedom via the Underground Railroad during slavery." "Just the Way That I Planned It" is a song "dedicated to the Maroons—a group of Black people who refused to be enslaved. Upon arriving in Nova Scotia from Jamaica, many left to return to Africa." Braithwaite combines strong lyrics with sparse arrangements in projecting her full, excellent voice.

> **In This Time**  
>  1991 Aural Tradition (ATRCD 304)  
>  _I Know That the Road Is Long; Black Angel; Good Blessings; Just the Way That I Planned It; Desperado Star; Every Step of the Way; Carry My Name; In This Time; Pretty Brown Girl; Sister Sarah; Mrs. Jones & the Elephant/I Know That the Road Is Long (Reprise) 54:16_

* * *

### Brakin' Tradition

_Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Brakin' Tradition is a Celtic-flavoured group based in Nova Scotia. Performing mainly original material, they combine traditional instrumentation with tight harmonies. _Music Man_ , a 1992 release includes the countryish "Johnny Rye" and the bouncy "Kathaleen"—a song about a schooner. _Powerfolk_ provides a continuation of their sound with versions of "Headin' for Halifax" and Stan Rogers' "The Bluenose," as well as original songs from various members of the band. The members of Brakin' Tradition include V. Roger Stone, the group's principal songwriter, Cyril MacPhee, Dave Forsey, Harold Davidson, and Louanne (Bona) Baker.

On their third CD, _Presence in the Past_ , Brakin' Tradition delves into its Celtic roots to present some of their favourite old tunes such as "Joe Neil," "Bonnie Besse Logan," "Star of the County Down," "Peggy Gordon," and "Brennan on the Moor." They also toss in a Stan Rogers song, "The Jeannie C.," and two by David Stone, "Storms" and "Patiently Waiting." The band was inspired by the material—this is easily their best recording to date. The musicianship and vocals are first-rate, with an emphasis on acoustic instruments and tight harmony. Having said that, it's the electric guitar and drums that drive "Brennan On The Moor" into freshness. "The Jeannie C.," while beautifully sung, is a shade too sweet and slow—it does not convey the drama and tragedy of the lyrics. The albums ends with two fine songs by David Stone, who is emerging as one of the East Coast's foremost new songwriters. If you are attracted to East Coast traditional (albeit augmented with a few electric instruments) you'll thoroughly enjoy this fine album.

> **Music Man**  
>  1992 Brakin' Tradition (CD-0903)  
>  _Rollin' on the Sea; Music Man; Johnny Rye; Together; Old Schoolyard; The Kathaleen; Send Me a Picture; Charlie; Listen to Me People; Can't Get Enough of You; Sleepy Head 35:22_

> **Powerfolk**  
>  1993 Brakin' Tradition (CD-0904)  
>  _Fait Do Do; Headin' for Halifax; Lonesome Driver; Breakaway; Age Old Memories; Salmon River Road Blues; The Bluenose; L'Acadie; Lovers' Prayer; Her Father Didn't like Me; Life's a Beach; Lullabies 40:35_

> **Presence in the Past**  
>  1995 Brakin' Tradition (CD-09050)  
>  _Joe Neil; Bonnie Bessie Logan; Star of the County Down; Peggy Gordon; The Jeannie C.; Brennan on the Moor; Summer's in the Country; Sam Hall; Storms; Patiently Waiting 41:01_

* * *

### Jim Brannigan

_Traditional_

Living in Sooke, a fishing village on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Jim Brannigan is a traditionalist who believes a song must stand the test of time before it can truly be called Folk. Influenced by Makem & Clancy, The Dubliners, The Corries, and Eric Bogle, Brannigan believes in a "less is more" approach to music. This is evident on his CD _The Singing Bird_ on which he combines tasteful arrangements of traditional songs with modern material from Gordon Bok. The songs range from "Carrickfergus" and "The Cobbler" to the lengthy song-story "Peter Kagan and the Wind." Brannigan is a tenor guitar-playing balladeer with a fine baritone voice and a soft Scottish accent. The album is throwback to an earlier era of folk music that will be appreciated by those who enjoy well-performed straight-ahead balladeering.

Additional musicians on the album include Noel Cronin, vocals; Ray Thomas, autoharp; Denis Wightman, harmonica; Alan Turnbull, Scottish small pipes; Terry Warbey, dulcimer, mandolin; Nell Stallard, vocals; Erynn Marshall, fiddle; and Dennis Ferbey, bass guitar.

> **The Singing Bird**  
>  1997 Jim Brannigan (no catalogue number)  
>  _Rambles of Spring; The Singing Bird; Nora; The Mermaid Song; A Bunch of Red Roses; Carrickfergus; The Curtains of Night; The Cobbler; Isle Au Haut; Lowlands Away; Nova Scotia Farewell; Peter Kagan and the Wind 58:38_

* * *

### Don Bray

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Don Bray is a singer-songwriter/guitarist from Barrie, Ontario. Influenced by musicians such as Bruce Cockburn, Leo Kottke and James Taylor, he has forged a style with elements of folk, blues and country. _Decisions_ (1998) displays Bray's mature songwriting, catchy guitar licks and expressive vocals. Nicely varied from the punchy opener, "Too Much and Not Enough," through reflective songs such as "Lonely's Lonely," the album is well paced and interesting, with an impressive cast of backup musicians. An attention-getting debut CD. Produced by Keith Mariash and Don Bray, additional musicians include Mark Mariash, drums; Paul Vienneau, bass; Todd Lumley, piano; Darren Scott, fiddle; and Willow Rutherford and Jennifer Atkinson on backup vocals.

> **Decisions**  
>  1998 Don Bray (DBCD-0701)  
>  _Too Much and Enough; Eventually; What Else Could I Do; Don't Expect It To; Lonely's Lonely; Real Big Man; Decisions; I've Been Waiting; Lie for Me; One Less Weary Witness; Rolling Him on Home; Couldn't Do It Without You 47:03_

* * *

### Cori Brewster

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

Cori Brewster, an Alberta native, is a singer-songwriter, promoter, radio show host and director of the Kananaskis Guest Ranch songwriting workshop. Brewster turned to music after graduating from the University of Alberta with a degree in physical education. Raised in a country-music tradition, Brewster brings a fine, energetic voice to her recordings.

Brewster's debut CD from 1994, _One More Mountain_ , offers a collection of original material and covers. A collaborative songwriter, Brewster shares songwriting credits with Dennis Wharton, Stephen Lester Smith, Johnny Douglas, Louis Sedmak and Alison Hogan. The album is mainstream country in sound. While Brewster's driving, spirited contributions are strong, the highlight of the album is her excellent cover of Nanci Griffith's "Spin on a Red Brick Floor."

Her second album, _Stones_ , released in 1998, shows Brewster moving from mainstream country to a more country/folk, introspective sound. The lower-velocity, softer arrangements provide a more interesting vehicle for Brewster's lyrics. The sound, which places a greater focus on acoustic instrumentation than _One More Mountain_ provides a contemporary, enjoyable sound.

> **One More Mountain**  
>  1994 BRE (BR 1002)  
>  _Take Me as I Am; One More Mountain; Climb Up When You're Down; Left Out in the Cold; More to Offer; Good as Gone; Spin on a Red Brick Floor; Kicking Down the Door to Your Heart; Dig a Little Deeper; Let Her Go 33:41_

> **Stones**  
>  1998 BRE (no catalogue number)  
>  _One Voice; Come September; Run Pony Run; Little Town; Katie; Broken Angel; Guiding Light_

* * *

### Bonnie Brigant & Clare Adlam

_Country; Singer-Songwriter_

There's something refreshingly honest about old-time country music and it is remarkable to hear a recent album like _Bonnie Brigant & Clare Adlam_ in an age when country is dominated by Nashville and "new country." Clare Adlam, the producer and songwriter of the album, is mostly known as a fiddler. A native of Grey County, Ontario, Adlam released many albums of fiddle music and was a regular performer on the Wingham, Ontario, _CKNX Barndance_ with Earl Heywood in the 50's and 60's. Bonnie Brigant grew up in eastern Ontario, singing in church choirs. She gave up a potential career in country music to raise her family and is only now getting back into recording. This album of country vocals, broken up with a few fiddle tunes, is delightfully old fashioned. The vocals are somewhat rough when measured by pop/folk standards.

> **Bonnie Brigant & Clare Adlam**  
>  1992 Circle 'M' (CM 2931)  
>  _I'm Saving Today for Tomorrow; Lost in the Wilderness; Free and Easy; Silver River; I'll Always Be Your Buddy; Painting on the Wall; God's Home Above; Spring Valley Jig; Sweet Face Caress; The Old Fiddle Waltz; Prairie Sunset; Never; What's Gonna Happen to Me; The Day We Met; Is This World a Little Better 42:59_

* * *

### Bristol's Hope

_Traditional_

Forming under the name Bristol's Hope (taken from an historical Newfoundland place name), the Newfoundland band plays primarily traditional music from the area, with a few modern pieces done in the old style. With this lineup, you get what you'd expect—a bouncy delivery of dance tunes and a respectful interpretation of the songs. Particularly nice on _Lately Come Over_ (1997) is the lovely"The Cliffs of Baccalieu," sung in its original 1934 version by Anita Best. "Cliffs" was introduced to many listeners by Stan Rogers.

The band is comprised of well-known musicians from other groups: Anita Best, folklorist, solo performer and collaborator with Pamela Morgan; Baxter Wareham, vocalist and button accordionist, also a solo performer and member of various bands, including The Wareham Brothers and The Breakwater Boys; Kelley Russell, bouzouki, bodrhan, and member of Figgy Duff and The Plankerdown Band; Sandy Morris, guitars and banjo and a member of The Wonderful Grand Band and Figgy Duff; and Derek Pelley, bass player from Figgy Duff and Rawlins Cross.

> **Lately Come Over**  
>  1997 Pigeon Inlet (PIPCD-7334)  
>  _Mack's & Herb's Tunes; The Druken Captain; Canoodle Doodle; King William & the Jolly Lads; The Female Drummer; Somebody's Waiting for Me; The Cliffs of Baccalieu; Uncle Manuel Milks the Cow; Jimmy & Nancy; The Harbour Buffett Waltz; Late Up in September; Rubber Boots; The Evette & Langara Special 43:40_

* * *

### Brookfield

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in Whitby, Ontario, Brookfield is a band made up of friends and members of the Brooks family. Founded by Fred and Joy Brooks, Brookfield includes Jeff Brackett, Caroline Brooks, and Katherine Brooks.

Brookfield's debut CD, _Medicine Lands_ is a collection of thirteen songs written by Fred Brooks. The main vocalists are Fred and Joy Brooks, backed up by daughters Caroline and Katherine. With lyrical material ranging from reminiscences to observations about the rain forests ("Medicine Lands"), the arrangements are a contemporary weaving of acoustic and electric guitars into a easy-listening musical tapestry.

> **Medicine Lands**  
>  1996 Eastbourne (no catalogue number)  
>  _Lizzy Speaks to Joy; Medicine Lands; Each and Everyday; I See Blue; Strangers; Blue Haven; Last Time I Saw Anna; Three Seasons; Mercy Train; Oh Marie; Bye Bye Blue; Dameon's Harbour; Immigrant's Son 41:03_

* * *

### Alistair Brown

_Traditional_

Based in London, Ontario, Scottish-born Alistair Brown has lived in Canada since 1972. A performer of traditional songs and songs written in a traditional style, Brown frequently accompanies himself on concertina and button accordion. A member of Friends of Fiddler's Green, Brown has been active in many aspects of folk song and dance for years, as a recording artist, radio broadcaster, columnist, festival director, dance teacher, and program director at folk music and dance camps.

Alistair's first solo recording was _No Idle Jest_ (1993), a cassette-only release by Prospect records. His second was _The Swan Necked Valve_ (1996) which takes its title from an industrial ballad about a foundry apprentice. The rest of the tracks span a repertoire from Childe Ballads—"Jock O'Hazeldene"—to traditional songs such as "Broom of the Cowdenknowes" and "Collier Laddie" to humorous ballads such as "Laundromat Lover." A very engaging album, well sung and well played.

Additional musicians on _The Swan Necked Valve_ include Roger Houghton, guitar; Jeff McClintock, piano; and Laurence Stevenson, violin, mandolin, dulcimer, and bass.

> **The Swan Necked Valve**  
>  1997 Prospect ()  
>  _The Swan Necked Valve/The Jenny Lind Polka; Dockyard Gate; Cairnomount; The Old Red Duster; A Man's a Man for A'That; Magdalene Green/Bonny Doon; Laundromat Lover; Jamestown; The Bonny Wee Lassie's Answer; Jock O'Hazeldene; The Dundee Ghost; The Broom o' the Cowdenknowes; Kilbowie Hill; The Seven Deadly Sins; Will Ye Gang Love; Collier Laddie; The Funeral/The Temperance Reel; Tak a Dram 68:43_

* * *

### Anne Beverly Brown

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Alberta singer-songwriter Anne Beverly Brown, who once worked as an environmental scientist for Mobile Oil, has a flair for writing soft, poetic lyrics. In _Keyhole and the Eternal Kiss_ (1993), she creates dream-like songs drawn from her immediate environment. The album will appeal to those who enjoy travelling the magical and mystical side of the folk road. Brown is joined, on various tracks, by some fine guest artists, including Jenny Allen, Mary Anderson, Ken Brown, Oscar Lopez, and Cathy Miller.

On her second release, _The Landlord's Daughter_ (1996), Brown continues her flowing, lyrical development. For the most part the songs are autobiographical reflections on travels, family and love. The title song is a line from the album's centrepiece, an interpretation of Alfred Noye's poem "The Highwayman." As with _Keyhole_ , Brown has some fine guest musicians who add a deft touch the arrangements. Additional musicians include Ken Brown, Steafan Hannigan, David Knutson, Ron Casat, Karl Roth, and Diane Couch.

> **Keyhole and the Eternal Kiss**  
>  1993 Akashic (AR2)  
>  _The Rivers of Eden; The Old Road; The Man Who Planted Trees; Send Me Rachmaninoff; The Church Door; Keyhole and the Eternal Kiss; Never Thought I'd Sing the Blues; Indigo Blue; Chicago Joe; Quiet Heart 47:22_

> **The Landlord's Daughter**  
>  1996 Akashic (AR-3)  
>  _Days of England (Let Your Dreams Fly); Angel Walking; The Highwayman; Ask Me No More; Red Dust; Roll Me; King David; I Threw the I Ching Tonight; Yellowknife 51:06_

* * *

### Jacquelyn Brown

_Contemporary; Celtic; Harp; Singer-Songwriter_

On _Awakening ... The Breath of Life_ , harpist and singer Jacquelyn Brown, from London, Ontario, credits Loreena McKennitt as the person "whose music first called my Celtic heart to ancient dreams of plucking harp strings." Brown has proven an apt student of the harp—her sensitive playing and songwriting explore the lyrical, poetic side of the Celtic spectrum. The album is meditative and gentle. Most of the songs are originals written by Brown, with the exception of the traditional "Bonny Love" and a Liona Boyd composition, "Days of Love and Innocence."

> **Awakening ... The Breath of Life**  
>  1992 Bertina Celina (JBCD1292)  
>  _Dreamscapes; Morning Breaking; Bed of Roses; Deep Within My Soul; Bonny Love; Days of Love and Innocence; Daughter of the Moon; Mayfair; Come Little Children; Enter In; Water Gardens; Lovely Elora; Leslie's Isle; Sonja; River of Gods (Thames); On the Shore of Leamington; Can You Sense Mother Earth?; Elephants of Kenya 69:34_

* * *

### Ken Brown

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

Ken Brown, a seasoned veteran of the Ontario folk scene, works regularly as a producer, teacher, and performer. He has produced six CD's to date, and has toured throughout North America and Britain with the Celtic duo Anderson & Brown. Drawing material primarily from Celtic sources, he's know both for his superb ability to flat-pick fiddle tunes on the guitar and his ability to sing old songs and unaccompanied ballads. He is currently at work on a recording project with American clawhammer banjo and fingerstyle guitarist Ken Perlman.

On _Letters from Home_ (1997) Brown has put together a solo recording of tunes he has picked up over the years. As soon as you hear the opening bars of "Indian Lass" you know that this album is not another knock-off of Celtic standards. Though the tunes may be familiar, the arrangements are unusual, thoughtful, and subtle. Interwoven between Brown's catchy guitar rhythms and dancing flute, the lyrics come at you from a direction you haven't heard before. Songs like "Marianne" and "Rattlin' Roarin' Willie" take on a dark mystery that are unlike the standard interpretations. Brown's arrangements are as smooth and intimate as single-malt scotch. These are sippin' songs that you can listen to over and over, experiencing different nuances of flavour each time. Recommended.

> **Letters from Home**  
>  1997 Fergus Group (NHC-401)  
>  _Indian Lass; John Barleycorn; Learn to Behave; Marianne; How Can I Keep from Singing; Poor Man's Wine; Star of County Down; Glencoe; Rattlin' Roarin' Willie; Gallant Soldier; Spring 44:18_

* * *

### Shawn Brush

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Singer-songwriter Shawn Brush, based in Burlington, Ontario, comes from a country/bluegrass background where he has won awards for his excellent guitar work. More recently he has turned to song writing, releasing two albums— _The Staircase_ (cassette-only 1993) and _In the Land of Giants_ (1995). His songwriting, which is more pop- than country/bluegrass-oriented, features his strong voice and catchy arrangements. Brush is an engaging performer who is always a stand-out on festival stages.

Additional musicians on _Giants_ include Dave Johns, Tim McDonald, Steve Sinnicks, Dan Howlett and Randy Hill.

> **In the Land of Giants**  
>  1995 Shawn Brush (RDRCD-1864)  
>  _Too Late; Jesus Loves You; Stay; Doc Higgins; Woodstove; More Than Words; Michigan; Sunshine and Rain; Hank; Say to You; Be the One; The Mission Bell 42:40_

* * *

### Harry Bryan

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

A native of Midland, Ontario, Harry Bryan is a veteran musician whose musical career spans nearly thirty years. Bryan had sung with a number of bands before releasing his solo CD _Long Road to One_. The CD is a folk/pop collection of reminiscences and stories with a Canadian flavour.

The opening track, "Ride the Wind," came from a chat between two generations of Bryans. "I wrote the song after a conversation with my father that made me realize he had not done a lot of things he would like to have done in his life. Maybe it will encourage someone to go after the things that are important to them."

All the songs except the final track are written by Bryan. The pop arrangements include background singing, drums and light electric guitar, similar in sound to mid-period Lightfoot. Bryan's vocals also have a certain resemblance to Lightfoot. The folkiest cut on the album is the delightful "Canadians, O, Canada" which takes the listener on a cross-country tour of the country in song.

Produced by Joey May with musical arrangements by Thomas Wade, additional musicians include Don Reed, John Dymond, Steve O'Connor, and Rolly Plat.

> **Long Road to One**  
>  1996 Canadian Tunes (TCTC 120851-2)  
>  _Ride the Wind; Forever More; What Do You Do; Where Did You Learn To Dance; Call You Friend; Counting the Minutes; Keep On Playing; Yes or/ou Oui; Hometown Blues; Canadians, O, Canada; O Canada 44:23_

* * *

### Buddy Wasisname & the Other Fellers

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Humour; Singer-Songwriter_

Buddy Wasisname & the Other Fellers is an unusual Newfoundland group that switches effortlessly between comedy and traditional jigs, reels, and waltzes. The group consists of Kevin Blackmore, Ray Johnson, and Wayne Chaulk. Highly talented musicians and songwriters, they liven up the dance floor with numbers like "Jesse Collins' Slipway" and "Devil's Own Hoof" and then have you rolling on it with comic songs like "Peein' in the Snow" and "The Miracle Cure." These albums are just the thing when you've maxed out on seriousness. And the "straight" tracks provide perfectly timed relief from the comic relief. Any album will do—they're all fun.

> **Flatout**  
>  1990 Third Wave (TWPCD003)  
>  _Sarah; Jesse Collins' Slipway; Flatout; Glory Be; Yodelling Song; The Bay Is My Home; Dragger Song; Devil's Own Hoof; Saltwater Joys; Seamus O'Brien; M'Auld Dudeen; Dear Mister Ford; Kitty Jones Reel; Rock Yourself on the Ocean; Row Boys Row; Peein' in the Snow 41:37_

> **The Miracle Cure!**  
>  1992 Third Wave (TWPCD005)  
>  _Goin' up with Brudder; Wattle Hill Turnoff; Miracle Cure; Banks of Island Pond; Little Ditty; Men of the Bay; Spring on the Island; Put a Bit of Powder on a Doo; Chainsaw Earle; Ladies in the Centre; Peggy Gordon; Carry Me Home to Me Granny's; Comforts of Home; Me Car; The Pits; Rum Ri Row 43:14_

> **100% Pure**  
>  1993 Third Wave (TWP006)  
>  _Make N' Break Hornpipe; Ogis Blogis Mogis; Shinny on the Ice; Thank God for Drugs; Technicolour Love; The Missus; Noises and Faces; Me and Bill; The Hillside in September; Hector's Tune; Fitted for the Helm; On the Government Wharf; By the Glow of the Kerosene Light; Take the Old Squeeze Box; On the Deep Blue Sea; Song for Newfoundland; Two Good Reasons; The 'Vette 52:52_

> **Salt Beef Junkie**  
>  1995 Third Wave (TWPCD 007)  
>  _Salt Beef Junkie; Uncle Tim's Two Stepper/Rock the Rodney; Still More Time to Go; The Light of the Western Stars; An Islander's Lament; A Hurtin' Song; Where Fishermen Used to Be; Is You 'Appy?; He's a Part of Me; Did You Hear Dis One?; My Inco Hat; Goodbye Old Friend, Goodbye; Da Yammie 51:20_

* * *

### Edith Butler

_French-Canadian; Acadian; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Acadian chanteuse Edith Butler, from Caraquet, New Brunswick, began her career as a French-Canadian folksinger playing coffeehouses and festivals in the early 60's. Drawing upon a repertoire of Acadian folksongs, she played the Mariposa Folk Festival in 1970 and began doing television shows, including a regular spot on the CBC program, _Singalong Jubilee_. Her early, folk, albums are out of print, with the exception of _L'Acadie S'Marie_ , which has been reissued on CD. Her popularity ultimately led her to abandon the folk genre as she began releasing pop material and disco-oriented party records. It is to be hoped that more of her traditional work will eventually be reissued.

> **L'Acadie S'Marie**  
>  1974?, reissued 1991 Sony (BUK 50076)  
>  _L'Acadie S'Marie; Le Dix d'Avril; Le Reve; Mon Ami; Je Voudrais Etre; Il m'Envoit a l'Ecole; Berceuse pour Emmanuel; On Parlera de Nous, Some Day 24:46_

> **É dith Butler**  
>  1990 Disques Kappa (KA-CD1990)  
>  _Dr ole d'Hiver; Un Million de Fois Je T'Aime; Certains Jours de Pluie; Matawila; Coeur Qui Danse; Cajuns de l'An 2000; Comme un Beluga; Ne Pleure Pas; Super Happening 35:19_

> **Tout un Party!**  
>  1992 Disques Star (STR-CD-8042)  
>  _Reels de Sherbrooke Et du Cordonnier/La Danse a St-Dilon/Poules Et Guenilles/Tout le Monde est Malheureux/Le Quadrille de Riviere-Du-Loup/Y Mouillera Pu Pan Toutte/Raspa; On N'a Pas Tous les Jours Vingt Ans/Voulez-Vous Danser Grand-Mere; Les Petits Coeurs; J'ai un Bouton sur la Langue/Ça Va Venir, Decouragez-Vous Pas/Le Petit Sauvage du Nord; La Bastringue; Son Voile Qui Volait; Vot'Ti Chien Madame; Paquetville; Jambalaya/Collinda/Aiko Aiko/l'Arbre est Dans Ses Feuilles/Diggy Diggy Lo; Rock Around the Clock/Blue Suede Shoes/Johnny B. Goode; Ma Mere Chantait Toujours; La Bamba; Faut Rigoler/Si Tu Vas a Rio/Un Ti Bo/l'Incendie a Rio; Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye 63:22_

* * *

## C

### Liam Callaghan & the Water of Life

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Liam Callaghan and the Water of Life are an Irish-Celtic band from Montreal. Their CD, _Crooked Jack_ , ranges from Pogues-like rockers to traditional-style reels like "Connaught Man's Ramble/Jenny's Chickens." The Water of Life is David Gossage, Thom Gossage, Bob Cussen, Christophe Comte, Bill Gossage, and Jenny Gilbert. David Gossage is also a member of Orealis.

> **Crooked Jack**  
>  1994 Allan Patrick (IWM-001)  
>  _Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore; Bangin' Away; Connaught Man's Ramble/Jenny's Chickens; Johnny All American; Married Molly; Kerry Reel; Drunk Again; Éamann an Chnoic; South Wind; Crooked Jack; Father O'Flynn/Morning Dew; Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood; Little Drummer; Christophe's G Tunes 49:35_

* * *

### John Allan Cameron

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

Maritimer John Allan Cameron is Canada's ambassador of folk music. A popular guest on Canadian and American television programs during the 1960's folk revival, and the host of his own television series during 1975-76, Cameron's friendly personality made him a household name among mainstream viewers. An interpreter of other people's songs, Cameron was among the first to record the songs of John Pryne, Eric Bogle, and Stan Rogers. Cameron received a "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 1995 East Coast Music Awards. A popularizer of Cape Breton music, Cameron has always delivered honest, workmanlike performances, though the pace of his playing is uncommonly slow.

Those who enjoy Cameron's style will want both _Wind Willow_ and _Classic John Allen Cameron_. Both are collections of old favourites, with a sprinkling of more contemporary pieces such as Gordon Lightfoot's "Sit Down Young Stranger," and Stan Rogers' "Mary Ellen Carter." _Classic John Allan, Vol. III_ is the third in a series of reissued recordings on CD. If you've collected volumes I and II you will probably want to complete the set. John Allan standards on this album include "Nova Scotia Farewell," "Streets of London," and "Song for the Mira." The playing on these CD's is serviceable if somewhat fusty.

_Glencoe Station_ (1996) marks a new direction in Cameron's music. A thoroughly modern recording, with excellent production values and excellent studio musicians, _Glencoe Station_ is easily the best John Allan Cameron recording yet released. Cameron's endemic slow pace is relieved by appearances from guest musicians such as Natalie MacMaster, J.P. Cormier, and Ashley MacIsaac.

> **Wind Willow**  
>  [no date] Margaree Sound (MSCD 9128)  
>  _The Ballad of St. Anne's Reel; Wind Willow; The Four Marys; Calin' Mo Ruinsa; Banks of Sicily; Flower of Scotland; Mary Ellen Carter; Sit Down Young Stranger; Molly Bond; Liberty 39:02_

> **Classic John Allen Cameron, Vol. I & II**  
>  [no date] Margaree Sound (MSCD 9231)  
>  _Sound the Pibroch; Mingulay Boat Song; Butterfingers Medley; Fisherman's Song; Mary Mac; Free Born Man; Broom O'Cowdenknowes; Fiddle Medley; Gaelic Songs; Make and Break Harbour; And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda; The Lord of the Dance; Mrs. Hamilton and the Dominion Reel; The Minstrel of Cranberry Lane; Birds of Joy; Banks of Sicily; Trip to Mabou Ridge; I Can't Tell You; Please Don't Bury Me; Elizabeth Lindsey; Maggie Brown; The Four Marys 66:46_

> **Classic John Allan Vol. III**  
>  [no date] Margaree Sound (02-50444)  
>  _Don't Make the Same Mistake; Golden Ribbon; The Miner's Song; Tie Me Down; Looking Back; Nova Scotia Farewell; Streets of London; The Patriot Game; Dirty Old Man; Planxty Johnson; Song for the Mira; The Mist Covered Mountains of Home 37:44_

> **Glencoe Station**  
>  1996 Duckworth (02 77657 50549 21)  
>  _Getting Dark Again; The Parlour Session; Saban the Woodfitter; My Cape Breton Shore; Emigrant Eyes; Islanders; The Miner's Song; Roving Gypsy Boy; Heading for Halifax; Evangeline; The Kitchen Session 42:43_

* * *

### Moira Cameron

_Traditional_

The liner notes to _One Evening As I Rambled ... A Collection Of Traditional Songs, Stories, and Tunes_ provide very little information about Moira Cameron other than that she hails from Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories and that she specializes in traditional music. The album itself is riveting. Whether Cameron is playing recorder, bowed psaltery, Appalachian dulcimer, or singing traditional songs with or without accompaniment, this is a splendid album for those who love the traditional repertoire. Moira Cameron is the daughter of the late Stu Cameron, one of the founding members of Friends of Fiddler's Green.

_Lilies Among the Bushes_ (1998) is Cameron's second solo album (she is also a member of the Yellowknife group Ceilidh Friends). Continuing her exploration of the traditional folk repertoire, the album includes songs seldom recorded these days, such as "Crafty Maid's Policy," "Elfin Night," "Jock O'Hazeldean," and "Willie of Winsbury." There are also two modern entries—"Martha" by MacQuarrie and Gilday and "Grit's Tune" by Grit Laskin and Moira Cameron. The combination of Child ballads, a cappella singing, Appalachian and hammered dulcimers, autoharp, recorders and backup vocals from Ceilidh Friends makes this a good purchase for anyone who loves traditional music.

> **One Evening As I Rambled**  
>  [no date] Moira Cameron (MKC3968)  
>  _Ronde/Gavotte; Outlandish Knight; Banks of Primroses; Shepherd's Song; Morgan Megan; Banks of Airdire-O; Bransle de Champaigne; Johnny Be Fair; Drimindown; Reynardine/Mr. Fox; Gathering Peascods 42:59_

> **Lilies Among the Bushes**  
>  1997 Moira Cameron (MKC-97)  
>  _Crafty Maid's Policy; Elfin Knight; Martha; Barbara Allen; Brown Girl; Jenny Lind Polka/Halting March; Jock O'Hazeldean; Daemon Lover; Love Henry; Lady Diamond; Willie of Winsbury; Well Below the Valley; Grit's Tune; Bold William Taylor; Tarry Trousers; Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy 58:55_

* * *

### Bill Candy

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario singer-songwriter and talented guitarist Bill Candy is a folk/pop artist with a James Taylor-like, laid-back delivery and mixed styles that range from folk to swing to pop. A well-produced album, _Closer to the Music_ features Candy's smooth vocals on songs like "My Rainbow," "Closer to the Music," "Peace of Mind," "Too Full To Boogie," and "The Fat Cat Blues."

> **Closer to the Music**  
>  1994 Mill Street (BCCD-1)  
>  _My Rainbow; The Dough's on the Rise; Closer to the Music; Peace of Mind; Too Full to Boogie; There's Magic Tonight; I'm on a Roll; I Can't Say That It's True; The Fat Cat Blues; Baby You Mean So Much; Darling You Can Talk to Me 39:55_

* * *

### Cape Breton Chorale

_Traditional; Contemporary; Choral_

The Cape Breton Chorale is a mixed chorus of fifty-five voices. Founded in Sydney, Nova Scotia, in 1973, it includes members from many communities in Cape Breton. Their album, _Songs of Atlantic Canada_ , is more tightly focused on music of the region than are the albums of similar Maritimes choral groups. In addition to two Rita MacNeil songs—"Home I'll Be" and "Working Man"—the Chorale performs a traditional song collected by folklorist Helen Creighton, "The Hills and Glens" and Kenzie MacNeil's "The Island." Those who enjoy choral performances of folk music will enjoy this album.

> **Songs of Atlantic Canada**  
>  1991 Cape Breton Chorale (D91-2)  
>  _The Dashing White Sergeant; Cape Breton Lullaby; The Hills and Glens; She's Called Nova Scotia; The Road to the Isles; Song of Cape Breton; Home I'll Be; Feller from Fortune; Away from the Roll of the Sea; Working Man; A Great Big Sea; Song for the Mira; The Island 42:54_

* * *

### Cape Breton Summertime Revue

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Humour_

Each year since the early 1980's, the Summertime Productions Society has staged a concert in Halifax called the Cape Breton Summertime Revue. In a program of singing, instrumentals, and comedy, the revue features regulars plus a changing cast of invited artists. Fiddle fans, for instance, will find some wonderful tracks by Natalie MacMaster and the late, extremely talented Tara Lynne Tousenard. The mixed, eclectic albums are treasure chests waiting to be explored.

> **Cape Breton Summertime Revue 1991**  
>  1991 Summertime Productions (SPC-9101)  
>  _Spey in Spate/The Fourth Bridge/The Fox Hunter (MacMaster, Natalie); When Angels Brush Their Hair (MacDonald, Max); From Here to There (Mason, Doris); The Country's Got the Blues (Minglewood, Matt); Trust Fund (Morrison, Maynard); Strathlorne (Mason, Doris;Minglewood, Matt); Blackberry Blossom/The Red Haired Lady/Paddy O'Brien's/The Dawn (MacMaster, Natalie); Summer by the Sea (Mason, Doris); Ninja Tories (MacDonald, Max); From Father to Son (Minglewood, Matt); Wind Song (Lavery, Fred); Good Dear Good (MacDonald, Bette); Song for Peace; Strathspey/Paddy on the Turnpike/ Neil's Reel (MacMaster, Natalie); Home in My Harbour (MacDonald, Max) 55:59_

> **Cape Breton Summertime Revue 1992**  
>  1992 Summertime Productions (SPSCD-9201)  
>  _Let the Music Begin; Christy Campbell/Wissahickon Drive/The Springer (Tousenard, Tara Lynne); Bras d'Or (MacDonald, Max); Feed the Fire (Mason, Doris); Chet Frettin' (Lavery, Fred); Stop Knocking the Cape (MacDonald, Max;Morrison, Maynard); As Don Goes by (Mason, Doris); Piper's Lament (MacDonald, Bette); Four Marys; Remember the Miner (Burke, Richard); Ashokan Farewell/Sweep's Hornpipe/Molly Rankin's Reel/Donegal Reel/Cape Breton Welcome to the Shetland Islands (Tousenard, Tara Lynne); 3000 Miles (Mason, Doris); Song for Cape Breton (Tic's Song); Constitution Breakdown/Big John MacNeil (Tousenard, Tara Lynne); Rural Dignity (Burke, Richard); Said It with a Bongo (Morrison, Maynard); Miss MacLeod's Reel/Brenda Stubbert's Reel (Tousenard, Tara Lynne); You Never Get Away (MacDonald, Max); Only Mulroney (MacDonald, Bette); Some Summer/Crossing the Causeway/MacDonald's Reel/Sea People/Go Off on Your Way/Song for the Mira/Along the Shores of Cape Breton/St. Anne's Reel/As the Circle Continues 60:41_

> **Cape Breton Summertime Revue 1993**  
>  1993 Summertime Productions (SPSCD-9301)  
>  _Til Daylight Comes/The Marchioness of Huntley/Miss Maules Strathspey/Sandy MacIntyre's Trip to Boston/Andy Renwick's Ferret; Cheticamp Sky (MacDonald, Max); Let's Bring Back the Railroad; Cruel One (Burke, Richard); Brand New Day (Mason, Doris;Morrison, Maynard); No Way Nanette (MacDonald, Bette); Fiddler's Bow (MacDonald, Bette); Space Available March/Cornelia's Reel; The Coal Tones; Rollin' on the Sea (Burke, Richard); Owen's Clog/Triplet Clog/Barra Falls Hornpipe/Mike and Marlene's Reel; She Can't Help It (Mason, Doris); Placebo Dominion (Burke, Richard); Tiny Boats (MacDonald, Max); Decisions, Decisions/The Way It Is?/Over the Fence/Mass Appeal 71:53_

> **Cape Breton Summertime Revue 1994**  
>  1994 Summertime Productions (SPSCD-9401)  
>  _Lord and Lady/John MacCormick's Jig/Run in the Nylon Jig/William Norbert's Reel/Sheehan's Reel/Mrs. MacLeod's Reel; Songs of Home (Burke, Richard); Come a Ki Yi Yippie Yippie Yea (MacDonald, Max); Oh Love (Mason, Doris); The Skinner Medley (MacDonald, Shawn;Tousenard, Krista); Driver McIvor (Morrison, Maynard); Happy Birthday Rita; Tara's Melody/Let's Never Say Farewell/MacKinnon's March/Tara Lynne Tousenard's Reel/Swinging on the Gaetz (Tousenard, Krista); The Coal Tones; Mood for Mira (Burke, Richard); From a Rocking Chair (MacDonald, Max;Mason, Doris); Underneath the Sun; Hangman's Reel (MacDonald, Shawn); Make and Break Harbour; Toe the Line/You're on the Air/A Stitch in Time/John Who?/The Way It Is 75:24_

* * *

### Captain Tractor

_Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

Edmonton's Captain Tractor is an energetic Celtic band reminiscent of early Spirit of the West. With rocked up arrangements, combined with a sprinkling of mandolin, banjo, harmonica, penny whistle, and twelve-string guitar among the electric guitars and drums, the band could play any Celtic pub in the country. Two bouncy folksongs, the traditional "Jug O' Punch" and Wade Hemsworth's "The Logdriver's Waltz" close out the group's slightly frenetic debut album, _Land_ (1994). Captain Tractor is Brock Armstrong, Aimée Hill, Jules Mounteer, Scott Peters, Jeff Smook, and Chris Wynters.

_East of Eden_ (1996) continues with the same driving energy and an even tighter, more integrated sound. Captain Tractor has emerged as one of the best Celtic rock bands in Canada, presenting a mix of original material and covers. The best cuts on the album are the covers: "Drunken Sailor," "The Last Saskatchewan Pirate," and "Lord of the Dance."

> **Land**  
>  1994 Captain Tractor (RCD 219)  
>  _Pitcairn Island; Not in This Town; This Is Not a Sad Song; Sound Strange; Give It Back, My Heart; Ghost Riders; Fish; Ministry; Mmm Donut; The Rose Bowl Song; The Road Ahead; Hold Me; 400X; Jug O' Punch; The Logdriver's Waltz 55:35_

> **East of Eden**  
>  1995 Captain Tractor (RCD 219A)  
>  _Up the Hill; Drunken Sailor; Free Yo'Self; Who's the Dumb One; West Coast Rain; The Last Saskatchewan Pirate; Lord of the Dance; Talk; London Calling; Lonely Inanimate; Through the Forest; Jesus and the Thieves 46:35_

* * *

### Ceilidh Friends

_Traditional; Contemporary; Christmas; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Ceilidh Friends emerged as a group of four musicians who met at house ceilidhs to sing and tell stories. Discovering that they had a lot in common, musically, they began practising and soon were performing at events such as the northern folk festivals: Folk on the Rocks, Midway Lake Music Festival, and The Great Northern Music and Arts Festival in Inuvik. They also hosted the annual CBC North radio Christmas Ceilidh for five years.

The members of Ceilidh Friends are Moria Cameron, Steve Goff, Dawn Lacey and Steve Lacey. Cameron was born in Toronto to a musical family. She lists as her major influences Frankie Armstrong, Louis Killen and Ewan MacColl. Steve Goff, born and raised in London, England, began as a rock musician before turning to folk and blues. He plays anything from classical to jazz, folk, and blues. Dawn Lacey grew up on the Canadian prairies. She was influenced by Buffy Sainte-Marie, Connie Kaldor, Paddy Tutty and her brother, singer-songwriter Norman Walker. Steve Lacey, born in England, was raised in Saskatchewan. He considers his greatest influences to be the music of Stan Rogers and Gordon Lightfoot.

Ceilidh Friends perform traditional, modern, and Northern songs on _Yellowknife Evening_ (1994). Combining voice with instruments like guitar, recorder, Appalachian dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, bodhran, spoons, and moose bones, the album is a treat for those who enjoy traditional music, instrumentation, and homespun vocals. _The Spirit of Giving_ (1997) is a Yuletide celebration featuring a mix of traditional favourites such as "The Holly and the Ivy" alongside newer, folksy material like Allan Bell's "Bread and Fishes."

> **Yellowknife Evening**  
>  1994 Ceilidh Friends (MDS-2)  
>  _Calling-On Song/The Red-Haired Boy/The Battle of Aughrim/The Great Orange Whale; Farewell to Tarwathie; Daddy Fox; Farewell to Canada; Yellowknife Evening; The Prairie Pagans; Catch Round the Table; The Female Drummer; She's like the Swallow/Memory; The Cutty Wren; The World Turned Upside Down, Part 2; Mingulay Boat Song 40:37_

> **The Spirit of Giving**  
>  1997 Ceilidh Friends (CF2)  
>  _Wassail Round; The Holly and the Ivy; Orkney Wassail; The Spirit of Giving; Because All Men Are Brothers; Winter Jazz; Yorkshire Wassail; Christmas Is Coming; Bread and Fishes; Cherry Tree Carol; Boar's Head Carol; Gaudete; Coventry Carol; A-Soalin'; Please To See the King 41:34_

* * *

### Chaisson Family

_Fiddle_

On _The Road to Rollo Bay_ the Chaisson Family of Prince Edward Island features fiddler Melanie Chaisson on the first half of the album and fiddler Peter Chaisson on the second half. Accompanying both is Kevin Chaisson on piano and guitar. The Chaissons play traditional and contemporary fiddle music with flair and delight. This is a fiddle album in the best tradition of fiddle albums—a fiddle lover's delight.

> **Road to Rollo Bay**  
>  1995 Chaisson Family (PKMMCD-17)  
>  _Far from Home Reel/Cairen Tourish Reel/Molly Rankin Reel; Mary Hughes' Jig/Connaught Man's Ramble/Dan Collins' Father's Jig; If Ever You Were Mine/Moxam Castle/Lad O'Byrne Reel/Willow Tree; Glencoe March/The Laddie with the Pladdie/Jenny Dang the Weaver's Reel/Garfield Vale Reel; Jackson Trip to Augh Rim Jig/Bear River Jig/Cronin's Favourite Jig; Ashokan Farewell/Willie Kennedy Strathsay/David White Reel/Dan J. Campbell Tune/The Lassie's Stewarton; Lord MacDonald's Reel/Names Escape Me Reel/Kyle's Reel/Steak Caper Reel; New Waterford Jig/Dowgal Creature Jig/Jig/Tea Garden Jig/Great Mystery Jig; Rothiemureus Rant/Raes of Auchtertyre Reel/Caper Feidit Reel/Bonnie Lass of Fisher Row Reel/Bird's Nest Reel; Sterlingshire Militia March/Reel/Johnny Cope Reel; Elizabeth's Jig/Andrea and Allison's Jig/Jig/Blanche Sophocleous Jig/The Murkin O'Geardie's Byre Jig; Miss Wallace Reel/Red Shoes Reel/Picnic Reel/Durang's Hornpipe 59:48_

* * *

### Don Chambers

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Victoria singer-songwriter Don Chambers has put together a solid debut album with _Free Falling_ , a collection featuring songs like "Sing River Sing," inspired by a canoe trip, "One by One," written for a peace rally, "Georgia," dedicated to a faltering pet dog, and "Free Falling," inspired by involvement in preserving old growth forest. Chambers' pleasant voice and uncluttered acoustic guitar arrangements make this a very enjoyable folk recording from an emerging songwriter. _Free Falling_ was produced by Allen des Noyers.

> **Free Falling**  
>  1993 Olive House (no catalogue number)  
>  _Sing River Sing; One by One; God, Gold and Glory; Sound of Waves; Georgia; Half Way Along; The Return; Free Falling; Curious Place Called Home 43:50_

* * *

### Al Cherny

_Fiddle_

A regular on the venerated _Don Messer Jubilee_ and _Tommy Hunter_ TV shows, Al Cherny, née Chernywech, born in Medicine Hat, Alberta in 1932, was a splendid fiddler who shifted from style to style with ease. In addition to winning most of the fiddle championships in Canada, he was also a highly-regarded studio musician who recorded for Sylvia Tyson, Jesse Winchester, and others in the 1970's. Cherny died in 1987. The PolyTel compact disc— _A Tribute to Al Cherny_ —captures a fine sampling of the spectrum of Cherny's adroit playing. It's a pity the disc contains no liner notes to provide more information on this accomplished, polished musician.

> **A Tribute to Al Cherny**  
>  1989 PolyTel (841215 2)  
>  _Alabama Jubilee/Down Yonder/Turkey in the Straw; Old Joe Clark/Golden Slippers/Boil Them Cabbage Down; Rubber Dolly/Maple Sugar; Spanish Two-Step/Little Home in West Virginia; Orange Blossom Special; Maiden's Prayer/Faded Love/San Antonio Rose; Golden Wedding Waltz/Blue Skirt Waltz; Life in the Finland Woods/Westphalia Waltz; Cold, Cold Heart/Your Cheatin' Heart; Last Date/Sleep Walk; Perdido; In the Mood; Tennessee Waltz/Fascination/Anniversary Waltz; Melody of Love; Anniversary Song; French Minuet; Al's Seven Step; Happy Hours Schottische; Shannon Waltz/Let Me Call You Sweetheart; Road to the Isles/Scotland the Brave; Irish Washerwoman/McNamara's Band; Beer Barrel Polka/Wedding Polka; Heel and Toe Polka; Clarinet Polka; Butterfly; Bird Dance; Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White/Yellow Bird/Never on Sunday; Dark Eyes/Spanish Eyes; Autumn Leaves 73:38_

* * *

### Cindy Church

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

Cindy Church's voice has been gracing the airways for years as the backup vocalist for Ian Tyson and, more recently, as a member of the supergroup _Quartette_. Her first solo album, _Love on the Range_ , highlights her outstanding vocals in a set of country/western songs that include some Church originals such as "Road To Home," "Cowgirl's Lullaby," and "Tonight He's Mine."

On _Just A Little Rain_ Church steps forward with her second solo recording and it's a dandy. With material that spans country, western, folk, honky tonk, and blues, Church displays an impressive versatility. _Just a Little Rain_ is a more confident, polished recording than her 1994 album, _Love on the Range_.

Backed as usual by husband and fellow musician Nathan Tinkham on guitars as well as a number of top-rate studio musicians (including a guest appearance by Amos Garrett) Church's soft, intimate, expressive voice ranges through songs by the likes of Tim Williams, Nathan Tinkham, Roy Forbes, Chris Whiteley, Shirley Eikhard, not to mention two fine co-written originals. Church's many fans will find this album a delightful offering from an ever-maturing, major talent.

> **Love on the Range**  
>  1994 Stony Plain (SPCD 1194)  
>  _Rockabilly Heart; Road to Home; Old Fashioned Love; My Wishing Room; Walking the Dog; Cowgirl's Lullaby; Love on the Range; This October Day; Tonight He's Mine; Maybe We Should Stay Strangers; I Thought We Were Falling in Love; Ride Cowboy Ride 35:57_

> **Just a Little Rain**  
>  1995 Stony Plain (SPCD 1209)  
>  _Trying to Rope the Wind; Ste. Anne de Bellevue; Fall in the Foothills; Still a Fool; I Gotta Have My Baby Back; Haunted Honky Tonk; Never Got Over You; Tired of Having You Gone; Warrior in These Days; Sleeping Alone; Radiates; It's Just a Little Rain 38:09_

* * *

### Clancy, Evans & Doherty

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

In an unusual collaboration, Ireland's Liam Clancy, a member of the original Clancy Brothers, joins Canadian duo Kevin Evans and Brian Doherty on _Shine on Brighter_ (1996). The album is a selection of Canadian folk songs drawn primarily from the Maritimes with a few folk classics such as Ian Tyson's "Four Strong Winds," Stan Rogers' "Make and Break Harbour," Wade Hemsworth "Blackfly Song," Lennie Gallant's "Nellie J. Banks," and the traditional "Farewell to Nova Scotia." The album also includes two Evans originals. Although the album breaks no new ground it is a pleasant collection. The most notable track is the trio's unusual interpretation of "Farewell to Nova Scotia," usually taken at Indy 500 speed. Instead they have slowed it down into a sensitive anthem, a very effective treatment.

> **Shine on Brighter**  
>  1996 Popular (PR2 3073)  
>  _Nellie J. Banks; Four Strong Winds; Shine On Brighter; The Tavern; Early Morning Rain; Farewell to Nova Scotia; Peter Emberly; Someone Who Loves Ya; Make and Break Harbour; Black Flies; Tickle Cove Pond; Sonny's Dream 51:39_

* * *

### Cobbler's Apron

_Traditional; Celtic_

Cobbler's Apron is a "neighbourhood" band—one of those groups in which the members all have day jobs and get together to play together at local events. Based in Tiverton, Ontario, the band was formed by a group of local musicians. That some of the founding members are originally from Scotland accounts for the title of their debut album, _Highland Spirit_. They cover a broad spectrum of pub favourites and do so with good voices, good arrangements, decent instrumentation, and a high sense of fun. Although they have not written any original material, they're the kind of group you'd enjoy seeing at a nearby performance. Familiar music enjoyable performed.

> **Highland Spirit**  
>  1995 LP Music (LP-5237-CD)  
>  _Ballad of St. Anne's Reel; Yellow on the Broom; Drunken Sailor/Sinnerman; When I Was a Lad; Skye Boat Song; Rambles of Spring; Mingulay Boat Song; Misty Mountain Lady; Big Strong Man; Maggie; All God's Creatures; Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen; Nancy Whiskey (Carlton Weaver); Maids When You're Young; Whistling Gypsy 55:38_

* * *

### Bruce Cockburn

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter; Christmas_

A diverse artist with thirteen gold and three platinum records in Canada, ten Juno Awards, a Porcupine Hall of Fame Award, a Golden Porcupine Award and, in 1998, the Governor General's Award for Performing Arts, Toronto singer-songwriter and exemplary musician Bruce Cockburn (pronounced _co-burn_ ) came to fame as the 1960's folk revival was drawing to a close. While the 60's were clearly among Cockburn's formative influences, Cockburn has never been stuck in any particular musical style, roaming freely through acoustic and electric musical landscapes. Cockburn began his career as a folkie, moving into a precursor of New Age during the mid 70's with meditational types of albums. Later he caught fire with electric instruments and hard lyrics that propelled him into rock mode. Most recently he has synthesized his various periods into a new kind of folk/rock.

Most of Cockburn's early albums have been reissued on CD. _Bruce Cockburn_ (1970) includes "Going to the Country"—a song that became an anthem on folk radio. _High Winds White Sky_ (1971) starts off with the catchy ramble "Happy Good Morning Blues." _Sunwheel Dance_ (1972) provides additional vintage Cockburn. The album's highlights include "My Lady and My Lord," "Up on a Hillside", and "Dialogue with The Devil." _Night Vision_ (1973), perhaps Cockburn's best-known early album, starts off with four classic tracks: "Foxglove," "You Don't Have to Play The Horses," "The Blues Got the World," and "Mama Just Wants to Barrelhouse All Night Long." _Salt, Sun and Time_ (1974) opens with the classic "All the Diamonds In the World" followed by the elegant "Salt, Sun and Time." These early Cockburn albums rank among the finest contemporary Canadian folk recordings.

Beginning with _Joy Will Find a Way_ (1975), Cockburn moved into a meditational genre, which he continues on _In the Falling Dark_ (1976). The 1979 release, _Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws_ moves Cockburn into a more electric mode. The album produced the hit single "Wondering Where the Lions Are." The 1980 _Humans_ reveals a stronger political/social-issue orientation. With _Inner City Front_ (1981), Cockburn's transition to electric instrumentation and folk/rock is fully complete.

As Cockburn worked further into the 80's with his 1983 release, _The Trouble with Normal_ , it becomes difficult to describe Cockburn's music as folk/rock. By this point he is a solid rocker except for occasional soft spots in his track listings where the introspective Cockburn peeks out from time to time. _Stealing Fire_ (1984) continues this trend, as does _World of Wonders_ (1985). The 1987 retrospective collection, _Waiting for a Miracle_ , is a two-CD boxed set that covers Cockburn singles from 1970-1987. The collection also features songs from as-yet non-reissued albums— _Circles in the Stream_ (1977), _Further Adventures Of_ (1978), and _Mummy Dust_ (1981). For anyone who enjoys both the acoustic and electric phases of Cockburn's work, this set is a particularly good buy.

_Big Circumstance_ (1988) continues the exploration of political/social/environmental themes in a rock style. The high-energy 1990 _Live_ recording presents Cockburn on stage. _Nothing but a Burning Light_ (1991), shows another turn in Cockburn's music. The electric instrumentation is still present, but it's more subtle.

_Christmas_ , released in 1993, was unexpected. The selections are inspired and Cockburn, playing primarily acoustic instrumentation, does justice to all of them. If you enjoy Christmas music done in a folk style, this album is very satisfying. _Dart to the Heart_ , from 1994, picks up where _Nothing but a Burning Light_ left off. It starts off with a rocker, "Listen for the Laugh," then settles into a mix of more personal and introspective material. There's a return to acoustic instrumentation on many of the tracks. The result is a highly satisfying album.

_The Charity of Night_ (1998) marks another turn in Cockburn's music, with Cockburn taking a hand at production. Working with Colin Linden as co-producer, Cockburn has produced one of his most remarkable albums yet, with a finely crafted contemporary sound enveloping arresting, visceral lyrics. The acoustic, finger-picking track "Pacing the Cage" is vintage Cockburn songwriting while "Mistress of Storms" is an engaging guitar/vibes duet between Cockburn and vibraphonist Gary Burton. Other artists on this fine album include Rob Wasserman, bass; Colin Linden, mandolin; Bonnie Raitt, slide guitar; and Ani DiFranco, Jonatha Brooke, Maria Muldaur and Patti Larkin, backup vocals. Cockburn fans will want this one.

> **Bruce Cockburn**  
>  1970 True North (TNBD 0001)  
>  _Going to the Country; Thoughts on a Rainy Afternoon; Together Alone; The Bicycle Trip; The Thirteenth Mountain; Musical Friends; Change Your Mind; Man of a Thousand Faces; Spring Song; Keep It Open 37:09_

> **High Winds White Sky**  
>  1971 True North (WTNK 3)  
>  _Happy Good Morning Blues; Let Us Go Laughing; Love Song; One Day I Walk; Golden Serpent Blues; High Winds White Sky; You Point to the Sky; Life's Mistress; Ting—The Cauldron; Shining Mountain 38:41_

> **Sunwheel Dance**  
>  1971 True North (WTNK 7)  
>  _My Lady and My Lord; Feet Fall on the Road; Fall; Sunwheel Dance; Up on the Hillside; Life Will Open; It's Going Down Slow; When the Sun Falls; He Came from the Mountain; Dialogue with the Devil (Or "Why Don't We Celebrate''); For the Birds 34:48_

> **Night Vision**  
>  1973 True North (TNK-11)  
>  _Foxglove; You Don't Have to Play the Horses; The Blues Got the World...; Mama Just Wants to Barrelhouse All Night Long; Islands in a Black Sky; Clocks Don't Bring Tomorrow—Knives Don't Bring Good News; When the Sun Goes Nova; Déjà Vu; Lightstorm; God Bless the Children 41:04_

> **Salt, Sun and Time**  
>  1974 True North (WTNK 16)  
>  _All the Diamonds in the World; Salt, Sun and Time; Don't Have to Tell You Why; Stained Glass; Rouler Sa Bosse; Never So Free; Seeds on the Wind; It Won't Be Long; Christmas Song 36:17_

> **Joy Will Find a Way**  
>  1975 True North (WTNK 23)  
>  _Hand-Dancing; January in the Halifax Airport Lounge; Starwheel; Lament for the Last Days; Joy Will Find a Way (A Song About Dying); Burn; Skylarking; A Long-Time-Love Song; A Life Story; Arrows of Light 43:16_

> **In the Falling Dark**  
>  1976 True North (WTNK-26)  
>  _Lord of the Starfields; Vagabondage; In the Falling Dark; Little Sea Horse; Water into Wine; Silver Wheels; Giftbearer; Gavin's Woodpile; I'm Gonna Fly Someday; Festival of Friends 49:02_

> **Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws**  
>  1979 True North (WTNK 37)  
>  _Creation Dream; Hills of Morning; Badlands Flashback; Northern Lights; After the Rain; Wondering Where the Lions Are; Incandescent Blue; No Footprints 37:23_

> **Humans**  
>  1980 True North (WTNK-42)  
>  _Grim Travellers; Rumours of Glory; More Not More; You Get Bigger As You Go; What About the Bond; How I Spent My Fall Vacation; Guerilla Betrayed; Tokyo; Fascist Architecture; The Rose Above the Sky 43:31_

> **Inner City Front**  
>  1981 True North (TNK-47)  
>  _You Pay Your Money and You Take Your Chances; The Strong One; All's Quiet on the Inner City Front; Radio Shoes; Wanna Go Walking; And We Dance; Justice; Broken Wheel; Loner 45:20_

> **The Trouble with Normal**  
>  1983 True North (WTNK-53)  
>  _The Trouble with Normal; Candy Man's Gone; Hoop Dancer; Waiting for the Moon; Tropic Moon; Going up Against Chaos; Put Our Hearts Together; Civilization and Its Discontents; Planet of the Clowns 42:04_

> **Stealing Fire**  
>  1984 True North (VTNK 57)  
>  _Lovers in a Dangerous Time; Maybe the Poet; Sahara Gold; Making Contact; Peggy's Kitchen Wall; To Raise the Morning Star; Nicaragua; If I Had a Rocket Launcher; Dust and Diesel 42:12_

> **World of Wonders**  
>  1985 True North (VTNK 66)  
>  _Call It Democracy; Lily of the Midnight Sky; World of Wonders; Berlin Tonight; People See Through You; See How I Miss You; Santiago Dawn; Dancing in Paradise; Down Here Tonight 44:09_

> **Waiting for a Miracle: Singles 1970-1987**  
>  1987 True North (TN2K-67)  
>  _**CD1:** Going to the Country; Musical Friends; One Day I Walk; It's Going Down Slow; Up on This Hillside; Feet Fall on the Road; Mama Just Wants to Barrelhouse All Night Long; All the Diamonds; Burn; Silver Wheels; I'm Gonna Fly Someday; Vagabondage; Free to Be; Laughter; Wondering Where the Lions Are; Tokyo; Fascist Architecture; The Trouble with Normal 65:41_

> _**CD2:** Rumours of Glory; The Coldest Night of the Year; Wanna Go Walking; You Pay Your Money and You Take Your Chance; Tropic Moon; Candy Man's Gone; Lovers in a Dangerous Time; If I Had a Rocket Launcher; Making Contact; Peggy's Kitchen Wall; People See Through You; Call It Democracy; See How I Miss You; Stolen Land; Waiting for a Miracle 63:28_

> **Big Circumstance**  
>  1988 True North (TNK-70)  
>  _If a Tree Falls; Shipwrecked at the Stable Door; Gospel of Bondage; Don't Feel Your Touch; Tibetan Side of Town; Understanding Nothing; Where the Death Squad Lives; Radium Rain; Pangs of Love; The Gift; Anything Can Happen 61:17_

> **Live**  
>  1990 True North (TNK-73)  
>  _Silver Wheels; World of Wonders; Rumours of Glory; See How I Miss You; After the Rain; Call It Democracy; Tibetan Side of Town; Wondering Where the Lions Are; Nicaragua; Broken Wheel; Stolen Land; To Raise the Morning Star; Maybe the Poet; Always Look on the Bright Side of Life 69:47_

> **Nothing but a Burning Light**  
>  1991 True North (TNK 77)  
>  _A Dream like Mine; Kit Carson; Mighty Trucks of Midnight; Soul of a Man; Great Big Love; One of the Best Ones; Somebody Touched Me; Cry of a Tiny Babe; Actions Speak Louder; Indian Wars; When It's Gone, It's Gone; Child of the Wind 60:23_

> **Christmas**  
>  1993 True North (TNK 83)  
>  _Adeste Fidelis; Early on One Christmas Morn; O Little Town of Bethlehem; Riu Riu Chiu; I Saw Three Ships; Down in Yon Forest; Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes; Got Tell It on the Mountain; Shepherds; Silent Night; Iesus Ahatonnia (The Huron Carol); God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen; It Came Upon the Midnight Clear; Mary Had a Baby; Joy to the World 57:31_

> **Dart to the Heart**  
>  1994 True North (TNK 82)  
>  _Listen for the Laugh; All the Ways I Want You; Bone in My Ear; Burden of the Angel/Beast; Scanning These Crowds; Southland of the Heart; Train in the Rain; Someone I Used to Love; Love Loves You Too; Sunrise on the Mississippi; Closer to the Light; Tie Me at the Crossroads 49:04_

> **The Charity of Night**  
>  1996 True North (TNSD 0150)  
>  _Night Train; Get Up Jonah; Pacing the Cage; Mistress of Storms; The Whole Night Sky; The Coming Rains; Birmingham Shadows; The Mines of Mozambique; Live on My Mind; The Charity of Night; Strange Waters 67:33_

* * *

### Eddie Coffey

_Traditional; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Eddie Coffey, who now resides in Toronto, is an ex-Maritimer who has worked as a miner and a fisherman. As a performer who accompanies himself on accordion, his old-style country delivery has the ring of authority when he sings favourites from the East Coast repertoire. Coffey is also a songwriter, having penned tunes like "Where Have The Little Boats Gone?" "Cape St. Mary's Shore," "Spencil Hill," and "Shamrock Shore." Fans who like old-time country music will enjoy _Come Closer Eastcoaster_.

> **Come Closer Eastcoaster**  
>  [no date] Heritage (HCD-4408)  
>  _Where Have the Little Boats Gone?; Cape St. Mary's Shore; Wild Mountain Thyme; Farewell to Nova Scotia; Spencil Hill; With Me Rubber Boots On; My Sweet Forget Me Not; Sonny's Dream; A Mother's Love Is a Blessing; Cec McEachern's Overture; Come Closer Eastcoaster; Nobody's Child; Shamrock Shore; Saltwater Cowboy; Fiddler's Green; Kelly's Mountain; Tiny Red Light; When We Were Sweet Sixteen; Black Velvet Band; Jack Delaney's Brew 63:56_

* * *

### Leonard Cohen

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Montreal poet Leonard Cohen, a member of the Juno Hall of Fame, has maintained an amazingly durable and long career as a recording artist. Like Bob Dylan, Cohen is a cult figure and cultural icon. His early poetry and songs are indelibly linked to the 1960's folk revival where his "Suzanne," "Sisters of Mercy," and "Bird on the Wire" became staples of the folk repertoire. Although Cohen defies easy classification, his early albums feature songs delivered in a folk style that relies on simple acoustic guitar, augmented at times with orchestral strings. Cohen is an original. His _épater les bourgeois_ pose and seeming disregard for how he sounds is part of his attraction to his followers. In the main, however, it's Cohen's poetry that has made him so enduring. Cohen's early albums represent his freshest and most listenable work. His 1968 debut album, _Songs Of Leonard Cohen_ , is a classic that should be on the shelf of every collection of Canadian folk music. It includes one excellent song after another, including "Suzanne," "Sisters of Mercy," "So Long, Marianne," and "Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye." The 1969 _Songs From a Room_ contains material such as "Bird on the Wire," "Story Of Isaac," and "The Partisan." _Songs of Love and Hate_ , 1970, features "Dress Rehearsal Rag," "Famous Blue Raincoat," and "Joan Of Arc."

_New Skin for Old Ceremonies_ , released in 1974, marks a turn in Cohen's writing. He begins to rely on repetitious choruses, à la rock music, rather than the tight phrasing of his earlier work. He also begins to play on his public image rather than listening to the inner muse that made his earlier albums so special. _The Best Of Leonard Cohen_ , a 1975 collection of many of the best songs, from his early albums is an excellent purchase. The 1977 _Death of A Ladies' Man_ continues the slide into indulgence that surfaced on _New Skin_. The 1979 release of _Recent Songs_ shows a return to the kind of writing Cohen was doing on his early albums. With the exception of the bizarre "Lost Canadian," the album features Cohen back in strength. "The Guests," "Came So Far for Beauty," and "Ballad of the Absent Mare" are among the album's highlights. The addition of Jennifer Warnes on backup vocals is another bonus. _Various Positions_ , released in 1984, continues the successful merger of good lyrics and Jennifer Warnes backup vocals.

_I'm Your Man_ , released in 1988, includes the well-known Cohen songs "First We Take Manhattan" and "Ain't No Cure for Love." The pop-music production suits the songs. This is Cohen gone into a rock-video phase. _The Futures_ , 1992, continues in the same vein, but the songs are less interesting, with Cohen sounding like a parody of himself. It's his singing on this album that the Royal Canadian Air Farce (a popular Canadian comic troupe) loves to mimic. _Cohen Live: Leonard Cohen in Concert_ is an album put together from live recordings from 1988 and 1993. The songs in these concerts represent his older work. His voice on the 1993 sections is the gravelly, uninflected intonation heard on his recent recordings. His 1988 voice sounds more like the Leonard Cohen most of us hear in our memories.

> **Songs of Leonard Cohen**  
>  1968 Columbia (WCK 9533)  
>  _Suzanne; Master Song; Winter Lady; The Stranger Song; Sisters of Mercy; So Long, Marianne; Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye; Stories of the Street; Teachers; One of Us Cannot Be Wrong 41:08_

> **Songs from a Room**  
>  1969 Columbia (WCK 9767)  
>  _Bird on the Wire; Story of Isaac; A Bunch of Lonesome Heros; The Partisan; Seems So Long Ago, Nancy; The Old Revolution; The Butcher; You Know Who I Am; Lady Midnight; Tonight Will Be Fine 35:36_

> **Songs of Love and Hate**  
>  1970 Columbia (WCK 30103)  
>  _Avalanche; Last Year's Man; Dress Rehearsal Rag; Diamonds in the Mine; Love Calls You by Your Name; Famous Blue Raincoat; Sing Another Song, Boys; Joan of Arc 45:05_

> **New Skin for the Old Ceremony**  
>  1974 Columbia (CD 32660)  
>  _Is This What You Wanted; Chelsea Hotel #2; Lover Lover Lover; Field Commander Cohen; Why Don't You Try; There Is a War; A Singer Must Die; I Tried to Leave You; Who by Fire; Take This Longing; Leaving Green Sleeves 37:11_

> **The Best of Leonard Cohen**  
>  1975 Columbia (WCK-34077)  
>  _Suzanne; Sisters of Mercy; So Long, Marianne; Bird on the Wire; Lady Midnight; The Partisan; Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye; Famous Blue Raincoat; Last Year's Man; Chelsea Hotel #2; Who by Fire; Take This Longing 46:51_

> **Death of a Ladies' Man**  
>  1977 Columbia (CK 44286)  
>  _True Love Leaves No Traces; Iodine; Paper Thin Hotel; Memories; I Left a Woman Waiting; Don't Go Home with Your Hard-On; Fingerprints; Death of a Ladies' Man 42:34_

> **Recent Songs**  
>  1979 Columbia (WCK 36264)  
>  _The Guests; Humbled in Love; The Window; Came So Far for Beauty; The Lost Canadian (Un Canadien Errant); The Traitor; Our Lady of Solitude; The Gypsy's Wife; The Smokey Life; Ballad of the Absent Mare 53:06_

> **Various Positions**  
>  1984 Columbia (WCK 90728)  
>  _Dance Me to the End of Love; Coming Back to You; The Law; Night Comes On; Hallelujah; The Captain; Hunter's Lullaby; Heart with No Companion; If It Be Your Will 35:30_

> **I'm Your Man**  
>  1988 Columbia (CK-44191)  
>  _First We Take Manhattan; Ain't No Cure for Love; Everybody Knows; I'm Your Man; Take This Waltz; Jazz Police; I Can't Forget; Tower of Song 40:58_

> **The Future**  
>  1992 Columbia (CK 53226)  
>  _The Future; Waiting for the Miracle; Be for Real; Closing Time; Anthem; Democracy; Light As the Breeze; Always; Tacoma Trailer 59:40_

> **Cohen Live: Leonard Cohen in Concert**  
>  1994 Columbia (CK 80188)  
>  _Dance Me to the End of Love; Bird on the Wire; Everybody Knows; Joan of Arc; There Is a War; Sisters of Mercy; Hallelujah; I'm Your Man; Who by Fire; One of Us Cannot Be Wrong; If It Be Your Will; Heart with No Companion; Suzanne 71:56_

* * *

### Colcannon

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

Colcannon is a Celtic-oriented Maritimes group that, in the pub tradition, specializes in the interpretation of music by contemporary songwriters. With excellent voices and a sparkling banjo that adds an almost bluegrass touch to their arrangements, Colcannon works through well-known material such as "Portland Town," "The Leaving of Nancy," and "Silver Sea." _Ode To Age_ is a very lively, listenable album. Colcannon is John Curran, Wilf Curran, Dave Lush, and Art Payne.

> **Ode to Age**  
>  1993 Colcannon (CLC001)  
>  _Portland Town; The Leaving of Nancy; The Mason's Apron/The Devil's Dream; Silver Sea; Fox on the Run; Botany Bay; There Were Roses; The Leprechaun; The Boston Rose; The Mingulay Boat Song; Nancy Spain; Shuckin' the Corn/Foggy Mountain Breakdown; The Boys of the Old Brigade; An Ode to Age 51:56_

* * *

### The Cold Club

_Contemporary; Jazz_

"The Cold Club is an eccentric group made up of Amos Garrett, Oscar Lopez, David Wilkie, Karl Roth, and Ron Casat...the musicianship is absolutely great"— _Festival Distribution Newsletter_. Calgary's Cold Club first recorded together for a CBC project and had such a good time they expanded the idea into a full CD recording— _The Cold Club_. The group plays old favourites, with styles varying from show tunes to blues to swing. Here are some of the finest musicians in Canada all playing on the same album.

> **The Cold Club**  
>  1994 Cold Club (CCR 001)  
>  _Nagasaki; Another French Waltz/Petite Waltz; Money Is King; The Dog Song; Say That You Were Teasin' Me; Monsoon; Nine Feathered Masks; Happy Talk; Jitterbug Waltz; Hey Buddy; One Minute of Silence; Hey Buddy 45:48_

* * *

### College of Piping

_Bagpipe; Celtic_

The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada, located in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, has issued _Ancestral Voices_ and _Ancestral Voices Across the Sea_ , two collections dedicated to "keeping alive our Celtic heritage through voice and the sound of the great Highland bagpipe." These fine albums are hard to resist, though pipe lovers may find more vocals than they'd like.

> **Ancestral Voices**  
>  [no date] College of Piping (no catalogue number)  
>  _Island Sheiling Song; Green Hills; The Dark Island; Nan Ceadaicheadh an Tide Dhomh/The Ass in the Graveyard/Tommy Hunts Jig/The Cat and the Dog; Chi Mi Na Mor Bheanna (The Mist Covered Mountains); MacCrimmons Lament (MacAulay, Scott); Balmoral Highlanders/Captain Colin Campbell/The Ferryman; Come by the Hills; Carlabhagh/The Ferryman/Clean Pease Strae/The Barn Dance/The Maid Behind the Bar/The Congress Reel/The Piper's Bonnet (MacAulay, Scott); Tha Mi Sgith; Scotland the Brave; He Walked Through the Fair (Williams, Shirley); Margaret's Departure (MacAulay, Scott) 40:58_

> **Ancestral Voices Across the Sea ...**  
>  1994 College of Piping / Attic (ACD 1407)  
>  _My Youngest Son Came Home Today (Murray, Patricia); Paddy O'Brien's/Josie McDermott's (Rolfe, Sigrid;Carmichael-Scotto, Margie); Song for Ireland (Murray, Patricia); the Maiden from the Sea/Karen Nuttall/David Ross (MacAulay, Scott); My Ain Country (Smith, Jim); The Water Is Wide (Murray, Patricia;Smith, Jim); Margaret Anne MacLeod/The Poisoned Dwarf/The Bush Reel/In and Out the Harbour/Kerry Fling/Calum and the Princess (Vincent, Kim;Carmichael-Scotto, Margie;Rolfe, Sigrid); Fair and Tender Ladies (Murray, Patricia); Flowers of the Forest (MacAulay, Scott;Smith, Jim); If Ever You Were Mine (Vincent, Kim;Rolfe, Sigrid;Carmichael-Scotto, Margie); Amazing Grace (Murray, Patricia) 44:02_

* * *

### An Còmhlan

_Celtic; Gaelic; Traditional_

An Còmhlan (pronounced _caw-laan_ ) is a group of performers who were brought together for this special recording of traditional Nova Scotia Gaelic song, story and music. _Tìr Mo Ghràidh_ (1996) succeeds admirably in its mission. From the piping of Barry Shears to the Gaelic story telling of Rosemary McCormack to the fiddling of Buddy MacMaster, the album is well-executed, understated tribute to the Celtic heritage of Nova Scotia. The variety provided—singing, piping, fiddling and story telling—keeps the album fresh throughout. Produced by Al Bennett, the artists include Barry Shears, Margo Carruthers, Ryan MacNeil, Kenneth Morrison, Neil MacPhee, Winnie Chafe , Patricia Cafe MacKinnon, Lewis MacKinnon, Rosemary McCormack, Buddy MacMaster, and Mary Elizabeth MacMaster.

> **Tìr Mo Ghràidh / The Land I Love**  
>  1996 B&R Heritage (BRCD0003)  
>  _Calum Crubach/Miss Scott/The Cameronian Rant/Cabar Feidh (Shears, Barry); Dùthaich Nan Craobh (Carruthers, Margo); Mo Thruaigh Leir Thu 'Ille Bhuidhe' (Morrison, Kenneth); Mo Dhachaidh/Angus Ronald Beaton's Strathspey/Reel/Reel/Mrs MacLeod of Raasay (Chafe, Winnie); An Gille Donn (MacKinnon, Lewis); Stòiridh Á Phìopaire (McCormack, Rosemary;Shears, Barry); An T-Oighr' Og (Carruthers, Margo); The Cat in the Corner/Jack's Jig/Tipperty's Jean/Miss Sharp's Favourite (MacMaster, Buddy); S Gann Gun Dirich Mi Chaoidh (MacKinnon, Lewis); Oran Do Cheap Breatuinn (MacPhee, Neil); Bu Deònach Leam Tilleadh/Tulloch Gorm/Johnny's Made a Wedding O't/The Grey Bob/Am Muilean Dubh (Shears, Barry) 43:54_

* * *

### Compadres

_Contemporary; Guitar; Singer-Songwriter_

James Keelaghan and Oscar Lopez have frequently appeared at each other's concerts and have recorded on each other's albums. Despite their distinctly different styles and repertoires, the two have always enjoyed a riveting synergy and they obviously have a lot of fun with the mix. Occasionally they put aside time from their solo careers to perform together under the name Compadres. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to catch them on tour can attest to the musical magic that happens when the stage brings together Keelaghan's fine baritone voice and folk style and Lopez' extraordinarily hot Latin guitar. In a bit of sly irreverence, the two have dubbed their music "Celtino"—a fusion of Celtic and Latin. Whatever you call it, it's exciting music and has been captured on CD as _Compadres_. One of the outstanding releases of 1997, _Compadres_ is a recommended purchase.

> **Compadres**  
>  1997 Jericho Beach (JBM 9701-2)  
>  _Bump Me Up (to First Class); Lamentos; Mi Vida; Why Don't You Just Grow Up; Coast to Coast; The Kiss (Saskatoon); Follow Me Up There, Carlos; Chiquilina; Spanish is the Loving Tongue; La Española; Red River Rising; Brave Soul 52:09_

* * *

### Connemara

_Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Connemara, a Newfoundland Celtic group performs selections of contemporary material. _The River_ (1993) includes songs from Stan Rogers, Sean McCarthy, Tommy Sands, Andy Stewart, and Bill Staines. Their middle-of-the-road approach to the material does not break any new ground, but the album provides an enjoyable listen. Connemara is Tom Nemec, Glenn Hiscock, and Jason Whelan.

Connemara's pleasant delivery and excellent playing continues on _Near & Distant Shores_ (1995). Starting off with Lennie Gallant's classic "Nellie J. Banks" the band follows up with a fine contemporary interpretation of "Black is the Colour" interwoven with airy instrumental work. The band has a deft touch for freshening up traditional songs, such as "The Pride of Springfield Road," "The Bonny Ship the Diamond," and "Jolly Beggarman." A good selection of Celtic/East Coast material.

> **The River**  
>  1993 Piper Stock (PM 001)  
>  _The Hills of Connemara; The Field Behind the Plow; Farewell to the Rhonda; Tickle Cove Pond; Quarry Road Jigs; Sam Hall; I Dream of You; When the Boys Come Rollin' Home; The Queen of Argyll; Sweet Sixteen; Alesis Reels; Sweet Forget Me Not; Trip to Jerusalem/Reel/The Wise Maid; The River 53:07_

> **Near & Distant Shores**  
>  1995 Connemara (02-50355)  
>  _The Nellie J. Banks; Black is the Colour; Dianes Happiness/O'Reilly's Reel/The Musical Priest; The Pride of Springfield Road; Now I'm Sixty-Four; Dawn Run; The Bonny Ship the Diamond; Shadow of O'Casey; Jolly Beggarman; Newfoundland Spring/Second Pond Jig/Cliffs of Moher; Bound Down for Newfoundland; The Tortoise & the Hare 43:17_

* * *

### Stompin' Tom Connors

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

With a country-style delivery and folk-style lyrics, Stompin' Tom Connors, Porcupine Award Hall of Famer, is one of the most beloved of Canadian performers. Born in St. John, New Brunswick, Connors wrote his first song at age 11 and began playing guitar at age 15. Influenced by Wilf Carter and Hank Snow, Connors began playing professionally in 1964 at the Maple Leaf Hotel in Timmins, Ontario. He earned his nickname from his style of stomping the floor with his foot to establish the rhythm of his songs above the noise of the crowd. Connors, a fierce Canadian nationalist, dropped out of music altogether for a decade in protest over the lack of airplay of Canadian performers. Thankfully this black period of Canadian broadcasting is history and Connors has returned to his music.

Connors' songwriting ranges from clever, humourous ditties about Canadian life to Canadian tragedies. His deep affection for his country expresses itself in the scope of his music, which includes songs about every region of Canada. Many of his tunes have become Canadian classics: "Bud the Spud," "Sudbury Saturday Night," "Big Joe Mufferaw," "Roll on Saskatchewan," and "The Moon-Man Newfie," to name but a few. Connors has won many Juno awards and, in 1993, he was awarded an honourary doctorate, which prompted him to release a new album entitled _Dr. Stompin' Tom, Eh?_.

The problem, for the collector, is that Connors is such a prolific writer and recording artist that it's hard to know where to start. By 1979 he had released 29 LPs on Boot Records. Getting a sense of the sequence of the reissued albums is aggravated by Capitol's myopic decision not to put recording dates on the early CDs. Many of his albums are also quite short and frequently sold at full price in the record shops. For the casual fan, the best buy is _A Proud Canadian_ , a collection of many of his best songs on one long-playing CD. From there you can branch out into Stompin' Tom's other recordings.

> **Bud the Spud**  
>  1969 Capitol (C2 92974)  
>  _Bud the Spud; The Ketchup Song; Ben, in the Pen; Rubberhead; Luke's Guitar (Twang, Twang); My Brother Paul; The Old Atlantic Shore; My Little Eskimo; Reversing Falls Darling; She Don't Speak English; The Canadian Lumber Jack; Sudbury Saturday Night; T.T.C. Skidaddler; I'll Be Gone with the Wind 33:23_

> **Stompin' Tom Connors Meets Joe Mufferaw**  
>  1970 Capitol (C2 93047)  
>  _Big Joe Mufferaw; Sable Island; Don't Overlove Your Baby; Log Train; Roll Saskatchewan; Jenny Donnelly; The Coal Boat Song; Algoma Central #69; The Night I Cremated Sam McGee; Poor, Poor Farmer; My Last Farewell; Rocky Mountain Love; Around the Bay and Back Again 31:55_

> **My Stompin' Grounds**  
>  1971 Capitol (C2 92976)  
>  _My Stompin' Grounds; The Bridge Came Tumblin' Down; Snowmobile Song; Wop May; Cross Canada; Tillsonburg; Tribute to Wilf Carter; Song of the Irish Moss; Song of the Peddler; Bonnie Belinda; Name the Capital; Song of the Cohoe 34:03_

> **``Live'' at the Horseshoe**  
>  1971 Capitol (C2 93048)  
>  _Happy Rovin' Cowboy; Big Joe Mufferaw; Come Where We're At; The Green, Green Grass of Home No. 2; Spin, Spin; Muleskinner Blues; Horseshoe Hotel Song; I've Been Everywhere; Sudbury Saturday Night; Bus Tour to Nashville; Luke's Guitar; Bud the Spud 38:31_

> **The North Atlantic Squadron**  
>  [no date] Capitol (C2 92977)  
>  _The North Atlantic Squadron; Red River Jane; High, Dry, and Blue; Blue Nose; Back Yardin'; Jack of Many Trades; Unity; Fleur de Lis; I'll Love You All Over Again; (Too Late to Hurry) When Snow Flurries Fall; Take Me Down the River; Gypsy Chant 33:27_

> **Stompin' Tom at the Gumboot Cloggeroo**  
>  [no date] Capitol (C2 92978)  
>  _Legend of Marty and Joe; Jacqueline; The I Don't Know How to Fix the Damned Thing Blues (Handy Man Blues); Man from the Land; Farewell to Nova Scotia; Ripped Off Winkle; Gum-Boot Cloggeroo (Gumboot Cloggin); The Happy Hooker; We Doubt Each Others Love; Little Old Forgetful Me; The Singer (The Voice of the People); Isle of Newfoundland; Roses in the Snow; Home on the Island 40:11_

> **On Tragedy Trail**  
>  [no date] Capitol (C2 93045)  
>  _Tragedy Trail; How the Mountain Came Down; Shanty Town Sharon; Fire in the Mine; Somewhere, There's Sorrow; Don Valley Jail; Benny the Bum; Black Donnelly's Massacre; Battle of Despair; Reesor Crossing Tragedy; The Little Boy's Prayer; Around the Bay and Back Again 33:52_

> **Stompin' Tom and the Hockey Song**  
>  [no date] Capitol (C2 93049)  
>  _The Consumer; The Last Fatal Duel; The Curse of the Marc Guylaine; Blue Spell; Singin' Away My Blues; The Hockey Song; The Maritime Waltz; Gaspe Belle Faye; Where Would I Be?; True, True Love; The Piggy Back Race; Your Loving Smile; Mr. Engineer 33:08_

> **To It and at It**  
>  1972 Capitol (C2 93050)  
>  _Prince Edward Island, Happy Birthday; To It and at It; Keepin' Nora Waitin'; Marten Hartwell Story; New Brunswick and Mary; Moonlight Lady; Muk Luk Shoo; Manitoba; Don Messer Story; Alcan Run; Pizza Pie Love; Golden Gone Bye; Cornflakes 34:43_

> **Stompin' Tom Meets 'Muk Tuk' Annie**  
>  1974 Capitol (C2 93051)  
>  _Streaker's Dream; My Home by the Fraser; Bibles and Rifles; Paddlewheeler; Unfaithful Heart; Ballad of Muk Tuk Annie; We're Trading Hearts; Oh Chihuahua; Zakuska Polka; I Saw the Teardrop; Wishful Hummin'; Renfrew Valley; My Old Canadian Home 37:03_

> **The Unpopular Stompin' Tom**  
>  1976 Capitol (C2 93052)  
>  _Good Morning Mr. Sunshine; Where the Chinooks Blow; Zephyrs in the Maple; My Door's Always Open to You; Blue Misery; The Pole and the Hole (Money Pole); A Damn Good Song for a Miner (Muckin' Slushers); Cowboy, Johnny Ware; Ghost of Bras d'Or; Don Valley Jail; Big and Friendly Waiter John; The Olympic Song 36:01_

> **Fiddle & Song**  
>  1988 Capitol (C2-92921)  
>  _Lady, K.D. Lang; Fiddler's Folly; It's All Over Now, Anyhow; The French Song; I Never Want to See the World Again; Hillside Hayride; Morning and Evening and Always; Return of the Sea Queen; Canada Day, up Canada Way; Jolly Joe MacFarland; Skinner's Pond Teapot; Teardrop Waltz; Entry Island Home; I Am the Wind; Wreck of the Tammy Ann 41:24_

> **Stompin' Tom and the Moon Man Newfie**  
>  [no date] Capitol (C2 92975)  
>  _Oh, Laura; The Isles of Magdalen; Fire in the Mine; I Can Still Face the Moon; The Bug Song; The Moon-Man Newfie; Roving All Over the Land; Movin' in (From Montreal by Train); Benny the Bum; Twice As Blue; Little Wawa; Rubberhead 31:28_

> **A Proud Canadian**  
>  1990 Capitol (7777-80010-2)  
>  _Bud the Spud; Snowmobile Song; Roll on Saskatchewan; Manitoba; Sudbury Saturday Night; Tillsonburg; Roving All Over the Land; New Brunswick and Mary; Big Joe Mufferaw; Gumboot Cloggeroo; The Old Atlantic Shore; Blue Nose; Fleur de Lis; The Moon-Man Newfie; The Ketchup Song; Lady, K.D. Lang; The Bridge Came Tumblin' Down; Marten Hartwell Story; I Am the Wind; The Singer (The Voice of the People) 55:18_

> **More of the Stompin' Tom Phenomenon**  
>  1991 Capitol (C2-95897)  
>  _Margo's Cargo; Flyin' C.P.R.; Rita MacNeil (A Tribute); Brown Eyes for the Blues; J.R.'s Bar; Loser's Island; St. Anne's Song and Reel; Made in the Shade; Love's Not the Only Thing; Land of the Maple Tree; A Real Canadian Girl; Okanagan Okee; No Canadian Dream; Gone with the Wind (I'll Be) 41:59_

> **Once Upon a Stompin' Tom**  
>  1991 Capitol (C2 97103)  
>  _Canada Day, up Canada Way; The Ketchup Song; Zephyrs in the Maple; The Piggy-Back Race; The Hockey Song; Cornflakes; Song of the Cohoe; C-a-n-a-d-a (Cross Canada); Name the Capitals; Little Wawa; Moon-Man Newfie; The Olympic Song; Wop May; Unity 38:06_

> **Believe in Your Country**  
>  1992 Capitol (C2 99599)  
>  _Johnny Maple; My Home Cradled Out in the Waves; Prairie Moon; She Called from Montreal; Lover's Lake; Lena Kathleen; Believe in Your Country; Alberta Rose; Sunshine and Teardrops; My Sleeping Carmello; Lookin' for Someone to Hold; Paper Smile; Smile Away Your Memory; The Ballinafad Ball 39:38_

> **Dr. Stompin' Tom...Eh?**  
>  1993 EMI (72438-27225-26)  
>  _Football Song; Horse Called Farmer; Road to Thunder Bay; Your Someone Lonesome; Just a Blue Moon Away; Old Flat-Top Guitar; Honeymoon Is Over, Poochie Pie; Canada Day, up Canada Way; Blue Berets; Let's Smile Again; Suzanne de Lafayette (aka Girl from Lafayette); Gumboot Cloggeroo; Shakin' the Blues 41:28_

> **Long Gone to the Yukon**  
>  1995 EMI (0-7243-835298-2-7)  
>  _Long Gone to the Yukon; Al Sass & Dee John; Case Closed; How Do You Like It Now?; Country Jack (aka Wino of Skid Row); Kitchen Show; Maple Leaf Waltz; Polka Playin' Henry; Broken Wings; I'll Dream You Back; My Home's in Newfoundland; Song Bird Valley; All Night Cafe Blues; No, No, No; Hey, Hey, Loretta; I'll Do It for You; Mrs. Blue Guitar 50:36_

* * *

### J.P. Cormier

_Fiddle; Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Whether composing and playing fiddle tunes, flat picking fiddle tunes on the guitar, or singing his own songs, Cape Breton's J.P. Cormier is one of Canada's most talented musicians. Cormier started playing guitar at age five to accompany his dad, who played fiddle. At age twelve, he took up bluegrass and, two years later, released an all-instrumental album. At age sixteen he took up fiddle. Shortly afterwards he moved to the southern U.S. and started a successful career as a country sideman, sharing the stage with some of country music's most respected names, including Travis Tritt, Hal Ketchum, Pam Tillis, and Mark O'Connor.

While living in Nashville, Cormier and his wife, noted traditional piano player Hilda Chiasson-Cormier, recorded _Return to the Cape_ an album of Cape Breton fiddle music. This need to express who he is musically led to J.P. and Hilda moving back to Cape Breton. Returning to the Cape enabled Cormier to further his own songwriting and concentrate on the music he grew up with.

Since his return, Cormier has been a staple on the East coast music scene. In between gigs and recording, he has written a number of songs that reflect his Cape Breton roots. In 1998 he won the coveted "Instrumental Artist of the Year" at the East Coast Music Awards.

Cormier ranges freely and easily from the traditional Cape Breton repertoire to contemporary folk/country. Nowhere is this more evident than on his second CD, _Another Morning_. A beautifully produced album that features Cormier the singer-songwriter, _Another Morning_ is a recommended purchase. The dazzling guitar licks and the spirited fiddle playing are interspersed in and among original Cormier songs. Cormier received the 1996 Lennie Breau Porcupine Award for his outstanding contribution to music.

Produced by Paul Mills and Bill Garrett, additional musicians on _Another Morning_ include Hilda Chiasson-Cormier on keyboards, Stewart MacNeil on flute and accordion, and Curly Boy Stubbs on guitar. Guest vocalists include Sylvia Tyson and Caitlin Hanford.

> **Return to the Cape**  
>  1994 Borealis (BCD003)  
>  _The Haggis/Caber Feidth; Cowie's Clog/Winston Tune; Jerry Sullivan's Strathspey/Tammy Sullivan's Reel; Flannigan's Favourite/Ole French Reel/Kelly's Reel; Slow Air/Moving Cloud; Horseshoe Reel/Winter Carnival Reel/Pigeon on the Gate; Hilda Chiasson-Cormier's Reel/Temperance Reel; Shetland Hornpipe/The E-Flat Tune; Holland Wedding Reel/Stool of Repentance/Sleepy Maggie; Niel Gow's Lament for Dr. Moray of Abernathy/ Niel Gow March/Slieveman's Clog; Highland Dream; Reel Made with Hilda/Miss Watson's/Return to the Cape 39:04_

> **Another Morning**  
>  1997 Borealis (BCD004)  
>  _Another Morning; Kelly's Mountain; Highland Dream; Gone; The Island; Fiddle Set; You Saw Me; Hell Freezin' Over; Blackbird; Molly May; My Life Is Over ... Again; The Mathematician/Sleepy Maggie; Long for the Sea; Gilgarry's Glen 57:09_

* * *

### Joe Cormier

_Fiddle_

Cape Breton French-Acadian Joe Cormier absorbed the local Scottish tradition of fiddle playing during his youth. Directly influenced by Angus Chisholm and, especially, Winston Fitzgerald, Cormier developed a unique style with heavily emphasized triplet bowing. _Joseph Cormier and Friends_ captures the sprightly energy of Cormier's style. Cormier received the Winston `Scotty' Fitgerald Porcupine Award in 1995. A recommended album for collectors of Canadian fiddle music.

> **Joseph Cormier and Friends**  
>  1992 Rounder (CD 7013)  
>  _The Bungalow Reel/Coire an Lochan/Traditional Pipe Reel; Culloden House/Rothermurche's Rant/The Braes of Auchertyre/The Braes of Glencoe; The Drover's Lad/Green Grass of Gasque/Hills of Glenorchy/Rosewood Jig; Flee As a Bird Clog/East Neuk O' Fife/Lord Seaforth; Miss Minnie Foster's Clog/Fred Wilson's Clog/Archie Menzie/The Perth Assembly; Annie Is My Darling Medley/The Red Shoes; Ashokan Farewell; Forth Bridge/The Marquis of Huntley's Highland Fling/Largo's Fairy Dance/Cottonwood Reel; Old Time Wedding Reels/The Contradiction/Magnetic Hornpipe; Margaret Chisholm/The Chanter/Thompson's Jig/Light and Airy; Miss Hutton/The Marquis of Huntly/Col. McBain/Strathbogie/The Old Reel; Neil Gow's Lament for the Death of His Second Wife/Stirling Castle/John Howatt's Reel; Neil Gow's Lament for Dr. Moray/Don Side/Harness the Old Grey Mare/Fiddler's Favorite; H. MacWorth/Newcastle Clog/The Arthur Seat 55:12_

* * *

### Courage of Lassie

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Toronto band Courage of Lassie is a slightly Celtic-oriented group that blends an eclectic set of folkish lyrics with semi-acoustic instrumentation. Courage of Lassie consists of several people who have been active in the Toronto folk scene for many years, including Ron Nelson, Mady Schenkel, Rod Booth, Rachel Melas, and Jason Fowler. Guest musicians include vocals by Molly Johnson and the late Karen Gamble, to whom the album is dedicated.

> **This Side of Heaven**  
>  1994 PolyGram (76974 2011-2)  
>  _Urge for Going; City of Tears; The Ballad of Handsome Ned and John MacLeod; Pour Toi Mon Amour; In Montreal City; Kali Nichta (Good Night); Hey Hey Hey (Positively Queen Street); The Rainforest Falls; The Desert Song; This Side of Heaven; Portland Isle; Kali Mera (Good Morning) 54:10_

* * *

### Doug Cox

_Contemporary; Dobro; Guitar; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia dobro player Doug Cox, a member of the band Travels With Charley, puts a contemporary spin on this undervalued instrument. In the hands of Cox, the dobro takes stage centre with its unique, evocative sound. On _Canadian Borderline_ , Cox joins forces with a tightly-knit group of musicians to create a mixed instrumental/vocal album of his compositions and songs. While Cox's workman-like vocals aren't quite as polished as his instrumentals, the harmonies from his colleagues help smooth over any rough patches. Although the album has many highlights, especially Cox's instrumental compositions, the dobro interpretation of Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush" lingers in the mind like a fondly-remembered dream. Cox received the Porcupine Musicianship Award in 1995.

Cox describes _Bone Bottle Brass or Steel_ as an "exploration of the dobro and slide guitar in many different styles of music." An equally apposite word would be "celebration." From its unusual, catchy opening number, "Fanfarinette"—a bluegrass version of the Jean Philippe Rameau theme song of CBC's _Disc Drive_ radio show—to the raucus closer, "I like to Slide," the album ranges freely from bluegrass to blues to pop to rock. With a stellar cast of musical friends joining him as guests and collaborators, Cox continues his development as one of Canada's pre-eminent dobro/slide guitarists.

Cox has extremely good taste in guests. The Leadbelly "Good Morning Blues" track is sung by Long John Baldry. The sparkly "Dave Macon Rag/Strawberry Creek" medley contrasts Cox's dobro with Ken Hamm's infectious acoustic fingerpicking. "In the Days of the Pied Pumpkin" is a song written by Bob Bossin about the legendary 70's folk trio, the Pied Pumpkin, of which Shari Ulrich was a member. Because Bossin is always comparing Cox's band, Travels with Charley with the Pied Piper, Cox brought in Bossin, Ulrich, plus Travels with Charley lead singer Jackie Janzen. This hugely successful mix has resulted in a classic cut that should receive a lot of airplay.

One of Cox's specialties is taking well-known tunes and turning them into lonesome, almost eerie instrumental solos. On his previous album he did this with Neil Young's "After the Goldrush." This time around it's a dobro version of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and a bottleneck guitar rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game."

A fine album, _Bone Bottle Brass or Steel_ should rank high on your purchase list if you enjoy dobro and slide guitar. One caution, the final track, "I like to Slide," is electric and monotonous. It forms a rather jarring ending to an otherwise fine acoustic journey.

Other musicians on the album, in addition to those already mentioned, include Clive Gregson, David Grier, Ken Hall, Al Hume, Jonty Parker-Jervis, Rick May, Ellen McIlwaine, John Reischman, Pat Stewart, Tony Trishka, Diamond Joe White, and James Young.

> **Canadian Borderline**  
>  1993 Malahat (MMM-CD-001)  
>  _Mary Greig; Let the Mystery Be; Garry Owen/Banish Misfortune; Canadian Borderline; My Father; Lenny; Don't Bring Me Water; Caravan; We're All the Way; Rain On; Fool's Paradise; Shuckin' the Corn; Take Back the Nation; After the Gold Rush 58:20_

> **Bone Bottle Brass or Steel**  
>  1996 Malahat Mountain Music (mmmcd004)  
>  _Fanfarinette; Good Morning Blues; Wrapped Around Your Finger; Dave Macon Rag/Strawberry Creek; Musta Notta Gotta Lotta; In the Days of the Pied Pumpkin; While My Guitar Gently Weeps; Red Haired Shake; The Layoff; The Circle Game; Suicide Creek; Riley's Lullaby; I like to Slide 44:03_

* * *

### Bill Craig

_Contemporary_

Toronto-based folksinger Bill Craig is a veteran performer and recording artist. During the 70's and 80's Craig was a member of Foggy Duo with his good friend Don Garbutt. Foggy Duo released two LP's: _Foggy Duo_ (1978) and _Out of the Mist_ (1980). Under the name Skyboat the duo released a third LP, _Ship in Distress_ (1981), on the British Plantlife label.

Craig's first solo album was the LP _On the Left_ (1988), followed by the cassette release _Late Nights_ (1995). Craig's first CD release, _High Mountain Range_ (1996), features his fine, resonant baritone voice and excellent playing on a tasteful collection of covers plus two Craig originals, "What Do You Do in This Town" and the keyboard instrumental "Cool Breeze." The songs range from Allan Taylor to Jackson Browne to Stan Rogers. This simple, lightly produced, album provides comfortable listening.

Additional artists on _High Mountain Range_ include Don Garbutt, piano and Steve Sherman, bass.

> **High Mountain Range**  
>  1996 Bill Craig (BC 2072)  
>  _Flower in the Snow; Featherbed; What Do You Do in This Town; Tibby Dunbar; Pharisee; Easy and Slow; Wind in the High Mountain Range; Alberta Fields; Before the Deluge; Ride on; Test of Time; Cool Breeze 44:38_

* * *

### Cravan Spirit

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Cravan Spirit, now disbanded, was a folk duo consisting of Bill Crawford and Ed VandenDool who, along with Linda Crawford, have run the Caledonia Folk Club, in Caledonia, Ontario. With soft voices and harmonies somewhat reminiscent of early Simon and Garfunkel, Cravan Spirit mixes a few original songs among covers of material by contemporary songwriters. Their debut album, _Singing The Spirit Home_ , includes songs by Nick Kier, Dan Seals, Si Kahn, Dougie Maclean, Eric Bogle, and Dick Gaughan, as well as "Bill's Caledonia," by Crawford and "Rest Sweet Child," by VandenDool. Guest artists on this recording include Allison Lupton, flute, Donald McGeoch, whistle, and Brian Morton on keyboards.

> **Singing the Spirit Home**  
>  1995 Unity Arts (UA02 140)  
>  _Festival Lights; We Are One; Sound Song; Arragon Mill; If My Wheels Skid in the Rain; Caledonia; Singing the Spirit Home; Rest Sweet Child; Pleasant and Delightful; Both Sides the Tweed; Rolling Hill of the Borders; If Wishes Were Fishes; Going Home; Bill's Caledonia 54:13_

* * *

### Seamus Creagh

_Fiddle_

For a short while Irish master fiddler Seamus Creagh immigrated to Canada and made his home in Newfoundland before returning to Ireland. While in Canada he recorded _Came the Dawn_ —accompanied by Newfoundland musicians. Creagh's technique is light and restrained. An immensely satisfying album.

> **Came the Dawn**  
>  [no date] Pigeon Inlet (PIPCD 7330)  
>  _Pete Cooper's/Cronin's; Connie the Soldier/Paddy Fahy's; Julia Clifford's/Sean Healy's; Cottage in the Grove/Star of Munster; Lament for Kinsale; Kiskeam/Aut O'Keefe's; Col. McBain/O'Reilly's; Bridgett's/Jim Hodder; Merrily Kiss the Quaker/Dingle Regatta; Connie in the Pool/The Gortnatubrid; Táimse I m' Chodladh Is Na Dúistear Mé (I'm Asleep, Don't Wake Me); The Glen Road to Carrick/Gan Anam; Johnny Cope; The Dawn 1-2 45:24_

* * *

### Lee Cremo

_Fiddle; First Nations_

A native Mic-Mac fiddler from Cape Breton Island, Lee Cremo was born into a fiddling family. According to the liner notes of _The Champion Returns_ , Lee's great grandfather, Michael, was given a home-made fiddle by one of the original settlers from Scotland and learned the music of that era. The original fiddle was handed down from father to son until it reached Lee from his father Simon, also a fiddler of great reputation. This accounts for the distinct style of Scottish reels and Irish jigs heard in Lee's repertoire today.

Among Lee's many awards, he has been six-time Maritime Fiddle Champion, Canadian champion at the Alberta Tar Sands Competition and "Best Bow Arm in the World" at the World Fiddle Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. Lee is also a noted composer of fiddle music. _The Champion Returns_ contains four Cremo originals: "Constitution Breakdown," "Tara Lynne's March to God," "Mystery Stepdancer" and "Timothy Ryan's Reel." On "Tara Lynne's March" he is accompanied on Celtic harp by Lucy MacNeil. The only drawback to this fine album is that it's short, making it an expensive purchase.

> **The Champion Returns**  
>  1995 Cremo Productions (LCD9501)  
>  _Intro by Glenn Stott; Constitution Breakdown; Old Man Dillon/Hills of Glenorchy/Stan Chapman's Jig; Tara Lynne's March to God; Four Jacks; Poor Girl's Waltz; Mystery Stepdancer; Buddy MacMaster's Strathspey/The London Hornpipe/Polish Polka Reel; Timothy Ryan's Reel; Old Southern Waltz; Beaton's Delight/Picnic Reel; Snow Deer; Sheehan's Reel/Pigeon on the Gate 30:37_

* * *

### Crickle Wood

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Crickle Wood is the performing duo of David Craig and Paul DuJohn. Crickle Wood plays traditional and contemporary Celtic-flavoured material. _Almost Tight_ offers a middle-of-the-road delivery of old favourites such as "Fiddler's Green," "Moonshiner," and even the old Bob Shane, Kingston Trio classic "Scotch and Soda." _Barley Famous_ continues in the same groove with songs such as "Banks Of The Roses," "The Dutchman," and "Lark in the Morning." The albums are pleasant, if unexceptional.

> **Almost Tight**  
>  [no date] David Craig (no catalogue number)  
>  _Star of the County Down; Fiddlers' Green; Moonshiner; Merrily Kissed the Quaker/Morrison's Reel; Flower of Scotland; Why Don't Women like Me?; Scotch and Soda; Ramblin' Rover; Right Alright; Fields of Athenry; Sheehan's Reel; Shenandoah; Woman in the Bed; Song for the Mira; Sonny's Dream 53:45_

> **Barely Famous**  
>  [no date] David Craig (RDRCD-663)  
>  _Banks of the Roses; Dirty Old Town; Si Bheag Si Mhor; Prison Dance; Lady by the Sea; The Dutchman; Take Her in Your Arms; Mairi's Wedding; Garden Song; Ringsend Rose; Wind, Wood and Sail; Skin; Tarbolten Lodge; Sea People; Lark in the Morning 49:17_

* * *

### Crooked Stovepipe

_Bluegrass_

Crooked Stovepipe, a bluegrass band from Newfoundland, takes its name from a popular old fiddle tune. Formed in 1973, the band has released its first CD, _Newfoundland Bluegrass_ , featuring songs that have been popular in that province, including "There's No Price Tag on the Doors of Newfoundland." Stan Rogers fans will enjoy hearing the bluegrass version of "Moonshine Can," which Rogers recorded on his _For the Family_ album.

The band members on this recording include founder Neil Rosenberg on banjo, Ted Rowe on guitar and lead vocals, Don Randell on fiddle, Scott Swinden on mandolin, and Jim Rillie on bass.

> **Newfoundland Bluegrass**  
>  [no date] Third Wave ()  
>  _There's No Price Tags on the Doors of Newfoundland; Don't Do It and It Won't Be on Your Mind; Queenstown; Moonshine Can; Let's Live for Tonight; Captain John; I'll Never Shed Another Tear; The Girl I Left Behind Me; Turn Your Radio On; I Wish I Had a Nickel; The Old Polina; Railroading on the Great Divide; Pike County Breakdown; Concerning Charlie Horse; Penniless (But Not Baroque); This World Is Not My Home; The Blue Star Song 49:41_

* * *

### Crosby Stills Nash & Young

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

When Canadian folk/rock artist Neil Young joined Crosby, Stills & Nash, he galvanized the group with his lyrics and electric guitar, elevating them into another dimension. This classic 1970 album is one of the landmarks of the late 60's folk/rock movement.

> **Déjà Vu**  
>  1970 Atlantic (CD 19118)  
>  _Carry On; Teach Your Children; Almost Cut My Hair; Helpless; Woodstock; Déjà Vu; Our House; 4 + 20; Whiskey Boot Hill/Down, Down, Down/Country Girl (I Think You're Pretty); Everybody I Love You 36:21_

* * *

### Susan Crowe

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Halifax singer-songwriter Susan Crowe, now living in British Columbia, has returned to recording after a decade's absence. With the release of _This Far from Home_ (1994), fans can once again listen to her engaging alto voice and sure lyrics. Her quiet exploration of relationships, as heard on "Faithless" and "On Your Way to Mars," rank her among the strongest of contemporary lyricists. This album, which was nominated for a Juno award, is highly recommended.

_The Door to the River_ (1996) continues Crowe's lyrical explorations and fine vocals. Crowe's maturity as a songwriter, and the excellence of the production of the album itself, mark this as another good purchase for those who enjoy contemporary Canadian songwriting.

> **This Far from Home**  
>  1994 River Records (RR 001CD)  
>  _The Step of a Long Lost Love; Faithless; On Your Way to Mars; As I Come, As I Go; I Know; The Colour of the Sky; My Mother's Girl; Let Me Stay; This Far from Home; They Used to Call This Sin 40:56_

> **The Door to the River**  
>  1996 Corvus (CR 003CD)  
>  _Your One and Only Life; Still, You Do Not Come; The Door to the River; I'm Not There; In Your Loveliness; Blue Dress; I Stole into a Garden; If Without Thee I Must Dwell; Come with Me; Where Our Currents Cross 43:10_

* * *

## D

### Danko, Fjeld & Anderson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

" _Danko/Fjeld/Anderson_ is as good a folk-rock recording as has been released in recent years"— _Dirty Linen_. A collaboration of Canadian Rick Danko (one of the founding members of the Band), Norwegian Jonas Fjeld, and American Eric Anderson, _Danko/Fjeld/Anderson_ is a happy musical happening similar to two other successful collaborations: UHF and Quartette. Danko injects a sound similar to his lead-vocal work with the Band, Fjeld adds a Nashville sound, and Anderson provides the glue that binds it all together. Danko's version of Anderson's "Blue River" is one of the album's high points.

> **Danko/Fjeld/Anderson**  
>  1993 Rykodisc (RCD 10270)  
>  _Driftin' Away; Blue Hotel; One More Shot; Mary I'm Comin Back Home; Blue River; Judgement Day (Sl att); When Morning Comes to America; Wrong Side of Town; Sick and Tired; Angels in the Snow; Blaze of Glory; Last Thing on My Mind 45:34_

* * *

### Tracey Dares

_Piano; Traditional; Celtic_

_Crooked Lake_ , the long-awaited album from Cape Breton's Tracey Dares, will delight fans and newcomers alike. Dares is one of the most sought-after pianists by Celtic musicians. On this solo album, Dares emerges as a fine interpreter of the Cape Breton standards. Dares is accompanied by Dave MacIsaac, guitars, Natalie MacMaster, fiddle and viola, Lucy MacNeil, harp, Hamish Moore, small pipes and highland pipes, Bruce Jacobs, bass, and Tom Roach, drums, plus a chorus on "The Milling Song" that includes Rita Rankin and Rod MacNeil as soloists.

> **Crooked Lake**  
>  1995 Ground Swell (GSR 077)  
>  _Morag Ramsay/Betty Lou Beaton's/Miss Drummond of Perth/McKinnon's Rant/Miss Charlotte Alston Stewart/Senator's Reel; Mustang Jig/Castle Bay Scrap; Black Mary; John Morris Jig/Irish Whiskey/Mary Ann Kennedy Jig; Lord Moira/Miss Anne Amelia Stewart/Earl Marshall/Easter Elchies; the Duke of Kent's Lodge at Glentilt/Malts on the Optics/Farewell to Decorum; Travels with Tracey/Miss Rose of Dranie/Perth Assembly; Port Augusta; Lady Caroline Montague/Lady Lucy Ramsay/Mrs. Dundas of Arniston/Miss Campbell Monzie/Marquis of Queensberry; Old Grey Goose; Professor Blackie; Milling Song 47:26_

* * *

### Brock Davis

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia singer-songwriter Brock Davis grew up in Maple Ridge, a small town along the Fraser River near Vancouver. Performing since age thirteen, he has been a solo performer and a member of various bands, including Stigmata. Along the way he picked up a music degree at the University of British Columbia, studying classical piano and composition. A proponent of community radio, Davis hosts _Acoustic Revolution_ on CJSF Radio, a contemporary folk and roots music program featuring interviews and live performances.

His debut CD, _The River Runs Fast, the River Runs Deep_ (1996) shows the small-town roots that shape and influence his songwriting. Images drawn from B.C.'s West Coast and Fraser Valley flow through his songs giving the album a vivid sense of place. The dozen songs on the album range stylistically from roots-rock to acoustic folk-pop. Produced by Davis, additional musicians include Jerry Adolphe, drums; Brian Newcombe, bass; Robbie Steininger, guitars and mandolin; Dane DeViller, guitars; and Robbie King, organ.

> **The River Runs Fast, The River Runs Deep**  
>  1996 Raintown (RTR 201)  
>  _Rusted Cars; Labour Day Fair; Every Heartbeat; River Song; Spark of Hope; Road to Nowhere; Silver Seeds; Shooting Star; Let It Burn; I Just Can't Say Goodbye; Lady with the Laughing Eyes; Anything You Want 53:59_

* * *

### Daisy DeBolt

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Half of the legendary 70's duo, Fraser & DeBolt, Daisy DeBolt has taken up accordion and produced an energetic, electric, accordion-laced solo album— _Souls Talking_ (1992). DeBolt has written or co-written all the selections on the recording, including "Come Hell or High Water," "Eagle Hill," and "Dreams Cost Money." DeBolt has a unique, haunting voices that grabs you from track one and carries you through the entire album and then has you hitting the play button so you can listen all over again. Longtime DeBolt fans will revel in this recording and newcomers should check it out.

Continuing DeBolt's bluesy, rock'em sock'em delivery, _I Can_ (1995), fuses fourteen new DeBolt tunes with hot vocals and hot backup musicians. From the jumping "Paradise" to "The River Sings in E" DeBolt touches all the bases. "Bag Lady Blues" may make you squirm a bit while "Go to Sleep You Little Creep" will make you chuckle. She can also slow it down, as she shows on the haunting "Log". DeBolt's freshness and originality make her one of the most interesting performers on the circuit. A powerful album, with subtle surprises.

> **Souls Talking**  
>  1992 DeBolt (DCD 102)  
>  _Come Hell or High Water; Eagle Hill; Epic Aire; Dreams Cost Money; Catalunya Sun; Sometimes; Monte Leuze Bleuze; Cage Monte; The Ballad of Edouard Beaupr e; Blue Jays Mocking Me 55:27_

> **I Can**  
>  1995 DeBolt Productions (DCD-103)  
>  _Paradise; Bag Lady Blues; Hurtin' Country Swimmin' Song; Healing Sky; Wind Fall; Long Hot Summer; Clydesdales and Cadillacs; Winter #16; Arizona Dream; I Can; Great Big Silver Dinosaurs; Go to Sleep You Little Creep; Log; The River Sings in E 72:01_

* * *

### Linda Dempster

_Parlour Folk_

Every so often a singer in the arts community attempts to take folk music and turn it into parlour music. The results, from a folkie's perspective, are inevitably unsatisfying, despite the trained voices. Such is the case with Linda Dempster's _Folklore in Song_ , recorded in a church in Toronto. Accompanied by Brahm Goldhamer on piano, Dempster sings her way through a folksong repertoire as if they were _lieder_. Her voice is professional, but you have to like the style to find the material interesting. The recording is muddy.

_Folklore in Song 2_ (1995) is better recorded and has a more varied backup sound with the inclusion of guitar, harp, cello and piano. Dempster's voice is sweet and the playing is professional. Those who like parlour folk will find this an engaging recording.

> **Folklore in Song**  
>  1991 Folklore in Song (no catalogue number)  
>  _Sweet William; Backwoodsman; La Lettre de Riel; She's like the Swallow; J'Entends le Moulin; The Huron Carol; Time to Be Made a Wife; The Fisher Who Died in His Bed; L a-Bas sur Ces Montagnes; I'll Give My Love an Apple; Ah! Si Mon Moine Voulait Danser!; Pirate's Serenade; Ô Canada, Mon Pays, Mes Amours! 40:16_

> **Folklore in Song 2**  
>  1995 Folklore in Song (no catalogue number)  
>  _Folklore in Song; A Million Times a Circle; Where Does Love Go; Rockabye, Rockabye, You're Not Alone; His Tree; The Caretakers; Look to the Sunrise; A Nickel Can Mean a Morning's Lifetime; The Keeper of Wishes, The Spender of Dreams; Windchimes and Raindrops; Reach for an Apple, Touch the Sky; Come and Buy My Flowers 32:30_

* * *

### Dent-de-lion

_French-Canadian; Traditional; Contemporary_

Dent-de-lion is Claude Methe and Dana Whittle, a Quebecois-New England duo that performs a combination of original and traditional material in French. They are also members of the trio, Jeter le Pont. Accompanying themselves on fiddle, guitar, accordion and foot tapping, the duo has produced a very fine folk CD in _Les beaux jeux bleus_ (1995). With excellent vocals and deft musicianship, this album provides an excellent introduction to Quebecois-style music. The album was co-produced by Dent-de-lion and Andre Marchand.

> **Les beaux jeux bleus**  
>  1995 Minuit (MIN-CD-795)  
>  _Les beaux yeux bleus; La grande gigue de p ere gagnon; La jougere; Promenade st-louis/Sunny bank de gaspe; La voila ma mie/Tete a queue; Valse frontiere/La carte verte/mouche a feu; Manitoba casse reel; Le joli bocage; Pousses-moi donc/Le reve d'aime gagnon; La phebi/maison a 8 cotes; Reveillez-vous belle endormie; Six-huit shipagan/Pacific Slopes; Aux illinois 55:31_

* * *

### Stefan des Lauriers

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter; Children's_

Canadian songwriter and poet Stefan des Lauriers played Toronto coffee houses throughout the 1970's. Though he no longer performs publicly, he has continued to write verse and songs. His debut CD _Time of Wonder_ (1998) is an album oriented to children. With "whimsical melodies and subtle hints of virtue rooted in folk, [the album was] designed to stimulate whole families with themes of self esteem and the triumph of the human spirit, the CD is not just for children." Some will enjoy des Laurier's singing and others will find it a bit thin.

> **Time of Wonder**  
>  1998 Musical Kingdom (no catalogue number)  
>  _Visions of Victory; The Lion's Big Debut; Jamboree; It's My Song and I'm Gonna Sing It; Blue Whale Blues; The Wind-Up Monkey; The Toddling Astronaut; Time of Wonder; The Dinosaur's Demise; Heart of Snow; The Yodeling Frog; Masterpiece of Heart; In The Eye of a Hurricane; When the Silver Whistle Blows; The Great Engineer; When It's Time to Hurl This Hubcap to That Junkyard in the Sky; Sweeping the Fog Away; A Little Red Bug; Tour de Farce_

* * *

### Allen des Noyers

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia singer-songwriter Allen des Noyers has put together a solid debut album of original songs on _Sunset Theatre_. His engaging voice and sparkling acoustic guitar accompaniment are highlighted on songs like "Seasons of Change," "Speak to Me in Spanish," "Savin' This Dance," "Not Such Badlands," and instrumentals like "Basement Suite" and "Brooks."

> **Sunset Theatre**  
>  1994 Azimuth (AZ-0002-2)  
>  _Seasons of Change; Speak to Me in Spanish; Savin' This Dance; Basement Suite; Lay Down Your Armour; Not Such Badlands; Brooks; Let It Go; Farewell to Erin; Bethlehem Light 36:15_

* * *

### Mark Despault

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

A member of the Wakami Wailers, a group specializing in historical Canadian logging songs, Mark Despault steps out with a solo recording of his own material on _Natural Revelation_. His work with the natural environment comes through on several of the cuts. The imagery of his music is primarily water, sky, nature. Despault's ten original songs on this CD are highlighted by excellent arrangements and instrumental work, though the tracks are, arguably, a bit overproduced in places.

Produced by Andy Thompson and Mark Despault, additional musicians on _Natural Revelation_ include Frigo Zepletal, mandolin, guitar; Hugh Marsh, fiddle; Kieran Overs and Dan Washburn, drums; Alex Dean, sax, flute; and Andy Thompson, keyboards, accordion. The backup vocalists are Sandy Singer, Candice Meidell, Rob Hollet, and Gerry Putman.

> **Natural Revelation**  
>  1996 Mark Despault (no catalogue number)  
>  _Natural Revelation/Water Flow; The Singer [instrumental]; Easy Come and Easy Go; Child's First Song; Show Me; My Old Friend; Me without You; The Singer; Daylight 37:26_

* * *

### Alpha Yaya Diallo

_Worldbeat_

Alpha Yaya Diallo was born and raised in Guinea, West Africa. In addition to performing original and traditional music on acoustic and electric guitar, balafon (wooden zylophone), djembe (vase-shaped hand drum), chekre (beaded calabash), and doum doum (bass drum), he sings in the Fulah, Malinke and Susu languages. On a North American tour Alpha Yaya fell in love with Canada where he now makes his home. His album _N ene_, a gentle, infectious introduction to West African music, is highly recommended for those ready to embrace world music. _N ene_ was nomintated for a Juno in 1995.

> **N ene**  
>  1993 Alpha Yaya Diallo (SA93279CD)  
>  _Y eke Yeke; Fatumata Diallo; Fierte; Djarabi; Yaadu; Afriki Djama; Mayimbo 35:19_

* * *

### Djole

_Worldbeat_

Djole (pronounced _jo-lay_ )—the word the Mandinka people of West Africa use to describe the joy of life—is also the name of a British Columbia ensemble formed in 1993. Djole's musical instruments and styles come from West Africa, North India, Brazil, and North America. In the liner notes to _Indiscretion_ , Djole describes its music as an attempt to create a "timeless sound interwoven with jazz influences," using traditional melodies on the West Africa kora and ancient rhythm cycles on the North Indian tabla. _Indiscretion_ , nominated for a Juno in the "Global Recordings" category in 1995, is a catchy, upbeat recording that is easy to listen to.

> **Indiscretion**  
>  1994 Djole (DPM 101)  
>  _Kema Bourema; Phox and Pheasant; Neuch atel; Kossa Yambe; Indiscretion; Obvenge; Nossa Bossa; Jazzy Jig; Looking for You 59:46_

* * *

### Melanie Doane

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

A one-time member of both Tamarack and the Mamas And the Papas, Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Melanie Doane's flute-like soprano is featured on _Harvest Train_ , a very short album with only six songs. The highlights of the album are James Gordon's "Harvest Train" and a modern interpretation of "She's like a Swallow."

> **Harvest Train**  
>  1993 Page (MRD 026)  
>  _She's like the Swallow; Harvest Train; I Pray; Once He Was Mine; Sweet 16; The Zoo Is Closed 22:13_

* * *

### Allen Dobb

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia artist Allan Dobb has lived in Africa, Alberta, Arizona, Washington, and Wyoming. Each of these places has left its stamp on his songwriting. After several years of performing with Dobb & Dumela, a world roots fusion band formed in 1990, Allen Dobbs has stepped out as a solo artist. His first solo CD, _Horses and Hills_ (1998), is a "landscape of broken farms, wild west shows, travelling salesmen and backwater spirits." Dobb's expressive voice is accompanied by acoustic guitar joined by mandolin, banjo, electric slide guitar, piano, and percussion. Additional musicians on _Horses and Hills_ include Dan Ross, Rob Becker, Randall Stoll, Dean Richards, and Allen's brother, Cameron Dobb

> **Horses and Hills**  
>  1998 Resource (7-79041-1005-2)  
>  _Mirage; Fool's Gold; Forty-five Years; Silent Movie; Fly Like Cowboys; Susan's Song; Shootin' at the Water; Watkin's Man; Leaving Idaho; Apache June; Magnolia 48:16_

* * *

### Dobb & Dumela

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Vancouver band Dobb & Dumela was formed in 1989 by Allen Dobb, who was raised on a farm near Beaverlodge, Alberta, and spent nearly three years in Lesotho, Africa, working in rangeland and livestock development. The band describes itself as a fusion that combines elements of reggae, R&B, folk, and South African township jive. Since 1992 the group has played some of the major folk festivals in Canada. Their first release, _One Drop_ , features reggae-like lyrics presented in a mainly rock envelope. _Riverboat Free_ shows a maturing in the songwriting with more diversity in the arrangements. Both albums will hold more appeal for campus-age rock fans than for folkies. Dobb & Dumela are Allen Dobb, Cameron Dobb, Scott Holder, Aggie Richichi, Shelley Campbell, plus former member Sherri Leigh.

> **One Drop**  
>  1992 Resource (RESCD 1001)  
>  _Indigo; Get Down Low; Snake in the Grass; Like the Crow Flies; One Drop; Vertigo; The Same Heartbeat; Bus Stop; So Lonely; Feel Your Own Tears; Heartburn 46:47_

> **Riverboat Free**  
>  1994 Resource (RESCD1003)  
>  _Tin Town; Quicksand; Skipping Stones; Digging the Manhole; Machine Boy; Riverboat Free; Be Someone; The Picture's Perfect; Novelty Song; Whispers (Speak up Your Mind) 45:39_

* * *

### Dario Domingues

_Worldbeat_

Born in the Patagonia region of Argentina, Ottawa-based Dario Domingues, flautist, singer, and percussionist began his musical career by mastering the kena, a seven-holed bamboo flute of ancient origins, played by the Quechuas, Aymaros, Incas, and other Indian cultures. After moving to Canada in 1977, he began work as a composer. Domingues' music, while inspired by traditional rhythms and melodies of South America, shows a progression towards a more contemporary sound. His live performances and concerts include a large variety of African, Asian and self-made instruments. Since 1980, Domingues has toured Europe annually, and has also performed in the United States and Japan. His music is recorded on the German Westpark label. _Sunset Over the Cordilleras_ is an outstanding recording of innovative original music that lies somewhere between the traditional and modern ends of the musical spectrum. Two other Domingues Westpark CD's (not available in time to be highlighted in this guide) are _Under the Totems, Part One_ (1993) and _Under the Totems, Part Two_ (1994).

> **Sunset Over the Cordilleras: Improvisations**  
>  1992 Westpark (WESTPARK 87027)  
>  _Sunset Over the Cordilleras; Lanin; Sunset II; Cerros Colorados 53:48_

* * *

### Donnie & Buddy

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Cape Breton duo, singer-songwriter Buddy MacDonald and singer Donnie Campbell (former member of the 1970's folk group Miller's Jug), are frequent performers at the Summer Ceilidh Series at Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Cape Breton. Five of the ten songs on _At The Gaelic College_ were written by MacDonald. The vocals, while not arresting, are delivered in a plain, honest, homespun style.

> **At the Gaelic College**  
>  1990 Buddy MacDonald (ACD-9001)  
>  _Fisherman's Token; Autumn in a Rhyme; Retreat from Ross Ferry; Molly Bawn; Brew of MacGillivray; Song for Peace; No Small Boats; The Garden Song; Song Not a Rifle; Thick O' Fog 37:01_

* * *

### Teresa Doyle

_Traditional; Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

"Doyle's versatile singing goes from sweet to soulfully hoarse but is always very expressive"— _Dirty Linen_. Teresa Doyle is based on Prince Edward Island. Her material, a combination of traditional Maritimes songs and her own, original compositions about historical events and people of the region, are sung in a distinctive, unusual voice that is totally confident. This is a singer who knows what she wants to sing and why she wants to sing it. The results, if you take to her voice, can be unusual and exciting. _Forerunner_ takes its title, and its theme, from ghost tales and tales of the supernatural. _Stowaway_ 's punchy musicianship lifts Doyle's material to a new plateau. Produced by Oliver Schroer, _Stowaway_ is a saucy, satisfying album.

> **Forerunner**  
>  1991 Bedlam Records (TD002)  
>  _Iridescent Blue; Maggie Daly; Salisbury Plain; She's like the Swallow; The Shearing; The Slaugh "Swoogh''; Agincourt Carol; If I Was a Blackbird; Haul the Jib; Blue's Hollow; The Giant; Cape Breton Lullaby 47:55_

> **Stowaway**  
>  1993 Bedlam Records (TDC 003)  
>  _Land for the Tiller; Stowaway; Path of Destiny; Isabeau; Belle Marie; Jock O'Hazeldean; Pretty Fair Maid; The Cuckoo; Paddy's Lamentation; The Wind That Shakes the Barley; Eilean an Aigh 45:02_

* * *

### Teresa Doyle & Toshizo Tanaka

_Traditional; Lute_

Toshizo Tanaka, who was born in Kyoto, Japan, studied guitar with Andres Segovia and later began playing Renaissance lute at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland. On a trip to Canada he began searching for a singer interested in Renaissance lute songs. While in Prince Edward Island he met folksinger Teresa Doyle, who had become interested in the music of John Dowland while living in Montreal. The two teamed up to play, and later record, an album of John Dowland songs. _Songs For Lute and Voice_ may be a bit off the beaten track for folkies. Doyle's voice lacks the purity at the top of her range that one associates with English singers who perform this music, and Tanaka's lute playing has not been balanced forward enough—it sounds distant.

> **Songs for Lute and Voice**  
>  1995 Bedlam (TDCD004)  
>  _If My Complaints Could Passions Move; Awake, Sweet Love, Thou Art Returned; Dear, If You Change; Come Again: Sweet Love Doth Now Invite; Flow My Tears; Shall I Sue; Now Cease My Wand'ring Eyes; My Choice Is Made; Can She Excuse My Wrongs; All Ye, Whom Love or Fortune; Behold a Wonder Here; Greensleeves 38:52_

* * *

### Tommy Duchesne

_French-Canadian; Accordion; Harmonica_

Quebec accordionist and harmonica player Tommy Duchesne was a noted square-dance caller and all-around entertainer. A very popular and well-known performer in Quebec, Duchesne's music is preserved on _Tommy Duchesne_ , a Heritage Quebecois CD from MCA that features his upbeat playing and singing. It is unfortunate that MCA has provided no liner notes to accompany this historical recording.

> **Tommy Duchesne**  
>  [no date, reissued 1991] MCA (MCAD-10493)  
>  _Reel du Pendu; Chicken Reel; Reel de l'Oiseau; Valse des Raquetteurs; Money Musk; Gigue de Duchesne; La Grande Gigue Simple; Reel de Tommy; Paul Jones du Saguenay; Paul Jones de Chez-Nous (I); Musette Qu ebecoise; Paul Jones de Chez-Nous (II); Valse des Ouvriers; Le Quadrille de Charlevoix; Reel des Patineurs 42:24_

* * *

### Jack Duncan & Shango Ashe

_Worldbeat_

Jack Duncan, Canadian percussionist and founder and artistic director of Shango Ashe, has travelled to Africa, Cuba, and South America to study drums and rhythms. The blend of these influences can be heard on _Shang o Ashe_, which features music ranging from ceremonial bata drumming to rhumba, mozambique and comparsa with a tinge of jazz. Percussion fans will want to add this lively album to their collection.

> **Shang o Ashe**  
>  [no date] Ashe (ASHE 3483)  
>  _Open for Eleggua; Kabiosil e; Orunla; Pello El Afrikan; Didilaaro; Conga Con Cinco Tumbas; Orishanla; The Warriors; Rhumba Pa' Mis Orishas; Don't Kick the Hand That Feeds You; Close for Eleggua 54:15_

* * *

### Donna Dunlop

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Donna Dunlop is an emerging Toronto-based country-folk singer-songwriter who has showcased in Nashville. On _She Used to Be A Dancer_ , she performs solid vocals on "The Prince In Disguise," "The Place of No Return," and the title track, "She Used To Be a Dancer." Additional musicians on the album include Caitlin Hanford, Tony Quarrington, and Chris Whiteley.

> **She Used to Be a Dancer**  
>  1994 Northern Dancer (NDM 103)  
>  _She Used to Be a Dancer; The Prince in Disguise; The Place of No Return; The Night, the Angel Boy and Me; Accidentally on the Road; No Devil's Bargain; Where in the World; Closer to the Heart; Eagles; Only You; Jamaica, 1839; Oh Mama; A Little Light; The Ghostly Cowgirl; Buried in the Bone_

* * *

### Jackie Dunn

_Fiddle_

Jacqueline Ann "Jackie" Dunn is a Nova Scotian step-dancer, pianist, and solo fiddler. A student of Gaelic music, Dunn comes from a musical family. Her mother is a famous step-dancer and her grandfather was a noted fiddler. Her first CD, _Dunn to a "T"_ , is a delightful concert-format album that takes Dunn through traditional sets. Her playing has a lilting, lyrical edge. Guest musicians on this recording include Hilda Chiasson-Cormier, piano; Dave MacIsaac, guitar; and Jeannie Henman-Beks.

> **Dunn to a "T''**  
>  1995 Jackie Dunn (JAD-CD 1)  
>  _Dan Hughie MacEachern's/Down the River/Jackie I Hardly Knew Ya; Thorn Bush/Lucy Campbell/Hughie Rory MacKinnon/Miss Mary MacDonald's/Traditional/O'er the Isles to America/Miss Wedderburn; Mr. John Archie MacDonald/Marquess of Lorn/General Stewart/Wedderburn House/Cottonwood; McGuire's/Lala's/Bill Collin's; Lament for the Death of the Rev. Archie Beaton/The Brown Haired Girl; Yester House/Maggie Cameron/The Simpleton/Rod Alexander's/The Blackbird; Erchless Castle/The Lochaber Gathering/Dan Cormier's/Sound of Mull/Mrs. Gordan of Cairness; M airi Bhan Òg (Mary Young and Fair); Master Francis Sitwell/Mrs. Fraser of Cullen/Juniata's; Fairbairn's/Walking the Floor/Atholl Highlanders'; Memories of John W. MacEachern/Don Side/Hornpipe/Paresis/Sally Gardens; I Won't Do the Work/The Absent Minded Man/St. Kilda's Wedding/Duncan Lamont/The Hawk 52.28_

* * *

### Ken Dunn

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario singer-songwriter Ken Dunn has released a soft, intimate collection of original songs on _Winds of Emotion_ (1994). The quiet delivery, maintained with acoustic guitar, lends an introspective, poetic atmosphere to songs like "Pause and Reflection," "Muskoka," "Gone to Gaspe," and "The Rain and the Snow." The simple arrangements allow the lyrics to come front and centre. Dunn's followup recording, _Precious Life_ (1996), is a richer album instrumentally. From the opening cover of "St. James Infirmary" Dunn is backed by good studio musicians. Most of the songs on the album are Dunn originals—songs of love and life punctuated with blues riffs and tasty harmonica. Dunn's lyrics are somewhat reminiscent of Valdy—simple statements, simply delivered in a pop/folk style. _Precious Life_ is an album that bears repeated listening. Produced by Karen Kane, who also adds background vocals and instrumentals, additional musicians include Roly Platt, harmonica; Dennis Pedrith, bass; Randal Hill, mandolin; Stephen Fuller, violin; and Steve Didemus, guitar.

> **Winds of Emotion**  
>  1994 Snowrose (SRCD002)  
>  _Pause and Reflection; Muskoka #1; Gone to Gasp e; Burning Bridges; Somali Eyes; Nothing; Prison in the Sun; Honestly; Hard Yellow Light; Winds of Emotion; The Rain and the Snow; Saskatoon 38:39_

> **Precious Life**  
>  1996 Snowrose (SRCD 004)  
>  _St James Infirmary; Precious Life; Ready Bed of Lace; Inside (Hole in the Ozone Blues); Small Planet (Song for Sarajevo); Cross of Lorraine; Bouquet; Heart of Mine; Don't Believe; Lover True; Pour Me Home 44:57_

* * *

## E

### Eagleheart Singers & Drummers

_First Nations_

"As children of Mother Earth, along with our relatives—the Birds, the Animals and Water Creatures, Thunder Beings and the Rain, Winds and Sky—we hope that everyone enjoys this unique blend of songs with the natural sounds of the forest"—liner notes from _Songs from Mother Earth_. Sung against a background of environmental sounds, these songs from Saskatchewan and Alberta take you as near as you can get to a pow-wow without actually being there. _Songs from Mother Earth_ is nothing less than a celebration of life. While seeing the Eagleheart Singers and Drummers live, in their resplendent dress, is the best way to experience the music, this album is the next best thing.

> **Songs from Mother Earth**  
>  1993? Ashmore Audio Productions (AAPCD 004)  
>  _Grand Entry Song; Intertribal Song; Round Dance Song (I); Fancy Dance Song; Come Out Fighting; Fred's Song; Round Dance Song (II); Grass Dance Song 49:00_

* * *

### Fred J. Eaglesmith

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

For many years Fred J. Eaglesmith was Ontario's best-kept secret. A long-time veteran of the folk-music circuit and a former farmer from southern Ontario who was born and raised in a large farm family, Eaglesmith writes profound and often dark lyrics about country life. The deceptively simple lyrics are set against sparse, effective instrumental backups. More recently, Eaglesmith's John Prine style has attracted a large fan base in the US country market. Because Americans had trouble with the J. in his name (frequently calling him Fred Jeaglesmith), Eaglesmith has dropped the J. from his albums and is now recording as Fred Eaglesmith. Eaglesmith received a Mac Beattie Porcupine Award in 1995.

The earliest Eaglesmith album available on compact disc is _Things Is Changin'_ (1993), packaged in a neat wooden box guaranteed not to fit on your CD rack. (Note: in later distributions the wooden box was dropped in favour of standard packaging. If you have a hand-made wooden-box it is now a collector's item). Packaging issues aside, the album is a superb collection of Eaglesmith songs including "Things Is Changin'," "Harold Wilson," "Joe," and "Rodeo Rose."

_From the Paradise Hotel_ (1994) was recorded live at an Eaglesmith concert in Birmingham, Michigan. While there's some overlap in material between this album and _Things Is Changin'_ , the tempo is faster on _Paradise_ and there are vintage songs such as "Yellow Barley Straw" and "Thirty Years of Farmin"' that have, until now, only been available on Eaglesmith's cassette and LP recordings. The Flying Squirrels on this album are Ralph Schipper and Willie P. Bennett, with Lynn Miles adding vocals on "Harold Wilson."

Eaglesmith's first US-label recording, _Drive-In Movie_ (1996), marks a new sound and a shift in direction. More electric, upbeat, and contemporary, the songs are pop oriented with touches of rockabilly. While the older style sneaks out in "White Rose"—a song about the closing of a rural gas station—songs such as "I like Trains," "49 Tons," and "Wilder than Her" stand up as well as anything on pop radio. Produced by Scott Merritt, the album features a large number of studio musicians, including The Flying Squirrels and guest vocalist Lynn Miles. One of Eaglesmith's best.

_Lipstick Lies & Gasoline_ (1997) continues Eaglesmith's move into pop music. The patented Eaglesmith car songs are in abundance: "105," "Pontiac," and "Water in the Fuel." On this album Eaglesmith even turns out two purely Nashville pieces: "Drinking Too Much" and "Angel of the Lord." Overall the album sounds strained, as if Eaglesmith is trying hard to impress his American audience with his countryness.

> **Things Is Changin'**  
>  1993 Sweetwater Music (no catalogue number)  
>  _Sharecroppin'; Things Is Changin'; Harold Wilson; White Ash and Black Ash; Joe; Carmelita; Summerlea; Rough Edges; Reprise; Brand New Boy; Cryin' Yet; Rodeo Rose 45:56_

> **From the Paradise Motel**  
>  1994 Barbed Wire (BWR2001)  
>  _Yellow Barley Straw; Thirty Years of Farmin'; The Highway Callin'; I'm Just Dreamin'; Sweaburg General Store; Sunflowers; Little Buffalo; Summerlea; My Last Six Dollars; Rough Edges; Sharecroppin'; The Mindless Side of Town; Rodeo Rose; Go Out and Plough; Jericho; Harold Wilson 69:16_

> **Drive-In Movie**  
>  1996 Vertical (VER 4218-2)  
>  _I Like Trains; 49 Tons; Here's the Keys; Crashin' & Burnin'; Wilder Than Her; White Rose; Good Enough; Soda Machine; Freight Train; 49 Tons (reprise); Drive-In Movie 35:49_

> **Lipstick Lies & Gasoline**  
>  1997 Razor & Tie (RT 2831-2)  
>  _Seven Shells; 105; Thinking; Bell; Drinking Too Much; Pontiac; Spookin' the Horses; Time to Get a Gun; Bell (Reprise); Alcohol & Pills; Angel of the Lord; Seven Shells (Crash); Water in the Fuel 44:14_

* * *

### Eco Andino

_Worldbeat_

Montreal-based Eco Andino is a sparkling musical troupe whose members originally came from Bolivia. Their melodic songs and haunting Andean instrumentation, including guitars, pipes, and percussion, are exotic, yet easy to listen to. On _Mensajeros_ , the group consists of Efrain Gutierrez, Franz Villegas, Willy Rios, Ricardo Renteria, and Remy Lucas.

> **Mensajeros**  
>  1994 Eco Andino (ECOCD-1994)  
>  _Mensajeros; Yuyaway; Saya Yungue ña; Regreso; Morenita; Cancion Para Una Estrella Azul; El Picaflor; Mi Cholita; La Mariposa; Amigo 37:42_

* * *

### Shirley Eikhard

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

A songwriter at age eleven, Shirley Eikhard, born in Sackville, New Brunswick, is the daughter of fiddler June Eikhard, "Canada's First Lady of Fiddle." Daughter Shirley made her first appearance at the Mariposa Folk Festival at age thirteen and sang on the CBC-TV _Singalong Jubilee_ at age fourteen. A popular festival singer in the 70's, Eikhard's husky alto voice can be heard again on _Child of the Present_ , a retrospective collection from a career that spanned folk, country, and pop. Eikhard received Juno awards in 1972 and 1973 as "Female Country Singer."

In recent years Eikhard has entered a new phase of her career, gaining a reputation as a songwriter. Her material has been recorded by several pop performers in the United States. Thankfully Eikhard has also begun to record again herself. _If I had My Way_ (1992) marks her return to the studio with a selection of original songs headed off by the delightful "Still Chasin' That Train." A polished, contemporary album with excellent studio musicians, this is a good purchase for Eikhard fans.

> **Child of the Present / Horizons**  
>  1975/1977, reissued 1992 Attic (ACD 24120)  
>  _To Love; Sure Thing; Walk Away; I Wanna Know; Play a Little Bit Longer; Child of the Present; It Doesn't Matter Anymore; Best Friend; Leave the Windows Open; I Just Wanted You to Know; Don't Let Me Down; Let Me Down Easy; I Still Believe in Love Songs; It All Comes Down to Caring; I Don't Want to Lose Your Love; Play a Little bit Longer; Strangers Now; Nothing to Lose; Any Way the Wind Blows; Some Day Soon 59:03_

> **If I Had My Way**  
>  1992 Denon Canada (CAN 9023)  
>  _Still Chasin' That Train; Take the Fall; It Takes Some Gettin' Used To; If I Had My Way; Born with the Hunger; Fifteen Minutes; About Last Night; Walkin' in Your Daddy's Shoes; I've Learned a Lot About the Blues; Emily Remembers 39:55_

* * *

### Jimmy Ekho

_First Nations; Singer-Songwriter_

Susan Aglukark introduced Canada to the sound of music sung in Inuit. Those who wish to pursue this should check out Jimmy Ekho, a singer-songwriter from the Northwest Territories who sings all his original compositions in his native language, accompanied by acoustic guitar, traditional Inuit drum, and backup musicians on acoustic and electric instruments. The only non-Ekho song on the album, "Be Bop A-Lula," has been translated into Inuit. This is the pop music of the Far North.

> **Guti**  
>  1993 Jimmy Ekho (no catalogue number)  
>  _Guti, 1st Version; When I First Saw You; When I Was a Kid; Today's Teenagers; God's Words; I'm Crazy About You; Be Bob A-Lula; Nuka; Inuit; Guti, 2nd Version 36:52_

* * *

### Lenore Elaine

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto singer-songwriter Lenore Elaine's influences include Jim Croce, Cat Stevens, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Credence Clearwater Revival and Janis Joplin. An avid writer and poet for twenty years, she began writing songs about ten years ago when she picked up guitar for the first time. Her self-titled debut CD, _Lenore_ (1997), displays a blend of styles derived from blues, rock and folk influences. The thirteen pop-oriented original songs on the album are sassy and thoughtful. A strong debut album. Produced by Lenore Elaine and Paul LaChapelle, additional musicians include Stephen Bright, bass; Larry Crowe, percussion; Bill Evans, organ; and Mike Hall, electric guitar.

> **Lenore**  
>  1997 Elaine Records (WRC8-7068)  
>  _Here Comes Trouble; I Keep Changing; Rock & Roll; I Don't Want You to Die; A Day at a Time; Just One More; Love in the Morning; I've Wanted You (For a Very Long Time); This Song; Doin' It; Born with the Blues; Goin' to New Orleans; Brave Goodbye 38:42_

* * *

### Susan Ellenton

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Victoria, BC-based Susan Ellenton is a thirteenth-generation Canadian who won her first songwriting contest at age twelve. She began performing in the Yukon in the early 80's and has toured from Alaska to Newfoundland. The composer of two full-length musicals, _Stepping Out_ , a history of the women's movement, and _Hagimari No Hagimari_ , which explores creation myths from the Pacific Rim, she also wrote Victoria's official song, "The Harbour of Her Heart."

Soon after recording _In the Backyard_ (1995), with singing partner Robert Anderson, Ellenton, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, fell victim to serious RSI problems and lost the ability to play musical instruments. Working out her frustration and anger, Ellenton began taking long daily walks and discovered a new way of approaching music by writing songs and poems during her walks and singing them a cappella in a new style. "It seems to me now that I lost my hands to find my voice. These poems and songs help me to remember the magic of just being."

The transformation in Ellenton's style has been captured on _The Secret of My Happiness_ (1998), an a cappella solo album that features a new subtlety and maturity in her vocalizations and a deep underlying sense of rhythm. The songs and poems on this album are engaging, personal, reflective and frequently touching. There is also a fine sense of humour. Let your kids listen to "Troll Breath—A Cautionary Tale" and it's the one they'll pick to memorize as a school project. This unusual album will find a welcome spot in your collection. _The Secret_ was produced by Richard Scholtz.

> **The Secret of My Happiness**  
>  1998 Ellanderston (SECD02)  
>  _Beautiful; The Kid; Shine On; Camp is the Place; Ring around My Love; Painting the Path; When I Laugh; Bless Me, Barbie; Troll Breath—A Cautionary Tale; There You Were; The Secret of My Happiness; Presto!; Lily; She Likes ...; She Is Looking; Brainchild, Farewell; Strong Heart; From the Center 44:24_

* * *

### Kirk Elliott

_Traditional; Celtic_

Ontario musician Kirk Elliott has put together an unusual album with _Celtic Moon_ —a recording that combines original compositions with traditional tunes and instruments, many of which Elliott plays himself through the magic of the recording studio. The diverse instrumentation on this all-instrumental album includes celtic harp, keyboards, tambourine, psaltery, accordion, cello, baroque flute, penny whistle, electric violin, uilleann pipes, mandolin, dobro, bass, drums, autoharp, and electric and acoustic guitars. The arrangements are tasteful, imaginative, and definitely non-traditional. Guest musicians include Don Ross on acoustic guitar and Loretto Reid on uillean pipes.

> **Celtic Moon**  
>  1993 Soundwright (KECMSW93-2)  
>  _Druids at the Disco; The Red Haired Boy; Petty Harbour Theme; The Ancient Irish Blues; Carolan's Quarrel with the Landlady; St. Brigid's Ramble; Celtic Moon; Sheebeg Sheemore; Rain Forest Variations; The Jigs Are Up; The Enchanted Coracle 45:20_

* * *

### Elysian Dream

_Traditional_

Elysian Dream consists of the Ontario folk duo Dave Pearson and TC Pettit. In addition to performing in concerts and festivals, the duo has been the opening act for Friends of Fiddler's Green, David Stone, Garnet Rogers, and Spirit of the West. Their three previous albums, available on cassette tape, are _Looking Up_ (1989), _Touch Me If You Dare_ (1992), and _A Place of Dreams_ (1994).

Their fourth album, and first CD, _Celtic Collision_ , highlights their tight harmonies, catchy instrumentals, and obvious enthusiasm for the traditional Celtic and English repertoire. Elysian Dream performs on several instruments, including guitars, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, electric bass, and several types of percussion. This is a very pleasant album for those who enjoy their music on the traditional side.

> **Celtic Collision (ED0595)**  
>  1995 Elysian Dream (EDO595)  
>  _Old Greybeard; Rights of Man; Wild Mountain Thyme; The Tinker's Wedding; Troll's Gold; Loch Lomond/Scotland the Brave; Pooker's Dream; The Piper/Gravelwalk; Song for Ireland; Small Coals for Nailers; Star of the County Down; Ye Banks and Braes; Flower of Scotland; Bolt the Door 46:48_

* * *

### Mary Anne Epp

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

In the honoured singer-songwriter tradition of voice accompanied by a single acoustic guitar, Kitchener, Ontario-based Mary Anne Epp has released three CD's to date: _I'm All Right Now_ , _Dancing Again_ (1998), and _Home_ (1998). Combining rhythmic guitar with a expressive soprano voice, Epp's lyrics make thoughtful listening. Epp displays some fine turns of phrase in her writing and her guitar arrangements are well crafted. While all three self-produced albums are worth seeking out, _Home_ shows the most polish. Epp is an emerging talent worth watching.

> **I'm All Right Now**  
>  [no date] Weragift (MAE56831)  
>  _This Tiny Room; My Father; Not Going with You; Happy Tonight (Serenity Prayer); Reach Out; You Were Just Showing Me; A Friend; Once; Just for Today; For Letting Go; I'm All Right Now; We Are Together 47:03_

> **Dancing Again**  
>  1998 Weragift (MAE56832)  
>  _Til You're Blind; Why Am I Running Away; Hail Mary; Part of You; Fears; Stuck in the Middle; From Sea to Sea; Dancing Again; We Can Build a Bridge; Love is Whatever It Takes; Thank You for the Company; Can We? 44:47_

> **Home**  
>  1998 Weragift (no catalogue number)  
>  _Oh Mama; We Are All Free; Here I Go; Baby N' Me; Life is the Road; Trying to Thank You Again; Comin' Home; I Honour My Mother and Father; Orion and the Moon; Unbound; Dear God; Home 44:42_

* * *

### David Essig

_Contemporary; Blues; Guitar; Singer-Songwriter_

"One of the finest blues guitarists and songwriters in the world"— _Victoria Times-Colonist_.

Currently living in British Columbia, David Essig is one of the deans of Canadian folk/blues. A master slide guitarist and songwriter who records his solo albums on the Italian Appaloosa label, Essig was introduced to Canadian audiences in 1971 as a "talented newcomer" at the Mariposa Folk Festival. Always paying homage to his roots in bluegrass and country blues, Essig uses these traditions to create new songs infused with intense energy.

Until recently, Essig's early material was out of print, but his first two recordings, _Redbird Country_ (1974) and _High Ground_ (1975), have been re-released as a single CD _Redbird Country & High Ground_ (1998). This is a milestone album. In addition to Essig's fresh songs and arrangements, the accompanying musicians read like a Who's Who of Canadian folk music. Additional musicians include Dennis Pedrith, Bill Usher, Paul Mills, Chris Whiteley and Ken Whiteley.

_In the Tradition_ , a 1981 recording reissued in 1994, highlights Essig's experimental style. Based on an exploration of Jungian psyche and symbol, the music frequently veers into flights of imagination. The effect was extraordinary in 1981 and it can still tax today's listeners.

_Morning Calm: New Music for Guitar and Kayagum_ (1988) is an all-instrumental recording displaying Essig's masterful guitar work and his dedication to the kayagum, a 12-string zither of Korean origin. The liner notes suggest that the kayagum is an ideal instrument for creative, spontaneous music: "to put this in a Jungian context, kayagum music has the potential to call up elements from the subconscious with every note." The kayagum pieces should be listened to meditatively, in the manner than one listens to sitar ragas. The guitar pieces are superb. Essig as an instrumentalist should not be missed.

_Rebel Flag_ (1990), recorded live at a concert in Cosenza, Italy, presents Essig alone on voice and guitar, beginning with the strong opening track "Rebel Flag," and continuing through a series of Essig songs and guitar compositions including "Woman in the Snow," "Jamieson's Farewell," and "Highland Clearances." Very few artists could make this much music all by themselves. This intense recording is highly rewarding.

_State Of Origin_ may be one of the finest Canadian-music recordings released in 1993. From the folk/rock opener, "State of Origin," to the countryish "Long Sweet Ride," to the bluesy "Blue and Lonesome," to the electric guitar solo, "Ricordando," the album moves from one memorable moment to another.

The energy on _Tremble and Weep_ (1996) is electric. The songs are half lyrical, half instrumental, with blues/rock/country licks driving the melodies. As usual, Essig is a strong lyricist—"He rides the guitar like it was a freight train / Songs you can carry and songs you can keep"—and a good arranger. Another fine album from this immensely talented musician.

On _Into the Lowering Sky_ (1998), Essig's bluesy, bluegrassy songwriting continues to evolve into new material that, as usual, is energetic and highlighted with dazzling electric guitar work. His band on this release includes David Haddock, harmony vocals, electric guitar; Dennis Pendrith, bass; and Chris Nordquist. Recorded live off the floor to stereo, the album was produced by David Essig and Stephen Darke.

> **Redbird Country & High Ground**  
>  1974, 1975 (Reissued 1998) Appaloosa (AP133-2)  
>  _Falling; Candyman; Flo's Cafe; Norman's Glory; Lonesome Vigil; Circus Song; Waiting Game; Wake Up Smilin'; The New Eighth of January; Redbird Country; Poor Ellen Smith; Cripple Creek; Rebel Flag; Rising Star; Watch Dog; Woman in the Snow; Kick the Stone; Paint Me a Picture; She Burned up in the Footlights; Albert's Cove; Antigonish Breakdown; High Ground; Sault Creek 73:51_

> **In the Tradition**  
>  1981, reissued 1994 Appaloosa (AP 113-2)  
>  _Far Away from Home; Looking Out the Window—Version 1; Super Falcon; Upper Paradise; I'se the Cucaracha...; Down in the Pines; Looking Out the Window—Version 2; Suite for Carter Stanley; Pulse Piece (1-5-6); Music from Calgary; John Hardy Suite; Jamieson's Farewell; Variations on a Theme by Albert Price 74:59_

> **Morning Calm: New Music for Guitar and Kayagum**  
>  1988, reissued 1995 New Woodshed (NWS-CD 1)  
>  _Berkley Springs; The Apprentice, Part 1; S erra de Cantina; Jamieson's Farewell; The Apprentice, Part II, Bourrasque; Kamchong; Looking Out the Window; Morning Calm 58:39_

> **Rebel Flag**  
>  1990 Appaloosa (AP072-2)  
>  _Rebel Flag; Woman in the Snow; Jamieson's Farewell; Albert's Cove; Bourrasque; Highland Clearances; Great Wall of China; Berkley Springs; In the Pines; Two Weeks Home; Anthem for the New Nations 62:01_

> **State of Origin**  
>  1993 Appaloosa (AP 093-2)  
>  _State of Origin; Long Sweet Ride; Blue and Lonesome; Ricordando Lowell George; Sisters of Desmond Grew; Leaning on the Everlasting Arms; Quiet Money; That Was Before I Met You; Villa San Giovanni; Weight of Experience; Hold Fast to the Right; The Cross and the Fountain 54:41_

> **Tremble and Weep**  
>  1996 Appaloosa (AP 126-2)  
>  _High Ground II; Tremble and Weep; The Way Hate Walks; Tampa; Day Pass; Secrets; Kick the Stone; Mary...Texas Mix Waltz; By the Side of the Road; There but for; Gracie's Cane 51:03_

> **Into the Lowering Sky**  
>  1998 Appaloosa (AP 141-2)  
>  _Charity Begins at Home; What Would You Give; Into the Lowering Sky; Sheep May Safely Graze; Knoxville Girl; Dan & Betty; The Face in the Window; Volume of a Wedge; Are You Tired of Me; Wake up Smilin' 53:08_

* * *

### Danishka Esterhazy

_Harp_

The harp has long held a magic for the relating of stories and songs, and the haunting notes, sounding like a memory of a dream, create a strangely beautiful musical landscape. Young Winnipeg harpist Danishka Esterhazy joins the tradition of the harper/bard with her debut album, _The Harper's Hands_ (1997). The album ranges widely, from the Canadian fiddle tune "The Big Ship" to traditional Irish ("The Harp that Once Through Tara's Hall"), English ("Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight") and Scottish ("Ale is Dear"). Esterhazy also includes a composition of her own, "The Harper's Hands," a jig written in 1997, and a song of Robert Burns, "Lament of Mary Queen of Scots." Esterhazy mixes instrumentals with harp-backed vocals. Listening to the album is like stepping into an ancient court listening to the revered harpist entertain with tunes and songs.

> **The Harper's Hands**  
>  1997 Koshka (CD101)  
>  _The Big Ship; The Harp That Once Through Tara's Hall; Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight; Ghr aidh an Tig Thu? (Beloved, Will You Return?); Ale is Dear; The Harper's Hands; Lament of Mary Queen of Scots; Mo Leannan (My Beloved); The Foggy Dew; Behind the Haystack; O Hi Ri Lean (Spinning Song); Cro Chinn t-Saile; The Queen's Marsh 42:34_

* * *

### Evans & Doherty

_Traditional; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Halifax performers Kevin Evans and Brian Doherty perform a mix of original material written by Evans and contemporary material from other songwriters. Their Celtic-oriented delivery tends toward middle-of-the-road, lyrical, material rather than the more upbeat dance-oriented parts of the Celtic repertoire. _Road Not Taken_ features an easy-listening mix of material including Evans' "Road Not Taken," Joe MacDonald's "Save the Whales," Bill Staines' "Lady in Montana," Ralph McTell's "Streets of London," plus traditional numbers such as "Carrickfergus" and "Wild Mountain Thyme." _Sailors on the Asphalt Sea_ moves the duo up a notch in energy and delivery. The approach is still MOR, but the material is better recorded and Evans' engaging voice and guitar come through to advantage on song after song. The album includes a Stan Rogers song—"Acadian Saturday Night"—never released by Rogers, plus excellent songs from John Prine ("Sailin' Around"), Richard Thompson ("Galway To Graceland"), and Ron Angel ("The Chemical Workers Song"). The best track on the album may be Evans' "My Baby and My D-18."

> **Road Not Taken**  
>  1991 Evans & Doherty (EVANDOH 1003)  
>  _Road Not Taken; A Drink for My Father; Christmas in the Trenches; Save the Whales; Lady in Montana; Streets of London; Carrickfergus; Wave to the Water/The Day the Tall Ships Came; Dungarvan My Hometown; The Mermaid; Wild Mountain Thyme 49:32_

> **Sailors on the Asphalt Sea**  
>  1994 Evans & Doherty (EVANDOH 1004)  
>  _The Second Week of Deer Camp; Acadian Saturday Night; Sailin' Around; My Baby and My D-18; Hi for the Beggarman; Galway to Graceland; Brennan on the Moor; Oh, No More; Winds of Morning; The Chemical Workers Song; Whiskey in the Jar; The Man with the Cap; The Galway Races 49:58_

* * *

## F

### Failte

_Celtic; Traditional_

Failte (pronounced _fall-cha_ , Gaelic for "welcome") is a Celtic band from the Waterloo, Ontario region. The members of the band are Stephen Todd, vocals, bodhran, harmonica, tine whistle; Phil Honsinger, guitar, keyboard, vocals; Tim Thorne, vocals, mandolin, guitar, mandola, banjo; Peter Halpin, vocals and bass; Jay Weiler, violin, mandolin, vocals; and Jessica Weiler, violin, vocals. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Todd, the group's lead vocalist, came to Canada in 1960.

Failte's debut CD, _Celtic Chaos_ (1993) is out of print and unavailable. Their second CD, _Hurricane_ (1996), consists primarily of traditional material, sprightly performed. The performances range from songs to instrumentals. A talented group, Failte moves with ease from track to track. An engaging CD sure to delight lovers of Celtic traditional music. After the release of _Hurricane_ , the band reformed when Honsinger and Halpin left the group.

> **Hurricane**  
>  1996 Failte (FHU CD-9602)  
>  _Hurricane; Three Drunken Maidens; Haste to the Wedding; A Man You Don't Meet Everyday; Nobody Goes There Anymore; Wild Rover; Planxty Irwin/Fanny Power; All for Me Grog; Poor Paddy; The Month of May; Reilly's Daughter/Irish Washerwoman; Nonesuch/Drunken Sailor; Whiskey in the Jar/Bill in the Low Ground; Port Ballantrae; Shetland Islands; Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go? 49:53_

* * *

### Tammy Fassaert

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia singer-songwriter Tammy Fassaert produces a kind of roots-based country music that lies about halfway between Nashville and traditional folk. Part of the west coast progressive music scene since she graduated from university (with a degree in agriculture), Faessert adds her fine voice to songs written by T-Bone Burnett, Clive Gregson, Fred Koller, and Cyd Smith as well as several of her own on _Just Passin' Through_ , an album that mixes traditional country and bluegrass with touches of calypso and rockabilly. For her songwriting skills and musicianship, Fassaert received the Wilf Carter Western Canadian Porcupine Award in 1997.

> **Just Passin' Through**  
>  1994 Strictly Country (SCR-36)  
>  _Never See Your Face Again; Wish Me Well; I Remember; Everybody Cheats on You; Winter's Night; You Never Said Goodbye; You Shouldn't Have Told Me That; Just Passin' Through; Carry You Along; When the Sun Comes Up; Forest Belle 35:59_

* * *

### Fat Man Waving

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Ottawa band Fat Man Waving is made up of musicians who are also part of Six Mile Bridge and Three Sheets to the Wind. As Fat Man Waving they explore more experimental material than they do in their other, more traditionally-oriented, groups. _Parade_ features up-tempo songs such as "Duped Again," "Blind No More," and "If I Lived" written by band members plus a Lynn Miles song, "One by One." The musicianship and Rebecca Campbell's lead vocals are solid, but this electric-oriented album may be too far from the centre of folk music traditions for some fans. _The Habit of Gravity_ continues the experimental flavour with some excellent vocals and upbeat and unusual new material like "Parallel Lines," "Stop the Car," and "Angel's Shoes." The combined band members on the two albums are Rebecca Campbell, Fred Guigon, Peter Kiesewalter, Ross Murray, James Stephens, and Ian Mackie.

> **Parade**  
>  1992 Canal Records (258CD)  
>  _(Ain't No More) Train to Ride; Duped Again; Blind No More; If I Lived (To Be One Hundred and Ten); In the Shadow; Flight of Fancy; One by One; Reputation; Hide Your Eyes; Sons and Lovers 40:43_

> **The Habit of Gravity**  
>  1995 Aquarius (CD Q200576)  
>  _Falling Down (Marathon of Love); Parallel Lines; Only We Can; Stop the Car; Angel's Shoes; Eye for an Eye; Critter Time; Running Down the Days; It's Not the Heat; Toll the Bell; Feeling Better; Dreaming Heart; I Want to Talk with You 63:52_

* * *

### Fear of Drinking

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

A Celtic-leaning Vancouver folk band, Fear of Drinking was formed in 1992. The band members hail from England, New Zealand, British Columbia and Ontario. Fear of Drinking draws on that background, featuring an eclectic repertoire that embraces traditional tunes from England, Scotland, Ireland and New Zealand intermixed with contemporary songs by Elvis Costello, Los Lobos, Richard Thompson and Bruce Cockburn, as well original material by members of the band.

After releasing two cassettes, _Get on With It_ and _It Could Happen to You_ , the band released its first CD, _One Morning When I Went to Work_. The excellent musicianship on _One Morning_ shows a maturing band with great potential.

Fear of Drinking consists of Tim Readman, guitar, bass, vocals; Gerard Kerr, guitar, bodhran, vocals; Victor Smith, fiddle, flute, whistles; Tom Neville, fiddle, mandolin, bass; and Brendan Rideout, bass, whistles.

> **One Morning when I Went to Work**  
>  1966 Big City (BC 010)  
>  _Row Between the Cages/Concertina Joe; Mining Rant; Recruiting Sergeant; Rainbird; Storm of Life; Jane's Air; Shanty; Free Passage to Canada; House Fever; Glimpses of Love; The Shores of Old Blighty; Newf in the Hall; Kawarau Gold; A Beggin'; The Don't Write 'em Like That Anymore 52:32_

* * *

### Stephen Fearing

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Fearing gets inside the heads of his characters but, unlike many songwriters who are just telling stories, he _becomes_ his characters. That is perhaps the genius of this songwriter"— _Dirty Linen_.

A vortex of energy and talent, Irish-born Stephen Fearing brings his special guitar work and probing lyrics to a set of albums that are among the most contemporary of any listed in this guide. Formerly based in British Columbia and recently settled in Ontario, Fearing, who combines elements of jazz, blues, and rock with his fine acoustic guitar work and arresting lyrics, is gaining a higher profile in the music industry with each album he releases. _Out to Sea_ (1991), originally released on another label and later acquired and reissued by True North, introduces Fearing's penetrating lyrics and captivating guitar. The songs are intense, personal, and, frequently, painful. _Blue Line_ (1991) is an angry album, reflecting the sensibilities of an entire generation of younger Canadians born into a society they find hypocritical and frequently uncaring: "Our father of the golden rule / You can shape the lesson if you shape the school / Tradition is your biggest tool / When you ride the big wheel of fortune" ("Our Father And the Big Wheel of Fortune").

_The Assassin's Apprentice_ (1993) raises Fearing to a new dimension of musicianship and songwriting. Less angry than _Blue Line_ , _Apprentice_ seems to reflect a coming to terms with life. There may be more optimism, but it's tempered with reality, as in these lyrics from the title song: "I've been living in a country / where everyone's split in two / a state of limbo that divides us / what we feel from what we do / where silence is a virtue / emotion is a child that's seen / but never heard." _The Assassin's Apprentice_ is one of the most striking Canadian folk albums on CD.

After working on _Blackie & The Rodeo King_ project (1996) with Colin Linden and Tom Wilson, Fearing's music takes a new turn with the release of _Industrial Lullaby_ (1997). Working with Colin Linden as producer, Fearing takes a more collaborative approach, sharing writing credits with Tom Wilson on "Anything You Want" and "Industrial Lullaby" as well as Willie P. Bennett on "Coryanna." The album is laced with Fearing's extraordinary guitar work, including two instrumentals: "Long Suffering Waltz" and "Robert's Waterloo." A high energy album, there are nonetheless reflective moments such as the beautiful love song "Coryanna" and the slow-moving "Dog on a Chain." This is another fine release from one of Canada's leading singer-songwriters. Additional musicians include Colin Linden, guitar; Bazil Donovan, bass; Gary Craig, drums; Janice Powers, keyboards; Oliver Schroer, violin; Willie P. Bennett, harmonica; and Rebecca Campbell, backup vocals.

> **Out to Sea**  
>  1991 True North (WTNK 80)  
>  _Out to Sea; Dublin Bay; Carsten; Welfare Wednesday; Cain's Blood; August 6th and 9th; Tryin' Times; St. Patrick's Breastplate/The Lights of St. Louis/Barrelhouse Keys; Beguiling Eyes (Both Sides Now) 47:20_

> **Blue Line**  
>  1991 True North (TNK 76)  
>  _The Bells of Morning; Our Father and the Big Wheel of Fortune; Sarah's Song; Race of Fractions; Little Child Eyes; Blind Horses; Blue Line; Born in a Story; Turn Out the Lights; Jesse Meets His Future Wife Zee Mimms 49:55_

> **The Assassin's Apprentice**  
>  1993 True North (TNK 84)  
>  _The Assassin's Apprentice; Give It Up; The Longest Road; Expectations; The Station; Lark and Duke; Down the Wire; Echoes; (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle; The Brilliance You Need; The Life; Martin's 54:54_

> **Industrial Lullaby**  
>  1997 True North (TNSD 0151)  
>  _The Upside Down; Anything You Want; Industrial Lullaby; Home; Coryanna; Long Suffering Waltz; Blind Indifference; Dog on a Chain; Man O' War; So Many Miles Away; All the King's Horses; Robert's Waterloo; When the World Was a Well 57:51_

* * *

### Beth Ferguson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario singer-songwriter Beth Ferguson was raised in the rich musical tradition of the Ottawa Valley. A member of a musical family, Ferguson began playing music and writing songs, eventually performing with a blues band called the Honky Tonk Wildcats.

In 1990, Ferguson joined forces with Heidi Anderson to form the innovative acoustic duo, Too Mad Crows. The group performed at various Canadian and U.S. venues for several years, and released an independent recording of original material. During this period, Ferguson also became a central figure in Ottawa's famous songwriting collective, Writer's Bloc, and contributed to the group's collaborative recording, Writer's Bloc '93.

In 1994, Ferguson joined forces with three other women to form Malaika, a multicultural vocal group that has rapidly gained international recognition. In addition to her contributions to Malaika, Ferguson has also released a solo album, _Dance on the Floor_. The title track is a celebration of the life and work of Canadian author and activist, Margaret Laurence. Other highlights include "Mrs. Johnson," an energetic portrayal of an eccentric hometown character, "Only the Stories," a wistful recollection of youth; and a love song, "Breathe You In."

Produced by Ian Tamblyn, _Dance on the Floor_ features many of Ottawa's finest session players and singers, including Rebecca Campbell, Lee Hayes, Fred Guignion, Peter Kiesewalter and Ian Tamblyn.

> **Dance on the Earth**  
>  1997 Beth Ferguson (EF 001-2)  
>  _Mrs. Johnson; Learning How to Fall; Dance on the Earth; What is Mine; Wedding Day Waltz; Breathe You In; First Rush; Only the Stories; My Baby's Sad; That River; Mama Would Say; Learning How to Fall (reprise) 48:30_

* * *

### Salvador Ferreras

_Worldbeat_

Based in Vancouver, with roots in Puerto Rico and Venezuela, percussionist Salvador Ferreras journeys through Latin music, exploring its rural and urban forms. On _Invisible Minority_ he embraces a wide range of instruments, including the cuatro and guiro of Venezuela, rainsticks, bird whistles and maracas from Mexico, plus bells, gongs, shakers, and rattles from various parts of the world. He melds these, and North American instruments, into a fusion of world/roots/jazz that is imaginative and absorbing.

> **Invisible Minority**  
>  1992 Aural Tradition (ATRCD 121)  
>  _El Casorio de Los Compas; Caterete/Xote; The Tropic of Casual; Danza Negra; Como Ilora Una Estrella; Gcina; Plena Santa Mar ia; Active Past; Olinda; Un Dialogo; Ne a Rory; East of Eaton's 46:42_

* * *

### Ferron

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"One day there will be a Canadian postage stamp with Ferron's image on it"—Festival Distribution _Catalogue_. One of Canada's most poetic songwriters, Ferron, a British Columbia native, currently resides in the state of Washington. Her influence on songwriting in Canada has been profound, and she has had a major impact on women's music throughout the world. Anyone new to her music should start out of sequence with the 1992 _Not a Still Life_ live recording. Stripped of her usual backup band, the album features Ferron in a warm, intimate concert where she simply sings and accompanies herself on acoustic guitar. The lyrics come front and centre, limning themselves on the mind in vivid detail.

The earliest Ferron recording available on compact disc is _Testimony_ (1980), an album presenting a young songwriter backed by a soft rock band. Anyone who has heard James Keelaghan's rendition of "Misty Mountain," will want to hear the original that inspired his tribute. Ferron continues to impress on _Shadows on a Dime_ (1984). Among the highlights are "Snowin' in Brooklyn," "I Never Was To Africa," and "Shadows on a Dime." The songwriting is remarkable and haunting.

_Phantom Center_ (1990), is a richly produced album that includes Tori Amos, among others, on backup vocals. _Resting with the Question_ (1992), is a departure. The album features Ferron instrumental compositions, with no singing. The compositions are delicate, introspective keyboard pieces heavily synthesized.

_Driver_ (1994) features a somewhat softer Ferron, but a Ferron who remains a forceful poet and songwriter. From the dreamy opener, "Breakpoint," the album shifts into the folkish "Girl on a Road" on track two and continues to present new Ferron material, including the incomparable "Cactus." _Still Riot_ (1996) follows on in a similar vein to _Driver_. A collage of sound envelopes the lyrics. As always, Ferron is a provocative, poetic lyricist. Occasionally the freshness of the lyrics are obscured by the somewhat monotonous background arrangements.

> **Testimony**  
>  1980 Cherrywood Station (CW 003)  
>  _Almost Kissed; Rosalee; Our Purpose Here; Who Loses; Testimony; Bellybowl; Satin Blouse; O Baby; Misty Mountain; Ain't Life a Brook 39:06_

> **Shadows on a Dime**  
>  1984 Cherrywood Station (CW 004)  
>  _Knot 53; Snowin' in Brooklyn; As Soon As I Find My Shoes I'm Gone; Proud Crowd/Pride Cried; I Never Was to Africa; Shadows on a Dime; Circle Round; The Return; It Won't Take Long 42:43_

> **Phantom Center**  
>  1990 Cherrywood Station (D2-74830)  
>  _Stand up (Love in the Corners); The Cart; Harmless Love; Indian Dreams; Sunken City; White Wing Mercy; Heart of Destruction; Inside Track; Phantom Center; Higher Wisdom 48:47_

> **Resting with the Question**  
>  1992 Cherrywood Station (CW 006)  
>  _Anything We Want; High Head Sept. '90; Beacon; Forgiveness; In Your Eyes; Old Haunts; Cave at Montana de Oro; Just Leave; Resting with the Question; No Matter What Happens; Anything We Want 46:47_

> **Not a Still Life**  
>  1992 Cherrywood Station (CW 007)  
>  _Light of My Light; Shadows on a Dime; Our Purpose Here; I Am Hungry; Ain't Life a Brook; I Know a Game; Call Me Friend; Snowin' in Brooklyn; I Never Was to Africa; Higher Wisdom; Dear Marly; The Cart; Shady Gate; Harmless Love; Testimony; The Wind's All A'Whisper 64:16_

> **Driver**  
>  1994 Cherrywood Station (CW 008) / Earthbeat (EBCD42564)  
>  _Breakpoint; Girl on a Road; Call Me; Cactus; Love Loves Me; Borderlines; Sunshine's Lament [Prologue]; Sunshine; Sunshine's Lament [Epilogue]; Independence Day; A Name for It; Maya 62:58_

> **Still Riot**  
>  1996 Warner Bros. (CDW 46292)  
>  _The Chosen Ones; Alice Says Yes; Venus as Appearances; Still Riot; Primitive Future; Takes a Little Time (Intro); Takes a Little Time; Ain't Life a Brook; I Am Hungry; Dazzle the Beast; Signals and Messages; Easy with Love 56:54_

* * *

### Rick Fielding

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto singer-songwriter Rick Fielding fell under the spell of folk music early in life in his original home of Montreal when he first encountered Folkways recordings. Teaching himself guitar licks from blues and folk recordings, Fielding went on to become a first-rate guitarist and performer with several albums to his credit. In recent years he has retired from extensive touring, devoting his time to teaching guitar, playing for entertainment, creating leather crafts, and hosting the weekly folk-music show _Acoustic Workshop_ on CIUT-FM, University of Toronto. His latest release, and first CD, _Lifeline_ (1995), is a dandy folk album that highlights Fielding's fine singing voice and excellent guitar, banjo, and mandolin playing. The album includes covers of tunes like Glen Reid's "Lifeline to the River," Wade Hemsworth's "Wild Goose" and Grit Laskin's "Margins of My Neighborhood" plus a number of Fielding originals, including "So Long, Charlie," "If Jesus Was a Picker," and "Obray's Fancy."

Fielding received the 1996 Stan Rogers Golden Quill Porcupine Award for Songwriting for _Lifeline_. In 1998 Fielding signed with the Canadian folk label Borealis and is working on a new album. His newest recorded song "Those Gin Mill Syncopators" is featured on a Borealis sampler CD and will be on his next album.

> **Lifeline**  
>  1995 Folk-Legacy (CD-123)  
>  _So Long, Charlie/Jim's Polka; Pitman Blues; If Jesus Was a Picker; Alouette/La Bastringue; Bachelor's Hall; Obray's Fancy; Lifeline; Company Town; Docherty's Jig/Stairsteps; Wild Goose; Margins of My Neighborhood; Hutchison's Ramble; Birth of Robin Hood; Angus Fraser; Handful of Songs; Rag, Eh?; Old -Time Riverman; Voices of Struggle; Same Old Song 65:30_

* * *

### Figgy Duff

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Figgy Duff was a riveting, fresh Newfoundland band that instilled new life and energy into the traditional repertoire. Their debut album, _Figgy Duff_ , released to wide acclaim in 1980, was reissued on compact disc in 1991. The founding members, Pamela Morgan, the late Noel Dinn, Dave Panting, and Geoff Butler, put a new spin on songs like "The Greenland Disaster," "Tinker Behind the Door," and "Rosy Banks of Green." On the 1982 recording, _After the Tempest_ , the band picks up the pace. With the addition of Derek Pelley to the group, Figgy Duff once more embraces the traditional repertoire, performing memorable instrumental versions of "Heel and Toe Polka," "Paddy's Jig," and "The Gypsy." The arrangements of "A Sailor Courted A Farmer's Daughter," "The Darby Ram," and "The Ten Commandments" feature Pamela Morgan on lead vocals. _Weather Out the Storm_ , a 1990 recording, marks a change in the personnel, sound, and style of the band. Half the selections are traditional music and half are new songs written by Morgan and Dinn. With a decade's experience exploring traditional music, the new compositions have a "roots" flavour, but the increased use of electric instruments and drums shifts the sound into a more pronounced folk/rock style. "Woman of Labrador," and "Henry Martin" are the album's highlights. New members of the enlarged band are Kelly Russell, Rob Laidlaw, Bruce Crummell, and Frank Maher. With _Downstream_ Figgy Duff completes its transition from a "trad" band to a folk/rock band doing entirely original songs by Noel Dinn and Pamela Morgan. The sound and the songs are very good, but not as convincing as Figgy Duff doing traditional material.

Figgy Duff broke up after the death of Noel Dinn. Pamela Morgan joined forces with Anita Best and other members of the band have gone on to Rawlins Cross and the Plankerdown Band. For his seminal work in reviving the folk music of Maritimes, Noel Dinn has been inducted into the Porcupine Awards Hall of Fame.

Figgy Duff was the most influential Canadian Celtic rock band ever, and _A Retrospective: 1974-1993_ brings it all back. With the death of Noel Dinn the band ceased recording, but this fine CD captures highlights from their first four albums plus previously unreleased material. The album received the Gem of Canada Porcupine Award in 1995.

> **Figgy Duff**  
>  1980, reissued 1991 Amber (9805)  
>  _Half Door/Larry's Lancer/Mother on the Doorstep; Rabbits in a Basket; Now I'm 64; The Greenland Disaster (Sealing Song); Tinker Behind the Door; Fisher Who Died in His Bed; 4-Stop Jigs; Quand J'Etais Fille a l'Age Quinze Ans; Kissing Dance Medley; Rosy Banks of Green; Geese in the Bog; Matt Eiley; Emile's Reels 43:31_

> **After the Tempest**  
>  1982, reissued 1991 Amber (9800)  
>  _Honour, Riches (Song from the Tempest)/Breakwater Boys Breakdown; Heel and Toe Polka/Paddy's Jig; A Sailor Courted a Farmer's Daughter; Centennial Highway Reel/Cooley's Reel; The Darby Ram; Auntie Mary/Brother's Jig; The Gypsy; The Ten Commandments; Lake St. John Reel/The Blackthorn Stick; Dans la Prison de Londres; Thomas and Nancy; Jim Rumbolt's Tune 37:44_

> **Weather Out the Storm**  
>  1990 Amber (9801)  
>  _Weather Out the Storm; Heart of a Gypsy; Jealous Lover/Wedding Waltz; Snowy Night; Woman of Labrador; Inside a Circle; Yankee Skipper; Rumbolt; Bad Blood; Henry Martin 45:43_

> **Downstream**  
>  1993 Amber (9802)  
>  _Freedom; Sweet Temptation; Allanadh; Song for Paul; True or False; Children of the Night; Crown of Thorns; Pirates of Pleasure; Twilight; Downstream 41:30_

> **A Retrospective: 1974-1993**  
>  1995 Amber (50325)  
>  _Henry Martin; Emile's Reels; A Sailor Courted a Farmer's Daughter; Woman of Labrador; Breakwater Boys Breakdown; True or False; Weather Out the Storm; Captain and His Whiskers/Fisherman's Favourite; Tarry Trousers; Rumbolt; Thomas and Nancy; Snowy Night; 4-Stop Jigs; The Fisher Who Died in His Bed; Geese in the Bog; Allanadh; Freedom; Downstream; Auntie Mary/Brother's Jig 72:13_

* * *

### Rick Fines

_Contemporary; Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in Peterborough, Ontario, Rick Fines is a sought-after acoustic guitarist whose blues licks are an integral part of Jackson Delta. Fines took a departure from Jackson Delta in order to do a solo album, _Arcadia_. Appearing with him on the album are Suzie Vinnick, Terry Wilkins, Alec Fraser, Richard Bell, Gary Craig, and Matthew Fines. With excellent singing, songwriting and musicianship, _Arcadia_ is a fine album for those who enjoy contemporary blues that are deeply rooted in tradition. The album was produced by Colin Linden.

> **Arcadia**  
>  1997 Rick Fines (RAF001)  
>  _Muskoka Moon; Ticket Takes Me Home; Goin' Down the Road; Been to the Well Before; Try a Little Harder; Shuttin' Down; That's the Stuff; I Ain't Got a Home; She'll Never Know; Just Got Back; Six Doors Down 41:07_

* * *

### Finest Kind

_Traditional; A Cappella_

With stunning vocal harmonies and tasteful arrangements of material ranging from traditional English tunes to American cowboy songs, Ottawa's Finest Kind ranges freely from genre to genre. Their debut album, _Lost in a Song_ , includes traditional English and American songs, gospel tunes, Irish comic songs, country songs, and works from Utah Phillips and Peter Bellamy. The harmonies are lush and the instrumental accompaniment is minimal—many of the songs are performed a cappella. This album is a traditionalist's dream—for anyone who loves vocal harmony, _Lost in a Song_ makes an excellent purchase. Recommended.

Finest Kind consists of Ian Robb, Ann Downey, and Shelley Posen. Robb, originally from London, England, is also a member of Friends of Fiddler's Green and is a columnist for _Sing Out!_ magazine. Downey, originally from the American southwest, is also the stand-up bass player for the Toasted Westerns and the Old Sod band. Posen has been performing the songs of Canada, the U.S. and Great Britain for over three decades. He has also a folklorist, contributing a Ph.D. thesis and book on the songs of the Ottawa Valley. These three extremely talented individuals have combined into one of the "finest" bands in the catalogue.

> **Lost in a Song**  
>  1996 Fallen Angle Music (FAM 02CD)  
>  _The Banks of Sweet Primroses; Give Me Just a Little More Time; The Miner's Dream of Home; Blue Mountain; Sussex Drinking Song; The Night Pat Murphy Died; The Storms May Roll the Ocean; Goodnight-Loving Trail; Only Remembered; Fa-Sol-La; Going to the West; A Handful of Maple Leaves; Gower Wassail; What Was I Supposed to Do; I Heard the Bluebird Sing; The Faded Roses of December; A Pilgrim's Way 57:11_

* * *

### Finjan

_Klezmer_

Finjan, based in Winnipeg, is one of Canada's leading klezmer bands. _Crossing Selkirk Avenue_ is Finjan's third recording, and the first available on compact disc. Selkirk Avenue, the liner notes explain, "was the heart of Winnipeg's 'North End.' It was a bustling avenue in this city-within-a-city where Eastern European immigrants, Ukrainians, Poles and Jews bargained, discussed, bought, and sold...The bagels are still baked fresh daily." Finjan freshens up the immediacy of these memories. Members of Finjan, on this recording, are Shayla Fink, Eli Herscovitch, Daniel Koulack, Kinzey Posen, Myron Schultz, and Victor Schultz.

> **Crossing Selkirk Avenue**  
>  1992 Fat Uncle (FUR 003)  
>  _Oy Tate, S'is Gut; Abi Gezunt; Bosphourous Freilach; Greenhorn Blues; I Wanna Fellow; Second Avenue Freilach; Crossing Selkirk Avenue; A Brivele Der Mam'n; Shpiel Klezmer, Shpiel; Freilach Fun Der Chupa; Odessa Bulgar 45:30_

* * *

### Fischer & Lee

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"The Indigo Girls meet the Carter Family"—Nancy Reinhold (Wyrd Sisters).

Based in Victoria, BC, Cheryl Fischer and Karen Lee have performing acoustic music since 1996. Fischer (lead vocals, mandolin) was formerly lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the Vancouver Island band The Rhythm Toads. Lee (vocals, acoustic guitar) played lead and rhythm guitar with local blues bands and with the touring bluegrass band Southern Exposure.

_Rise_ (1998) is a spirited debut album with touches of country, bluegrass, pop and folk styles. With tasty licks on guitar and mandolin, Fischer and Lee deliver strong harmonies on their original material. The album was produced by Valdy, who also appears on the recording as a bass player. Fischer and Lee are off to a promising start with this release.

> **Rise**  
>  1998 Fischer & Lee (FLCD98001)  
>  _Rise; Destination Unknown; Blessed is the Day; Orphan Girl; Falling Down the Rock; Beacon of the Night; Make Me Down a Pallet; Tumbleweed Roll; Carry Me Along; Midnight Train to Georgia 38:50_

* * *

### Winston "Scotty'' Fitzgerald

_Fiddle_

Born in White Point, Cape Breton, in 1915, Winston "Scotty" Fitzgerald, dean of Cape Breton master fiddlers, profoundly influenced the young fiddlers of the island who still study his graceful phrasing and ornamention. A carpenter by profession, Fitzgerald was a frequent performer on radio stations in Nova Scotia and fiddling festivals in Canada. Joe Cormier is one of Fitzgerald's many proteges. _Classic Cuts_ is a compact disc re-release of some of his LP recordings. For fiddle music fans, this album is a treasure beyond compare. Fitzgerald is a memorial member of the Porcupine Awards Hall of Fame.

> **Classic Cuts**  
>  [no date] Breton Books & Music (BBMCD 001)  
>  _Welcome to Your Feet Again/The Bonny Lass of Fisherrow/The Bird's Nest; Traditional/I'm Off with the Good St. Nicholas Boat; Miss Ann MacCormack/Sleepy Maggie; Marchioness of Huntley/Miss Maules/Lady Glen Orchy; McNab's Hornpipe/Farmer's Daughter; James F. Dickie's Delight/James Scott Skinner/Mrs. E. MacLeod; the Mill of Newe/Mrs. James Forbes; Jimmy MacKinnon of Smelt Brook/Scotch Cove; Bonnie Isabell Robertson/John Howett; Mrs. Menzies of Culdare/Welcome Whiskey Back Again/Captain Keeler; Gramin/Mr. R. Cato; The Haggis/Caber Feidh; The Iron Man/Riddrie/Mrs. Douglas of Edman; Tom MacCormack/Capers; The Firefly/The Horn; Archie Menzies/Fisher's Hornpipe; St. Kilda's Wedding/Trip to Windsor; Mist on the Loch/Bonnie Kate; Medley of Antigonish Polkas; McDonaugh's Clog/Slievman's Hornpipe; Crossing to Ireland/Rights of Man Reel; Stirling Militia March/The Green Fields of White Point 65:37_

* * *

### Flatland 6

_Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

As the liner notes tell it, _At the Roadhouse_ "is inspired by the rough and tumble players found in the smokey honky-tonks and roadhouses of the southern States. In the early part of this century these musicians carved out a lasting heritage of gritty and honest music. Names like Son House, Charlie Patton, Bo Carter and Jimmie Rodgers (The Singing Brakeman) have to be added to the more well known Robert Johnson, as players who have left us the hard-earned milestones of country-blues." The Vancouver group Flatland 6 uses this tradition as a cornerstone for the nine original songs in this collection. These excellent musicians turn out some highly satisfying tracks on _At The Roadhouse_. Flatland 6 are Gerry Siemens and Craig McKerron on guitars, Alan Mann on piano, Ed Goodine on drums, Chris Taylor on harmonica, Ken Wilson and Tammy Fassaert on bass.

> **At the Roadhouse**  
>  1994 Flatland 6 (FLS-2001)  
>  _Flatland Blues; Chauffeur Blues; Flim Flam Man; Same Old Way; Broken in Two; I Told You So; I Want You to Know; No Longer Mine; Goin' Down to Memphis; Dogline Blues; Downtime 39:06_

* * *

### The Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band

_Klezmer_

Klezmer music is, according to the liner notes to _Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band_ , "Jewish roots/folk/dance and party music ... it's like nothing you've ever heard before yet it's immediately familiar: shades of the circus, the synagogue and the New Orleans street band—the sound of celebration." This bouncy album lives up to the definition. It's a fun, and delightfully rowdy, listen. The Toronto-based Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band takes klezmer styles and extends them into the present as a living tradition, with new compositions and innovations. _Agada_ follows in the same vein. The combined musicians on the two albums (they don't all play on both) include David Buchbinder, Laura Cesar, Evelyne Datl, Anne Lederman, John Lennard, Allan Merovitz, Martin Van De Ven, and Allen Cole.

> **Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band**  
>  1990 Flying Bulgar (FBR CD001)  
>  _Ishai's Freylekh; Der Rebbe Elimelekh; Araber Tants; Fun Der Khuppe; Fishelekh in Vasser; On Sunday the Rabbi Stretched Out; Kandel's Hora; Violin Doyne/Unser Toirele/Varshaver Freylekhs/Kolomeyke; Saposhkelekh; Der Yiddisher Soldat in Die Trenches; Alle Brider 53:16_

> **Agada**  
>  1993 Flying Bulgar (FBR CD002)  
>  _Cooking Bulgar(s); Naftule Shpilt Far Dem Rebn; Aleyn in Veg; Bulgar Blues; Agadot; Feter Elye; High Noon in Volgograd; Spirits; Wiggle Town; Yam Lid; Sumkinda Hora; Bukoviner Freylekhs; Vus Vet Zayn 57:42_

* * *

### Folk of the Sea

_Traditional; Contemporary; Choral_

Folk of the Sea is a singing group of fishermen and fisherwomen of Newfoundland and Labrador. Their album, _In Concert_ , is an easy-listening collection of contemporary and traditional songs that alternate between choral singing, choral-backed soloists, and instrumentals. Unfortunately the scanty liner notes don't include a publisher's address. Watch for this one in the bins of your favourite record shop, or purchase a copy if you happen to catch them in concert.

> **In Concert**  
>  1994 Folk of the Sea (no catalogue number)  
>  _Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary's; Make and Break Harbour; I'se the B'y/Cock of the North; Shenandoah; Amazing Grace; Boil Down the Cabbage; Fisherman's Son; Swiss Moonlight Lullaby; They Call Me a Wry Man; We're Folk of the Sea; Petty Harbour Bait Skiff; Salt Water Joy; Waltz and Jig; Ah, the Sea; Come Home to Newfoundland; The Hand That Rocks the Cradle; Sea People; Sailor's Prayer; Who Is My Brother 68:59_

* * *

### Roy Forbes

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia singer-songwriter Roy Forbes began his career as a folksinger, using the stage name "Bim." His unique voice, driving guitar, and strong songwriting brought him popularity at folk festivals. Later Forbes turned to his country roots and has since become a successful country music artist. In addition to his solo career, Forbes is part of the UHF project, as well as being a record producer. _Love Turns To Ice_ and _The Human Kind_ present the high-energy and excellent songwriting of Forbes' country music. Both are fine recordings that will appeal to Forbes fans, but may be a bit too far removed from the folk mainstream to appeal to folkies in general. _Almost Overnight_ is another matter. This 1994 recording has Forbes in the studio re-recording his Bim material. The result is electrifying. It's amazing how much music one voice, one guitar, and one tapping foot can create. Fans will find "Thistles," "Waitin' for You Mama," "Right After My Heart," "Woh Me," plus twelve more Bim classics on this disc. A must for Bim fans and recommended for folkies everywhere. For his years of dedication and devotion to the roots of country and blues, Forbes received the Wilf Carter Western Canadian Porcupine Award in 1996.

> **Love Turns to Ice**  
>  [no date] Flying Fish (FF 70499)  
>  _Love Turns to Ice; Wildman; Breaks My Heart; Tiny Island; And Now You Want My Love; This Feeling; Away from Me; For So Long; Lost on the River; Winterkill; Sweet Shameless Hours; The Damage That We Do 48:00_

> **The Human Kind**  
>  1992 AKA (AKA-CD 1002)  
>  _Still a Fool; Your Image of Me; A Sweet Kind of Love; Not Tonight; Alone and Forsaken; Let Me Make It up to You Tonight; The Human Kind; Wondering; The Winding Stream; Saskatoon Moon; Just One Time; A Fool Such As I; Days Turn to Nights; Anna Marie 47:54_

> **Almost Overnight**  
>  1994 AKA (AKA-CD 1003)  
>  _Thistles; Waitin' for You Mama; Right After My Heart; Woh Me; Headed the Wrong Way; Betsy and the Blue Boys; You Can't Expect Me to Change; So Close to Home; I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry; Peer Pressure; The Farmer Needs the Rain; Kid Full of Dreams; Colder Than Ever; Tender Lullaby; So Afraid; Yellow Moon; Ironbelly; Talk Around Town 70:04_

* * *

### Four the Moment

_Contemporary; Gospel; A Cappella; Singer-Songwriter_

For over a decade Four the Moment, an a cappella vocal group from Halifax, has been creating original compositions that tell the story of African-Nova Scotian history, and women's and Third World struggles. Blending together elements of Black music—blues, soul, reggae, and gospel—they have performed their music from Nova Scotia to Vancouver. _Four the Moment—Live!_ , released in late 1993, is a recording of their Tenth Anniversary Concert in Halifax. The soaring harmonies and deep-rooted lyrics are guaranteed to please fans of a cappella music. Four the Moment is Delvina Bernard, Kim Bernard, Andrea Currie, and Anne-Marie Woods.

> **Four the Moment—-Live!**  
>  1993 Jam (FTM101)  
>  _I Love You Woman (Black Mother Black Daughter); Inkululeko Iyeza; Africville; It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday; Harriet Tubman; Buffalo Soldiers; Old Pictures; Betty's Blues; Farther Along; In My Soul; Lullaby for Cole Harbour; Freedom Has Beckoned 52:02_

* * *

### Jason Fowler

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter; Guitar_

Toronto-based singer-songwriter/guitarist Jason Fowler began his musical career after his father taught him a few basics of the guitar. After receiving a degree in classical guitar performance from McGill University, he set his sites on producing his own CD. Cashing in on favours from friends and converting basements into studios all over Toronto, Fowler reached his goal with the release of _Hiss of Distance_ (1995). Despite a quiet release, the disc gained acclaim and became one of the more sought-after folk albums in Toronto. Fowler received the Performer of the Year Porcupine Award for _Hiss of Distance_. One listen to the opening instrumental track, "Simple Chains," tells you why. Fowler's reputation as a fine guitarist has spread quickly. He is also a good lyricist and the package of his singing and picking has made him a very popular local performer (and guitar instructor). This album is well worth seeking out. Produced by Jason Fowler, additional musicians include Drew Birston, upright bass; Mark Mariash, percussion; Hugh Marsh, violin; and Leah Salomaa, backup vocals.

_Life is Rich_ (1997) puts more emphasis on Fowler's lyrics and vocals. A more richly produced album, it features songs covering topics such as greed, change, joy and unconditional love. The album also highlights Fowler's playing on two instrumentals: "Hector the Inspector" and "Hunger of the Clock." Fowler weaves fine guitar work throughout the album, mixing styles as diverse as ragtime, blues and modern pop. There's a maturity to the mix that marks Fowler as a performer to watch. This excellent album was co-produced by Fowler and the session musicians on the album, including Keith Mariash, Mark Mariash, Dave Szgeti, and Todd Lumley.

> **Hiss of Distance**  
>  1995 Great Big Music (GBM-001)  
>  _Simple Chains; It's Love That Matters Most; Waltz for Beth; Glad You're Home Tonight; No Blues Pass by My Door; James' Song; The Hiss of Distance; Canterbury Cathedral; The Ides of March; When Morning Stumbles In; Amazing Grace 42:38_

> **Life is Rich**  
>  1997 Great Big Music (GBM-002)  
>  _Life is Rich; I just Don't Love You Enough; Don't You Go Away; The Finest that Money Can Buy; Beckon the Inspector; Baby, It's You; Your Last Laugh; Some People Change; I Didn't Mean for It to Happen; A Marriage Song; Everything Looks Beautiful to Me; Hunger for the Clock; The Latest Miracle 47:52_

* * *

### J. Hubert Francis & Eagle Feather

_First Nations; Singer-Songwriter_

J. Hubert Francis and Eagle Feather, based in New Brunswick, perform a mix of original songs written by Francis and covers of other songwriters. A smooth, tight-sounding band that would sound at home on any radio station, Eagle Feather switches between blues and rock styles effortlessly. On _Reverence_ Francis sings "Booglatamootj," which sounds like it might have been a direct influence on Kashtin. Other Francis songs include "Grandfather," "Alone Again," "Only Love," and "The Dream." The band also kicks in with numbers from the Stampeders, Redbone, Chuck Berry, and Bob Dylan. Francis' laid-back vocals and the band's soft rock style make this an easy-listening album.

> **Reverence**  
>  [no date] Sunshine (SSCD 4190)  
>  _Grandfather; Booglatamootj (The Indian Song); Alone Again; Oh My Lady; Six Days on the Road; Only Love; The Dream; Alcatraz; Maybelline; Knockin' on Heavens Door 34:02_

* * *

### Les Freres Labri

_French-Canadian_

Les Freres Labri (a made-up name that doesn't stand for anything) was an outstanding folk group from Quebec that performed traditional music. On _Quand l'Vent_ Les Freres Labri combined instrumentals, foot tapping, and mouth music into fine performances that rivalled the best early recordings of La Bottine Souriante. Anchored by former la Bottine Souriante member Andre Marchand, the group included Jean-Claude Mirandette, Jean-Paul Loyer, and Normand Miron. _Quand l'Vent_ received a "Gem of Canada" album of the year Porcupine award in 1994. Unfortunately, the group has since disbanded and there will likely be no further les Freres Labri recordings.

> **Quand l'Vent Vire de C ote**  
>  1993 Les Éditions des Freres Labri (LAB-CD-060)  
>  _À l'Âge de 16 Ans/La Marche du Queteux Pomerleau; Ah, du Temps Que J'Étais Jeune/Le Reel en Viole; La Poule a Colin; La Bonne Femme Noel/La Double Gigue; Par Derriere chez Ma Tante/Le Reel du Coq "Boiteux''; La Chapelle de la Bonne Femme Giroux; Gedeon Amateur/Le Reel de la Tuque Bleue; J'aime le Vin; Trois Brandy; Hommage a Durant 43:16_

* * *

### Friends of Fiddler's Green

_Traditional; Contemporary_

Ontario legends, Friends of Fiddler's Green, have played and sung together for over twenty years. The liner notes to _Road To Mandalay_ point out that throughout their time together, "one clear principle has remained constant: performances are social events first of all, and everything else after that." It comes as no surprise then that this group of comrades has not put a high priority on making recordings. In fact, _Road to Mandalay_ is only their second, and the only one available on compact disc. The whole point of _Road To Mandalay_ is that everyone is having a good time—the album is more hearty than heady. This is one to place on your CD player when you're feeling festive or sentimental. The Friends of Fiddler's Green, on _Road to Mandalay_ are instrument-maker Grit Laskin, mandolin, guitar, Northumbrian pipes, concertina; Tam Kearney, guitar, mandolin, banjo, concertina; Ian Robb, concertina, baritone concertina; Laurence Stevenson, fiddle; David Parry, anglo concertina, melodeon, guitar, harmonica; Alistair Brown, melodeon, harmonica, jew's harp, concertina; and Geoff McClintock, keyboards.

> **Road to Mandalay**  
>  1994 FOFG (no catalogue number)  
>  _Blaydon Races/Off She Goes; We Are Three Jolly Fishermen; Mary Ann; The S.S. Shieldhall; Galopede/Petronella/The Green Cockade; Mandalay; Coats Off for Britain; Jamaica/Childgrove; My Old Man; Schoolday's Over; Sir Sydney Smith's March; One of the Old School; Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque/The Lark in the Morning; The Long, Long Trail 50:00_

* * *

### Cate Friesen

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Friesen's writing is consistently strong, with thoughtful lyrics and tunes"— _Dirty Linen_. Cate Friesen is a singer-songwriter based in Toronto, but the Prairies, where she was raised, still figure prominently in her lyrics, as in the opener on _Tightrope Waltz_ : "Oh, when you think of me / Won't you remember me / As prairie grass rooted deep and strong." Friesen's lilting voice carries her engaging personality through varied material, including "Think of Me," "Waltzing," and "Grandma's Song." She combines elements of folk, pop, klezmer, and jazz on her recordings, but it's her folkish material that highlights her lyrics to best advantage.

On _Wayward_ , her third album (and second CD) Friesen demonstrates once again her musical agility, moving easily and smoothly from genre to genre, from intimate, contemporary pop material to songs that reflect her folk roots. Her delightful, versatile voice glides through each arrangement effortlessly and, for those who have the opportunity to see Friesen at a live performance, her radiant smile lights up the stage.

Many readers will especially like the more acoustic tracks on the CD. "Trains," written by Ron Sexsmith is beautiful and spare and the a cappella "Peggy Carpenter," a song about a Toronto street person, is easily the folkiest cut on the album. The more rock-oriented "Several Sides Of Love," co-written with poet Patrick Friesen is a fine piece of contemporary work. "Mirabeau Bridge (I Had a Dream)," a mandolin-laced, waltz-time song by Sam Larkin is an old-fashioned treat, while the following track, "Thinkin' About," changes to an uptempo, jazz beat. The arrangement of songs on the album is particularly well done. The pace keeps changing, displaying the variety of the album to excellent effect. Anyone who enjoys contemporary folk/pop will find _Wayward_ an exciting album to explore.

Additional musicians on _Wayward_ include Louise Horton, Allan Beardsell, Tiina Kiik, Victor Bateman, Howard Gaul, Veda Hille, Daniel Koulack, James Keelaghan, Sam Larkin, Ana Coutinho, Lianne Fournier, David Travers-Smith, and Peter Kiesewalter.

> **Tightrope Waltz**  
>  1993 Wide-Eyed Music (WEM002)  
>  _Think of Me; Waltzing; Tina; Desert; Wake Me Up; Baptized (Prodigal Daughter); Grandma's Song; Walking with the Wind; Passing; Whirlwind 40:17_

> **Wayward**  
>  1996 Wide-Eyed Music (WEMD003)  
>  _Weight of the World; She Walks Lightly; I'm Floored; Trains; Several Sides to Love; Peggy Carpenter; Mirabeau Bridge (I Had a Dream); Passionately Fond Of; River; Thinkin' About; Trustin'; Early Quiet Morning 42:01_

* * *

### Gayleen Froese

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Saskatoon-based singer-songwriter Gayleen Froese is a graduate of Toronto's Ryerson University with a degree in Radio and Television Arts. A pianist since age seven, Froese's music combines imaginative lyrics interwoven with free-flowing piano arrangements. On her debut album, _Obituary_ (1997), Froese displays an originality that disregards musical fashion. The album achieves a kind of dream-like conversation with the unconscious, but the dreams are not sweet. Lines like "I guess lies make up half of what I say / All the doors are locked, so I can't run away" ("Lock") carry you into a world dappled in light and dark. A very strong debut album, the main drawback to _Obituary_ is that every song sounds like a continuation of the previous song. Additional musical variety would be welcome—something to give contrast to the moody piano arrangements.

> **Obituary**  
>  1997 Rockin' Rod (ROD 211)  
>  _Remembrance; Muted; Threads; Dalhousie Str. Waltz; Inheritance; Burn; Fall on Me; Obituary; Though You Court Me; Ascension; Locks; Son of My Right Hand; Requiescat 34:49_

* * *

## G

### The Gaelic College Pipe Band

_Bagpipe_

Possibly the two most difficult addictions to avoid are ice cream and pipe bands. Canada is blessed with Scottish piping bands in every province from east to west, but none finer than the Gaelic College Pipe Band of Cape Breton Island. An active full piping band since 1951, the band on _Taisbeanaidh / Revelations_ is the 1994 band that won the 1994 Grade 3 World Championship in Glasgow, Scotland. The average age of the thirty-three member band is nineteen. This recording was made shortly after their return home. A satisfying purchase for any lover of the pipes.

> **Taisbeanaidb / Revelations**  
>  1994 Gaelic College (no catalogue number)  
>  _Slow Air and Jigs; 3/4 Marches; March/Strathspey/Reel; Jigs/Small Pipes; 6/8 Marches; Hornpipes; Medley; Jigs; 6/8 Marches; Hornpipes; Reels/Small Pipes; Air 45:21_

* * *

### Bill Gallaher

_Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

Bill Gallaher, based in Victoria, British Columbia, is one of the most original songwriters in Canada. Frequently mining Canadian history for his memorable songs, Gallaher's work is akin to that of Stan Rogers and James Keelaghan, two other writers with a gift for capturing Canadian history in lyrics. For several years Gallaher teamed up as a duo with his music partner, Jake Galbraith, bass player, guitarist, and harmony singer. The duo released three cassette albums under the name Bill Gallaher & Jake Galbraith: _The Grand Illusion_ (1989); _Home to the Island_ (1991); and _The Road West_ (1993). The highlights of these recordings were compiled into a CD, _The Last Battle: The Best of Bill Gallaher & Jake Galbraith_ (1995), making them available to a wider audience.

Gallaher songs such as "The Last Battle," about the last stand of the Metis in the Riel Rebellion, "Augustus and Catherine," about Augustus and Catherine Schubert, westward-bound pioneers who trecked from Winnipeg to BC, and "Newfoundland Sealers," about exploited young men in the seal-hunting industry, have become as integral a part of the Canadian folk repertoire as Stan Rogers' "Northwest Passage" or Gordon Lightfoot's "Early Morning Rain." This wonderful CD is a essential purchase for any fan of Canadian folk music. After the release of this album, Bill Gallaher and Jake Galbraith received the Porcupine Canadian History Award for their work.

More recently Gallaher added two additional artists to his group. Now billed as Bill Gallaher with Harmony Road, Harmony Road consists of Jake Galbraith, Mike Jones, and Maureen Campbell. The new, richer sound is featured on _Across the Divide_ (1997). Gallaher fans will be delighted to find new material here that matches up nicely with his earlier work. The opening track, "The Wild McLean Boys" is a modern, more sophisticated, treatment of the famous BC shooting spree incident than the "Four Rode By" version featured on Ian & Sylvia's _Northern Journey_ album some thirty years earlier. _Across the Divide_ also includes more of Gallaher's humour, including "The Good Guys Wore White Hats" and a sequel to "The Male Bonding Song" called "All You Need Is a Rock." The combination of Gallaher's trademark twelve-string guitar rhythms, his pleasant singing voice, excellent backup and harmony from the rest of the group, and memorable songs mark this as another album you'll want to add to your collection.

> **The Last Battle: the Best of Bill Gallaher & Jake Galbraith**  
>  1995 Bill Gallaher / Theatre Erebus (BGM 1002)  
>  _The Last Battle; Augustus and Catherine; Shadow Boats; 1914 (The Grand Illusion); Male Bonding Song; Newfoundland Sealers; The Hold Up; Mary and the Seal; Traveller's Song; The West in Her Eyes; Canadian BBQ; Three Dollar Dreams; The Chilkoot Pass; The Ballad of Ginger Goodwin 72:08_

> **Across the Divide**  
>  1997 Bill Gallaher (BG01)  
>  _The Wild McLean Boys; The Good Guys Wore White Hats; We Danced; Fishing with John; A Song for Angela; The Promise (Narration); The Promise (Song); All You Need Is a Rock; I Will Be the One; Lunenburg Town; Gift of the Sea; Sufferin'; The Newfoundland Sealers; The Company Man; The First and Last of Your Kind 71:49_

* * *

### Lennie Gallant

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Lennie Gallant, from Prince Edward Island, has emerged as one of the strongest songwriters from the Maritimes. His fresh, varied lyrics span folk, pop, and country music. Gallant's soft, expressive voice and thoughtful arrangements make him the kind of singer-songwriter who will appeal to a broad range of listeners. The folkiest of Gallant's albums is _Breakwater_. Songs like "Tales of The Phantom Ship," "Island Clay," and "Raise the Dead of Wintertime" feature a Gallant who is comfortable working in a "roots" style. The more typical, contemporary, Gallant style emerges on tracks like "Breakwater," "Big City," and "La Tempete" where the instrumentation is decidedly more electric. The electric-oriented style carries through into _Believing in Better_. The strong lyrics of "Believing in Better," "Man of Steel," "Crumbling Foundations" convey both anger and hope. Gallant also writes expressive love songs such as "The Stairs" and "Someone like You." _The Open Window_ takes Gallant to a new level. The arrangements are tighter and the backup musicians provide Gallant with a fuller, richer sound. From the strong contemporary opener, "Which Way Does the River Run," through the soft rocker, "The Open Window," to the folkish, introspective finale, "Northern Lights," this fine album, which was awarded "Album of the Year" at the 1995 East Coast Music Awards, places Gallant among Canada's leading folk/pop artists.

> **Breakwater**  
>  1988 Revenant (LGCD 101)  
>  _Tales of the Phantom Ship; Island Clay; Raise the Dead of Wintertime; Back to Rustico; From a Distance; Marie and He; The Hope for Next Year; Breakwater; Big City; The Reconciliation Two-Step; La Temp ete; Down on the Promenade; Destination 47:25_

> **Believing in Better**  
>  1991 Revenant (LGCD 102)  
>  _Believing in Better; Man of Steel; Martyn's Brook; Is It Love I Feel (Or Courage I Lack); The Hope for Next Year; How Many Bridges; The Cry for Love; Crumbling Foundations; The Stairs; Someone like You; The Other Side 46:41_

> **The Open Window**  
>  1994 Columbia (CK80196)  
>  _Which Way Does the River Run; The Pearl (Would You Meet Me There); The Open Window; Peter's Dream; Embers; Mademoiselle (Voulez-Vous Danser); How Can I Trust the Captain; Fighting for Your Love; Three Words; Looking at the Moon (For the First Time); Year of the Angel; Northern Lights 47:19_

* * *

### Boying Geronimo

_Worldbeat_

With the arrival of new Canadians from Latin American countries, salsa bands have become a regular feature at Canadian folk festivals, spicing up the entertainment with their hot dance music. Vancouver-based Boying Geronimo is among Canada's leading proponents of salsa. His Cuban salsa jazz band is featured on _Rumba Calzada_ , an album with pumping latin beats. The album contains the classic movie tune "The Continental" as well as tracks that feature a variety of percussion treats from band members like Poncho Sanchez, a noted conga drummer from Los Angeles. The tight arrangements and catchy rhythms are recommended for salsa lovers.

> **Rumba Calzada**  
>  [no date] Boying Geronimo (BGCD1000)  
>  _Mentirosa; Continental; Rumba Calzada; Southern Comfort; Bamboleate; Bajo Con Tumbao; Ran Kan Kan; Dahil Sa Iyo; Obatala, Cajita Y Rumba Con Mi Hijo; Have I Told You Lately; Oye Como Va 51:57_

* * *

### Geoff Gibbons

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

On _Geoff Gibbons_ , British Columbia-based Gibbons' electric arrangements carry his folkish lyrics through an impressive set of original songs, including "Life on the Ball," "Just What I Am," "Ribbons and Chains," and "Can't Curse the Rain." Gibbons is a strong songwriter, though the thoroughly electric rock-flavoured style of the album may put him on the edge of the definition of folk for those who prefer a more acoustic-based sound.

> **Geoff Gibbons**  
>  1991 Energy Discs (NRG CD 143)  
>  _Forty Dollar Dove; Life on the Ball; Just What I Am; Love Makes No Rules; Ribbons and Chains; Can't Curse the Rain; Nowhere Town; House of Horrors; You'll Remember Me; Sweet White Rose 43:28_

* * *

### Jennifer Gibson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Edmonton-based singer-songwriter Jennifer Gibson began her career as a solo artist in 1991 after playing in Petticoat Junction and Cranky Brats. She released her debut CD _Too Far Gone_ in 1992. Her sound has developed from a variety of genres, including pop, country, folk and alternative music. Her current sound is described as "straight-from-the-heart, rural rock/folk roots." Gibson has played the Edmonton Folk Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival, North Country Fair and the Smithers, BC, Midsummer Festival.

_Be the Woman_ (1998) is the work of a mature songwriter who is sure of her lyrics and sound. The album is a highly diverse collection of lyrics and styles highlighted by Gibson's fine vocals. Produced by Jamie Kidd and Jennifer Gibson, additional musicians include Steve Pineo, guitars, mandolin; John C. Towill, bass; Matthew Atkins, drums; Jamie Kidd, organ, accordion; Ben Sures, electric guitar; and Greg Petty, drums.

> **Be the Woman**  
>  1998 Girly Girl (GG 020498)  
>  _Grace; Clarity; Stone; Tangled; Enraged; Walkin' the Streets of Venice; Every So Often; I've Had Enough; I Want to be Alone; Be the Woman; Complicated Love; Fall in Love Again 46:49_

* * *

### Eve Goldberg

_Contemporary; Traditional; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto singer-songwriter Eve Goldberg has earned enduring respect and admiration for her extraordinary interpretations of other people's material and for her own excellent songwriting. Raised in a musical family, Goldberg is known for her extensive folk/blues/swing repertoire and her musical integrity. Steeped in tradition, she handles older material deftly and honestly and this background adds a depth to her own material rarely found in young songwriters. She's paid her dues, and it shows.

Since the release of a self-titled cassette recording _Eve Goldberg_ (1994) Goldberg's many fans and supporters have eagerly awaited a new recording. They have been amply rewarded with the release of _Ever Brightening Day_ (1998), a CD released under her Sweet Patootie Music label. Starting off with the Jean Ritchie mountain classic "Sweet Sorrow in the Wind" (with harmony vocals by Cindy Church), Goldberg changes pace with a piece of her own, "Let's Throw a Party for Ourselves," a bluesy number that sounds authentically 30's or 40's. This sets the pattern for the entire album. Switching between classics such as Bessie Smith's "Backwater Blues" and her own compositions such as "Cold Wind Blowing," the album is richly varied in sound and style. Goldberg singing is understated rather than flashy—a perfect match for her material. Produced by Bill Garrett, this excellent recording features a bevy of fine additional musicians, including Cindy Church, Chris Coole, Arnie Naiman, Dennis Pedrith, Mose Scarlett, Chris Whiteley, Dan Whiteley, and Ken Whiteley. Additional vocals are provided by Sue Goldberg and Ruth Goldberg. Recommended.

> **Ever Brightening Day**  
>  1998 Sweet Patootie (SP101)  
>  _Sweet Sorrow in the Wind; Let's Throw a Party for Ourselves; Waiting for a Train; Back Water Blues; Cool of the Day; Names; Watermelon Sorbet; Having a Drink with Jane; Cold Wind; Know When to Move; Travellin' Day; Creole Bell 44:35_

* * *

### Gopher Baroque

_Contemporary; Traditional; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in Kingston, Ontario, Gopher Baroque is a folk trio consisting of Dawn Callan, Jan Singleton and Terry Snider. Callan and Singleton have been active in the Ontario folk community for many years, organizing festivals and assisting with the activities of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals.

As the band Gopher Baroque, they play a mix of traditional material and songs written by Dawn Callan and Jan Singleton. Their debut CD, _Holding the Fort_ (1995), is a spirited album reflecting the upbeat, fun-loving approach to music they display on festival stages. With Callan on vocals and bodhran, Singleton on guitar and vocals, and Snider on fiddle and vocals, Gopher Baroque has a decidedly Celtic sound. On _Holding the Fort_ the band is joined by a number of guest musicians, including Bob Ritchie, keyboards and vocals; Steve Ritchie, guitar, bass, banjo, tin whistle, vocals; Mari Cordes, flute, vocals; Dave Daw, vocals; and Michael Bix, vocals, guitar.

> **Holdin' Down the Fort**  
>  1995 Gopher Baroque (GB 95003)  
>  _Somewhere in France; Morrison's Blues/Morrissey's Jig; Red Head Cove; Busk, Busk; Mrs. Grant's Fancy/Robertson's Ridge; Keep It in Mind; The Lone Appendicitis; Holdin' Down the Fort; Parson's Harbour; White Cockade/Mason's Apron; Wind, Wheels and Wings; It's Colder Tonight; World's Last Dreamer; Twin Mountain Two-Step; Wish I Could Build a Castle; Gustafson Lake 56:52_

* * *

### James Gordon

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

James Gordon is a prolific singer-songwriter best known for his contributions as a founding member of Tamarack. _Farther Along_ , a solo album, features Gordon performing a wider range of songs than his Tamarack material. Songs like "We Work Away," a reggae-influenced number, "Caledonia Street," a contemporary love song, and "The Ozone Layer," a rock-flavoured environmental piece, display the non-folkish side of Gordon's songwriting. Gordon's voice is most convincing when blended into tight harmonies with other voices. The Tamarack-like arrangement of "Lonesome Cowboy's Lament" with backup vocals from the Bird Sisters is the most successful track on the album.

> **Farther Along**  
>  1990 SGB Records (SGB CD 10)  
>  _Head Me Home; We Work Away; Caledonia Street; Lonesome Cowboy's Lament; The Ozone Layer; Farther Along; All the Other Dolphins; This Poor Old Village; Essequibo River; The Golden Fleece; Without You; The Human Cannonball; These Are the Nineties 54:46_

* * *

### Myk Gordon

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia-based Myk Gordon writes contemporary material in the protest, social-injustice tradition. His album _Seventh Candle_ includes a song about his relationship with his father, "Bye Bye Papa," a lament for Canada, "Oh, Kanada," and a song about race/religion, "I'm a Jew." Gordon weaves in acoustic guitar, fiddle, and harmonica alongside drums and electric instruments. While Gordon is not gifted with an extraordinary voice, his lyrics are worth exploring.

> **Seventh Candle**  
>  1994 Blasphemy (MYK-102)  
>  _Bye Bye Papa; Oh, Kanada; I'm a Jew; No One but Me; Adam and Eve; Bag of Bones; Who Will Remember; Tommy Evans; Before the River Runs Dry; Creation Shining 46:12_

* * *

### Lawrence Gowan

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Lawrence Gowan is one of the few contemporary artists who accompanies himself on piano rather than the ubiquitous acoustic guitar (although he occasionally sings with a twelve-string). On _Solo Live_ Gowan shows himself as a very strong songwriter with riveting originals and covers and an expressive voice. The bare delivery, piano and voice, is particularly effective on this live recording because the lyrics are not obscured. Gowan has excellent audience rapport. An outstanding pianist as well as singer, Gowan's skills make is a fine album for those who enjoy a change of pace from the guitar-anchored folk repertoire.

> **Solo Live: No Kilt Tonight**  
>  1997 Algae (LG 10001-2)  
>  _You're a Strange Animal; Soul's Road; Dedication; Cosmetics; Imagine; Pathetique; The King Chanticleer Rag; The Lumberjack Song; Dancing on My Own Ground; Guerrilla Soldier; Cry on My Shoulder; Moonlight Desires; A Criminal Mind; You'll be with Me 56:45_

* * *

### Ann Gray

_Bagpipe; Celtic_

Ann Gray started piping at age ten in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. By age eighteen she had won every amateur piping award in Nova Scotia and moved into the professional class of solo competition. Since then she has garnered many awards, including the 1995 Dunvegan Medal at the Skye Gathering in Portree, Scotland.

After completing an MA degree in Celtic Studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Ann moved to Calgary, Alberta, where she currently resides. She continues to play in bands, compete in solo competitions and teach piping. As a member of the Calgary band Seanachie, she plays highland bagpipes, Scottish smallpipes, tin whistle, bodhran and mandolin, in addition to backup vocals.

Gray has completed two solo recordings: _A Twist in the Tale_ (1995) and _Shouting at Magpies_ (1998). Of the two, _A Twist in the Tale_ is the more traditional, featuring piping solos on bagpipes, smallpipes and shuttle pipes, with a small amount of guitar overdub on a few of the tracks. _Shouting at Magpies_ features Gray in a band setting, surrounded by accompanying musicians, including members of the band Seanachie featuring Jackie Bell, violin, vocals; Diane Kooch, bass; Gordon McCulloch, guitar, vocals; and Robin Tuft, percussion. Piping traditionalists will prefer _Twist_ while those who like a full-band sound will prefer _Magpies_. Both are excellent recordings.

> **A Twist in the Tale**  
>  1995 Ann Gray (AGTT0013)  
>  _The Drunken Landlady; Fitzy's Birthday Present/Skyeman's Jig/The Moose/The Drunken Landlady; John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage/The Piper's Bonnet/The Rejected Suitor; The MacKenzie Hall Loft/Dave Kirk's Gibsons; The Park Piobaireachd #2; Hector the Hero/The Ramsay Man; Mrs. John MacColl/The Clan MacColl; Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban/Traditional Strathspey/Tulloch Gorm/Sandy Cameron/Lord MacDonald; Mairi Bhan Og (Fair Young Mary)/South to Turner Valley/Dr. Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering; Alex MacDonald/Troy's Wedding/Scott MacAulay/Kenny Giles of Portnalong, Skye; MacCrimmon Will Never Return/The Seven Rebels; Camille's Tune (Excerpt)/Gordon McCulloch's Red Socks/Go to Hell; The Smith's a Gallant Fireman/Miss Drummond of Perth (The Crippled Boy)/Miss Ada Crawford/Margaret Duncan/McArthur Road/Cape Breton Fiddlers' Welcome to Shetland/The Ale is Dear/Sleepy Maggie; A Twist in the Tale 54:24_

> **Shouting at Magpies**  
>  1998 Ann Gray (AGSM002)  
>  _The Starcraft Trip to Glencoe/White Balloons & Black Leather/Kelvinhaugh Street Spirits/The Convoy to Oban; Senor Celtic y el Grupo; Tulloch Castle/Lt. Col. D.J.S. Murray/Roddy Macdonald's Fancy; Neil Gow's Lament for the Death of His Second Wife; The 93rd at Modder River/PM John Stewart; Lament for Ronald MacDonald of Morar/South in Autumn; The Fiddler's Joy/Mrs. Stewart of Grantully/The Black Mill/MacFadden's Reel/The Wise Maid/A Cup of Tea; Sailing Solo on the Minnow; The Mermaid's Song; T. Allen Doe/Robyn Emily Gray; The Gold Ring/The Price of the Pig/The Broadview Burglar/Gie's a Glass of Water; Cha Till MacCriomain (MacCrimmon's Lament); Shouting at Magpies 53:14_

* * *

### Great Big Sea

_Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

The Newfoundland group Great Big Sea combines traditional material with songs written by members of the band. The result, on their debut album, _Great Big Sea_ (1993), is a lively selection that includes traditional Celtic-flavoured numbers such as "Great Big Sea," "I'se The B'y," and "Berry Picking Time" alongside original pieces like "Someday Soon," "What Are Ya' At?" and "Time Brings." On the whole the band is most successful on the traditional material. Great Big Sea is Bob Hallett, Alan Doyle, Darrell Power, and Sean McCann.

By the time of their second release, _Up_ (1995), Great Big Sea had become one of the most popular bands in Canada. Their energetic delivery of rock-laced Celtic and traditional material, combined with a good stage presence, has garnered them a large following. _Up_ is just plain fun. To hear songs like "Mari-Mac," "The Chemical Worker's Song," and "Rant and Roar" delivered to a new generation of listeners just adds to the pleasure. The album was produced by Danny Greenspoon.

> **Great Big Sea**  
>  1993 NRA (NRA3-1002)  
>  _Great Big Sea/Gone by the Board; Someday Soon; Excursion Around the Bay; What Are Ya' At?; Fisherman's Lament; I'se the B'y; Drunken Sailor; Irish Paddy/Festival Reel/Roger's Reel; Time Brings; Eavesdropper's/Both Meat & Drink/Off We Go; Berry Picking Time 38:51_

> **Up**  
>  1995 Warner (CD 12277)  
>  _Run Runaway; Goin Up; Fast As I Can; Mari-Mac; Dancing with Mrs. White; Something to It; Buying Time; Lukey; The Old Black Rum; The Chemical Worker's Song; Wave over Wave; Billy Peddle; Nothing Out of Nothing; The Jolly Butcher; Rant & Roar 43:41_

* * *

### The Great Western Orchestra

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

The Great Western Orchestra is the smallest orchestra in the world—two Alberta musician/singers: David Wilkie and Stewart MacDougall. Wilkie, who was born in California and moved to Canada at an early age, is known in Canadian country as "The Mandolin Kid." MacDougall, originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, is a musician who has played for Laura Vinson and k.d. lang. Both musicians have at one time played for Ian Tyson. The original GWO also included Cindy Church and Nathan Tinkham, but the CD recording made by that foursome, _The Great Western Orchestra_ , has been deleted from the catalogue and is not available for this guide. _Wind in the Wire_ , the first album issued as a duo, with guest musicians, is an eclectic exploration of the West. "The Railroad Corral" chronicles the seemingly endless days of a trail drive. "Magdalena and the Jack Of Spades" is a Mary Robbins-like desperado/outcast song. "The Cowboy Waltz" is a traditional fiddle tune turned into a mandolin masterpiece. Oscar Lopez adds some hot Latin guitar licks on several of the tracks. _Buffalo Ground_ continues the direction started with _Wind in the Wire_. With saucy liner notes by Sid Marty and more accompaniment by Lopez, GWO focuses on more aspects of the West. While there are many good tracks, the haunting "Buffalo Ground" is the album's highlight.

> **Wind in the Wire**  
>  1991 Centerfire (CFA002)  
>  _Great Western Overture; The Railroad Corral; Magdalena and the Jack of Spades; Wrong Side of the Hill; Cowboy Boogie; The Cowboy Waltz; Cactus Swing; Nowhere to Go; Buccaneer/Buckaroo; Wind in the Wire; Great Western Overture (Reprise) 38:04_

> **Buffalo Ground**  
>  1993 Centerfire (CFA 005)  
>  _Joanne's Song/Prelude for Buffalo Ground; Buffalo Ground; Forest Fanfare/Warrior and the King/Swan with Two Necks; Out of My Hands; Down Along the Livingstone; Doney Gal; Big Rock Candy Mountains; Monsoon; Dangerous Age; The Heart of the Matador (El Corazon de un Matador); Come Away; Buffalo Ground Revisited; Pets and Dinner 49:37_

* * *

### Jeremy Greenhouse

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in British Columbia, singer-songwriter Jeremy Greenhouse has released his first album, _Unraveled_ (1996). Combining excellent guitar work with highly contemporary arrangements, Greenhouse presents a range of pop-oriented lyrics, most of which would sound at home on pop radio. From a folk perspective, Greenhouse's quieter, more lyrical tracks, such as the thoughtful "Name" about the sudden, random, accidental deaths of people, provide more interesting listening. The CD also contains a fine instrumental version of "Wade in the Water."

Additional musicians on _Unraveled_ include Roy Salmond, Dave Olson and Colin Gray with guest appearances by Barry Russell, J. Knutson, Geoff Kelly and Spencer Capier

> **Unraveled**  
>  1996 Folkstone (FSCD 96002)  
>  _Western Woman; Jenny & Jason; Jasmine; Castles; Please Don't Touch Me; Anything at All; Name; Arkansas River; Wade in the Water; Love Less Traveled 37:38_

* * *

### Brian Gregg

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Born and raised in Edmonton, Albert, Brian Gregg has played in pub and dance bands since 1967. He is also a veteran busker. _Electronic Busker_ , issued as a commercial release in 1998, was originally released in a not-for-sale format which he simply gave to people. The opening song, "Electronic Busker," explained where people could send donations if they liked the CD (c/o General Delivery, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2G8). In this experiment, over 1000 CD's were given away and nearly half of those who received a copy responded with a donation. Some of the stranger donations included "an onion and some home made venison jerky." The album is now available to a wider audience. All the songs on the album are Gregg originals and all are interesting commentaries and observations on life. Gregg has a knack for offbeat lyrics. As the album title suggests, the arrangements are electric. Word is that Gregg is now at work on a second, acoustic album. Perhaps this one will be called _Busker Unplugged_? If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, this album will stand out from the rest of your collection.

> **Electronic Busker**  
>  1998 Brian Gregg (EB1998)  
>  _Electronic Busker; Out to the Country; One World; Make a Lot of Money; Hot Plastic Man; Why Don't You Go to Your Room?; Blacksmith Joe; Changes Fly By; Blind Dates Blues; Time Won't Let Some Stop (Blacksmith Joe); The World Says Yes; Strange Loops; Why Don't You Go to Your Room? (Reprise) 48:17_

* * *

### Al Grierson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Al Grierson, born in New Westminster, BC, and raised in various parts of BC as well as Calgary, Alberta, was a featured performer at the first Vancouver Folk Festival. A peripatetic folksinger/songwriter, Grierson has worked on the railroad (CPR), participated in the 60's peace movement, hung out with poets and lived in England and Ireland before moving to the US to study Zen Buddhism. About the only thing Grierson hadn't done, up to now, is release an album.

That has been addressed with the 1995 release of _Things That Never Added up to Me_. _Things_ is one of those albums that puts the _folk_ back into folk music! Recorded with just voice and his own guitar and harmonica accompaniment, _Things_ is an unadorned, unabashed 60's-style folk album. It's a treat to discover musicians like Grierson who are not afraid to buck the contemporary trend towards overproduction.

All the songs on _Things_ , except "The Zephyr" (Jack Hardy) were written by Grierson. With a distinctly American twang and simple acoustic arrangements, Grierson echoes the music of Woody Guthrie, Cisco Houston, and Utah Phillips, especially on his railroad songs which occupy the first half of the album. Grierson's lyrics are infectious—his sharp juxtaposition of traditional images with contemporary phrasing creates a lyrical tension that sounds at times like Woody Guthrie and at times like Beat poetry.

This is a refreshingly old-style album that will appeal to those who appreciate traditional folk delivery. The only downside is that, without more variety in delivery on a long album such as this, the songs begin to sound much the same. _Things_ works best if you listen to a few cuts at a time, then come back for more, later. That way the lyrics keep their fresh edge.

> **Things That Never Added up to Me**  
>  1995 Folkin' Eh! (0001)  
>  _Lonely Deadhead Boxcar; Fifty-Cent Sneakers; The Zephyr (Take It Slow); Sunday Way up Yonder; The Wild Dogs of Kitwanga; Dust-Bowl Don Quixote; That Endless Fascination; Things That Never Added up to Me; The Pride of the Border; The Queen of Thieves; A Soldier and His Own True Love; The Widow's Lament; The Flowers of Auschwitz; 'Til the Circle Is Complete 65:21_

* * *

### Grievous Angels

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Grievous Angels, an Ontario-based electric folk band founded in 1987, combines a slightly country sound with soft rock and thoughtful, contemporary lyrics. Most of the songs are written by guitarist, vocalist, and band leader Chuck Angus, of Cobalt, Ontario. Angus remembers his grandmother listening to Stompin' Tom Connors when he was two or three years old and Stompin' Tom has been an influence on his writing ever since. Angus has won two Porcupines for his songwriting: the "New Canadian Songwriter" award in 1990 for the song "Sarah Gordon" and the "Mac Beattie Award for Ontario Songwriting" in 1993 for "The Ballad of Red Dan." "Red Dan" was also selected by CBC radio host Peter Gzowski as one of his "favourite all-Canadian songs."

On Grievous Angels' second album, and first CD, _One Job Town_ (1990), lead vocalist Michelle Rumball cranks up her beautiful, plaintive voice on Angus classics such as "Crossing The Causeway" and "When Love Came Around." A personnel change on _Watershed_ (1993) finds the band without Rumball. Without her distinctive voice, the band loses some of the vocal edge, despite Angus' persistently good lyrics. Historically, the various members of Grievous Angels are Chuck Angus, Michelle Rumball, Peter Jellard, Tim Hadley, Peter Duffin, and Rick Conroy. Jellard, Hadley, and Conroy are also members of the Cajun Ramblers.

_Waiting for the Cage_ (1996) is an ambitious, well-conceived theme album that documents life in northern Ontario mining towns. An enhanced CD, with an interactive CD-ROM component on the history of mining in Ontario northlands. Angus's sparse lyrics are punchy and arresting. The album began as a soundtrack for a radio documentary on the Kirkland Lake strike of 1941 but soon spread to cover stories across the north.

> **One Job Town**  
>  1990 Moose Records / Stony Plain (SPCD 1162)  
>  _Crossing the Causeway; When Love Came Around; The Ballad of Leonard and Cecile; B.C. in the Winter Time; Sarah Gordon; Peter's Shuffle; Staying in on Weekends; Friday Night; The Kapuskasing Highway Song; Last Room on the Left (At the Ramore Hotel); Death's Dark Stream; Gordie and My Old Man 41:29_

> **Watershed**  
>  1993 Jimmy Boyle Records (CD 181093)  
>  _Starting Over at Thirty; Pot of Gold; A Mile Outside of Kirkland; Parking the Cod; Saskatchewan; Maybe It's the Rye That's Talking; Salamanca; I Didn't Mean to Make You a Gypsy; The Pipeliners Song; North of the Watershed; We Don't Seem Able to Love Anymore; La Bastrange; Sea of Galilee; The Ballad of Red Dan; Six Hundred Dollars; The Polkas; Grand Narrows Where I Belong 59:48_

> **Waiting for the Cage**  
>  1996 Jimmy Boyle (1996)  
>  _War Down Below; Thunderbird Town; Heartbreak Town; Lost in the Woods; White Fingers; De Miner Reel; Johnny Mac; The Bill Barilko Song; Having to Say Goodbye; Rouyn 39:32_

* * *

### Guignolee

_French-Canadian; Singer-Songwriter_

Guignolee is a band from the Lanaudiere area of Quebec. They come from the same region of Quebec as les Freres Labri and la Bottine Souriante—a region well known for its traditional musicians. The band includes the Laporte brothers, two exceptional fiddlers, and their CD, _Retour_ , features songs as well as instrumental jigs and reels. Guignolee is Gilles Cantin, Pierre Laporte, Remi Laporte, Jean Cantin, Luc "Pompon" Loyer, and Raynald "Doc" Dupras.

> **Retour**  
>  1994 Guignolee (GUI CD 327)  
>  _Les Plaisirs de Basile/Reel la Chicaneuse; l'Emp echement/6\8 de Joseph Allard; Bonny Kate/Jenny's Chickens; Les Coucous; Medley de la 1iere Chaloupe; Les Recollets/Pride of Petravore; Marie-Calumet; Ma Mie; Haley's Favorite/Kitty Come Over/Mullins Fancy/The Opera Reel; Les Draveurs de la Gatineau 45:12_

* * *

### Rufus Guinchard

_Fiddle_

Rufus Guinchard taught himself fiddle at the age of eleven and played until his death on September 7, 1990, at the age of 91. The liner notes to _Humouring the Tunes_ indicate he was the "fiddler of choice" for decades of get-togethers in communities along the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland. Guinchard "possessed an extensive and unique repertoire of tunes, many learned from fiddlers who were old men when he was a boy, and whose names they now bear." _Humouring the Tune_ , recorded when Guinchard was in his 90's, is an important recording for any collection of Canadian fiddle music. His infectious love of traditional tunes still carries through in this recording project that he didn't quite finish before his death. The lovely tunes are deftly accompanied by Jim Payne's unobtrusive guitar work. Payne was also the album's producer.

According to the liner notes to _Fathers of Newfoundland Fiddle, Volume 1_ , Rufus Guinchard (1899-1990) was a Newfoundlander who played fiddle for dances "when he was not occupied as a fisherman, logger, trapper, carpenter or river warden." He was discovered by folklorists in the mid 1970s and began touring the world. This CD is an updated release of previously recorded Guinchard material ( _Step Tunes & Doubles_ and _Newfoundland Songs & Fiddle Music_) with new accompaniment added by Jim Payne, guitar, and Kelly Russell, fiddle. This is a lovingly crafted reissue. The accompaniment subtly supports the original tunes without intruding on Rufus' playing. Recommended.

> **Humouring the Tunes**  
>  1990 SingSong (RDR-CD-178)  
>  _Lizzie's Jig; Jackson's Fancy; Stan Rogers; Sam's Jig; River of Ponds; Country Waltz; Jim Rumboldt's Tune #2; Torrent River Jig; The Wreck of the Steamship "Ethie''; Martin Keough's Tune; Father's Jig; My Loving Little Sailor Boy; Sydney Pittman's Tune; Sally's Cove Reel; Free Payne's Tune Too; Lige Gould's Double; Hunt the Squirrel; Hughie Wentzell's Tune/Israel Got a Rabbit; Prosper's Jig; Arthur Perry's Jig 45:26_

> **Fathers of the Newfoundland Fiddle, Volume 1**  
>  1995 Pigeon Inlet (PIPCD-7333)  
>  _Bees and Flowers; Parson s Pond Jig/Uncle Harry's Out of Shape; Prosper's Jig; Double Sledder Lad; Sam's Jig; Suzanna Perry's Tune; Uncle Manuel Milks the Cow; Out Behind the House/Up Southern Shore; Four Turn Tune; Mary Had a Little Lamb; Uncle John Peter Payne's Tune; See How the Farmer Sows His Seed; Sam Sinnick's Tune; Skipper Lost His Guernsey; Bluebird/Esau Payne's Tune; We Are a Lot of Jolly Jolly Lads; Jim Rumbolt's Tune; Pretty Little Mary/Traveller's Reel; Set Tune #1; Sparrow in the Tree; My Man John; Flowers of Edinburgh; Leonard Payne's Tune; Boston Laddie 46:15_

* * *

### The Gumboots

_Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

The Gumboots, from Yellowknife, first formed in 1984 as a folk group that performed traditional Canadian folk songs. Over the years the members of the group have changed and the band began writing and performing original songs about the north. Founding member Bill Gilday is still the group's musical leader and chief songwriter. Their first CD, _Spirit of the North_ , is a diverse collection of songs about Canada. The styles range from the a cappella opener, "The Mouth of the Peel," about a Dene storyteller with a gift of gab, to barbershop quartet-like songs like "The Flow'r Of Old Fort Rae," a love song. "Goin' Out in Style" is a song on an environmental theme; "Martha" is a song in remembrance of Martha Oovayuk who died when she lost her way in a fierce Arctic storm and wandered from the shelter of her home and the community. Their second CD, _Northern Tracks_ follows in a similar vein, with songs such as "Willy and the Bandits," "Yellowknife Tonight," and "Nancy McKenzie's Lament." Gumboots, on these two albums, include Bill Gilday, Bill Stephen, John Bunge, Bob MacQuarrie, Dan Lee, Chris Philpotts, Rich Hintz, and Chic Callas.

> **Spirit of the North**  
>  1992 Gumboots (no catalogue number)  
>  _The Mouth of the Peel; The Bay Boys; The Flow'r of Old Fort Rae; Martha; Goin' Out in Style; Abadoo; Long Johns; The Resurrection of Billy Adamache; The Feelin' Is There; Spirit of the North; Doctor John Rae; 1789—Journey to the Sea; New Day Dawning 46:54_

> **Northern Tracks**  
>  1994 Gumboots (GBTD 7002)  
>  _Willy and the Bandits; The Voyagers; You're There; Clean up the Mess; Hay River Bombardier Run; Fly like an Eagle; Nancy McKenzie's Lament; Yellowknife Tonight; Wop May; Dance Grandfather; Song for the Sailors; Farewell 49:08_

* * *

### Gypsalero

_Worldbeat_

British Columbia instrumental band Gypsalero performs updated gypsy music. The liner notes to _El Runway_ explain it this way: "Gypsalero...The name conjures up images of Romance...of music born of passion, struggle and dreams...The music of the original gypsy tribes has evolved and taken many forms. Ron Thompson's exuberant and expressive interpretation shows this is music that must not be left behind in these hi-tech times...This recording offers a colorful new vision of a timeless musical tradition." That may be so, but it might require some verbal jujitsu to explain how Del Shannon's "Runaway" qualifies as part of the gypsy tradition. This recording by Ron Thompson, Budge Schachte, and Brent Gubbels, plus guest musicians, is a pleasant enough mix of styles, but it doesn't really capture the excitement and hard edge of traditional gypsy music.

> **El Runway**  
>  [no date] Gypsalero (no catalogue number)  
>  _Natasha; Runaway; La Cumparsita; Caf e Django; Dance of the Hand People; Manoir de Mes Reves; Señor Jeraldo; Esmeralda, Flower of Egypt; Douce Ambiance; Los Braseros; Gypsology; Queensland Stomp; Coeur d'Alene 54:15_

* * *

## H

### Mark Haines & the Zippers

_Contemporary; Traditional_

The Toronto band of Mark Haines and the Zippers have been playing concerts, folk festivals, and pubs for years. Haines is a solid fiddler with a strong sense of humour and wit. A bouncy, versatile band, the Zippers can switch effortlessly from rock and roll to reel and jig. With Tom Leighton on accordion, Haines put out an earlier cassette recording of traditional fiddle tunes. _Like It Is: Live!_ captures the zest and versatility of the band on numbers like "Mercury Blues" and "Honky Tonk Women." The Zippers are Tom Leighton, Glenn Anderson, Rick Ramsey, and Miles Raine.

> **Like It Is: Live!**  
>  1993 Mark Haines (MHZL 93-2)  
>  _Mercury Blues; Honky Tonk Women; Does This Mean It's Over?; I'm Gonna Be a DJ; I Can't Wait to Get Off Work; Jingle Jangle Jingle; Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat; Diggy Diggy Lo; Let's Dance; Farewell to Nova Scotia; Fishin' Blues; Southern Bells; Orange Blossom Special; Like a Rolling Stone 60:01_

* * *

### Half The Sky

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

A Calgary-based folk group, Half the Sky is Kim Thiessen, Gail Korchinski, Kari Strutt, Shaun Coburn and Lou Keresztes. Half the Sky's trademark is strong vocal harmonies on original music. Their debut CD, _Half the Sky_ (1996), includes tight instrumentation, fine singing and thoughtful compositions. Most of the songs on the album were written by band member Shaun Coburn and they reflect a western landscape of big skies, west winds, and sunsets. As this edition of _Northern Journey_ was going to press, Half the Sky was nearing the release of its second CD, _Naked as Moonlight_. Look for it in the fall of 1998.

> **Half the Sky**  
>  1996 Down to Earth (DTE 1001)  
>  _Tomorrow and Tomorrow; Each Night; Eternity; Deeply Hid within Me; Mr. Memory; Thunder and Lightning; I Give You My Hand; As Much As I; Katie; Walk Away; Every Hundred Years; Garnet Rock; Sometimes It's Good to Cry; There are Things We'll Never See; The Wonder of Love 57:47_

* * *

### Joe Hall

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

By any measure, Joe Hall, a resident of Mississauga, Ontario, writes unusual material. Off-the-wall and satirical songs form the tracks on _Rapture_. Hall's lyrics, at times, seem to be in an almost direct line of descent from the Fugs. While the musicianship is good and some of the tracks are infectious, this is not an album for the timid or unadventurous. The sometimes brilliant, often odd, dreamscape lyrics of songs like "Roadkill Barbeque" and "The Mutant Starlings" require a sympathetic listener. Hall received a "Stan Rogers Golden Quill Award for Songwriting" Porcupine in 1993.

> **Rapture**  
>  1993 Wingnut (1993)  
>  _The Man Who Has No Country; The Revolution and Sweet Gypsy Nose; Roadkill Barbeque; All the Mutant Starlings; Watchin' TV/Thanks for Sharing; Let's Get Stupid; Middle Aged Guys with Guitars; What a Wonderful World; Crack the Code; Dave Town; Pressure Drop; Moammar in Mississauga; Weary of Perfection; Happy with My Hair 60:20_

* * *

### Karen Leslie Hall

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario-based Karen Leslie Hall is a singer-songwriter blessed with a gorgeous voice and an interesting turn of phrase. _On the Dream Road_ , which takes its title from a line in the opener, "Walkabout," is a laid-back album with interesting lyrics. This easy-listening CD includes the gentle "Sing Me To Sleep," the lyrical "Too Soon for Love Songs," the introspective "Uphill in the Snow," plus eight additional songs. The album was produced by Don Ross, who also plays guitar and piano. A very pleasant, low-key, recording.

> **On the Dream Road**  
>  1994 Seadance Music (SDM-694-2)  
>  _Walkabout; Sing Me to Sleep; Too Soon for Love Songs; So What Else Is New?; Uphill in the Snow; This Is Our Last Goodbye; Look Me in the Eye; I Think of You Always; Water Baby; Today I Danced with Angelfish; A Homecoming 45:17_

* * *

### Ken Hamm

_Contemporary; Blues; Guitar; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia singer-songwriter and outstanding blues guitarist Ken Hamm, originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, is one of Canada's foremost interpreters of country blues music. Since 1978 he has been touring across North America delighting audiences with his fine playing on acoustic and steelbody National guitars. Nominated three years running as best acoustic blues guitarist by the American _Guitar_ magazine, Hamm was one of the contributors to the Juno Award-winning compilation album _Saturday Night Blues_. Hamm received the Al Cromwell Canadian Folk/Blues Porcupine Award in 1997.

Hamm's earlier non-CD releases include _Ken Hamm & Friends_ (1979), _Sheet Metal Shuffle_ (1982), and _Floodtide_ (1988). _Inter-Tidal Zone_ (1993) is a CD retrospective album that includes material from his first three albums plus new material from 1991 recording sessions. The album features a solid collection of original material including songs like "Intertidal Zone," "Water Lines," "Bad Luck Blues," "Fixing to Die," and "That House on Hornby." This excellent retro album makes fine listening from start to finish.

Then there's _Eagle Rock Road_ (1995). If _Eagle Rock Road_ doesn't turn your crank, you may be in grave danger of voting Tory. Surrounded by terrific musicians, Hamm has put out one of those landmark albums that you absolutely must add to your collection. Along with Hamm originals there is a sprinkling of work from Robert Johnson, John Hurt, and Jelly Roll Morton. The album takes right off from track one with Hamm's excellent vocals, excellent playing, and a fine interweaving of dobro from Doug Cox. With Bruce Everett on harmonica and Sue Leonard on backup vocals, _Eagle Rock Road_ was one of the best releases of 1995. For his outstanding contribution to Canadian blues music, Hamm received the Al Cromwell Canadian Folk/Blues Porcupine Award in 1997.

_Galvanized!_ (1998), Hamm's tribute to the blues, features a wide-ranging set of country blues classics. With material by the likes of Dixon/McDaniels ("Can't Judge a Book/Who Do You Love"), Leadbelly ("Relax Your Mind"), John Hurt ("Candyman Blues"), Robert Johnson ("From Four until Late"), Bukka White ("Poor Boy Long Ways from Home") and even Bob Dylan ("From a Buick Six"), Hamm puts on an arresting display of blues styles. This delightful album captures the feel of a live Ken Hamm performance. Recommended for blues lovers everywhere.

> **Inter-Tidal Zone**  
>  1993 North Track (NTCD9301)  
>  _Dave Macon Rag; Intertidal Zone; Water Lines; Bad Luck Blues; Angel Eyes; Living in the Country; Evil; Ballad of R and V; Last Fair Deal Gone Down; Strawberry Creek; Crosscut Saw; Burns Lake Bounce; Heart and Only; Maybellene; Redhaired Shake; Keys to the Hiway; So Long Mamalillaculla/Jorma's Song; Fixing to Die; Fire Eyes; That House on Hornby 70:36_

> **Eagle Rock Road**  
>  1995 North Track (NTCD9501)  
>  _Bay Street Line; Fishing Grounds; Cedar Rain; Colored Aristocracy; Walkin' Blues; Windin' Boy Blues; Richland Woman Blues; Swap the Vest; Preachin' the Blues; Stir It Up; Too Much Monkey Business; He Always Had a Smile; Heat Wave; North Road Blues; Eagle Rock Road 50:46_

> **Galvanized!**  
>  1998 North Track (NTCD9801)  
>  _Can't Judge a Book/Who Do You Love; Relax Your Mind; Pony Boy; Candyman Blues; From Four until Late; Bourgeois Blues; Dig Myself a Hole; Poor Boy Long Ways from Home; Shake It and Break It; Come on in My Kitchen; I Can't be Satisfied; Seventh Son; Prodigal Son; Duncan and Brady; When You Got a Good Friend; From a Buick Six; Crow Jane; She Moves Me; 32-20 Blues; Bring It on Home 65:33_

* * *

### Marie-Lynn Hammond

_Contemporary; Humour; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario singer-songwriter Marie-Lynn Hammond, a former member of Stringband, brings her infectious voice and wit to _Black and White ... And Shades of Grey_. "Not Another Benefit," a comic song, includes a cameo voice-track by Nancy White. "Mothers Teach Your Sons," like several of the feminist songs on the album, scores points with wit rather than sarcasm. The album has its serious moments, such as Hammond's haunting "Temagami Round," about one of Canada's infamous logging disputes.

> **Black & White ... And Shades of Grey**  
>  1990 Aural Tradition (ATRCD 303)  
>  _Not Another Benefit; Mothers Teach Your Sons; Science Is Wonderful; Why Do I Have This Thing (For Jewish Men); Eve Gave Adam the Apple; Temagami Round; Sisters and Friends; Pleine Lune; Shades of Grey; Nobody Knows What's Happening to Love; Les Deux Amies; Still Not Over You Yet 48:11_

* * *

### Slavek Hanzlik

_Bluegrass_

"Slavek Hanzlik is one of the guys who proves just how much the guitar has become the international musical instrument. His story as a refugee from the old Communist world who found political asylum in Canada is well known. But that story is so dramatic that it is easy to overlook how amazing the rest is. The rest is that Slavek is a world-class guitar player who not only brought his art from Czechoslovakia to North America, but also brought his expertise in North American traditional music with him. It truly has become a small world, bridged by the guitar, and by great guitarists like Slavek Hanzlik"—Dan Crary, liner notes to _Summer Solstice_. Hanzlik's contemporary bluegrass-style instrumentals will delight those who love guitar. _Spring in the Old Country_ , from 1991, and _Summer Solstice_ , from 1993, both bring a fresh twist to guitar and guest instruments, including fiddle, mandolin, dobro, bass, and banjo.

> **Spring in the Old Country**  
>  1991 Flying Fish (FF70582)  
>  _So Long Jake; Paradise Found; High Level Hornpipe; Minority; Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine; Spring in the Old Country; Bill Cheatham; Big Strong Waldo; Great Season Waltz; Belame Fiddle; Gypsyland; Home Sweet Home 37:34_

> **Summer Solstice**  
>  1993 Musa (MCD 93-2)  
>  _Summer Solstice; Wind in the Heather; Latintude; Harvest of Change; My Grandmother's Clock; Pauper's Cotillion; Cascades; Potzelbaum; Eventide; Sally Noggin; Bohemian Concerto; Spirit of the South; Autumn Farewell 39:11_

* * *

### Kyp Harness

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

A high-energy singer-songwriter, Toronto-based Kyp Harness may remind older folkies of an early Bob Dylan. _God's Footstool_ features the same kind of off-beat, cadence-driven lyrics that uniquely identified Dylan. Harness joins his slightly off-key, rap-like delivery to acoustic and electric arrangements. The result is a half-chanted, half-sung poetry recital. _Welcome to The Revolution_ continues in the same vein. Harness is not for those who like an easy-going sound.

> **God's Footstool**  
>  1992 Amatish (SWO1921)  
>  _God's Footstool; Won't Be Long Now; Take Me to the Limit of Love; Thumbelina Farewell; Brunswick Avenue Blues; Don't Forget the Complicated Child; Butcher Shop; Dreams for Sale; Pot Full O' Money; Little Doggie; Allison; Hope I Don't Have to Tell Ya; Sing the Song 42:42_

> **Welcome to the Revolution**  
>  1994 Amatish (SWO194)  
>  _Welcome to the Revolution; Ballad of Curtis Merton; Song for a Man; Chemical Valley; Jackson Homer; Moon Rider; Beneath the Sky; Captain; Ashes + Sand; Soldier Song; Wayward Son; Remember Love 62:27_

* * *

### Dave Harris

_Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

Vancouver Island performer Dave Harris has been a street singer, in the tradition of California's Jesse Fuller or New Orleans' Snooks Eaglin, for twenty years. _Island Street Singer_ shows Harris's versatility as he plays blues guitar, slide guitar, fiddle, harmonica and drums, sometimes on the same song. This studio recording features Harris with no overdubbing—just the way he plays in the streets. Harris is a talented performer whose covers of blues classics are joyful, playful, and authentic. Nearly half the songs are Harris originals. In his liner notes, Harris gives a brief background of each song he covers. This fine recording belongs in every blues library.

> **Island Street Singer**  
>  1997 Malahat (MMMCD008)  
>  _That Lonesome Train Took My Baby Away; I Love My Baby; Feeling For the Blues; The Girl I Love/Roll & Tumble Blues; Trying to Find My Way; Winter Blues; Just a Dream/When I Been Drinking; Bulldoze Blues; Crying Won't Help You; Change My Way; Strung Out; Happy New Year Blues; My Bucket's Got a Hole In It; Mean Mistreater Mama; Take That First Step; All Messed Up; Looking Up at Down; Roaming Rambler Blues; Friar's Point Blues; Little Boy Blue; What Kind of Love; St Louis Blues; Slim's Blues; Black Girl/Guitar Rag 73:50_

* * *

### Tim Harrison

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"One of the most gifted and beguiling songwriters in Canada"—Holmes Hooke, Poet/Storyteller. Ontario singer-songwriter Tim Harrison has been artistic director of several folk festivals and other folk venues, as well as host of the radio show _Acoustic Espionage_ on CKLN-FM, Ryerson Polytechnic University, Toronto. He founded the Summerfolk festival in Owen Sound and served as artistic director of the All-Canadian Mariposa Festival, Northwind, and, most recently, the Eaglewood Folk Festival. He has received a Porcupine Award for his work in building and sustaining folk music in Canada.

A veteran performer, Harrison has appeared in festivals ranging from the Philadelphia Folk Festival to Toronto's Harbourfront Centre to the Winnipeg Folk Festival to the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso, Nova Scotia. Harrison's performances are noted for their energy and passionate delivery.

As a recording artist Harrison has recorded two LP's: _Train Going East_ (1979) produced by Stan Rogers, and _In the Barroom Light_ (1985), produced by David Essig. On _The Stars Above_ (1995), his first CD, Harrison combines a strong voice with splendid acoustic instrumentation and contemporary lyrics. Guest musicians include Willie P. Bennett on harmonica, Dennis Pedrith on bass, and Nick Naffin on guitar.

Harrison's fourth album, _Bridges_ (1997), draws from the influences of folk music, R&B, and the poetry of traditional ballads. In addition to the strength and breadth of his lyrics, the album features sumptuous instrumental work from Harrison and his musical guests: Nick Naffin, Alyssa Wright, Dennis Pendrith, and Dee Potter. Making cameo appearances are Rick Fielding, Loretto Reid, and Mose Scarlett.

> **The Stars Above**  
>  1995 Northern Breeze (SAS 2004)  
>  _Your Love Brings Me Around; Joy Alright; Maps of Paris; Looking in the Stars Above; Hometown Reveries #6 and #10/We Believed; Wheatfield with Crows; Born in the Mirror; The Parting Letter to Ophelia; Elizabeth's Lament; Innocent Eyes_

> **Bridges**  
>  1997 Northern Breeze (NB0021)  
>  _Not for the Love of the Money; Raining Expectations; Lord Hear Our Prayer; Down to the River; All the Goodbyes; God Sent Me an Angel; Carrickfergus; Ship To Come In; Vital Spark 54:00_

* * *

### Bruce Harrot

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Bruce Harrot, a British Columbia singer-songwriter who chucked a career in advertising to pursue music, has released his first album, _Nipigon_ , a short collection of original songs. With a laid-back style somewhat reminiscent of Valdy, Harrot chronicles his world, beginning with "Ricky," a song about a young girl going out on her own for the first time: "Ricky got her own apartment on the sixth floor with a city view / the sun pours in with the sunrise and the world looks all brand new." "Nipigon," a song of the road, states "Everything I own is in my car / and I found a home one night in Nipigon." "Do Nothing" offers "I was sittin' in Banff on a summer's day / Readin' 'The Tao of Pooh' / the eastern way is Winnie's way / And I'll share it now with you ..." The album continues in this fashion through a series of upbeat homilies about life. Despite Harrot's pleasant voice, the lyrics float on the surface without penetrating significantly into the human condition. This album will probably not greatly interest serious folkies who tend to prefer more depth in the lyrics. The guitar work tends toward pop arrangements and riffs with a liberal use of electric instruments.

> **Nipigon**  
>  1996 Bruce Harrott (BH-CD001)  
>  _Ricky; Nipigon; Caroline; Do Nothing; It's a Love Thing; I'm a Seeker; Now You're Leaving; Survivor; Sing Our Love; Lullaby 33:55_

* * *

### Paul Haslem

_Contemporary; Traditional; Celtic; Dulcimer; Christmas_

Paul Haslem, who resides in Fordwich, Ontario, has been playing the hammered dulcimer for over fifteen years. He first saw a dulcimer—the world's oldest form of percussive stringed instrument—in a museum. Since building his first dulcimer and learning to play it, he has become internationally known as a dulcimer performer and craftsman. Haslem, who is also a story teller, performs at concerts, festivals, markets, and craft shows. He loves to have people try out the dulcimer and ask questions about the instrument, so if you happen to be where Haslem is performing, drop by for a chat.

Haslem's first two CD's are _Step Out Of Time_ and _Dulcimer Traditions_. These beautiful albums capture the special magic of hammered dulcimer—the warbly, chorus-like effect that comes from its paired strings that are not exactly the same length. Both albums wear well, though _Dulcimer Traditions_ is the slightly more polished of the two. These could very quickly become two of the favourite albums in your collection. On _Step Out of Time_ Haslem is accompanied by Glenn Chatten, guitar and tablas; Kate Cushing, cello; Terri Burns, vocals; and Rob Geisler, beaded percussion. Additional musicians on _Dulcimer Traditions_ are John Bigelow, arch guitar; Mary Anderson, Celtic harp; and Ken Brown, guitar, flute, keyboards, bass, mandolin, and accordion.

Haslem's music caught the ear of the American label Sugo Music, and he has now appeared on two Sugo releases, his own _Ancient Moon Rising Sun_ (1996) and a Christmas ensemble album _An Acoustic Christmas_ (1997). Sugo is a New Age style label and this has influenced the way Haslem has been recorded. His hammered dulcimer has been augmented with a contemporary tapestry of moody sounds similar to Enya recordings. The effect is pleasant but not as effective as the folkier recordings, _Dulcimer Traditions_ and _Step Out of Time_.

_Spirit of the Land_ (1998) returns Haslem to a folkier sound. From the opening "St. Jacob's Ramble" to the closing "Conestogo Waltz" the album is a testament to the whimsical musicality of the hammered dulcimer. Featuring rambles, waltzes, meanders, and even the traditional fiddle tune "Mosquito on the Iceberg" _Spirit_ carries your spirit on a delightful musical journey that blends hammered dulcimer with guitar, tabla, flute, bassoon and tabla. With the exception of the fiddle tune, all the tunes were written by Haslem. As usual, Haslem's compositions are drawn from his locale and his travels, giving his music a distinct Canadian stamp. Produced by Paul Haslem and Ken Brown, additional musicians include Ken Brown, guitar, flute, mandolin; Hari Pal, tabla; Jeff Burke, bassoon; and Mark Agnew, percussion.

> **Step Out of Time**  
>  1992 Dulcimer Traditions (RDRCD 372)  
>  _Sandy's Fancy; The Ash Grove; First Snow; The Black Rogue; Bridgett O'Malley; Grace O'Malley; Miss Murphy; Lamentation for Owen Roe O'Neill; The King of the Fairies/The Children's Lament; Sheebeg and Sheemore/Lord Inchiquin; Raincoat; Over the Waterfall/In the Barrel; Planxty Irwin/Fanny Power; Sweet Adare; Sliding Off the Roof; Squire Woods' Lamentation; Jivewalk; The Misty Morning Waltz; Blind Mary (I Will Love You When You're Old) 52:27_

> **Dulcimer Traditions**  
>  [no date] Dulcimer Traditions (DT-002)  
>  _The Fordwich Jig; The Log Driver's Waltz; The Tailor's Dance; Blind Mary; Lady Athenry; The Londonderry Air (Danny Boy); The Wilderness Lament; Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring; The Rabbit's Real; Greensleeves; The Merry Sherwood Rangers/The Poor Old Woman; The Sally Gardens; Ave Maria; The Horse's Bransle 44:09_

> **Ancient Moon Rising Sun**  
>  1996 Sugo (SR9673)  
>  _Between Two Worlds; Inisfail (Isle of Destiny); D onal and the Fairy Folk; The Rock of Cashel (Veiled in Darkness); Dance of the Sidheog; Wilderness Lament; The Elora Gorge; Fomarian Towers; St. Brendan's Voyage; The Battle of Dromcath; The Abbess of Kildare; Morning Chimes 52:07_

> **An Acoustic Christmas**  
>  1997 Sugo (SR9721)  
>  _Deck the Halls; Carol of the Bells; Twelve Days of Christmas; God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen; It Came upon a Midnight Clear; Greensleeves; We Three Kings; Silent Night; O Come Emmanuel; March of the Kings; O Holy Night 42:08_

> **Spirit of the Land**  
>  1998 Dulcimer Traditions (DT-003)  
>  _St. Jacob's Ramble/The Road to Listowel; Heather's Waltz; French River Flight; The Swirling Snow; Tony's Dream/Dancing with Sunlight; Spirit of the Land; Over the Garden Wall; Walking Stick; Maitland River Hornpipe/Mosquito on the Iceberg; Conestogo Waltz 49:05_

* * *

### Heartbreak Hill

_Bluegrass_

Toronto-based Heartbreak Hill is a dynamic young bluegrass band with a flair for integrating traditional material with new songs written by band members. Jenny Whiteley and Dot Cormier supply infectious harmony vocals while Dan Whiteley and Christopher Quinn add sparkle on mandolin and banjo, respectively. Their debut album _Heartbreak Hill_ (1998) ranges from bluegrass classics such as Bill Monroe's "Blue Grass Stomp" and the Delmore Brothers' "Weary, Weary Lonesome Blues" to original songs by Jenny Whiteley and Dot Cormier—"Packed My Bags," "Things We Must Choose," "On This Run from the Blues," "Lonesome Train," and the haunting "John Tyrone." The level of musicianship is very mature and the singing is memorable. A keeper.

Produced by Chris Whiteley, additional musicians include Victor Bateman, bass; Marion Linton, violin; Chris Coole, clawhammer banjo; and Chris Whiteley, harmonica, vocals.

> **Heartbreak Hill**  
>  1998 Heartbreak Hill (HH98)  
>  _Packed My Bags; High on a Mountain; Bluegrass Stomp; John Tyrone; Fall on My Knees; Weary, Weary Lonesome Blues; Things We Must Choose (Ode to Maggie Bell); On This Run (from the Blues); Daybreak in Dixie; I Scare You; Cedar Hill; Lonesome Train 34:56_

* * *

### Wade Hemsworth

_Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

Wade Hemsworth is a legend among Canadian folk singers. Raised in Ontario and later settling near Montreal in Quebec, Hemsworth's songs are sung by more Canadians than any other songwriter in the book. Although his actual corpus of original material is quite small, songs like "The Blackfly Song" and "The Log Driver's Waltz" are known by heart and sung in schools, at campfires, and every song circle in Canada. These two songs, in particular, have also been immortalized by Canadian Film Board animation shorts of the same name that feature Hemsworth himself singing "The Blackfly Song" and the McGarrigle Sisters singing "The Log Driver's Waltz." These two songs capture some essence so Canadian they've become folk anthems.

The McGarrigle Sisters, who are friends of Hemsworth and were influenced by him in their early days when they all sang together in Montreal coffee houses, recorded "Foolish You" on their first album. Rick Fielding has recorded "The Wild Goose," a shiveringly beautiful song/poem about watching the geese in the fall.

Ironically, the only recorded Hemsworth songs from his prime years are covers of traditional Canadian folk songs rather than his own songs. Those recordings highlight his pleasant voice and stylish arrangements of his classical guitar.

That is why _The Songs of Wade Hemsworth_ is such a treasure. Although Hemsworth was nearly eighty when this album was recorded, it is magnificent. His voice is no longer in its prime nor is his guitar playing as sure, but the spark and originality are there. "The Land of the Muskeg," "The Story of the I'm Alone," and "The Log Jam Song" are fine songs that will live on and on. To be honest, though, not everything Hemsworth wrote is a classic. A few songs are actually difficult to listen to all the way through. These, however, don't detract from the overall impact of his masterpieces. Featuring Hemsworth singing his songs accompanied only by his own guitar, this album is the real thing. Honest and essential.

> **The Songs of Wade Hemsworth**  
>  1995 Penny Rose 8 rue Vivaldi, MORIN-HEIGHTS, QC. J0R 1H0; telephone: 450-226-2126; e-mail: jenanson@hycroponix.com  
>  _The Wild Goose; The Land of the Muskeg and the Shining Birch Tree; The Blackfly Song; Foolish You; The Story of the I'm Alone; The Log Driver's Waltz; The Log Jam Song; In the Wintertime; Quiet on the River; Song of the Old Rooster; My Mother is the Ocean Sea; Montr eal; Our Last and Humble Home; Long Dog Days; Remember Moose Mountain; Oh Charna 53:33_

* * *

### The Henrys

_Guitar_

The Henrys are an Ontario group that performs original instrumental compositions featuring kona and dobro. According to the liner notes of _Puerto Angel_ the kona "is an acoustic slide guitar made in Los Angeles in the 1920's and early 30's, when Hawaiian music was popular in North America. They were made out of koa wood and often had hollow necks." Whatever the history, the sound is gorgeous and the compositions on this album are outstanding, with decent vocals thrown in as a bonus. The Henrys are made up of Don Rooke on kona, dobro, and other guitars, Kim Ratcliffe, on acoustic guitar, Victor Bateman on acoustic bass, Howard Gaul on drums and percussion, and Paul Pasmore on electric bass, plus guest musicians and singers.

> **Puerto Angel**  
>  1994 Festival (TRAINREC 007)  
>  _Adobe Adobe; Get Out the Shovel; Bunt; The One Rose; Sea of Tranquillity; Nunc Pro Tunc; Dark Dear Heart; Look So Good; Muscle Beach; Radio Girl; Coyote Basin; Riff Raff; Puerto Angel 49:23_

* * *

### Paddy Hernon

_Traditional_

Based in Victoria, British Columbia, Paddy Hernon is a popular folksinger and story teller who has issued a delightful CD, _By Request_ , that includes a collection of songs he has "picked up through the oral tradition over the years." Most of the songs are traditional and all are well sung. Among the highlights of this long-playing album are "Broom O' the Cowdenknowes," a fine version of Archie Fisher's "Dear Dark Eyes," (also known as "Dark Eyed Molly"), "The Brazos River," Tom Paxton's "Wild Flying Dove," and a fresh version of "Wild Mountain Thyme." And hobbit fans take note: the album closes with "The Fireside Song," a poem from J.R.R. Tolkien's _The Fellowship of the Ring_ , that Hernon has set to music.

> **By Request**  
>  1994 Scuttlebutt (CDC SBR 461)  
>  _Broom O' the Cowdenknowes; Loch Tay Boatsong; Dear Dark Eyes; The Brazos River; John O' Dreams; Wild Flying Dove; Leaving Shanty; Donegal Danny; The Mingulay Boatsong; Shallow Brown; The Jolly Beggar/Planxty Hewlett; Wild Mountain Thyme; The Fireside Song 60:36_

* * *

### Jean Hewson

_Traditional; Celtic_

"[Newfoundlander] Jean Hewson's _Early Spring_ is a lovely collection of mostly traditional songs. She has a fine voice and has assembled a good group of backing musicians"— _Dirty Linen_. The group of backing musicians include Kathy Phippard, Esther Squires, and Vonnie Barron on vocals, with Wade Pinhorn on bass and Noel Dinn on bodhran. Their presence on "The Bonny Banks Of Virgie-O" turns the arrangement into a memorable event—easily the album's highlight. The rest of the album is enjoyable and is a very worthwhile purchase for those who love the traditional repertoire, but the album never again quite reaches the height set on the opening track.

> **Early Spring**  
>  [no date] Pigeon Inlet (PIPCD-7328)  
>  _The Bonny Banks of Virgie-O; Early Spring; The Straits of Belle Isle/Mate's Reel; The Green Shores of Fogo; Pat Murphy's Meadow; The Jolly Butcher; Where Once Stood a House; Wexford City; Oh No, Not I; Sweet Forget Me Not; The Gallant Ship 42:06_

* * *

### Veda Hille

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Vancouver singer-songwriter Veda Hille takes you on a musical roller-coaster with quick drops and sharp turns. _Path of a Body_ is an avant garde recording that is extremely rewarding if you accept it on its own terms. The opener, "Driven," sets the tone with a collage of musical sounds that include Hille's rich, fruity voice set against quick changes of pace driven by piano. This is followed by the somewhat slower "Precious Heart," which is also driven by dynamic underlying piano rhythms. If you're still listening by this point, you'll love the rest of the tracks. Hille is an exciting singer-songwriter/musician who can stretch your vision of folk/pop music, introducing you to key changes you've never heard before.

> **Path of a Body**  
>  1994 Ball of Flames (VH-112-2)  
>  _Driven Into; Driven; Precious Heart; Three; The Same; Small Weight; With No Caring; Corridor; Rhapsody; Old Song; And Birds 51:50_

* * *

### Jim Hiscott

_Accordion_

Winnipeg-based accordionist Jim Hiscott has a special interest in folk and popular music from around the world, especially modal scales, repetition, and rhythms. His album _Spirit Reel_ is composed of three major sections. "Spirit Reel" is a set of variations on a reel tune partially inspired by the rhythms of Cree and Metis fiddling. "Lesotho" was inspired by the accordion-based pop music of the tiny, mountainous African state of the same name. "Metis Dance Variations" was commissioned by the Metis Arts of Manitoba to commemorate the centenary of the death of Louis Riel. The piece is a set of variations on "The Red River Jig," the best-known Metis tune. The album is more "academic" and less danceable than the Celtic accordion and fiddle music of the Maritimes, but it provides deep pleasure for those willing to listen their way inside the structure.

> **Spirit Reel**  
>  1991 Blue Ocean (OCCD-9071)  
>  _Spirit Reel, for Violin and Button Accordion (5 Parts); Lesotho, for Solo Button Accordion (2 Parts); Metis Dance Variations, for Violin, Button Accordion, Piano, and Percussion 54:42_

* * *

### Stephen Hogg

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Steve Hogg can hold his work up beside any of the finest contemporary Texas singer-songwriters today and shine right along with them. He will not be denied. If the rest of Canada doesn't discover his brilliance soon, then undoubtedly, the Americans will"—Fred Eaglesmith.

Based in Waterford, Ontario, Stephen Hogg is quietly emerging as a top-rate singer-songwriter. His independent releases have attracted considerable attention. Hogg's vocals and musical style are reminiscent of the works of Fred Eaglesmith with touches of Bob Dylan—earthy songs with strong lyrics and country-leaning arrangements. A mainstay act at the Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover, Ontario, Steve has opened for the performers such as Catie Curtis, Five Chinese Brothers, and Fred Eaglesmith.

His first cassette album _Stinkin' Town_ (1993) was basically an introductory serving to Steve and his craft. Hogg's second album, _Cordin' to Me_ (1996), is a mature album with a broad range of lyrical offerings. The album includes songs like "The List" about him seeing a neighbour lay around the backyard while he does the tasks set out for him by his wife on his Saturday job list, or "Big Day," a song about the day they collect all the `big' garbage. The opening track, "First Time I Was on a Train," is an outstanding slide-guitar based song with excellent backing.

Additional musicians on _Cordin to Me_ include Russell Wilson, Keith Shaw and Judy Rideout. Backup vocalists include Ralph Pickersgill, Kim Berry and Cindy Dell.

> **Cordin' to Me**  
>  1996 Stephen Hogg (CD1050)  
>  _First Time I Was on a Train; The List; Love `Cordin' to Me; Angel in My Kitchen; I Ain't Seen It All; Give It All to You; This Old Guitar; Bigday; Everybody Needs a Tree; What I Don't Know; Wabagishik; Buyin' Time; The Proposal 51:19_

* * *

### Jerry Holland

_Fiddle_

One of the joys of compact disc technology is that it has rescued many fine out-of-print recordings from obscurity. A case in point is Jerry Holland's _Fiddlesticks Collection_ , a CD reissue of material from five earlier LP's: _A Session with Jerry Holland, Cape Breton Fiddler, Collection of Fiddle Tunes, Lively Steps,_ and _Fathers & Sons_. A slightly more strident and livelier fiddler than fellow Cape Bretoner Buddy MacMaster, Jerry Holland energizes fiddle tunes with a driving style. He's also a prolific writer of new fiddle tunes. A wonderful collection. Holland received the Winston `Scotty' Fitzgerald Porcupine Award for Celtic Fiddling in 1996.

> **The Fiddlesticks Collection**  
>  1992 Fiddlesticks Music (CD1)  
>  _Reichswall Forest/Easter Elchies/Winston in the 50's/Mrs. Gordon of Knockespoch; Andy de Jarlis' Jig/Ingonish Jig/Mrs. McGhee; Cutting Ferns/Alex Dan MacIsaac's/Brenda Stubbert's/Mutt's Favorite/ Bernadette's/Lady Gordan's of Gordanstown's; Jenny's Wedding/Dowsy Maggie/The Shaskeen Reel; the Hearty Boys of Ballymote/Dan Collin's Father's Jig; Cranking Out/Lively Steps/Garmont Smiddy's Reel; Reel for Carl; Beautiful Lake Ainslie/Miss Grace Menzies/Mr. Bernard; Arthur Muise/Buddy in Big Pond/Mary Cotter's; Souter Johnny/Irvine Steeple/O'Corse; Alex Menzies/ Lad O'Byrne's/Dublin Porter; Ashokan; the MacDonald's of Hamilton/Danny Big Alec MacDonald/ Big Alec's Jig; the Old Boar/My Old Fiddle/Fiddle on Fire; Fr. John Angus Rankin/Trip to Dublin/Aoife's/Harry Bradshaw's/Johnny Muise's; Sweet Journeys; Mrs. Crawford/Over the Moor Among the Heather/Kiss the Lass Ye like the Best/Uist Lasses/Sir David Davidson of Cantry/Celtic Ceilidh; Memories of Elmer Briand/Hughie Johnny Angus of West Mabou/An Old Inverness County Reel/The Cross of Inverness; Drummond Castle/What Will Be King but Charlie/Jerry's Pipe Jig; Sheehan's Reel/The Fowers of Edinburgh/Mrs. MacLeod's Reel 71:06_

* * *

### Robert Burton Hubele

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Robert Burton Hubele (rhymes with "jubilee") was born and raised in Alberta in an artistic family. Like many musicians, he has shifted his time between day jobs and musical engagements at night. Many of his songs were composed at the wheel of a tractor or an eighteen-wheeler. Known for his evocative songs, quirky stories and slide dobro, Hubele has maintained an artistic vision grounded in his colourful, blue-collar life amid the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies.

_Halfway to Everywhere_ (1998), Hubele's fourth album, is a collection of his favourite songs from the past twenty years. The songs are influenced by jazz, country, folk, swing, bluegrass and blues. Highly varied in style and delivery, the electric-laced tracks display Hubele's versatility and diversity as a songwriter.

Guest artists on _Halfway to Everywhere_ include Joey DeFrancesco, Amos Garrett, Cindy Church, and Dave Wilkie.

> **Halfway to Everywhere**  
>  1998 Foff (FRCD0220)  
>  _Silver Tears; Deliver Me; When a Tree Falls in the Jungle; Children Oh Children; Red Wine; Things Will Turn Out Some Way; The Dancer; Late Night Comes at the Midnight Caf e; She Comes at Night; Touch for Touch; Whistlin' in the Dark; Through the Wild Country; Wild Alberta Rose; Don't Worry Baby; Heart and Soul ('Til We're Old); Sleepy Time King 71:46_

* * *

### Ron Hynes

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Raised in Newfoundland, Ron Hynes is a leading country-oriented songwriter whose work is appreciated and sung by both folk and country performers. Hynes is also an excellent performer who delivers most of his material in a Martimes-flavoured country style. _Cryer's Paradise_ is another strong collection of Hynes songs. The most folkish tracks on the album are "No Kathleen," "Maybe She Went Crazy," "River of No Return," and "Atlantic Blue."

> **Cryer's Paradise**  
>  1993 Atlantica (E2 07777 89466 2 5)  
>  _Cryer's Paradise; Man of a Thousand Songs; No Kathleen; If I Left You Alone with My Heart; Story of My Life; Maybe She Went Crazy; River of No Return; False Hearted Love; Where Do You Get Off; Picture to Hollywood; Roy Orbison Came On; Atlantic Blue 43:51_

* * *

## I

### Ian & Sylvia

_Contemporary; Traditional; Singer-Songwriter_

The distinctively blended voices of Ian & Sylvia Tyson define the essence of the 1960's folk music sound. These Juno Award Hall of Famers became popular in the United States at the start of the 60's folk revival, paving the way for other Canadian performers at a time when there were limited recording opportunities for musicians in Canada. One of the top acts of the folk scene, Ian & Sylvia helped boost the careers of Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell with their recordings of "Early Morning Rain," "For Lovin' Me," and "The Circle Game," and they introduced outstanding songs of their own, including Sylvia's "You Were on My Mind" and Ian's "Someday Soon" and "Four Strong Winds." Photographs of Sylvia playing autoharp while Ian plays guitar are among the most romantic evocations of the coffeehouse era.

"Their early Vanguard albums were an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary folksongs, sung with a purity and clarity that was unusual, even in the stripped-down days of folk music"—Mary Katherine Aldin (liner notes to _Long Long Time_ ). Nowhere is this more apparent than on their debut album _Ian & Sylvia_ (1962). It is a confident recording featuring mainly traditional material like "Old Blue," "Mary Anne," "Un Canadien Errant," and "Rambler Gambler." The sound is fresh and the voices are well balanced on this historically important and highly recommended recording. Still a winner after all these years.

Other albums from this era include _Four Strong Winds_ (1963), _Northern Journey_ (1964), and _Early Morning Rain_ (1965). _Northern Journey_ , for which this guide is named, introduced some distinctly Canadian folk music to US folk radio, including "Brave Wolfe," "Nova Scotia Farewell," and "Four Rode By." _Play One More_ (1966), marked a change in direction to new material and electric and orchestral arrangements. _Nashville_ (1968), a countryish album, sounds surprisingly modern. Along the way they formed a backup band called Great Speckled Bird, featuring Amos Garrett and Buddy Cage.

_Great Specked Bird_ (1970), became a collector's item when the company that originally released it pulled out of the record business. Rare vinyl copies of the album have exchanged hands for as much as $150. With no master tapes to work from, Stony Plain rescued this album from oblivion by remastering and re-engineering from high-quality vinyl.

Because of the eclectic nature of Ian & Sylvia's material, their _Greatest Hits_ (1970, 1987) collection makes an outstanding purchase. It shaves off some of their less successful efforts and includes many of their best songs. The collection covers the entire range of their early Vanguard period. Similarly, _Long Long Time_ (1967-70) captures some great tracks from out-of-print albums from their post-Vanguard period, including _Lovin' Sound_ (MGM 1967), _Full Circle_ (MGM 1968), _Great Speckled Bird_ (Ampex 1969), _Ian & Sylvia...With David Wilcox_ (Columbia 1971).

By 1966 Ian & Sylvia were, perhaps, running out of material for new recordings. While _Play One More_ (1966) is a folk album with some unevenness, _So Much for Dreaming_ (1966) is a turn towards the pop mainstream with a few folk tunes thrown in. The good tunes on the album are "Circle Game," Ian's wonderful "Summer Wages," "Cutty Wren," "Catfish Blues," "Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies," and "Grey Morning"—less than half the album. The rest of the songs are disappointing.

After Ian & Sylvia broke up as a duo, each has had an outstanding solo career, and in recent years, Sylvia has been a member of Quartette.

> **Ian & Sylvia**  
>  1963, reissued 1995 Vanguard (2113-2)  
>  _Rocks and Gravel; Old Blue; C.C. Rider; Un Canadien Errant; Handsome Molly; Mary Anne; Pride of Petrovar; Makes a Long Time Man Feel Bad; Rambler Gambler; Down by the Willow Garden; Got No More Home Than a Dog; When First Unto This Country; Live A-Humble 38:30_

> **Four Strong Winds**  
>  1963 Vanguard (VMD 2149)  
>  _Jesus Met the Woman at the Well; Tomorrow Is a Long Time; Katy Dear; Poor Lazarus; Four Strong Winds; Ella Speed; Long Lonesome Road; V'La l'Bon Vent; Royal Canal; Lady of Carlisle; Spanish Is a Loving Tongue; The Greenwood Sidie (The Cruel Mother); Every Night When the Sun Goes Down; Every Time I Feel the Spirit 41:55_

> **Northern Journey**  
>  1964 Vanguard (VMD 79154)  
>  _You Were on My Mind; Moonshine Can; The Jealous Lover; Four Rode By; Brave Wolfe; Nova Scotia Farewell; Some Day Soon; Little Beggarman; Texas Rangers; The Ghost Lover; Captain Woodstock's Courtship; Green Valley; Swing Down, Chariot 39:00_

> **Early Morning Rain**  
>  1965 Vanguard (VMD 79175)  
>  _Come In, Stranger; Early Morning Rain; Nancy Whiskey; Awake Ye Drowsy Sleepers; Marlborough Street Blues; Darcy Farrow; Travelling Drummer; Maude's Blues; Red Velvet; I'll Bid My Heart Be Still; For Lovin' Me; Song for Canada 35:54_

> **Play One More**  
>  1966 Vanguard (79215-2)  
>  _Short Grass; The French Girl; When I Was a Cowboy; Changes; Gifts Are for Giving; Molly and Tenbrooks; Hey, What About Me; Lonely Girls; Satisfied Mind; Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa; Friends of Mine; Play One More 38:39_

> **So Much for Dreaming**  
>  1966, reissued 1995 Vanguard (79241-2)  
>  _Circle Game; So Much for Dreaming; Wild Geese; Child Apart; Summer Wages; Hold Tight; Cutty Wren; Si les Bateaux; Catfish Blues; Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies; January Morning; Grey Morning 40:01_

> **Nashville**  
>  1968 Vanguard (79284-2)  
>  _The Mighty Quinn; Wheels on Fire; Farewell to the North; Taking Care of Business; Southern Comfort; Ballad of the Ugly Man; 90� X 90�; She'll Be Gone; London Life; The Renegade; House of Cards 37:09_

> **Great Speckled Bird**  
>  1969, reissued 1994 Stony Plain (SPCD 1200)  
>  _Love What You're Doing Child; Calgary; Trucker's Cafe; Long Long Time to Get Old; Flies in the Bottle; Bloodshot Beholder; Crazy Arms; This Dream; Smiling Wine; Rio Grande; Disappearing Woman; We Sail; New Trucker's Cafe (Live Version) 43:37_

> **Long Long Time**  
>  1967-70, reissued 1994 Vanguard (79478-2)  
>  _Hang on to a Dream; You Were on My Mind; Summer Wages; Lovin' Sound; Stories He'd Tell; Trucker's Cafe; Here's to You; Reason to Believe; Joshua; Long Long Time to Get Old; Big River; Salmon in the Sea; Last Lonely Eagle; Crazy Arms; Windy Weather; Tears of Rage 50:58_

> **Greatest Hits**  
>  1970, 1987 Vanguard (VCD-5/6)  
>  _Early Morning Rain; Tomorrow Is a Long Time; Little Beggarman; The Mighty Quinn; Nancy Whiskey; Catfish Blues; Come in Stranger; The French Girl; The Renegade; Mary Anne; You Were on My Mind; Four Strong Winds; Short Grass; Southern Comfort; Some Day Soon; Ella Speed; The Circle Game; 90� X 90�; Cutty Wren; Un Canadien Errant; Lonely Girls; Spanish Is a Loving Tongue; This Wheel's on Fire 70:21_

* * *

### Icy Bridge

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Icy Bridge is a Canadian combo from Shanty Bay, Ontario that has put together a gentle, pop-flavoured CD _Walk You to the Bridge_. With the harmonizing vocals of Andrea Keats and S.E. Birch Bayley (Sebb) the band includes Joe McCool, percussion; Howard Keats, guitar; and Kevin Batchelor, guitars, bass, keyboard and cello. Most of the songs were written by Birch Bayley. An honest first effort.

> **Walk You to the Light**  
>  1997 Icy Bridge (no catalogue number)  
>  _Hold My Hand; Come True; Call Me Friend; Lead Me Back Home; September Rain; Raven; Stranger Attraction; Power; Cold Feet; Walk You to the Light 42:16_

* * *

### The Immigrants

_Contemporary; Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in Hamilton, Ontario, The Immigrants are an energetic Celtic-style band that combines guitars, bass, fiddle, drums, tin whistle, harmonica and vocals into an upbeat sound that is pleasant, lively and catchy. Performing original material, The Immigrants show themselves to be decent songwriters as well as talented musicians. The Immigrants are Rob Vanhartingsveldt, Fred Geus, Peter Zantingh and Paul Hogeterp.

Their first album, _In Between Before and After_ (1995), features a tight acoustic/electric sound on songs such as "Waiting for the World to End," "Indecision in Decision," and a dark song about drink and desperation, "Whiskey Sour." The Immigrants do a fine job of keeping the acoustic instruments from getting lost—something not all Celtic Rock bands manage. An engaging debut album.

> **In Between Before and After**  
>  1995 Gib'ner Boot'ner (GBM 895)  
>  _Waiting for the World to End; Inside Out; Indecision in Decision; Give Her My Best; Whiskey Sour; Day after Day; In Fifty Three; Just Plain Spailen; Harbour Grace; Water Me; Home at Last 43:46_

* * *

### Inconnu

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

A band from the Yukon, Inconnu sings an eclectic mix of original material. The songs on their debut album, _Inconnu_ , range from soft, introspective numbers like "Icebound" and "Seventh Day" to up-tempo pieces like "Henry's Claim" and "When My Breath Comes Back." The French "Jigi Dou" is an accordion-driven folkish piece that would not sound out of place on a Maritimes album. Because the album is so diverse, you're not left with any "signature" sound. A pleasant, if somewhat undefined, album. _Inconnu_ is Lucie Desaulniers, lead vocal; Jay Burr, tuba; Nick de Graff, guitar, vocals; Andrea McColeman, piano, organ, accordion, vocals; Len Osland, drums, vocals.

> **Inconnu**  
>  1994 Inconnu (IP1-1994)  
>  _Icebound; Henry's Claim; Jigi Dou; Oh No; When My Breath Came Back; Seventh Day; Water; My Old Ford; Kenny; Cold Feet; Tagish; Balance 47:23_

* * *

### May Ip

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

May Ip moved to Canada from Hong Kong where she was living on Lama Island. While in Hong Kong she was moved by the music of Patsy Cline and American folk music. For a short time she was in a Cajun band called Asian Cajun, and she has played at folk festivals in the UK. Some of this material is on her first, out-of-print CD, _My Mama's Words_ (1992), released prior to her move to Canada.

Her second CD, _Very Personal_ (1994), is mainly sold at concerts and performances. It is a remarkably fresh work, honest and simple, with songs mostly in English plus one, "Ngy Pang Yao," in Cantonese. Ip's beautiful, lilting voice makes her a crowd favorite at festivals and concerts. A serious musical craftsman, Ip takes great care with her spare guitar arrangements. Abandoning conventional packaging, Ip's CD comes in a hand-folded cover, hand printed on cardboard and recycled unbleached paper that includes her own art work. This very interesting and enjoyable album is bound to become a very rare CD. Currently based in Sauble Beach, Ontario, Ip performs as part of the folk duo Just Us with musical partner Gary Murphy.

> **My Mama's Words**  
>  1993 May Ip (no catalogue number)  
>  _My Mama's Words; When I'm Alone; Happy Loner; Has It Gotta Be This Way; Counting Stars; The Water is Wide; My Babies; What's the Use of It; Perspective; My Heart is Sinking; True Love_

> **Very Personal**  
>  1994 May Ip (no catalogue number)  
>  _Lyin' Naked (Beside You); Silent Game; Home Home; A Love Song; Love Is Always a State of Confusion; Free Spirits Lonesome Souls; No Heartbreakin' Situation; Give Us a Smile; Can We Believe; Ngy Pang Yao; Wayfarin' Stranger 47:05_

* * *

### The Irish Descendants

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

The Newfoundland-based Irish Descendants combine full harmonies with excellent musicianship, mixing together a repertoire of traditional Irish tunes and contemporary lyrics. Their first album, _Misty Morning Shore_ , was once issued on compact disc, but due to a dispute over distribution rights, it is no longer available. Their second album, _Look to the Sea_ , is a noteworthy album that provides enjoyment play after play. Highlights include an upbeat arrangement of "Rocky Road to Dublin," "Last of The Great Whales," and "Oh No Not I." The band excels at instrumental sets, such as "Dancin' Dick/Lough Geil/Fisherman's Widow." On their third album, _Gypsies & Lovers_, the Descendants re-recorded some of the material from _Misty Morning Shore_ along with new material. Descendants fans can once again listen to "Rattlin' Bog," the band's tour de force. The album also includes a successful version of Stan Rogers' "Barrett's Privateers," a somewhat less successful version of Donovan's "Catch the Wind," and a dubious, if heartfelt, version of "Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary's." The Irish Descendants are d'Arcy Broderick, Con O'Brien, Ronnie Power, Larry Martin, Gerard Broderick, and Kathy Phippard. The Irish Descendants received an "Entertainer of the Year" East Coast Music Award in 1995.

> **Look to the Sea**  
>  1993 Warner (CD 94017)  
>  _Rollin' of the Sea; Useta Love Her; Rocky Road to Dublin; Days of Yore; Dancin' Dick/Lough Geil/Fisherman's Widow; Peter Street; Go to Sea No More; Last of the Great Whales; Thousand Tall Ships/The Scholar/Miss McCloud's Reel; Oh No, Not I; Lark in the Morning; Fisherman's Song 44:03_

> **Gypsies & Lovers**  
>  1994 WEA (CD 98237)  
>  _Raggle Taggle Gypsy; Catch the Wind; Barrett's Privateers; Merry Blacksmith/Swallow's Tale/Banshee; Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary's; Rattlin' Bog; Will They Lie There Evermore; My Lagan Love/Drowsy Maggie/Dionne Reel; A Walk in the Irish Rain; Lovers 43:31_

* * *

### The Irish Rovers

_Traditional; Contemporary; Christmas; Singer-Songwriter_

The Irish Rovers, who first formed in 1964 in Calgary, are Jimmy Ferguson, Will Millar, George Millar, Wilcil McDowell, and Joe Millar. Canada's most enduring pub band, the Rovers were catapulted to fame with their hit single, Shel Silverstein's "The Unicorn," in 1968. They also had solid commercial success with "The Biplane Evermore," "Lily the Pink," and "Wasn't That a Party." From 1971-74 they hosted a weekly variety show on CBC TV. Fans from the 60's and 70's will find plenty of CD's to choose from—the Rovers were nothing if not prolific—but their commercially cute sound has not aged particularly well. The Rovers lack the substance and resonance of contemporary Canadian Celtic groups.

> **Greatest Hits**  
>  1974 MCA (MCAD 4066)  
>  _The Unicorn; The Biplane Evermore; Rhymes and Reasons; Years May Come, Years May Go; The Orange and the Green; Black Velvet Band; Goodbye Mrs. Durkin; Donald Where's Your Trousers; Farewell to Nova Scotia; Lily the Pink; Mrs. Crandall's Boarding House; The Minstrel of Cranberry Lane; The Puppet Song (Whiskey on a Sunday); The Wind That Shakes the Corn; Bonnie Kellswater; My Old Man's a Dustman; Nancy Whiskey; Goodnight Irene; Liverpool Lou; Winken, Blinken, and Nod 61:44_

> **No More Bread and Butter / the Rovers**  
>  1980-81, reissued 1992 Attic (ACD 24109)  
>  _What's a Nice Guy like Me (Doin' in a Place like This); No More Bread and Butter; Roly Poly Ladies; Class of '69; Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy; Pain in My Past; The Other Side of the Sun; Me and Millie; Willie McBride; One Sunday Morning; Mexican Girl; Yo Yo Man; Tara; Matchstick Men; Pheasant Plucker's Son; Wasn't That a Party; Fireflyte; Movie Cowboys/Happy Trails to You; Victory Chimes; Here's to the Horses 68:21_

> **It Was a Night like This**  
>  1982 Attic (ACD 1149)  
>  _Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer; The Christmas Wish; The Christmas Traveller; Christmas Eve; Merry Bloody Xmas; Honky Tonk Christmas; Scarlet Ribbons; It's Christmas; Rock Along Christmas; The Peace Carol; It Was a Night like This 39:16_

> **Years May Come, Years May Go**  
>  1985, reissued 1993 MCA (MCBBD 20307)  
>  _The Unicorn; Lily the Pink; Whiskey on a Sunday; Years May Come, Years May Go; Fifi O'Toole; Goodnight Irene; Sam Hall; The Life of the Rover; Bonnie Kellswater; Liverpool Lou 30:15_

> **Party with the Rovers**  
>  1985 Attic (ACDM 1205)  
>  _Everybody's Making It but Me; Lonesome Traveller/This Train; Mama Was a Moonshine Man; Down in the Devil's Den; Swallow's Tail; Rollin' River; The Boys Are Going Drinking Tonight; Bottle of Wine; Dig a Little Deeper in the Well; Frail Tho' My Spirit May Be; Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavour; Wasn't That a Party 32:13_

> **Hardstuff**  
>  1989 Attic (ACD 1253)  
>  _All Sing Together; Paddy on the Turnpike; Belfast; Buy Us a Drink; First Day on the Somme; Mama's Got a Squeezebox; Don't Fly Away; Down by the Sally Gardens; Finnegan's Wake; The Other Side of the Evening 38:19_

> **Silver Anniversary**  
>  1989 Attic (ACD 1303)  
>  _What Wid Ye Do; Mick Maguire; McDonalds' Raiders; Pigeon on the Gate/The Teetotaller; Castle of Dromore; Rare Old Mountain Dew; Maggie Mae; Mama Was a Moonshine Man; New York Gals; The Unicorn; Come and Dance to Paddy's Reels; Song of the Antrim Coast; the Frost Is All Over/The Rakes of Kildare/I Will If I Can; The Flower of Sweet Strabane; The Shores of Americay; Maid of Fife-O; Summertime Is Coming; Sweet Jazz Babies; Come by the Hills; Wasn't That a Party 49:5948:49_

> **The Boys Come Rollin' Home**  
>  1992 Attic (ACD 1381)  
>  _When the Boys Come Rollin' Home; The Spanish Lady; Lorena; Killiburn Brae; Music in the Glen; The Sand and the Foam; The Bonnie Lady; Las Vegas in the Hills of Donegal; The Shadow of O'Casey; The Irish Rover; Travellin' Man; Isle of Innisfree; Bold O'Donahue; Bonnie Kellswater; Farmer's Song_

> **Celebrate! the First Thirty Years**  
>  1994 Rover Records (ROV 30-2)  
>  _Ryan's Reel; The Irish Rover; What Wid Ye Do; When the Boys Come Rollin' Home; The Summer Time Is Coming; The Galway Races; The Black Velvet Band; The Isle of Innisfree; Valapariso; Marie's Wedding; The Moonshiner; The Spanish Lady; New York Gals; Molly Malone; Star of the County Down; The Unicorn; The Drunken Sailor; Wasn't That a Party 51:18_

* * *

## J

### Jackson Delta

_Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

Perennial festival favourites, Jackson Delta is an acoustic blues trio from Peterborough, Ontario, consisting of Alan Black, Rick Fines and Gary Peeples. _Acoustic Blues_ , recorded with no overdubbing, introduces the musical tightness they developed through years of playing together. In addition to traditional numbers like "C.C. Rider" and "John Hardy" the band plays original compositions such as "Back up from Zero," "Path to the Liquor Store," and "Bad News Blues." A sparse, excellent recording. _Lookin' Back_ picks up the pace with the addition of guest musicians on some of the tracks, including vocals by Colleen Peterson on "Little Sister's Gonna Be Alright" and piano by Gene Taylor on "The Feel of Uncertainty." A live album recorded at Toronto's Ultrasound, _Jackson Delta Live with Gene Taylor_ continues the collaboration of Jackson Delta with Gene Taylor on piano. The performances are gutsy and the audience rapport is excellent.

> **Acoustic Blues**  
>  [no date] Jackson Delta (0012384)  
>  _Statesborough Blues; I Need You by My Side; Back up from Zero; Path to the Liquor Store; Sugar Bee; Baby Please Don't Go; I Ain't Got No Baby Now; Bad News Blues; Sink or Swim; Talk to Your Mama; C.C. Rider; John Hardy 43:38_

> **Lookin' Back**  
>  [no date] Jackson Delta (0012385)  
>  _Lookin' Back; Fool in Love; Goin' Back to Memphis; My Mistake; Honey, What's Wrong with You; My Ears Keep Hearing Voices; Little Sister's Gonna Be Alright; The Feel of Uncertainty; Silly Rules; Unpaid Bills Blues; I Sleep with a Ghost; Crazy (About You); Worried Life 47:51_

> **Jackson Delta Live with Gene Taylor**  
>  [no date] Jackson Delta (0012386)  
>  _Bad News Blues; Liquor Store Blues; Howlin' for My Darlin'; T.V. Mama; Ain't No Tellin'; All by Myself; Statesborough Blues; Fanny Mae; Same Old Blues; Ain't Got No Baby Now; Mojo Boogie; Saved 48:50_

* * *

### Irene Jackson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Listening to Irene Jackson is like listening to the radio in the late 60's/early 70's when acoustic guitar became the underpinning for many post-folk-boom artists like Joni Mitchell, Bruce Cockburn, and Crosby Stills & Nash. Her intimate voice, engaging lyrics, and sweet acoustic guitar progressions combine to form a pop-flavoured sound that is very pleasant, elegant, and listenable. _Motor Scooter_ is a fine first recording.

Jackson, who was born and raised in Vancouver, began playing guitar at age twelve and by junior high school was playing in a duo called Moonstone. She moved to Victoria Island where she has raised two children and continued her involvement in music. In addition to being a recording artist, Jackson is a guitar instructor. Her deftness on acoustic guitar manifests itself throughout the recording.

> **Motor Scooter**  
>  1996 Moonstone (MOON 001)  
>  _Fusion and Fire; Fear of Falling; Good for Me; One More; Sweet Cinderella; Kickin' Myself; Where You Are; Motor Scooter; Oh No; Passage; She Flies 46:30_

* * *

### Tom Jackson

_First Nations; Contemporary; Christmas; Singer-Songwriter_

Winnipeg-based Tom Jackson, actor and star of the Canadian TV series _North of 60_ , is also a singer-songwriter. His first CD, _The Huron Carole_ is a collection of Christmas songs with the net proceeds of album sales going to the Salvation Army. The album shows him to have a decent, if not especially powerful, voice. His second CD, _No Regrets_ , is a middle-of-the-road folkish, countryish pop album. Songs like "No Regrets," "Humble Me," and "Song for a Lady" are interesting compositions well played by his backup musicians. This album doesn't shake up anything on the musical Richter scale, but it's a good workmanlike set of tunes that Jackson fans will enjoy.

> **The Huron Carole**  
>  1994 PEG (PMK 077)  
>  _Soulin'; Midnight Clear; Friendly Beasts; Silent Night; Huron Carole; Christmas Wish; O Holy Night; Drummer Boy; Medley; Passage; What Child Is This; Passage; First Noel; Passage; A Star in the East; Huron Carole 29:39_

> **No Regrets**  
>  1994 PEG (PMK 078)  
>  _No Regrets; Hooker; Humble Me; Few and Far Between; Can't Take That Away (The Vampire); Song for a Lady; Love Turning Blue; Do Me Right; Move on Down the Line; Out of Control 39:51_

* * *

### Jar O' Comfort

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

Jar O' Comfort, a Celtic-flavoured band from Prince Edward Island, performs a mix of traditional and contemporary material. _Preserved_ is a compilation of selections from two of the band's previous albums, _Surrounded by Water_ and _Scatter The Mud!_ from the opener, Lennie Gallant's "Nellie J. Banks," through Celtic-style instrumental medleys like "Sailor's Hornpipe/Big John MacNeil/Devil's Dream" to the traditional "Four Marys," Jar O' Comfort provides entertaining performances with excellent musicianship and decent, if occasionally rough, vocals. Jar O' Comfort is Gordon Belsher, Charlene Belsher, and Stephen Sharratt.

> **Preserved**  
>  1993 Guernsey Cove Parlour (GCP 013)  
>  _Nellie J. Banks; Sailor's Hornpipe/Big John MacNeill/Devil's Dream; The Nightingale; Thank God We're Surrounded by Water; All the Way to Cardigan; Rough Pavement; Twelve Weeks of Workin'; Ballad of the St. Ann's Reel; Four Marys; Paddy O'Brien's/Scatter the Mud/Arthur Darley's; Mud, Beautiful Mud; Song of the Irish Moss; The Sea & the Soil; Stand to Your Glass 50:22_

* * *

### Larry Jensen

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Larry Jensen, a singer-songwriter based in Owen Sound, Ontario, has released _Song House_ , a long-playing compact disc containing a re-release of material from his earlier albums plus some new tunes. Highlights of the album include "How Does She Do It?" "Pluggin' In Pluggin' On," "Illusions," "Desert Rain," and "Carolyna." Jensen is a solid performer who writes catchy, contemporary lyrics.

> **Song House**  
>  1994 Larry Jensen (no catalogue number)  
>  _Peculiar; How Does She Do It?; Pluggin' in Pluggin' On; The Day My Baby Said Goodbye; Illusions; She Don't Live Here; Business; Desert Rain; I'm Your Boy; Five Weeks; Show Me Where It Hurts; Do You Know Where Your Children Are?; Daddy's Back in Town; Face on a Billboard; Agent of the Road; Big Money; Home to Die; Carolyna; Wave It Goodbye 73:03_

* * *

### Jerusalem Ridge

_Bluegrass_

Jerusalem Ridge is an Edmonton bluegrass group with zing, dash, and variety. Their debut CD, _Looking Back_ —a compilation of two earlier albums, _Jerasulem Ridge_ and _North Wind_ —is a long, lively album filled with delights such as a banjo-driven version of Gordon Lightfoot's "Early Morning Rain," plus a pair of a cappella southern gospel numbers: "I'm Willing To Try" and "I'll Wear a White Robe." With good voices and excellent bluegrass instrumentation, Jerusalem Ridge works its way through traditional numbers such as "Little Maggie" with enthusiasm. This eclectic album is a delight—a recommended purchase for bluegrass fans. Their success with gospel numbers convinced Jerusalem Ridge to record an entire gospel album, _Make a Joyful Noise_. Individually, many of the songs on this album are well delivered, but there can be too much of a good thing. In comparison to the varied material on _Looking Back_ , this album gets tedious. The instrumental work also lacks the customary sparkle and bright edge. Gospel enthusiasts will want this one, but others will be satisfied with the touch of gospel on _Looking Back_. Jerusalem Ridge consists of Craig Korth, Bill Lopushinsky, Dave Wright, and Keith Burgess.

> **Looking Back**  
>  1993 JR Records (JR-030-493)  
>  _Early Morning Rain; North Wind; Cora's Gone; White Water; I'm Willing to Try; 32 Acres; Spring Flowers; Little Girl of Mine in Tennessee; On Down the Line; Too Late to Cry; Roving Gambler; I'll Wear a White Robe; Can't You Hear Me Calling?; Lost and I'll Never Find a Way; Brand New Tennessee Waltz; Ghost Riders in the Sky/House of the Rising Sun; On the Sea of Life; Just a Little Talk with Jesus; Little Maggie 56:58_

> **Make a Joyful Noise**  
>  1994 JR Records (JR-040-494)  
>  _Climbin' up the Mountain; Hallelujah, I'm Ready; March Around the Throne; Satan's Jewel Crown; Leaning on the Everlasting Arms; Rank Strangers; Paul and Silas; Consider the Lillies; Cryin' Holy; A Beautiful Life; Goodnight, the Lord's Comin'; Green Pastures 33:42_

* * *

### Jimmy George

_Contemporary; Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

Those who enjoy unabashed folk/rock will be pleased to encounter Jimmy George, an Ottawa band that lights a fire under its songs. _A Month Of Sundays_ (1994) provides Celtic banjo, accordion, and mandolin laced with a strong dose of electric guitar and drums. The alt-rock-style lyrics lean towards youthful irreverence (the Jimmy George credo is "if you are not completely satisfied with this product, you should lower your expectations.") There are elements of Spirit of the West and Grievous Angels on the album and the driving energy of the band compensates somewhat for the absence of outstanding singing voices. Jimmy George is Eric Altman, Joel Carlson, Steve Donnelly, Michael Eady, Jeff Kerr, Mike Lawson, J. Todd, and Mickey Vallee.

_Hotel Motel_ (1995) is a similar album, though even more rock-oriented than _A Month of Sundays_. Except for an occasional Celtic-leaning piece—e.g., "Token Celtic Drinking Song"—and a strong lacing of accordion, the album will appeal mainly to rock audiences.

> **A Month of Sundays**  
>  1994 Waxy Skin (WSCD-001)  
>  _My Final Days with You; Barnstorming; Breakfast with St. Swithin; Parading; Four Feet from Shore; Under Study; Things I Did Wrong; Frontiers; Prophet of Doom; Suicide; Owen; The Recuperative Powers of the Soul; Slept All Afternoon; What I Should Do 46:45_

> **Hotel Motel**  
>  1995 Waxy Skin (CARGO CARD1037)  
>  _First of All; One Convention; Stillness; Rock and Roll Thing; Mickey's Theme (Nothing 2 Do with U); I Feel a Shudder; Bad Word; Venezuela; Trojan Horse; Broke; Token Celtic Drinking Song; Best Song in the World; Superindividual; Even More; Outside-In 39:21_

* * *

### Juba!

_Worldbeat_

Juba! is an Edmonton group that came together to perform South African freedom songs. Over time the group has evolved its drumming and improvisation based on a continuing study of South African music. All the songs on _Mafaro_ (which means "I'm happy" in the Shona language of Zimbabwe) are sung in South African languages, with English liner-note translations. Despite the language hurdle, it's easy to enjoy this album just by listening to the pleasing harmonies, choruses, and percussion. Juba! is Warren Albers, Cleve Alexander, Arthur Bollo-Kamara, Lark Clark, Kelly Collins, Beth Portman, and Scott Rollans.

> **Mafaro**  
>  1993 Juba! (no catalogue number)  
>  _Juba Lethu; Tichano Imba; Tichano Imba; Vakuru Vanoti; Umam'uyajabula; Freedom Is Coming; Mafaro; Siyaya eJerusalema; Masambe; Langa More; Doumb e; Chogugudza Two; Mockingbird; New Siyahamba; Mambo Jesu; Ngeke Ngiye; Meva; Demba; Zulu Seliyaduma 52:22_

* * *

### Jughead

_Contemporary; Jugband; Bluegrass; Singer-Songwriter_

Jughead is a Toronto jug band that likes to have a good time. They are known for their Saturday afternoon matinees at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern where they fit ten or more musicians on stage and let rip on jug, washboard, kazoo, washtub, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and accordion. Their lighthearted lyrics, such as "Bury Me in My Shades," are captured on _Uncorked!_. Jughead, on this album, is Michael "Lopez" Phillips, John Mets, Michael Smith, Dan Ouellette, Andrew Queen, Doug Queen, Christopher Quinn, Nik Tjelios, Brian Morgan, and Michael F. Jursic

> **Uncorked!**  
>  1993 On Tap (SUDS 002)  
>  _Slewfoot; Barn Song; Bury Me in My Shades; Wabash Cannonball; Ace of Spades; Pirates of Paradise; Hockey Song; San Francisco Bay Blues; I Know You Rider; G.S.T.; Monkey and the Hammer; Hush; Ain't Got the Time; Stumblin Drunk; Been Away Too Long 44:36_

* * *

## K

### Connie Kaldor

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"An artist who has rightly earned a reputation for being one of the most beloved performers on the Canadian folk scene"— _Sing Out!_ A regular at folk festivals for many years, Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Connie Kaldor has been entertaining audiences with her very contemporary brand of folk/pop material. _Moonlight Grocery_ (1984) features pop-oriented songs such as "Wanderlust," "Caught In A Crossfire," and "Moonlight Grocery." The slower "Calais Maine" and "Wood River" are the rootsiest songs on the album.

_Gentle Of Heart_ (1989), a more introspective album than _Moonlight Grocery_ is a more successful effort in part because the arrangements don't obscure Kaldor's expressive voice and lyrics. The strong songwriting is evidenced on nearly every song, including the opener, "Gentle Of Heart": "Some are born on second base / and think they've hit a double." _Wood River: Home Is Where the Heart Is ..._ (1992), much of it recorded live, begins with "Wood River" and continues through Kaldor's "prairie song" repertoire. This album, produced by Roy Forbes, is likely to be the Kaldor album of choice for folkies. Its countryish, down-home flavour dispenses, for the most part, with pop arrangements and gets to the heart of the lyrics. Recommended.

_Out of the Blue_ (1994), also produced by Roy Forbes, presents excellent new Kaldor material in a variety of styles from the pop/rock opener "Relax" to the rootsier "Singer of the Sacred Heart" and "Mother's Prayer." Kaldor, like Joni Mitchell, has too many facets to her songwriting to confine herself to one musical style. If you don't mind a strong layering of pop, you'll find _Out of The Blue_ highly rewarding.

_Small Caf e_ (1996) may be Kaldor's strongest recording yet. A beautifully produced album, it continues Kaldor's autobiographical exploration of modern life. Her lyrics and vocals range across material from the introspective "Someday" to the countryish "Coyote's Call" to the light, bluesy "Get Lucky" to the bluegrass tune "Choppy Water." Versatile and talented, Kaldor continues to develop as one of Canada's most gifted singer-songwriters.

> **Moonlight Grocery**  
>  1984 Coyote (CEGCD 1002)  
>  _Wanderlust; Caught in the Crossfire; Danger Danger; Calais Maine; Get Back the Night; Talk Without Speaking; Love or Something; Moonlight Grocery; Wood River; Bird on a Wing; Maria's Place/Batoche 44:20_

> **Gentle of Heart**  
>  1989 Coyote (CEGCD 1009)  
>  _Gentle of Heart; Love Letters; Rage Inside; If You Leave Me Now; River Song; Thin Thread; Heart for the Boy; Warm Yourself; Passion; One Hit; I Go Out Walking 45:17_

> **Wood River: Home Is Where the Heart Is ...**  
>  1992 Coyote (CEGCD 1010)  
>  _Wood River; Outlaw; Sleepy Little Town; Can't Go Back; Modern Lullaby; Canoe Song; Bird on a Wing; Harsh and Unforgiving; Just a Little Dream; Hymn for Pincher Creek; Spring on the Prairies; Margaret's Waltz; Grandmother's Song; Saskatoon Moon 42:21_

> **Out of the Blue**  
>  1994 Coyote (CEGCD 1015)  
>  _Relax; I Don't Love Easy; I'll Take Good Care; Singer of the Sacred Heart; Mother's Prayer; Why Aren't You Here?; What a Mess Love Is; Hope in My Heart; I Am a Believer; Bigger Than Anywhere Else 37:09_

> **Small Caf e**  
>  1996 Coyote (CEGCD 1020)  
>  _Someday; What do They Know?; If I Was to Tell You; Down to a River (Alan's Song); Coyote's Call; Get Lucky; Choppy Water (Rocky Marriage Breakdown); I Don't Care; He's Running in His Sleep; Old Friends; Prairie Moon; I Love that Dog 44:18_

* * *

### Kanatan Aski

_First Nations; Singer-Songwriter_

Kanatan Aski (Cree for "Clean Land") is a First Nations group whose goal is bringing together contemporary native musicians and styles from across the Americas, North and South. On _The Condor Meets The Eagle_ , Kanatan Aski is joined by Pura Fe (Tuscarora) and Monique Mojica (Cuna). The combination is a creative mix of pan-pipe sounds of the Andes, drums, guitars, and the contemporary and traditional singing styles of Pura Fe and Monique Mojica.

> **Condor Meets the Eagle**  
>  [no date] Black Jaguar (no catalogue number)  
>  _Navajo Song; Acapana; Round Dance; Muskuy; Imaginacion; Tres Virtudes; The Condor Meets the Eagle; Yacu; Nishin; Mamatow; El Amor; Takile 48:41_

* * *

### Rachel Kane

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Born in New York, Ontario-based Rachel Kane played guitar and sang backup in a Latin band by age seventeen. After spending time in Leningrad and staying in Paris long enough to complete a master's degree in French, Kane moved to Winnipeg and later to Toronto.

Kane's first album, _Groundwire_ (1998), moves in a territory somewhere between folk, R&B and pop. With a voice described as "a husky whisper of woodsmoke," Kane is equally adept at traditional folk material ("Slipping Through My Hands"), blues ("Soldier") and pop ("Six Degrees of Separation"). Her lyrics "pursue characters riding the road less taken and paying the price for it: the freewheeling rebel "Gypsy"; the manchild who's inherited a battlefield in "Soldier"; the teen runaway in "Groundwire"; the lost junkie in "Never Said Goodbye."

_Groundwire_ was produced by David Woodhead who does double duty as bass player. Additional musicians include Ray Montford on guitar, Al Cross on drums and guest appearances by Oliver Schroer, Anne Bourne and Katherine Wheatley.

> **Groundwire**  
>  1998 Rachel Kane (RK 0001)  
>  _Sorry Don't Fix It; Six Degrees of Separation; Gift of the Magi; Missing You; Gypsy; Ground Wire; Soldier; Slipping Through My Hands; Never Said Goodbye; Song for the Babymaker; Little Girl 48:23_

* * *

### Kashtin

_First Nations; Singer-Songwriter_

Florent Vollant and Claude McKenzie, who perform under the name Kashtin, offer a bridge to the music of Canada's native peoples. You don't need to understand the words of their songs—written in the Montagnais language (Innu Aionun)—to enjoy their music. The liner notes provide you with a background for each song and you can listen your way into the rhythms and instrumentation that accompany their work. Their debut album, _Kashtin,_ introduces the duo's folk/rock style with catchy melodies and warm arrangements that continue on their second release, _Innu_. Compared with other First Nations music, however, you begin to wonder, as did a reviewer in _Dirty Linen_ , "when is music by an indigenous people part of its roots music continuum, and when is it merely indistinguishable pop/rock music sung in the people's language?" There seems to be nothing particularly unique about these albums other than their language. Kashtin has responded to this question with _Akua Tuta_ , their third and easily most successful album to date. The musicianship is tighter and richer and, for the first time, you start to get an underlying sense of First Nations rhythms and chants as an integral part of the music. This convincing album provides a good reason to introduce yourself to Kashtin.

> **Kashtin**  
>  1989 Groupe Concept Musique (PPFL AC-2009)  
>  _E Uassiuian (My Childhood); Kashtin (Tornado); E Peikussian (Solitude); Pakuakumit (Pointe-Bleue); Shashish (A Long Time Ago); Apu Tshekuan (It Doesn't Matter); Tshinanu (What We Are); Tipatshimun (The Devil's Song); Uitshi (Help Me); Ashtam Nituapam (Come Find Me); Shteteian (Departure); Nitanish (N'Teish/My Daughter) 47:05_

> **Innu**  
>  1991 Groupe Concept Musique (PPFLC 2011)  
>  _Ouverture; Nikanish (Les Miens/My People); Nekashtuamani (Surprise: Angoisse/Anguish); Nte Tshitshuat (Chez Vous/Your Place); Apu Tshekuan Nikan'Kuian (Rien pour m'Arr eter/Nothing Can Stop Me); Harricana (Longue Route/Long Road); Son of the Sun (Fils du Soleil); Tshinuau (Vous Autres/All of You); Apu Min'Tan (Fiche-moi la Paix/Leave Me Alone); Uishama (Version Kashtin); Ishkuess (Fille/Girl) 38:07_

> **Akua Tuta**  
>  1994 Columbia (CK80209)  
>  _Akua Tuta (Take Care/Fais Attention); Uasset (All the Children/Tous les Enfants); Ashtam Nashue (Come Follow Me/Viens Suis-Mois); Nuitsheuan (My Friend/Mon Ami); Miam Uapukun (Like a Flower/Comme un Fleur); Ne Puamun (My Dreams/Mes R eves); Tapue Shtutune (You Really Make Me/Vraiment Tu Me Fais); Apu Shapentaman (Without Interest/Sans Interet); Uauitemu (Tell Me/Dis-Moi); Tshekuanu Mak (Why/Pourquoi); Utei Teu Etaian (Here with Me/Ici Avec Moi); Iame (Good Bye/Au Revoir) 47:08_

* * *

### Katari Taiko

_Worldbeat; Taiko Drums_

_Commotion_ is a live recording from Katari Taiko's 15th anniversary concert on June 28th and 29th, 1994 in Vancouver. The title of the album comes from the opening number, "Ja Sawago" which is a Japanese phrase for "let's create a commotion!" or "let's raise hell!" Katari Taiko performs percussion compositions based on folk themes. Of "Oedo" the liner notes state that the piece was composed "using rhythms that originate in the festivals of Tokyo, or _Edo_ , as it was once called." If you enjoy percussion, you'll find this album fascinating.

> **Commotion**  
>  1994 Katari Taiko (KT1000-2)  
>  _Ja Sawago; Interlude; Oedo; Talking Drums; Elephants and Tools; Been Down So Long; Mountain Moving Day 46:52_

* * *

### James Keelaghan

_Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

One of Canada's premier singer-songwriters, James Keelaghan's fine baritone voice and strong twelve- and six-string acoustic guitar arrangements accompany some of the most captivating lyrics written north of the 49th Parallel. A native of Calgary, Keelaghan studied history at the University of Calgary where he began playing in local folk venues during the mid-1980's. Keelaghan's interest in history is borne out strongly in his debut album, _Timelines_. The opening song, "Fires of Calais," relates the fictional account of a participant rescuing British soldiers across the English Channel in the retreat from Dunkirk. "Boom Gone to Bust," recounts the hard times of Canadians in the 1930's, crossing the country to find work. The haunting "Jenny Bryce" was written after a conversation with his mother about conditions for women under the reign of Peter the Great. By his second album, _Small Rebellions,_ Keelaghan achieves a high level of consistency and maturity. The songs continue to reflect historical themes. The opening song, "Hillcrest Mine," documents Canada's worst mining disaster. "Red River Rising" is set during the Riel Rebellion. "Rebecca's Lament," chronicles the ill-fated love between Tecumseh and Rebecca Galloway. "Small Rebellion," about the Bienfait Massacre, relates an attempt to organize miners in the coal field. In addition to these historically-based compositions, Keelaghan pays respects to other songwriters, notably Tony Kaduck and Ferron, with "Princes of The Clouds" and "Misty Mountain," respectively.

With his third album, _My Skies_ , Keelaghan began recording for the American Green Linnet label. Winner of a Juno award in the "Roots & Traditional" category in 1994, _My Skies_ reflects a turn from the explicit, historical songwriting of his earlier works to more introspective, indirect lyrics. The result is some of the strongest material Keelaghan has yet created. Highlights include the title song, "My Skies," "Hold Your Ground," "River Run," "Kiri's Piano," and "Orion." Keelaghan's fourth album, _A Recent Future_ , is different enough from his previous releases that it may catch a few fans off-guard on first listen. The opener, "Sweetgrass Moon," with its moody intro and haunting melody tells you this album's going to be unique. This is followed by a bouncy Colleen Eccleston song, "Dance As You Go." "Turn of the Wheel," "Get To You," and "A Recent Future" are similar in feel to material on _My Skies_. Keelaghan has not abandoned historical writing altogether. The highlights of the album are its two historical songs, "Cold Missouri Waters," about the survivor of a forest-fire-fighting team at the Man Gulch fire in 1949, and "Lament for the Passing of Honore Jaxon," Riel's English secretary during the 1885 Rebellion. Keelaghan received the Stan Rogers Golden Quill Porcupine Award in 1995 for "Cold Missouri Waters."

> **Timelines**  
>  1987, 1992 Tranquilla Music / Dirty Linen (CDL103)  
>  _Fires of Calais; Boom Gone to Bust; Railway Tune; Jenny Bryce; Follow Me up to Carlow/Morison's Jig; Refugee; Roll Down; Lost; Snap the Line Tight; Sea for the Shore/Stephen Behind the Eight Ball 44:24_

> **Small Rebellions**  
>  1990 Tranquilla Music (TMCD-002)  
>  _Hillcrest Mine; Princes of the Clouds; Red River Rising; The Ones Who Made Home; Rebecca's Lament; Timeless Love; Small Rebellion; Misty Mountain; Somewhere Ahead; Country Faire; Departure Bay; Gladys Ridge 44:56_

> **My Skies**  
>  1993 Green Linnet (CLCD 2112)  
>  _My Skies; Hold Your Ground; I Would I Were; River Run; Big Picture; Glory Bound; Kiri's Piano; Hope Princeton Road; Orion; Abraham; Tomorrow Is Another Day 40:29_

> **A Recent Future**  
>  1995 Green Linnet / Justin Time (JTR 8453-2)  
>  _Sweetgrass Moon; Dance As You Go; Hero on the Straightaway; Get to You; Turn of the Wheel; Cold Missouri Waters; Sweet Lorraine; A Recent Future; Honor e; Lazarus; Never Gonna Stop This Train 48:00_

* * *

### Faye Kellerstein

_Worldbeat_

"They say you don't have to understand opera to love it. The same goes for Yiddish music...Kellerstein has a vocal warmth that ignites the senses to the sad and not-so-sad subject matter of the lyrics"—Walt Grealis, _RPM Magazine_. Toronto's Faye Kellerstein, born in a refugee camp in postwar Germany to Polish-born Jewish survivors of the Holocaust, has collected and performed Yiddish music for years. _A Feygele Zingt_ (A Little Bird Sings) captures the traditional flavour of the songs that have been collected from the Yiddish folksong repertoire and from Yiddish theatre. This album is an important preservation of historical material for a new, young audience.

> **A Feygele Zingt**  
>  1994 Feygele (YIDDISH-1)  
>  _Abi Gezunt; Oy, Mame, Bin Icht Farliebt; Oyfn Veg Shteyt a Boim; Yankele; Unter Boimer; Oygn; Un a Malach Zingt; A Brivele Der Mamen; Farges Mich Nit; Tif Vi Di Nacht; Oy, S'lz Gut; Der Nayer Sher; Abi Gezunt (Reprisal) 39:38_

* * *

### Terry Kelly

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Upbeat rocker and Halifax singer-songwriter Terry Kelly delivers a mix of original songs and covers in a folk/rock style. _Face To Face_ , from 1988 features material like "Mama Likes to Rock 'N' Roll," Ron Hynes' "How Far Can a Little Girl Fall," and Jamie Snider's "Evangeline." Highlights from _Divided Highway_ include "The Girl Is on a Roll Tonight," "River of No Return," and "You Can't Stop Rock N' Roll." Kelly's high-spirited vocals add punch to his folk/rock material.

> **Face to Face**  
>  1988 Attic (ACD 1248)  
>  _Mama Likes to Rock 'N' Roll; California Night; How Far Can a Little Girl Fall; Evangeline; You Can't Hide from Love; You Really Did It; Greater Than Love; Inspiration; Full Time Lovers; Sorry Lori 36:44_

> **Divided Highway**  
>  1992 Gun Records (TKCD92)  
>  _The Girl Is on a Roll Tonight; River of No Return; There Goes the Fire; We Can Do Anything; Your Backyard; In My Father's House; I Ain't Got No Money; Heart Set on You; Roy Orbison Came On; You Can't Stop Rock N' Roll 37:40_

* * *

### Kathy Kidd

_Worldbeat_

Vancouver pianist and composer Kathy Kidd is a jazz artist who fell in love with Latin and African rhythms and has turned her hand toward original salsa compositions. _Serious Fun_ , by the Kathy Kidd Afro Latin Jazz Septet provides a contemporary "world/jazz/salsa" sound that can enliven a folk festival or an evening commute. The infectious rhythms and catchy compositions keep you listening from track one and will likely have you hitting the restart button when it's over. _Do What You Love_ , by Kathy Kidd & Kongo Mambo, follows in the same vein. When you've hit a saturation point with guitar and fiddle, these are good albums for changing the pace.

> **Serious Fun**  
>  [no date] Lowrider (LOW-0041)  
>  _Care to Dance; Serious Fun; Kondo Mondo; Sambaku; Betty; Secret Talking; Follow Me; San Juan Freeway; Where's the One; Strong Earth 49:41_

> **Do What You Love**  
>  [no date] Lowrider (LOW-0043)  
>  _El Conguero; Drive Me Home; Manzanita; Do What You Love; Ropa Vieja; When I'm at Home; Arturo Goes to Nueva York; Terapia; Love Your Neighbour; Straight Forward 52:10_

* * *

### Kilgore Trout

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

The Calgary musical troupe Kilgore Trout describe themselves as being composed of "working stiffs and students." Lori Hogg is a general practitioner studying to be a psychiatrist, Bob Brennan is an engineer working on a Ph.D., Gail Korchinski is a systems analyst, Kari Strutt and Jackie Bell are writer/editors. They are joined by their passion for music. The material on their debut album, _One Voice Starts..._ , is drawn from a variety of sources from traditional ballads to the Trout's own brand of "folk and roll." The soaring vocals, frequently joining in two-, three-, and four-part harmony, highlight the group's solid songwriting. Kilgore Trout disbanded in 1996.

> **One Voice Starts...**  
>  1994 Kilgore Trout (KT01)  
>  _Faerie Gold; About the Weather; The Bitter Sea; To a Lover Leaving; Rockfall; Northern Skies; Mother May I?; Saturday Girl; Kensington; Widow's Lament 31:12_

* * *

### Killiecrankie

_Traditional; Celtic_

The Southern Ontario Scottish group Killiecrankie was one of the most engaging Celtic bands playing the folk-festival circuit. With an inspired choice of material and confident, sure playing, Killiecrankie belongs in every CD collection. _The Haggis Egg_ , their second release, and the first available on compact disc, features their gentle, effective vocals mixed with satisfying instrumental medleys. Highlights include "Bonnie George Campbell," "Rantin Rovin Robin," and "The Bonnie Earl of Moray." _Haggis Egg_ is a disc that sneaks up on you. At first you like it, then you begin to like it very much, and soon it becomes one of your most played recordings. Highly recommended. Killiecrankie is Andrea Barstad, Bill Aitken, Allison Lupton, and Martin Smit. Killiecrankie disbanded in 1996.

> **The Haggis Egg**  
>  1994 Killiecrankie (CD464693)  
>  _Bonnie George Campbell; Mist Covered Mountains of Home/The Osprey/Blair Athole; Rantin Rovin Robin; The Haggis Egg/The Marquis of Huntly; The Lowlands of Holland; David Glenn's/Duncan's Bones; The Bonnie Ship the Diamond; The Bonnie Earl of Moray; The Piper's Hut/The Ale Is Dear/The Torn Kilt; Far Frae Your Hame; Coilsfield House; Live Not Where I Love; Leezie Lindsay/Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms/The Loch Tay Boat Song 46:14_

* * *

### The Kitchen Boys

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

"[Their songs present] images of open prairies, abandoned farmhouses, rusty forgotten plows, dusty farmers and their families, railroad yards, hobos, sun and sky"—Bill Bourne, liner notes to _Passion Town_. An Edmonton duo formed in 1992, the Kitchen Boys are Steve Coffey and Jay Bigam. Coffey, the principal songwriter, writes regional material that explores the roots of prairie existence. With influences ranging from country to blues, roots, and alternative, the duo came up with the term "kitchen music" to describe their raw, aggressive approach. After a successful cassette release, the Kitchen Boys released _Passion Town_ , a CD featuring Coffey's rough-sung lyrics amid some sparkling musicianship. Some of the album's highlights are "The Crop," "Mrs. Shire," and "Fifty Thousand Doorways," plus a tribute to Stompin' Tom Conners, "Stompin' Tom." Guest musicians and vocalists include Bill Bourne, Shannon Johnson, Stan Stewart, Jake Peters, and Elvin Berthiaume. _Passion Town_ was produced by Bill Bourne.

> **Passion Town**  
>  1994 Backburner (BRI CD1201)  
>  _The Crop; Thirty Acres; You Say You're Frightened; Mrs. Shire; Boxcar; Gave You a Name; Passion Town; Saved; Not a Love Song; Stompin' Tom; Fifty Thousand Doorways; Young Son 51:11_

* * *

### Lorraine Klaasen

_Worldbeat_

Montreal-based performer Lorraine Klaasen, originally from South Africa, has recorded an infectious mix of songs and styles on _Free At Last_ , an upbeat album that features Klassen singing in English, Xhosa, Zulu, and Swahili. Raised in a musical family that counted Miriam Makiba among its frequent guests, Klaasen's fine, expressive voice, backed up by a fairly large band, is a pleasure to listen to.

> **Free at Last**  
>  1994 Klaasen Connexion (KLAA1474)  
>  _No Turning Back; Mbathi Yekelu Mama; Soweto Groove II; Kudala Ndikulindile; Jolinkomo; Sabadubula; Comon Comon; Helele; Wake up Mama; Yiza Izi 40:44_

* * *

### Richard Knechtel

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Veteran songwriter Richard Knechtel (pronounced _neck-tle_ ) is a regular at Ontario folk festivals. Based in Walkerton, Ontario, Knechtel is a versatile performer who, in addition to solo appearances, also fronts the folk-based Richard Knechtel Quartet, the traditional country trio Northern Lights, and a dance band, the Cabin Cruisers. He's also a children's entertainer under the name "Dickie Bird." Knechtel's first compact disc release, _Drifting Dreams_ , presents a solid collection of original songs, backed by guest musicians including David Essig on mandolin. Highlights include "Lone Wolf Howling," "Lakeshore Road," and "Sand and Sea." _Like an Old Friend_ , featuring the Richard Knechtel Quartet, is a collection of tunes supported with acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums, a bit of fiddle and a touch of harmonica. The simple and relatively sparse arrangements include "Wait," "Like an Old Friend," and the poignant closer, "If I Only Knew." Other members of the Richard Knechtel Quartet are Bill McWaters, David Zdriluk, and Peter Robertson.

> **Drifting Dreams**  
>  [no date] Greentree Music (GT-CD656)  
>  _Lone Wolf Howling; People; September Waltz; Lakeshore Road; Song After Midnight; Travel On; Happy Lad; After the Fall; Somebody like Her; Sand and Sea 42:29_

> **Like an Old Friend**  
>  [no date] Greentree Music (GT-CD658)  
>  _Carry a Song; Wait; Like an Old Friend; Scugogin'; Z ocalo; This; The Wrong Way; What I Should Do; On the Beach; Cheap Imitation; 1969; How'd We Ever...; If I Only Knew 55:19_

* * *

### Mary Knickle

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Mary Knickle (pronounced _k-nickle_ ) brings an exciting, versatile voice to original and traditional folk material. Her second album, and first compact disc, _Who Will Take the Throne?_ , features contemporary songs written by Knickle, such as "Who Will Take the Throne?" "Whispering Muse," and "If You Return." Her striking "Female Sailor" sounds like an old ballad from the traditional repertoire. She also performs two traditional numbers, "Mic Mac Song," and "Barbara Allen," plus a sung version of John Masefield's "Sea Fever." Knickle's fine voice makes this a very good album, but it may be a trifle eclectic for some tastes. The traditional and contemporary pieces don't always fit together seamlessly.

> **Who Will Take the Throne?**  
>  1992 Windward (WPP CD-02)  
>  _Who Will Take the Throne?; Whispering Muse; Female Sailor; If You Return; Daughters of the Land; Mic Mac Song; The Dream; The Wish; Sea Fever; Barbara Allen 45:38_

* * *

### Daniel Koulack

_Banjo_

_Clawhammer Your Way to the Top_ —"its brilliant title notwithstanding, this is not exclusively a clawhammer recording ... rather, this release takes the banjo into a more introspective terrain"— _Dirty Linen_. Winnipeg musician Daniel Koulack, who is also a member of the Klezmer band Finjan, introduces banjo pieces backed with a touch of Klezmer/Country on _Clawhammer Your Way to the Top_. The result, if different, is also pleasant. Koulack does not exclusively play clawhammer style, nor is he a banjo virtuoso, but the album features a range of compositions that are upbeat and frequently charming.

> **Clawhammer Your Way to the Top**  
>  1991 Little Giant (DK-1CD)  
>  _Bakan up the Car; Joshua's Tune; The Waltz That Never Was; Puddle Jumping; Wounded River; Wardlaw Polka; The Insomniac's Song; Sunrise Tune; Echo; Tom Cat; Lullaby 33:37_

* * *

### Susan Kuelken

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia singer-songwriter Susan Kuelken has issued a solid album, _Wischt Ida_ , featuring songs such as "Far Side of The Wall," "Before the Earthquake," and "Never Met a Soldier." Backed by acoustic, electric, and slide guitars, hammered dulcimer, banjo, and accordion backup, Kuelken delivers lyrical punch with a good folk/pop voice. Unfortunately the album is difficult to obtain. There is no address on the CD and it isn't available through the usual channels, so watch for a Kuelken concert and pick one up at a live show. Musicians on the album include Marilyn MacDonald, James Oldenburg, Lawrence Potapoff, Keith Walker, and Ian Smith.

> **Wischt Ida**  
>  1992 Lookout (no catalogue number)  
>  _Far Side of the Wall; Before the Earthquake; Not a Little Girl; Logically; Never Met a Soldier; Something Strange; The Other Song; Faces; Fly on the Wall; It Ain't Easy; Power of the Land; When I Grow Old; To the Moon 44:59_

* * *

## L

### Labrador Black Spruce

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Labrador Black Spruce is a group of six musicians whose main goal is to record songs by poets and songwriters of Labrador. They collect poems and set them to music and also write some original material based on one of Canada's last frontiers. Their style is folk/country with a nice mix of instruments, from guitars to mandolin and accordion. Their first album, available on cassette, is _Love of The Land_ and their second, available on cassette and CD is _Ashuanipi Wash_.

While Labrador Black Spruce are not as polished as some groups on lead vocals, the heartfelt lyrics, good bluegrass-style harmonies and solid musicianship give the group an underlying strength that brings their material forward with honesty and conviction. The songs have simplicity, personality and charm. "The Humber, the Exploits, the Gander, are all very well in their way / but fishing these rivers in Springtime, can't compare with the Ashuanipi"—("Ashuanipi Wash"); "How I love my Grandpa, he meant the whole world to me / How I love my Grandpa, I sailed around the world on his knee"—("How I Love My Grandpa"). If you enjoy homespun lyrics and singing, _Ashuanipi Wash_ is highly rewarding.

Labrador Black Spruce are Mike Willcot, Nick Kennedy, Ric Burt, Ron Harvey, Cec Fry, and Willie Arsenaulte.

> **Ashuanipi Wish**  
>  1995 Labrador Black Spruce (no catalogue number)  
>  _Ashuanipi Wash; Spring in the Cove; Lure of the Labrador Wild; The Banks of North River; How I Love My Grandpa; The Old House (Will Soon Be Gone); The Fisherman's Dream; The Old Car; Our Own North Country; The Half Door; Just Beyond the Mountain; Beauty by the Sea; Ode to Labrador 51:12_

* * *

### Gérard Lajoie

_French-Canadian; Accordion; Fiddle_

Quebec accordionist and champion fiddler Gérard Lajoie is featured on _Gérard Lajoie_ , a lively set of Lajoie historical recordings issued on the Héritage Québécois series by MCA. There are no liner notes to accompany this delightful album.

> **Gérard Lajoie**  
>  [no date, reissued 1991] MCA (MCAD-10491)  
>  _Reel de l'Oiseau Moqueur; Reel du Nouveau Brunswick; Les Variétés Lajoie (II); Breakdown de Neufchatel; Paul Jones de Québec (I); Le Reel de la Tourtière; Samba du Baiser; Reel St Sauveur; Les Variétés Lajoie (I); Samba Canadienne; Valse de Montréal; Polka du Lac St Jean; Reel du Carnaval de Québec; Quadrille de St-Cyr; Paul Jones de Québec (II) 40:59_

* * *

### Chris Lakerdas

_Contemporary; Guitar; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto guitarist Chris Lakerdas' debut album, _Chris Lakerdas_ , displays his talents as a composer and performer. The liner notes provide background notes to each of his compositions and you can't help but identify with someone who admits to having avoided homework to play guitar. The notes for "La Petite Montagne" state that "in the spring of my first year of university, a friend and I would avoid our homework by carrying our guitars up a drumlin and playing some music. It was those windy, warm afternoons on that small mountain that originally inspired this piece." Lakerdas' playing is warm and intricate—the only distraction is an appreciable amount of squeak on the strings. The instrumental compositions are lively and infectious. The last two cuts on the album are songs written and sung by Lakerdas. Songwriting is not yet Lakerdas' forte.

> **Chris Lakerdas**  
>  1991, reissed 1995 AVA (AVA CD952)  
>  _Romantic Rag; La Petite Montagne; The Kottke Concerto (In D Maj); Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring/On the Shoulders of Giants; Playground; Something Blue; Spanish Dance; Crickets; Behind the Veil; L'Harpe Ancienne; A Gig in the Patch; Liar's Lament; Sing to Me 56:17_

* * *

### Mary Jane Lamond

_Traditional; Celtic; Gaelic_

Nova Scotian Mary Jane Lamond performs her entire repertoire in the Gaelic language. The result is enchanting. _Bho Thir Nan Craobh_ which means "from the land of the trees" is taken from references from the Gaelic bards who were deeply impressed by the thick forests of Canada when they first arrived here. Some of the songs on this album originated in Ireland or Scotland and some were written by Gaelic-speaking Canadian settlers. The liner notes provide Gaelic lyrics, English translations, and background information on each song. Lamond sings in a voice so sweet you'd listen if she were singing restaurant menus. A cameo appearance by Ashley MacIsaac playing fiddle on "Dan Do Sean Ford" is another of the album's treats. Highly recommended. Lamond received the Noel Dinn Porcupine Award in 1995.

> **Bho Thir Nan Craobh / from the Land of the Trees**  
>  1994? B&R Heritage (BRCD 0001)  
>  _O Tha Mise Fo Ghruaimean (O, I Am Unhappy); Air Faillirinn Iu (Lovable Little Darling); Cagaran Gaolach (Loveable Little Darling); Domhnall Antaidh (Donald "Antaidh''); A Chuachag Nam Beann (Cuckoo of the Mountains); He Mo Leannan (He My Love); Bodach Beag a Loinean (The Little Old Man of the Pond); Ho Ro's Toigh Leam-Fh�n Thu (O I Do Love You); Cha Bhi Mi Buan (I Will Not Survive); Ba, Ba, Ba Mo Leanabh (Hush, Hush, Hush My Little Baby); Piuirt-a-Beul (Mouthmusic Medley); Dh 'Olainn Deoch a Laimh Mo Ruin (I Would Take a Drink from My Love's Hands); Oran Gillean Alasdair Mhøir (Lament to the Sons of Alasdair Mør); Dan Do Shean Ford (Song to an Old Ford)/The Model T Jig 41:39_

* * *

### Ned Landry

_Fiddle_

Master fiddler Ned Landry was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, in 1921. He played harmonica, in 1934, on Don Messer's radio show _Backwoods Breakdown_. Having taught himself fiddle when he was a boy, Landry became the first oldtime fiddler to perform on TV (in Boston, Massachusetts, 1939). He was also the first Canadian to record for RCA Victor, in the 1940's. The winner of many fiddling contests, Landry was a regular guest on _Don Messer's Jubilee_ and other TV shows in the 60's. He has also played at the Grand Ol' Opry and toured with Johnny Cash. _International Fiddling Champion_ presents Landry's smooth fiddle and mandolin playing. He is joined by Aubrey Hanson on guitar, Robert McKenny on piano, Lloyd Hanson on bass, Balf Bailey on drums, and Mike Doherty on congas and percussion.

> **International Fiddling Champion**  
>  1994 Atlantica (NL-00102)  
>  _Cajun Two Step; Governor General's Waltz; Ontario Swing; Abbie Andrew's Calypso; Stompin' Tom Connors; Hillbilly Calypso; Maple Leaf Special; Lumberjack Special; After the Rain; Waltzing in the Garden; Ripple Rock Jig; Celina; United Way Special; Believing; Roy Acuff's Special; Happy Times; Gary Murphy's Special; Yvon Durelle's Shuffle; Terry Parson's Special; Lord Beaverbrook Special; Vivian and Ivan Hicks Waltz; Kaye's Jig; Cajun Fiddling on the Bayou; Bowing the Strings; Operetta Square Dance 62:11_

* * *

### Penny Lang

_Contemporary; Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

Montreal performer Penny Lang has had an extraordinary career. She first became popular in the 1960's when her powerful interpretations of folk, blues, country and gospel standards gained her a large, devoted following. Often called "first lady of Canadian folk" Lang had a near brush with international fame when the US-based Warner Brothers offered her a contract to record Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne." She turned down the contract when she learned that she was expected to record with an electric band. Remaining true to her acoustic roots, she walked away from the deal and later walked away from her singing career to concentrate on raising her newborn son, Jason.

As Lang slipped out of music, she also slipped out of the mainstream of society, experiencing difficulties with drugs and alcohol. In 1988, after some time living in a rustic cabin in the Quebec wilderness, Penny re-emerged a stronger woman and a more powerful force. With the help of friends she dealt with her demons, directed her energies into songwriting (a talent she had not explored in her earlier years as an entertainer), and was welcomed back into the embrace of an enthusiastic public. Dubbed "Silverwolf" by the Montreal media, Penny Lang has once again graced us with performances and recordings. Lang received the Harry Hibbs Porcupine Award for Perseverance in 1996.

_Yes_ , from 1991, was Lang's re-entrance into recording. It is a studio album that mixes Lang original compositions with songs by John Lutz, Tom Campbell, Kenneth Pearson, Linda Morrison and Phillis Hall. What makes the album special is the guitar work and vocal backups from her son Jason. The blues cuts are simply delicious. Except for the opening track, this somewhat brief album (originally released as a cassette) is less ornately produced than the later _Carry on Children_. If you're a Lang fan, you won't be able to say no to _Yes_.

_Ain't Life Sweet_ , from 1993, is like a return to the best of the 1960's folk revival—the songs are evocative, simple, and connected, carried by a slightly husky, totally real and infectious voice. The instrumentation is a fine statement in simplicity.

Her next post-80's release is _Carry on Children_ , a collection of Lang originals interspersed with songs by Ken Whiteley, Chris Whitely, Pat Humphries, Bill Horan, and Pete Seeger. Penny Lang's warm, husky voice is the perfect complement to her uncanny songwriting talent. Her lyrics, simple without being simple-minded, grab your attention with their immediacy and striking insights. They reflect an understated love and acceptance of life.

There are several outstanding original songs on the album, including "Carry on Children," "Everybody Gone Blind," "Sunny Good Neighbour," "Menopausal Jig," and "Raise up Our Glasses." The only drawback to this album is that it is overproduced. Lang sounds at her best when the background vocals and instrumentation do not obscure the simplicity of her delivery.

_Live at the Yellow Door_ , 1997, is the Penny Lang album to purchase if you're either new to her music or can only budget for one of her CD's. Recorded live in concert at the fabled Yellow Door folk club in Montreal (celebrating the 25th anniversay of Canada's longest-running coffee house), the album is just Penny and her Martin guitar—the way you might catch her at a folk festival, club, or house concert. A magical moment. Recommended.

> **Yes**  
>  1991, reissued 1997 She-Wolf (SWPL-9701-2)  
>  _Working Class; Straightaway; Simple Simon; November Blues; Rosie; Drunkard; Nama Says; 2 & 20 Blues; God Knows How Much We Can Bear 31:18_

> **Ain't Life Sweet**  
>  1993 Silverwolf Records (SWPL-9302)  
>  _Open up Our Hearts to See; Senses of Your Leave; On Again, Off Again; Stomp, Bop, Bop; Ain't Life Sweet; Sometimes; Plumb Tuckered Out; Spanish Moss; Firewater; Laundromat Song; Happiness Is; Family Reunion; I Can't Stand up Alone 36:37_

> **Carry on Children**  
>  1996 Silverwolf Records (SWPL-9601-2)  
>  _Open Up; Carry on Children; Handle with Care; Everybody Gone Blind; Sunny Good Neighbour; Take Your Time; Never Turning Back; Spiritual Woman; Too Many Nights; Third Floor Walkup; Geremia; Menopausal Jig; Oh, Had I a Golden Thread; Raise up Our Glasses 55:04_

> **Live at the Yellow Door**  
>  1997 She-Wolf (SWPL-9702-2)  
>  _Ain't Nobody Got the Blues Like Me; Can I Come Across to You; Walking Down the Line; Grin of Understanding; Barrelhouse Blues; Kick out of Corn; If I Had a Hammer; Johnny Be Fair; Streets of Heaven Been Sold; A Little Love; You Are My Sunshine; Those Dance Hall Girls; Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream; Palet on the Floor; 500 Miles; Wade in the Water/Summertime; Riddle Song; Promise Land 51:37_

* * *

### Daniel Lapp

_Contemporary; Fiddle; Singer-Songwriter_

Vancouver artist Daniel Lapp, a one-time member of Spirit of the West, has put together a highly unusual album— _Daniel Lapp_ —that may remind 60's folkies of the English group the Incredible String Band. This recording of Lapp singing and accompanying himself in a church chapel is not for traditionalists, but those who enjoy experimental music will find it challenging and adventurous. "Holy Water," "Beauty," and "Survival Poem" are chant-like and plaintive. The album does not work as background music—you have to listen carefully.

> **Daniel Lapp**  
>  1994 Lappland (CD-00194)  
>  _Holy Water; Beauty; Survival Poem; Certain Love (w/McRae, Linda); Silver Birch/Canada Geese Reel; Lisa; Red Bud; This Moment; Someway, Someday; Let the Rhythm Sing; Lonesome Warrior; Puppet's Yell; The Thread; Certain Love (Solo Reprise) 56:49_

* * *

### Sam Larkin

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

On _Ransom_ , Sam Larkin delivers a set of original songs that seem to have stepped straight out of 60's open-mike sessions. The acoustic guitar and harmonica-driven lyrics are delivered in the simple, Dylanesque style that once dominated the folk scene. While Larkin's voice is undistinguished and the arrangements are frequently rough-edged, the lyrics sustain the songs. This is an album that will interest those who enjoy the poetic core of folk music and don't mind dispensing with some of the usual wrappings.

> **Ransom**  
>  1994 Amatish (SWO294)  
>  _Mirabeau Bridge; Sally On; Marie; Murmurings; Close; Somehow; Fascination; Children at Play; Highway One; Laughin Tears; Play with You; We Will Be Birds; Golden Albatross; Who Would We Be?; Oh 67:50_

* * *

### Grey Larsen & André Marchand

_French-Canadian; Celtic_

_The Orange Tree_ is "a marvellous album, both instrumentally and vocally"— _Dirty Linen_. In one of the most delightful musical collaborations of recent years, Grey Larsen, Irish master of wooden flute, has combined with André Marchand, Quebec co-founder of La Bottine Souriante, to explore the roots in common between the music of Ireland and French Canada. The music that emerges on _The Orange Tree_ is simply some of the best traditional music you'll have the pleasure of hearing. Larsen's flute playing is agile and haunting and Marchand is a fine guitarist and singer.

> **The Orange Tree: Irish and French Canadian Roots**  
>  1993 Sugar Hill (SH-CD-1136)  
>  _Acadian Mouth Music (Reel à Bouche Acadien)/Horses, Geese, and One Old Man/Acadian Mouth Music (Reprise); Mornings at Bonny Doon (Les Matins de Bonny Doon)/Palm Sunday; Who Will Help Me Through the Woods? (Qui Me Passera le Bois?); Brandy from Kedgwick (Le Brandy de Kedgwick); The Orange Tree (l'Oranger); The Waltz of Time Passing (La Valse du Temps Qui Va)/Plum Creek; The Road to Cashel/The Bunch of Green Rushes/The Queen of May; The Wife of a Drunken Soldier (l'Ivrogne Pilier du Cabaret); First Snow; A Pack of Lies (Les Menteries)/Crossing the Saguenay (La Traversée de la Saguenay) 43:43_

* * *

### Grit Laskin

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

One of the most cherished and sought-after items on the folk circuit is a Laskin guitar. Stan Rogers played one. James Keelaghan, Garnet Rogers, Curly Boy Stubbs, Tanglefoot, Tim Harrison, and Arnie Naiman play them. Known for their beautiful sound, masterful construction, and intricate, imaginative decorative inlays, the instruments crafted by Toronto luthier William "Grit" Laskin are so highly acclaimed they occasionally overshadow his equally fine talents as a singer-songwriter.

In addition to his long-standing association with Friends of Fiddlers Green, Laskin has recorded three solo albums: _Unmasked_ (1979), _Lila's Jig_ (1987), and now his first CD, _A Few Simple Words_ (1995). This CD, presents a delightful display of Laskin's witty, literate, funny, serious, poignant, and thoroughly engaging lyrics. A long album, over seventy minutes, it offers something for everyone, ranging from a riveting ten-minute ballad, "In the Blood," that tells the tale of an infamous Ontario court case of a man accused of deliberately infecting three women with HIV, to a lyrical love song, "One Sunday Night," Laskin wrote for his wife one evening in Paris. Laskin wrote all the songs on the album except for the beautiful "Ojibway Country," written by Bill Houston for the very first IMAX film _North of Superior_.

What really sets this album apart, and makes you want to play it over and over, are the poignant, poetic, probing lyrics of Laskin's more serious songs. Lyrics such as "where some know evil and some know good / some are just misunderstood / in my neighbourhood" ("Margins of My Neighbourhood") or "and though at times I cursed and ranted / I never once my vow recanted / I challenged rules, I laughed at fashion / and for my lover saved my deepest passion" ("My Turn"). _A Few Simple Words_ is a wonderful album—one that will find a special place in your collection.

_A Few Simple Words_ was produced jointly by Ken Whiteley and Grit Laskin. Additional musicians include George Koller, Dennis Pendrith, Al Cross, Oliver Schroer, Laurence Stevenson, Ron Allen, Jani Lauzon. Harmony vocals were provided by Tannis Slimmon, Eve Goldberg, Tam Kearney, Alistair Brown, and Rick Fielding.

Produced by Ken Whiteley, _Earthly Concerns_ (1998) is Laskin's fourth solo album. Comprised of original tunes and songs, it starts off with a delightful instrumental mandolin medley, "Driving to the Woods/Sorry I'm Late." There's a theatrical side to this album, with three "conversations." The first, "Earthly Concerns," is Laskin's conversation with the past, a song about the unfairness of dying young. It touches on three individuals—Grit's birth mother, Stan Rogers, and David Parry. The second of the conversations is called "Hi Sal, Have You Checked Your E-mail?"—a conversation with the present. The third, "The Two Centuries," is a conversation with the future as the 21st and 20th centuries, a contrast between new optimism and old pessimism.

As always, Laskin touches you with flashes of humour, poignancy and probing commentary. "Fast and Loud" portrays the existing state of three key elements of modern society: the popular media, politics and sex. "Keep it shifting / always shifting / don't leave time to think / a single blink is long enough." Another recommended purchase.

> **A Few Simple Words**  
>  1995 Borealis (BCD001)  
>  _A Few Simple Words; Margins of My Neighbourhood; Guitar Maker; Ojibway Country; The Loving Game; Beginner Fiddle; One Sunday Night; In the Blood; Soft and Round; My Turn; A Begging I Will Go; Neverending Quickstep Waltz; Nothing to Say; Aunt Sarah's; Moved by a Melody; Won't Somebody Sing Me a Lullaby 73:29_

> **Earthly Concerns**  
>  1998 Borealis (BCD111)  
>  _Driving to the Woods/Sorry I'm Late; Earthly Concerns; Fast & Loud; My City; Hi Sal, Have You Checked Your Email?; The Two Centuries; Flipside; If I Were; The Most Amazing Thing in the World; Resister; Sing for a Penny; Earthly Concerns: Reprise 55:50_

* * *

### The Latest Rumour

_Contemporary; A Cappella_

Based in Perth, Ontario, the Latest Rumour is an a cappella vocal group that performed together for nearly five years before recording their first album, _Very Live!_ (1997). The album, recorded at their annual spring concert in Perth, presents a slice of their large repertoire which includes folk, gospel and jazz. The lush harmonies, sensitive arrangements and often playful song selections mark the Latest Rumour as a group that would highlight any music stage. The covers of "After the Goldrush" and "Woodsmoke and Oranges" are particularly haunting.

The Latest Rumour are Nicola Oddy, Carolyn Sutherland, David Cavalier and Joel LeBlanc. Guest artists on the album are Andy Rush on stand-up bass and Ian Douglas.

> **Very Live!**  
>  1997 Latest Rumour (0401)  
>  _After the Goldrush; Shut de Do; Dream a Little Dream; Java Jive; The Times They Are A-Changin'; Woodsmoke and Oranges; C'est l'aviron; Lonesome Road; Traffic Jam; Freedom; The Lion Sleeps Tonight 32:08_

* * *

### Gregg Lawless

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto singer-songwriter Gregg Lawless combines contemporary lyrics with a strong leaning toward pop/rock arrangements with interesting touches of acoustic on the cleverly titled _Greggorian Chance_ (1998). Lawless shows an eclectic set of influences. "For Virginia" is cast in a country vein while "The Shores of Grafton" is a solid Celtic piece. "Another Losin' Day" is a soft pop/blues number and there are elements of ragtime and swing interspersed throughout the album. There is occasionally an unsettling absence of rhyming in Lawless's lyrics. Produced by Gregg Lawless, the album includes a varying cast of musicians in addition to Lawless's multi-instrumental work.

> **Greggorian Chance**  
>  1997 Grafton (GPL-0607)  
>  _Roisín Dubh/Halfway to Galway; Mary Katherine; She Should Be Lovin'Me; Pining for Anita; Troubadour #384; Sweet Marie; For Virginia; The Shores of Grafton; Joe's Truck; Another Losin' Day; Georgie on my Mind; Writer's Pen; I'm Still Looking (The Irish Blues); Northbound; The Goodnight Song (Camp Trillium Lullaby) 58:06_

* * *

### Jim Layeux

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Jim Layeux grew up in Bell's Corners, just west of Ottawa bordering the farming country of the Ottawa Valley. At the age of twenty-one he was heading downtown to learn his craft in the active Ottawa folk community. After a few years playing in coffee houses and bars, Jim arrived in Toronto for a visit and stayed for twelve years. During this period, he recorded two albums, was involved in the Mariposa Folk Foundation, and appeared at dozens of folk clubs, folk festivals, benefits, and schools across Ontario.

His first album, a vinyl release titled _Jim Layeux_ (1987), was produced by Tim Harrison. His second album, _18 Miles West of Renfrew_ , includes a number of cuts from the vinyl release plus new material. Layeux also performs with the group Hungup Scarecrows.

Layeux's repertoire is a mix of original songs interspersed with traditional material. Delivery is simple, often just voice, guitar, banjo and/or harmonica. Layeux has an engaging, slightly wobbly, voice and a 60's style that contains influences of Woody Guthrie, early Bob Dylan and various blues artists. Additional musicians on _18 Miles_ include David Woodhead, Buddy Weston and Ron Sellwood.

_Earthlings_ (1998) continues a similar mix. All the songs were written by Layeux except for three tracks: "Hills of Aberdeen," "Jack Tarr," and "The Erie Canal." Highlights of the album include "Treasure," "Back to Oklahoma," "Tales of Old Cheyenne," and "Broken Trees"—a song with echoes of Bob Dylan's "Hollis Brown." _Earthlings_ was produced by Paul Mills. Additional musicians include Victor Bateman, string bass; Grit Laskin, concertina; Curly Boy Stubbs, guitar and mandolin; Jeff Barnes, fiddle; and Loretto Reid, pennywhistle.

> **18 Miles West of Renfrew**  
>  1997 Stemwall (ST0003)  
>  _18 Miles West of Renfrew; Curly Top Jack; One Lousy Dollar; Minimum Pay; Paddy Works on the Railway; Mrs. McGrath; Hurricane; The Whistling Gypsy; Deep Blue Sea; Shining Stone; We Be Soldiers Three; Gin Sot Blues; Carried Away; Diamond Joe; Greenland Whale Fisheries; The Star of Belle Isle; Un Canadien Errant; Davy Brier the Sailor 50:14_

> **Earthlings**  
>  1998 Stemwall (ST0004)  
>  _Treasure; Mary Brown; Back to Oklahoma; County Green; Hills of Aberdeen; The Earth Has Sent a Message; Tales of Old Cheyenne; Little Girl Standing on a Dock; Union; Broken Trees; Kettle's Whistlin'; Jack Tarr; Second Class Species; The Erie Canal 47:47_

* * *

### Francis J. Leahy

_Fiddle_

For an upbeat, contemporary, non-Celtic fiddle album, it would be hard to beat Ontario fiddler Francis J. Leahy's _Bending the Bow_. Accompanied by a set of musicians playing guitars, banjo, bass, bagpipes, drums, harmonica, and piano, this is a swinging album that features a mix of Leahy compositions like "Teeswater," "Wally's Jig," and "Graduation Waltz" mixed with traditional pieces like "The Blue Bells of Scotland," "Maple Sugar," and "The Orange Blossom Special." Fiddle lovers take note!

> **Bending the Bow**  
>  [no date] Hapi (HCD 01)  
>  _Teeswater; Dewdrops on the Roses; The Blue Bells of Scotland; Maple Sugar; MacPherson's Lament; Wally's Jig; Graduation Waltz; Karley's Edge; The Kindly Old Gentleman; The Orange Blossom Special 34:35_

* * *

### Leahy

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Fiddle_

Currently comprised of five brothers and four sisters, Leahy is a family band from Lakeside, Ontario, where the family has lived for five generations. Children of fiddler Francis J. Leahy, Leahy combines a love of traditional fiddle tunes and step dancing with music from other cultures. The result is a riveting, high-energy sound that has caught the fancy of traditionalists and youngsters alike. In concert, the band takes turns at step dancing while playing.

Their debut album, _Leahy_ , features medleys of Maritime favourites alongside American pieces, a medley tribute to Don Messer, and a traditional Hungarian dance. Lead by brother Donnell's flashy fiddle, the band vibrates with electricity and fine playing. This recording is a recommended purchase.

The band consists of Donnell, fiddle; Erin, piano, keyboards; Siobheann, bass; Maria, guitar, mandolin; Frank, drums; Agnes, step dancing; Doug, fiddle; and Angus, fiddle.

> **Leahy**  
>  1996 Virgin (72438-42955-23)  
>  _Jenny's Chickens/The Glasgow Reel; Shetland Reels/Captain Campbell/Calam Breugach/The Old King George Strathspey/Kings Reel/Shetland Island Welcome/High Road to Linton/Devil's Dream; McBrides; George I. Taylor/Marquis of Huntley; O'Dowd's Favourite/Star of Munster; The Call to Dance; Alabama Jubilee/Bowing the Strings; Don Messer's Breakdown/Mother's Reel/Johnny Wagner; Czardas; King of Fairies; Traditional Strathspey; Colm Quigley; The Coulin 44:25_

* * *

### David Leask

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Scottish-born singer-songwriter David Leask, who is now based in Toronto, is an up-and-coming artist who has performed extensively and has opened for Mike Scott and Melanie Doan. His debut album, _100 Camels_ (1996), features nine original Leask folk/pop compositions. Marked by lyrical depth and diversity, the album ranges from love songs to reflections on the tragic murder of a Somalian teenager ("100 Camels").

Additional musicians on _100 Camels_ include Peter Bleakney, Mark Kelso, Jonathan Goldsmith, Anthony Vanderburgh, John Johnson and Rod McDonald.

> **100 Camels**  
>  1996 Iron Music (77876-51008-2)  
>  _Cold; Snow White; Stronger Than Friction; Open Hand; Shidane Arone; 100 Camels; I Can Hear Your Voice; Driving On; Flying Home; 100 Camels (reprise) 34:24_

* * *

### Roland Lebrun

_French-Canadian; Country_

Country-style singer Roland Lebrun, born in Amqui, Québec in 1919, enjoyed widespread popularity during the years of World War II. Simple songs, delivered in an uninflected voice, were the trademark of this singer dubbed "le soldat Lebrun," who sang for other soldiers like himself who were separated from family and friends. "Some considered him the male counterpart of la Bolduc. Like her, he reached ordinary folk grappling with the difficulties of everyday life"—Benoît l'Herbier, _La Chanson québécoise_. Lebrun retired in 1966. He spent the last year of his life as a school crossing guard. He died in Quebec City in 1980. A collection of Lebrun's recordings, mostly remastered from 45's and 78's, have been reissued on the MCA CD, _Roland Lebrun_ , as part of the Héritage Québécois series. The CD contains no liner notes.

> **Roland Lebrun**  
>  [no date, reissued 1991] MCA (MCAD-10487)  
>  _L'Adieu du Soldat; Un Baiser Puis Bonsoir; La Prière d'Une Maman; N'Oublie Pas Ta Prière; La Destinée; Courageux Canadiens; Grand'Maman; Ne Pleure Plus; Reviens Petit Papa; La Lettre d'Un Soldat Canadien; La Complainte d'Une Mère; Retour du Printemps; Adieu Chérie; Amour, Victoire, Liberté; Prière Exaucée 37:53_

* * *

### Félix Leclerc

_French-Canadian; Singer-Songwriter_

Félix Leclerc may be thought of as the founding father of the _chansonnier_ tradition in Quebec. A singer-songwriter, poet, novelist, playwright, and actor, Leclerc rose from being a labourer and farmhand to becoming an international superstar by the 1940's and 50's. Billed in France as "le Canadien," Leclerc revitalized the chanson in France, providing a catalyst for the careers of such artists as Georges Brassens, Guy Béart, and Jacques Brel. Leclerc's songs recall elements of the traditional songs of France, folk forms from France and Canada, and even medieval influences. The recordings listed below represent a comprehensive, retrospective set of Leclerc recordings put together by Philips. There are no liner notes on the individual CD's. Volume numbers on the discs suggest that these might albums might also be packaged as a boxed set.

> **Le p'tit Bonheur**  
>  1950-51, 1953, 1959 Philips (838 072-2)  
>  _Moi, Mes Souliers; Contumace; Elle N'Est Pas Jolie; Bozo; Echo; Francis; Lettre de Mon Frère; Demain Si la Mer; La Danse la Moins Jolie; Le P'tit Bonheur; Le Train du Nord; Petit Pierre; La Complainte du Pêcheur; L'Hymne au Printemps; La Mer N'Est Pas la Mer; Présence; Comme Abraham; Attends-Moi Ti-Gars; La Drave; La Chanson du Pharmacien; Prière Bohémienne; Le Roi Et le Laboureur; Un Petit Soulier Rose; J'ai Deux Montagnes; Á Pierrot; Le Québécois; Le Dialogue des Amoureux; Le Roi Viendra Demain; Chanson des Colons; Les Perdrix; Ce Matin-Là; Sensation 72:20_

> **La Vie, l'Amour, la Mort**  
>  1959, 1964 Philips (838 073-2)  
>  _L'Héritage; Tirelou; Tour de Riens; L'Abeille; L'Agite; Sur le Bouleau; Je Cherche un Abri pour l'Hiver; L'Imbécile; Litanies du Petit Homme; La Chanson du Vieux Polisson; Les Dimanches; Si Tu Crois; Les Cinq Millionnaires; Le Testament; Mouillures; L'Eau de l'Hiver; Le Roi Heureux; Le Loup; La Gigue; Le Chant de la Création; Le Bal; Elle Pleure; Les Soirs d'Hiver; Perdu Gagne; Ton Visage; Complot d'Enfants; Notre Sentier; Tu Te Leveras Tôt; Au Même Clou; Mac Pherson; La Fille de l'île; Le Jour Qui S'Appelle Aujourd'hui; Y'A des Amours; Chanson en Russe; La Fête; La Vie, l'Amour, la Mort 71:55_

> **La Gaspésie**  
>  1964, 1966, 1967 Philips (838 074-2)  
>  _Les Nouveaux-Nes; Le Roi Chasseur; La Valse à Joseph; Douleur; Les Soupirs; Premier Amour; Les Algues; Le Traversier; Sur la Corde à Linge; Ailleurs; Bon Voyage Dans la Lune; Nuage Noir; Noces d'Or; En Muet; Mes Longs Voyages; Oh! Mon Maître; Qu'ont Vu Tes Yeux?; Manic 5; Chanson de Nuit; Le Bonhomme Et la Jeune Fille; Dieu Qui Dort; La Gaspésie; Passage de l'Outarde; L'�charpe; Une Valse; Les Moutons sur la Rivière; La Vie; Errances; Do Re Mi Fa Sol la Si; Blues pour Pinky 70:07_

> **L'Alouette en Colère**  
>  1967, 1969, 1973 Philips (838 075-2)  
>  _Variations sur le Verbe Donner; Tzigane; La Mort de l'Ours; Les Escaliers Devant; J'Inviterai l'Enfance; Le Père; Richesses; Grand Papa Pan Pan; Naissance; En Attendant l'Enfant; Les Mauvais Conseils; Le Veuve; L'Alouette en Colère; Viendra-T-Elle Aujourd'hui?; My Neighbour Is Rich; La Légende du Petit Ours Gris; Un Soir de Février; Batelier Batelier; Les 100 000 Façons de Tuer un Homme; Races de Monde; La Mouche à Feu; Pour Bâtir une Maison; Tu T'En Iras Demain 58:11_

> **La Complainte du Phoque en Alaska**  
>  1974 Philips (838 076-2)  
>  _L'Encan; Chant d'Un Patriote; Comme une Bète; La Complainte du Phoque en Alaska; L'Ancètre; Les Poteaux; Le Dernier Point; Sors-Moi Donc Albert; Fatalité; Un an Déjà; Le Tour de l'île 31:29_

> **L'Encan: le Tour de l'île**  
>  1951, 1953, 1971, 1975, 1976 Philips (838 077-2)  
>  _La Vie; J'Inviterai l'Enfance/Les Mauvais Conseils; l'Encan/Chant d'Un Patriote; Les 100 000 Façons de Tuer un Homme; Notre Sentier; Les Poteaux; Moi, Mes Souliers; L'Ancètre; La Complainte du Phoque en Alaska; Races de Monde; L'Alouette en Colère; Le Tour de l'île; Le Boiteux Amoureux; Épousailles (Matin de Noces); Le Galérien; L'Homme au Vélo; Tu Allumes Ma Nuit; Le Procès d'Une Chenille 62:20_

* * *

### Anne Lederman

_Traditional; Canadian History; Children's_

Toronto-based Anne Lederman is a fiddler, singer, composer, improviser, multi-instrumentalist and tireless crusader for Canadian music. Originally from Manitoba, her fiddling is strongly rooted in the mixed traditions of the prairies—Métis, Celtic, Old-Time and Eastern European. She is also an exponent of Irish, Scottish, Québécois, Klezmer and Jazz styles. She sings in several languages, including French, Gaelic, Ukrainian, Yiddish and Ojibwa and has pioneered her own special combination of voice and fiddle.

Lederman began her professional life in the late 1970's by touring with Harry Hibbs. She later co-founded Muddy York with Ian Bell. Muddy York released the groundbreaking recording _Scatter the Ashes: Music of Old Ontario_ (1983—still available on cassette). Lederman returned to Manitoba in 1985 and 1986 to study and record the music of Native and Métis fiddlers. This lead to the release of a four-record archival set of recordings: _Old Native and Métis Fiddling in Manitoba_. In the early 80's she began performing with Izvor, an ensemble devoted to Balkan, Greek and other East European traditions. Later she joined the Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band.

On _Not a Mark in This World_ (1991), Lederman released a solo album, and her first CD—a selection of historical Canadian folksongs most of which have never before been recorded. Accompanying herself on a variety of instruments, including the five-string fiddle, Lederman is backed by a noteworthy set of musicians, including Grit Laskin, Oliver Schroer, Ian Bell, and members of the Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band. The musicians join in on the choruses of the songs. This is traditional folk music as it was meant to be sung. _Not a Mark in This World_ received a Heritage Preservation Porcupine Award in 1991.

Continuing her pioneering work, Lederman released _Come from Every Way_ in 1998. This CD is a children's recording of Canadian immigration songs from thirteen different cultures, played on instruments with musicians from around the world who now live in Canada. The album includes songs from the Ojibwa, French, Gaelic, English, Yiddish, Ukrainian, Italian, Caribbean, Brazillian, South African, Latin American and Cree traditions.

> **Not a Mark in This World**  
>  1991 Falcon (ATR 119)  
>  _Rattle on the Stovepipe; Banks of Newfoundland; The Freebooter/New Scotland; Teist Dhomhnaill Air Manitoba; Les Draveurs de la Gatineau; Toronto Volunteers; Indian's Lament [An Indian Sat in His Little Bark Canoe]; Ukrainian Song; Schmulik Gavrulik; Auction Block/The Free Slave; Jones Boys; Toper's Lament; I Wandered Today to the School, Maggie; Pauper's Last Ride; When I Went up to Rosedale; Hard Times 59:03_

> **Come From Every Way**  
>  1998 Falcon (FP198)  
>  _Come to Canada; Canada is Blooming; Una Casetta in Canada; De Immigrant Song; Bulbes; Canada's My Mother/Tune; My Story; Women's Travelling Song; Canots d'encorce/Dans les chantiers; Jasper and the Capetown Stars; Praties and Pork; To the Wilds of Manitoba I and II; Ninestosin_

* * *

### Jess Lee

_First Nations; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Juno Award winner Jess Lee puts a country/rock spin on his songs on _Sacred Ground_ (1996). A Native performer, Lee's acerbic lyrics about Native/White relations ("You can't hide the facts, we want our children back / They're not walking your White Line") put this album into the folk tradition of protest and commentary about social injustice. Lee's excellent voice and top-rate arrangements make this an album you should seek out.

> **Sacred Ground**  
>  1996 12th Street (SP671-2)  
>  _Metis Rose; Walking the White Line; Song for the Children; Red, White and Blue; Canadian Red and White; Happy Go Lucky; Red River Cart Interlude; Red River Cart; Geronimo; Friendship Song; Sacred Ground; Dawn 39:34_

* * *

### Lee Pui Ming Ensemble

_Worldbeat_

Creating original compositions that express ancient themes on traditional Chinese instruments plus piano, Toronto artist and composer Lee Pui Ming has produced an arresting album: _Nine-Fold Heart_. Nominated for a Juno in the 1995 "Global Recordings" category, this album is complex, sophisticated, and unusual. While not an easy listen, it is a very rewarding one. Additional members of the ensemble are Qiu Li Rong, Yu Zhi Min, Huang Ji Rong, Pan Jian Ming, Salvador Ferreras, and Sun Yong.

> **Nine-Fold Heart**  
>  1993 Pochee (PR CD002)  
>  _Danse Extravaganza; Tale of Three Snakes; Three Kingdoms; Nine-Fold Heart; The Monkey King Suite: March of the Monkeys; The Monkey King Suite: The Monkey King; The Monkey King Suite: Monkey King Charges the High Heavens; The Monkey King Suite: Monkey King Triumphs; Why Don't We Eat Noodles?; The Grande Love Song 63:10_

* * *

### Légende

_French-Canadian; Traditional_

_En Revenant des Grands Chantiers_ by the Quebec group Légende provides over fifty minutes of traditional French-Canadian music. Similar to early albums of la Bottine Souriante, the album features vocals, accordion, fiddle, guitar, and foot tapping. If you happen to see it in a music bin, snap it up for your collection—the vocals and musicianship are first rate. Members of Légende are François Marion, Jacques Larochelle, Yves Marion, Christian Thériault, and Benoit Marion.

> **En Revenant des Grands Chaniers**  
>  [no date] Musicor (CDLCD-1802)  
>  _Le Reel des Voyageurs; Hut St-Nazaire; En Revenant des Grands Chantiers; La Cantinée; La Palette; Les Buveurs; Margot; Reel Fisher Hornpipe; Allons-Y Donc S'Y Promener; Commandement de Guerre; Le Mississippi; Fonsine; Videz le Rye; Vive l'Amour; Le Reel Ste-Anne; Le Gro Bélier 57:04_

* * *

### Emory Lester

_Bluegrass_

Emory Lester, Ontario mandolin master, has gathered a strong group of musicians to join him on _Pale Rider_. Working their way through original Lester pieces like "Pale Rider," "Cactus Pass," and "Neon Street," this ensemble takes bluegrass out of its traditional mould and into a new dimension. The other musicians on this upbeat compact disc include Tony Trischka on banjo, Slavek Hanzlik on guitar, Ray Legere on violin, Kene Hyatt on acoustic bass, and Andy Thompson on piano and keyboards. _The Emory Lester Set_ features compositions by other members of the ensemble, including "Massanoga" by Linton, "Mexican Moon" by Hyatt, "Nighthawk" by Gorman, plus more pieces by Lester. This is another excellent album. The Emory Lester Set consists of Emory Lester, Marion Linton, Allan Gorman, Kene Hyatt, and Andy Thompson.

> **Pale Rider**  
>  1993 Northumberland (NRCD-002)  
>  _Pale Rider; Rattlesnake; Forked Deer; At Dusk; Mandograss Medley; Cactus Pass; Neon Street; Alone; Lady Be Good; Front Royal; Little France 44:11_

> **The Emory Lester Set**  
>  1994 Northumberland (NRCD-025)  
>  _Headin' South; Massanoga; Mexican Moon; Forever True; Smell the Coffee; 3 in the Side; Waltz for C.C.; Gingerbread Boy; Even Steven; Greetings; Nighthawk; Firm Roots; Waltz for C.C. (Reprise) 61:14_

* * *

### Tom Lewis

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

British-born Tom Lewis may be one of Canada's most unusual folk artists. An ex-sailor (ex-submariner), Lewis writes and sings sea songs and shanties. These infectious creations, sung a cappella in the traditional style, are a throwback to an earlier tradition. _Surfacing_ (1987) delivers over 40 minutes of mostly unaccompanied shanties. On _Sea-Dog, See Dog!_ Lewis alters course slightly, singing other people's songs and adding more instrumentation and voices. Teaming up with American folksingers William Pint and Felicia Dale on choruses, the songs are less stark and the harmonies are smoother. The album includes a Richard Thompson song, "Down Where the Drunkards Roll," and one by Stan Rogers, "Down at the Sailor's Rest." If you liked _Surfacing_ , you'll like this one even better.

_Tinker Tailor Soldier Singer_ (1995) is a delightful recording, capturing all the magnetism of Lewis delivering shanties and songs, sometimes a cappella, sometimes with concertina, and occasionally with the joined voices of Friends of Fiddlers Green on chorus. Lewis shows himself to be a fine songwriter on this album, introducing several original tunes: "Sirensong," "The African Trade," "Somewhere Safe to Sea," "The Busker," "All at Sea," "Swallow the Anchor," "Message in the Bottle," "Tinker Tailor," and "Shiver Me Timbers." Lewis's songs sound as if they had been sung around seaports for the past two hundred years. He has a fine knack for writing in the shanty tradition. This energetic yet thoughtful album is an excellent purchase.

> **Surfacing**  
>  1987 Self Propelled Music (ASM101D)  
>  _A Sailor Ain't a Sailor (Last Shanty); Recall; Inside Every Sailor (Deceptions); Sailorman's Port in a Storm; Watches; The Hunter Home from the Hill; Landlocked Sailor; Marching Inland (Legend); Away; Bread and Butter to Me; Diesel and Shale; Cyril Said It All Before; Sailor's Prayer 42:23_

> **Sea-Dog, See Dog!**  
>  [no date] Flying Fish (FF70547)  
>  _The Captain's Lady; Chicken on a Raft; A Whaler's Tale; The Big Fella'; Safe Harbour (For a Storm Tossed Heart); Doc "Lemon''; Snap the Line Tight; Down Where the Drunkards Roll; North to Calleo; Down at the Sailor's Rest; A Seaman's Hymn; BUNTS! 57:56_

> **Tinker Tailor Soldier Singer**  
>  1995 Self Propelled Music (ASM104D)  
>  _150 Days out from Vancouver; Sirensong; New York Girls; The Widowmaker; Congo River; African Trade; Somewhere Safe to Sea; The Busker; Mother Carey; All at Sea; Bully in the Alley; Swallow the Anchor; Message in the Bottle; Tinker, Tailor; Shiver Me Timbers 49:28_

* * *

### Lewis, Pint & Dale

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia-based Tom Lewis teamed up with old friends William Pint and Felicia Dale from Seattle for an album of sea shanties— _Making Waves_. This highly entertaining recording consists of a few traditional numbers mixed mainly with songs collected from Rudyard Kipling, Peter Bellamy, and others. Their strong vocals and harmonies are presented with minimal instrumentation on songs like "Rolling Down to Rio," "The Anchor Song," and "Swallow The Anchor."

> **Making Waves**  
>  1992 Self-Propelled Music (ASM103D)  
>  _Rolling Down to Rio; The Anchor Song; Sou' Spain; March of the King of Laois; Herzogin Cecile; Congo River; The African Trade; The Whale; Ex-Sailor's Life; Catherine; La Paimpolaise; Swallow the Anchor; Pull Down Lads 47:37_

* * *

### Gordon Lightfoot

_Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

Orillia, Ontario native Gordon Lightfoot, Canada's troubadour laureate and Juno Hall of Famer, has sustained a long, productive songwriting career that took flight in the early 1960's. His songs are among the most durable and memorable of any Canadian songwriter. Every 60's folk act, large and small, covered "For Lovin' Me" and "Early Mornin' Rain." Ian Tyson has referred to the northernness of Lightfoot's music as his "Group of Seven" sound (after a group of Ontario artists famous for their paintings of northern Ontario). His voice echoes the birches, blue skies, and solitary lakes.

Many long-time fans feel that Lightfoot's best work was for United Artists, his first record label, during the Riverboat years. His original five albums have been re-issued on CD as a boxed set: _The Original Lightfoot_. From "For Lovin' Me" to "The Canadian Railroad Trilogy" to "Mountains and Maryann" to "Pussy Willows, Cat-tails," the freshness of an emerging artist leaps out at you on track after track. A recommended purchase.

Lightfoot later switched labels to Reprise/Warner Brothers where he achieved his greatest commercial success. He became so popular that many of the songs of this "golden" period have suffered from overplay—only now, after some years have passed, can we begin to hear them anew. As Lightfoot faded from the radio charts, many of his classic albums from the Warner period went out of print. Warner began reissuing original Lightfoot albums as Reprise/Warner Archives compact discs in 1994. For Lightfoot fans, this has been a godsend—an opportunity to replace those worn-out vinyls and listen to one of Canada's master songwriters all over again.

For those who prefer a sampler, Lightfoot has been issued, piecemeal, in several collections. Two successful collections are the two volumes of _Gord's Gold_ , which include many of the better-known songs from his Warner period, plus earlier United Artist material he re-recorded for this collection. One caution: Lightfoot has a disconcerting tendency to tamper with his older recordings. If you have a strong aural memory of some of his work, the "new" versions often sound wrong. "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," on _Gord's Gold II_ , for instance, is lower in pitch and slightly different in its arrangement than the original on _Summertime Dream_. If these differences don't bother you, the _Gold_ CD sets offer good value. Other samplers include _The Best of Gordon Lightfoot,_ _Over 60 Minutes with Lightfoot_ and _Early Morning Rain_. None of the samplers are as satisfying as the original albums.

_If You Could Read My Mind_ , released in 1970, was Lightfoot's first album for Warner. With Red Shea on guitar and Rick Haynes on bass, plus a generous dollop of strings, this was the album that brought Lightfoot out of folk circles and into the North American mainstream. Highlights include "Minstrel of the Dawn," "Me and Bobby McGee," "Approaching Lavender," "Sit Down Young Stranger," and "If You Could Read My Mind."

_Summer Side of Life_ , dating from 1971, continues the sound with Red Shea and Rick Haynes as sidemen. The album includes "10 Degrees And Getting Colder," as well as Lightfoot classics "Miguel," "Summer Side of Life," "Cotton Jenny," and "Love and Maple Syrup." _Don Quixote_ , from 1972, and reissued in 1994, is one of the most sought-after Lightfoot albums. Backed by Red Shea, Rick Haynes, and Terry Clements, Lightfoot delivers what many consider to be his best overall album. From the opener, "Don Quixote," to "Christian Island," "Alberta Bound" (with Ry Cooder on Mandolin), "Ode to Big Blue," and "Beautiful," this is one of the most cohesive Lightfoot albums you'll find.

_Sundown_ , released in 1974, is a close contender to _Don Quixote_ in popularity. Featuring the usual bevy of excellent musicians, it includes songs like "High and Dry," "Circle of Steel," the incomparable "Sundown," "Carefree Highway," and "Too Late For Prayin'."

_Cold on the Shoulder_ , from 1975, includes the lovely "Rainy Day People" and the pungent "Cold on the Shoulder." The unusual, piano-backed "Bells of the Evening" provides excellent contrast. There are no weak tracks—every song is well written. A fine album from Lightfoot's middle period. The 1976 album _Summertime Dream_ contains one of the most powerful, haunting songs ever written: "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Unfortunately it eclipses everything else on the album. While there's still some good songwriting on "Race Among the Ruins" and "Summertime Dream," there's a sense that Lightfoot had started to repeat himself.

_Endless Wire_ dates from 1978. Although it's a decent pop album—and second-rate Lightfoot is better than most songwriters ever achieve—compared with his earlier albums, it's a disappointment. It's an overproduced work that hides Lightfoot's voice behind a mesh of pop sound. An intimate studio album, _East of Midnight_ , from 1986, contains some solid songwriting, including "Stay Loose," "Morning Glory," "East Of Midnight," and "A Lesson in Love." _Waiting for You_ , from 1993, while not vintage Lightfoot, still contains some archetypal Lightfoot guitar picking and some strong songwriting. Highlights include "Restless," "Ring Them Bells," (a Bob Dylan song), "Fading Away," and "Drink Yer Glasses Empty."

> **The Original Lightfoot: the United Artists Years**  
>  1965-1969, reissued 1992 EMI Records (S2 80748; S2 80749; S2 80750)  
>  _**CD1:** Rich Man's Spiritual; Long River; The Way I Feel; For Lovin' Me; The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face; Changes; Early Mornin' Rain; Steel Rail Blues; Sixteen Miles; I'm Not Sayin'; Pride of Man; Ribbon of Darkness; Oh, Linda; Peaceful Waters; Walls; If You Got It; Softly; Crossroads; A Minor Ballad; Go-Go Round; Rosana; Home from the Forest; I'll Be Alright; Song for a Winter's Night; Canadian Railroad Trilogy; The Way I Feel 77:30_
> 
> _**CD2:** Wherefore and Why; The Last Time I Saw Her; Black Day in July; May I; Magnificent Outpouring; Does Your Mother Know; Mountains and Maryann; Pussy Willows, Cat-tails; I Want to Hear It from You; Something Very Special; Boss Man; Did She Mention My Name; Long Way Back Home; Unsettled Ways; Long Thin Dawn; Bitter Green; The Circle Is Small; Marie Christine; Cold Hands from New York; Affair on 8th Avenue; Don't Beat Me Down; The Gypsy; If I Could 73:51_

> _**CD3:** In a WindowPane; The Lost Children; Leaves of Grass; I'm Not Sayin'/Ribbon of Darkness; Apology; Bitter Green; Ballad of Yarmouth Castle; Softly; Boss Man; Pussy Willows, Cat-tails; Canadian Railroad Trilogy 40:12_

> **If You Could Read My Mind**  
>  1970 Reprise (6392-2)  
>  _Minstrel of the Dawn; Me and Bobby McGee; Approaching Lavender; Saturday Clothes; Cobwebs and Dust; Poor Little Allison; Sit Down Young Stranger; If You Could Read My Mind; Baby It's Allright; Your Love's Return (Song for Stephen Foster); The Pony Man 37:15_

> **Summer Side of Life**  
>  1971, reissued 1994 Reprise / Warner Archives (CDW 45686)  
>  _10 Degrees and Getting Colder; Miguel; Go My Way; Summer Side of Life; Cotton Jenny; Talking in Your Sleep; Nous Vivons Ensemble; Same Old Loverman; Redwood Hill; Love and Maple Syrup; Cabaret 38:52_

> **Don Quixote**  
>  1972, reissued 1994 Reprise / Warner Archives (CDW 45687)  
>  _Don Quixote; Christian Island (Georgian Bay); Alberta Bound; Looking at the Rain; Ordinary Man; Brave Mountaineers; Ode to Big Blue; Second Cup of Coffee; Beautiful; On Susan's Floor; The Patriot's Dream 41:46_

> **Sundown**  
>  1974 Reprise / Warner Bros. (CD 2177)  
>  _Somewhere U.S.A.; High and Dry; Seven Island Suite; Circle of Steel; Is There Anyone Home; The Watchman's Gone; Sundown; Carefree Highway; The List; Too Late for Prayin' 36:30_

> **Cold on the Shoulder**  
>  1975, reissued 1994 Reprise / Warner Archives (CDW 45688)  
>  _Bend in the Water; Rainy Day People; Cold on the Shoulder; The Soul Is the Rock; Bells of the Evening; Rainbow Trout; A Tree Too Weak to Stand; All the Lovely Ladies; Fine As Fine Can Be; Cherokee Bend; Now and Then; Slide on Over 43:39_

> **Gord's Gold**  
>  1975 Reprise / Warner Bros. (CD 2237)  
>  _I'm Not Sayin'/Ribbon of Darkness; Song for a Winter's Night; Canadian Railroad Trilogy; Softly; For Lovin' Me/Did She Mention My Name; Steel Rail Blues; Wherefore and Why; Bitter Green; Early Mornin' Rain; Minstrel of the Dawn; Sundown; Beautiful; Summer Side of Life; Rainy Day People; Cotton Jenny; Don Quixote; Circle of Steel; Old Dan's Records; If You Could Read My Mind; Cold on the Shoulder; Carefree Highway 72:00_

> **Summertime Dream**  
>  1976 Warner Bros. (CD 2246)  
>  _Race Among the Ruins; The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald; I'm Not Supposed to Care; I'd Do It Again; Never Too Close; Protocol; The House You Live In; Summertime Dream; Spanish Moss; Too Many Clues in This Room 37:51_

> **Endless Wire**  
>  1978, reissued 1994 Reprise / Warner Archives (CDW 45685)  
>  _Daylight Katy; Sweet Guinevere; Hangdog Hotel Room; If There's a Reason; Endless Wire; Dreamland; Songs the Minstrel Sang; Sometimes I Don't Mind; If Children Had Wings; The Circle Is Small 36:02_

> **The Best of Gordon Lightfoot**  
>  1980 Capitol [EMI] (E2 48396)  
>  _Go-Go Round; Softly; The Way I Feel; For Lovin' Me; Early Mornin' Rain; I'm Not Sayin'; Black Day in July; Did She Mention My Name; Bitter Green; Pussywillows, Cat-tails; Canadian Railroad Trilogy 36:38_

> **East of Midnight**  
>  1986 Warner Bros. (CD 25482)  
>  _Stay Loose; Morning Glory; East of Midnight; A Lesson in Love; Anything for Love; Let It Ride; Ecstasy Made Easy; You Just Gotta Be; A Passing Ship; I'll Tag Along 38:20_

> **Over 60 Minutes with ... Lightfoot**  
>  1987 Capitol [EMI] (CDP 7 48844 2)  
>  _For Lovin' Me; Steel Rail Blues; I'm Not Sayin'; Go Go Round; Early Mornin' Rain; Changes; Black Day in July; Bitter Green; Pussywillows, Cat-tails; Canadian Railroad Trilogy; Softly; Boss Man; The Way I Feel; Did She Mention My Name; The Last Time I Saw Her; Mountains and Marian; The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face; Song for a Winter's Night; Ribbon of Darkness; Home from the Forest 64:42_

> **Gord's Gold Volume II**  
>  1988 Warner Bros. (CD 25784)  
>  _If It Should Please You; Endless Wire; Hangdog Hotel Room; I'm Not Supposed to Care; High and Dry; The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald; The Pony Man; Race Among the Ruins; Christian Island; All the Lovely Ladies; Alberta Bound; Cherokee Bend; Triangle; Shadows; Make Way (For the Lady); Ghosts of Cape Horn; Baby Step Back; It's Worth Believin' 65:45_

> **Early Morning Rain: the Best of Gordon Lightfoot**  
>  1990 Capitol (CDLL-57275)  
>  _Early Mornin' Rain; Wherefore and Why; The Last Time I Saw Her; Ribbon of Darkness; I Want to Hear It from You; The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face; Did She Mention My Name; The Way I Feel; Mountains and Maryann; I'm Not Saying; Does Your Mother Know; For Lovin' Me 38:03_

> **Waiting for You**  
>  1993 Warner / Reprise (CDW 45208)  
>  _Restless; Ring Them Bells; Fading Away; Only Love Would Know; Welcome to Try; I'll Prove My Love; Waiting for You; Wild Strawberries; I'd Rather Press On; Drink Yer Glasses Empty 36:16_

* * *

### Su-Chong Lim

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

_Golden Mountain_ contains selections from the stage show of the same name, performed by Su-Chong Lim and the Golden Mountain Ensemble. In the show the hero, "reminiscing on his origins in Asia, describes his travels in this mysterious land of Golden Mountain [Canada], of the strange inhabitants there, and their even stranger customs." There are a number of very folkish and interesting songs on this compact disc, including some humourous take-off's such as "Dis Land Is Your Land?" Delightfully different.

> **Golden Mountain**  
>  1992 Aural Tradition (ATCRD 306)  
>  _Jasmine and the Bell; Muscle-Car Mike; Suriram; Shiro, Mariko and Me; Basic Two Bit Song; The Demon Fire-Carriage Road; Twelve-Foot Davis; Old Wive's Lake; Boat Song; Dis Land Is Your Land? 43:57_

* * *

### Oscar Lopez

_Contemporary; Guitar; Singer-Songwriter_

Guitarist Oscar Lopez, originally from Chile, has become a prominent artist on the Canadian folk circuit. In addition to his solo albums, he has played backup guitar for many performers, including James Keelaghan. _Sueños_ (1991), features Lopez on original vocal and guitar compositions. Highlights of this upbeat album include "Vientos de Alberta," the title song, "Sueños," "Mudos," and "Soledad." The guitar work on this soft, laid-back album is customary Lopez: excellent. On _Dancing on the Moon Contigo_ (1994), Lopez revs it up a notch, instilling the album with additional energy, tension and excitement. From the opener, "Roots," to the closer, "Dancing on the Moon," Lopez is captivating.

Lopez career took a major step forward when he signed as a headliner for the prestigious American label Narada. His first Narada album, _Heat_ (1997), easily lives up to its name. A sizzling recording of original material that features Lopez's guitar virtuosity and his creativity as a composer, this album is a recommended purchase. The only thing missing on the album is Lopez's infectious, zany humour. For that, you must see him in concert. His follow-up recording for Narada is _Seduction_ (1998). As fellow musician Martin Simpson says, "Oscar Lopez is the only guitarist I know who can actually make an acoustic nylon-string guitar scream." _Seduction_ continues to show Lopez's virtuosity, driving rhythms, and fine original compositions. Another keeper.

> **Sueños (Dreams)**  
>  1991 Fantasy of Latin Strings (FLS1)  
>  _Cuculina; Vientos de Alberta; Sueños; Santiago Charleston; Mundos; Soledad; Perfume Lluviero; Primera Vez; Hacia Ti; Quedate; La Española; Canta Y Baila 45:56_

> **Dancing on the Moon Contigo**  
>  1994 Fantasy of Latin Strings (FLS2)  
>  _Roots; No Barricade; Bolero Amor; Crying for Carmen; Mi Tierra; Simple Moments; Nobody's Perfect; Guitarras from Heaven; Mr. Melody; Lucia; Bailando Rumba; Dancing on the Moon 40:43_

> **Heat**  
>  1997 Narada (ND-63040)  
>  _Forgive Me (Perdóname); Thinking of You (Pensando en Ti); Sentimiento; Fire and Fury (Fuego y Furia); Fiesta Latina; Distancia; Those Times (Aquellos Tiempos); Step by Step (Paso a Paso); The Way I Am (Así Soy); The Flight of the Flamingo (El Vuelo del Flamingo); Milonguita; Morenita; My Heart in Rio (Corazón en Rio); Tornado de Amor; Desperate Love (Amor Desesperado) 59:40_

> **Seduction**  
>  1998 Narada (72438-46140-2-7)  
>  _The Flavor; Baila, Baila; Rosa Rose; Cerca de Ti; Corrientes; Gentle Seduction; Black Guitar; Mediterraneo; Aires de Otros Mundos; Loving You; Mulata; Vientos del Sur; Loco por Ti 61:29_

* * *

### Barry Luft

_Traditional; Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

Calgary artist Barry Luft is a folksinger/folklorist who has been performing for over thirty years. Deriving his material from Canadian, British and American sources, Luft's extensive repertoire is unusual and refreshing. A multi-instrumentalist, his trademark is a sparkling five-string banjo. An active organizer, Luft has been significantly responsible for nurturing the vibrant Calgary folk scene. He plays in Calgary's Rocky Mountain Folk Club house band Ceard, and performs at festivals, conventions, churches and seniors' programs.

Luft's discography includes two albums recorded with ex-wife Lynn Luft— _House Concert_ and _Flower in the Snow_ —plus a collection of Canadian railroad songs, _Songs of the Iron Trail: The Canadian Railroad Experience in Song_ (1983), performed by Barry Luft, Tim Rogers and guest artist Grit Laskin. (This release is still available on cassette).

Luft's first CD, _Lean a Little_ (1996), begins with a drum call to the song circle, then launches into "What's the Life of a Man?" with an 88-man chorus. "As soon as I heard that song I knew I wanted to record it with a group of men"— _Calgary Herald_ , April 29, 1996. The chorus song is followed by "Two Pathways," a bouncy banjo instrumental Luft wrote for his two daughters. The rest of the album continues along this eclectic path in the manner of a good song circle session. Each track is a special occasion, with different guest artists on instruments and backup vocals. Luft's first instrument, when he was five, was harmonica, taught to him by his father, Sandy Luft. One delightful track, "The Old Grey Mare/Now is the Hour," features father Sandy playing harmonica at age 86, with son Barry playing harmony on a second harmonica. Luft also includes a song by daughter Toupey, "Song for Etty," where he is joined by Toupey on vocals and guitar. There are a cappella songs, songs accompanied on autoharp and more instrumentals. For anyone with a fondness for 60's-style recordings, this album is a special treat.

> **Lean a Little**  
>  1996 Barry Luft (623667-200066)  
>  _Drum Call; What's the Life of a Man?; Two Pathways; Forty Below; Will Ye Go to Flanders?; God Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens; Ben Keith's March; The Old Grey Mare/Now Is the Hour; Likes Hockey Better than Me; Song for Etty; Triple Fancy; See My Gold Again; Hogan's Lake; History of the Boots; Julia Grover; Leaning on the Everlasting Arms; Drum Farewell 50:54_

* * *

## M

### Charlie MacCuspic

_Fiddle_

One of the highly respected fiddlers of Cape Breton, Charlie MacCuspic has released a fine live recording of traditional Cape Breton fiddle music on _Cabot Trail Ceilidh_ (1996). Unfortunately the skimpy liner notes on this album by Charlie MacCuspic and Friends, does not reveal who any of the "friends" are. Suffice to say that there is some excellent dual fiddling on the cuts and that this is another fine album for those who love the Cape Breton style.

> **Cabot Trail Ceilidh**  
>  1996 Charlie MacCuspic (no catalogue number)  
>  _Over the Cabot Trail/The MacKinnons of PEI/Cronin's Favourite/Buttermilk Mary; Maggie Brown/David Bradley Beaton's Jig/Lady Jean MacGregor; Irish American/Archie Menzie/Fisher's Hornpipe; Sandy MacPherson/Peggie's Jig/Mike MacDougall; Miss Lyall Strathspey/Miss Lyall Reel/Carigoim Broach; Sweet Journeys; Mike MacDougall March/Red Mill/Teetoler; Angus Fraser's Jig/Winifred Foley's Jig/The Pipefitter's Jig; Memories of Mary Ann MacKenzie/Joe Oram's Favourite/Sheean's Reel; I Lost My Love/I Won't Do the Work/Irishman's Heart to the Ladies; Lambert Foley/Orange and Blue/Knights of St. Patrick 45:24_

* * *

### Buddy MacDonald & John Ferguson

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Two Cape Breton stalwarts, Buddy MacDonald (also of Donnie & Buddy) and John Ferguson (also of McGinty), have combined their voices and songwriting into a very fine East Coast album, _Getting Dark Again_ (1996). The title song may be MacDonald's best-known song, having become a part of the standard East Coast repertoire. Other MacDonald songs include "Atlantic Seabreeze," about the moods of the Atlantic shoreline and "Six Strings and Me," about his guitar. Ferguson's original contributions include "This Old House," about the decline of a rural, largely Gaelic, way of life in rural Cape Breton, "Ode to Moonshine," plus a set of strathspeys and reels. They also do a fine job of delivering traditional songs: "Nancy Whisky," "Whisky in the Jar," "Leaving of Liverpool," and "The Little Beggarman." The boys are in fine voice and the guitars are well played. They are joined on the album by Ed Woodsworth, bass; Ryan MacNeil, piano; Lonnie Jones, percussion; Monica MacDougall, Sax; and Ryan MacDonald, Scottish smallpipes.

> **Getting Dark Again**  
>  1996 Rocky Coast (RCMI-CD 8)  
>  _Getting Dark Again; This Old House; Nancy Whisky; Whisky in the Jar; Air-fal-al-al-O; Orangedale Whistle; Ode to Moonshine; Atlantic Seabreeze; Leaving of Liverpool; The Little Beggarman; Six Strings and Me; Strathspeys and Reels 44:08_

* * *

### Howie MacDonald

_Fiddle_

Howie MacDonald is one of the prominent young Cape Breton fiddlers—a frequent solo performer at dances and ceilidhs. He has also performed with the Rankin Family. _Live and Lively_ is a CD reissue of tunes from previous cassette recordings. Recorded live, the well-articulated, energetic tunes make this a good selection of fiddle tunes for step dancing or just lively listening. There are no liner notes with the CD. _The Ceilidh Trail_ is a 75-minute compact disc drawn from earlier recordings. The album presents a great-listening anthology of traditional and contemporary reels, strathspeys, hornpipes and jigs—including a memorable version of "Skye Boat Song."

> **Live and Lively**  
>  Reissued 1995 Overtom (7 7657 50231 2 5)  
>  _Laid a Herring in Salt/A Buddy MacMaster Jig/Drummond Castle; Anne Marie Barry/Francis Aucoin/Patty O'Carrity/Dolbin Jig; Angus Allen Gillis Reel/Dillon's Reel/Miss Shepherd/Bonnie Nellie; Silver Wedding Waltz; Memories of Fr. Angus MacDonnell/Hector's Strathspey/Dillon Brown's Reel/The Gatehouse Maid/Evie's Toe Tapper; Bellmoral Highlander's March/Blair Drummond Strathspey/Traditional Reel/The Way to Mull River; Const. Greg Livingstone March/Inverness County Strathspey/Irish Reel/Duncan MacQuarrie Reel; Owny's Best Jig/The Old Gray Goose/Kristen's Jig/Fiddler's Favorite Jig/Jackie MacArthur's Jig; Faded Love; Braes of Dunvegan March/Fr. John Angus Rankin's Strathspey/Irish Reel/Irish Reel; Rosin the Bow 49:08_

> **The Ceilidh Trail**  
>  1993 Atlantica (ATLD0193)  
>  _Willow Tree/Sutherland's/Donegal; Kenmure's Awa/Murray River Bridge/Jerry Holland's; Lady Doune/Lennox to Blantyre/Dan Galbey's/Sister Dolena Beaton's; Gramin/Jabe Meadow/Compliments to Doug MacPhee; A Memory of Angus/Charlie MacCuspic's/The Piper's Whim; Loch Na Gar; Clark Road/The Bag O'Gight/The Witch/Biodagair MacThomas; Betty Matheson's/Mike Saunder's/Swinging on Home/The Silver Spear/The White Leaf; Skye Boat Song; Cheticamp/Dave MacNeil's/Miss Smyth of Methevans; Locharber Gathering/The Kames Lassies/Hayfield House/Joe Moroze's; The Cape Breton Symphony/The Jolly Beggar Man/Irish Reel; Irish Reel/John Howat's; Lady Montgomery/Gandy Dancers/Uncle Victor's; Miss Ann Campbell/The Green Tree/The "Buddy'' Jig; A Dan R. Favorite/Portland Fancy/Cronin's Favorite; Far from Home/The Ale Is Dear/The High Reel; Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part/The Devil in the Kitchen/King George IV Strathspey/King George IV Reel/The Old King's/The Reconciliation/Lady Glen Orchy/The Magnetic Reel/Sean Maguire's Reel; Compliments to Sean Maguire/Swiss Cheese/Compliments to Doug MacPhee/Celtic Cousins; Harvey Beaton's/Miss Lyle/The Old Man and the Old Woman/The Cavity Investigators/The Fashion Which the Lassies Have; Lots of Pretty Girls/Ciaren Tourish/Brennan MacDonald's 75:29_

* * *

### Laurel MacDonald

_Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto singer-songwriter Laurel MacDonald, cousin of Gaelic singer Mary Jane Lamond, approaches music from a theatrical point of view. The selections on _Kiss Closed My Eyes_ are experimental, unusual arrangements that create a montage of sound cemented with Gaelic and Greek lyrics. MacDonald's music is studio-created material, evocative, moody, and very New Age.

> **Kiss Closed My Eyes**  
>  1994 Improbable Music (IMACD-01)  
>  _Kyrie; Òran Na H-Eala (The Songs of the Swan); Mo Chùbhrachan (My Fragrant Little One); Yet So Beautiful; Kiss Closed My Eyes; Aslumber; An Ribhinn Àlainn 46:33_

* * *

### Celso Machado

_Worldbeat; Guitar_

Vancouver-based Celso Machado, who came to Canada from Brazil, performs music rooted in contemporary Brazilian expression. On _Bagagem_ he combines an innate sense of rhythm with his smooth voice and delicate guitar arrangements. Highlights of the album include "Terra Dos Sonhadores," "Fuga," "Bagagem," and "Arandeia." This soothing, poetic album is recommended for those who would like a quiet break from step dancing.

> **Bagagem**  
>  1994 Surucua (no catalogue number)  
>  _Esconde, Esconde; Terra Dos Sonhadores; Fuga; India Sorriu; Chama Dor E Calor; Bagagem; Diagonais; Amor Divergente; Arandeia; Amendoeira; Sonho de Moleque; Guararapes; Canto de Fé; Solid�o; Amor de Bêbado 69:24_

* * *

### Jamie MacInnis & Paul MacNeil

_Bagpipe_

Jamie MacInnis and Paul MacNeil form one of the more unusual Canadian folk collaborations. Playing duets, these pipers express a deep love for the Celtic music heritage and tradition of Cape Breton. With an ear for great tunes, MacInnis and MacNeil have put together inspired bagpipe arrangements of traditional and contemporary tunes on _Fosgail an Dorus_. The piping is augmented by the excellent guitar work of Dave MacIsaac and John Ferguson. The two are further accompanied by Sheumas, Kyle, and Lucy MacNeil of the Barra MacNeils. Produced by fiddler Jerry Holland, who sits in as a guest musician, this is a thoroughly engaging album.

> **Fosgail an Dorus (Open the Door)**  
>  1992 Gigs & Reels (GRIP 101)  
>  _the Feet Washing/The Irishmen's Heart to the Ladies/The Price of a Pig; Paul K.'s Strathspey/Lady Carmichael of Castle Craig/A'Chuachag/The Reel of Bervie/The Black Hair'd Lad; Newmarket House; Do Mo Chara Maith Blair Murphy/Coppermill Studio/Charms of Whiskey/ A_ Deanadh Im/Mary Gray; Donald MacLellan of Rothesay/Miss Scott/Culdar's Rant/Glenlyon's Piper/Largo Law; Do Lamh a Chriosda/Bal Na H-Aibhne Deas/Te a Chuailein Bhuidhe/Oran Do'N Bhal Chatriona Iain; Malcolm Deleskie/The Village Music Teacher/Alex MacEachern's/Castle Bay/Mr. Colin J. Boyd/Jack Daniel's Reel; Miss Eireann MacInnis/John Johnny Mick's/Roddy C.'s; Gun Oran Binn, No Canain Grinn; Memories of Paddy LeBlanc/N.J. Cardenden/The Firth O'Forth/The Black Shepherdess/Taighean Geala Sheildag/The Pigtown Fling; the Seagull/Walking the Floor/Scatter the Mud; Lexy MacAskill/Roddy MacDonald's Fancy 44:04_

* * *

### Sandy MacIntyre

_Fiddle_

The son of two well-regarded Cape Breton fiddlers, Ronald and Cassie MacIntyre, Sandy MacIntyre inherited a great love of Cape Breton fiddling and has spent the past forty years performing this music as well as teaching fiddle and step-dancing in the city of Toronto. MacIntyre is a regular performer at Down East venues in Toronto such as The Bow & Arrow, The Stonecutters, Quigleys, and The Rose and Thorn. A congenial, gifted teacher, as well as performer, MacIntyre has devoted much of his career to nurturing and passing on the Cape Breton style. As a result, many of his students are carrying forward the special Scottish fiddle tradition that is unique to Canada. For his tireless work in promoting traditional music, MacIntyre received the Winston `Scotty' Fitzgerald Porcupine Award for Celtic Fiddling in 1996.

Fittingly, the title of MacIntyre's first CD is _Steeped in Tradition_ (1996). Intended partly as a learning aid, _Steeped in Tradition_ contains extensive, excellent liner notes about many of the finer points of the Cape Breton style, all demonstrated in the sets on the album. Whether you're a student of Cape Breton fiddle, or simply someone who loves the music, MacIntyre's first-rate recording is a worthwhile purchase.

Accompanying MacIntyre on _Steeped in Tradition_ are Mary MacIntyre (Sandy's sister) on piano, Brian MacIntyre (Sandy's son) on guitars, Mickey Andrews on steel guitar, and Damien Walsh on bass.

> **Steeped in Tradition**  
>  1996 Sandy MacIntyre (SMCD 9607)  
>  _Anthony Murray/Kilrack's/Greig's Pipes/Miss Hume's/Appin House/Mrs. McLeod Raasay; Lament for the Death of Rev. Archie Beaton; Golden Rod Jig/The Bank of Turf/Traditional/Traditional Irish Jig; Wild Rose of the Mountain/The Gentle Lassie; Miss Elspeth Campbell/Maggie Cameron/Hogtie's Reel/Cailleach Liah Rarsaidh; Bee's Wing/Princess; The Bonnie Lass O'Bon Accord/Miss Lyall/George the IV/The Old King's/The Kings; Tulloch Gorum/Paresis/West Mabou/Bear in the Buckwheat; John Roy Lyall; The 91st at Modder River/Muileann Dubh/Traditional Bagpipe Reel/Upside Down in Eden Court; Grand Narrows Bridge/Gordon Graham's/Queensville Jig; Sitting in the Stern of a Boat/The Foggy Dew; The Bonfire/The House of Hamill/Mrs. Bremner/The Manse/Glen Bucket Reel/The Grant's Hornpipe; Muldron Glen/Pibroch of Domhnall Dubh/Farewell to The Tay 58:14_

* * *

### Ashley MacIsaac

_Fiddle_

Fiddle phenomenon Ashley MacIsaac is becoming known to many Canadians as a featured guest on televised music specials. A virtuoso fiddler in the Cape Breton style, MacIsaac combines youthful energy (often stepdancing while he plays) with an aggressive "let's dance" attitude that brooks no denial. _Close to the Floor_ (1992) is an aptly named album whose enthusiasm is contagious. If you like fiddle music, this is a recommended purchase. MacIsaac received the "Instrumental Artist of the Year" East Coast Music Award in 1995.

With _Hi How Are You Today?_ (1995), MacIsaac fuses Cape Breton fiddle with rock and punk. This approach, along with MacIsaac's stage presentation, has attracted a strong new following of youthful fans. The album, while not traditional, is marked by MacIsaac's excellent playing combined with creative arrangements. The album's highlight is "Sleepy Maggie"—a traditional tune transformed in the studio into hybrid of old and new. The Gaelic vocals on the cut, by Mary Jane Lamond, are superbly matched to MacIsaac's fiddling. Not all the cuts succeed. Some come off well and some are simply tiresome.

_Fine Thank You Very Much_ (1996) demonstrates that MacIsaac can shift easily between the worlds of traditional and contemporary. As if in answer to his critics who may have found his previous recording too modern and bold, _Fine Thank You_ , subtitled "A Traditional Album" is all a traditionalist could want. Nearly an hour of flawless fiddling from one of the best fiddlers of our time.

> **Close to the Floor**  
>  1992, reissued 1994 A&M (79602 2000-2)  
>  _The Little House Around the Corner/Traditional Winston/The Wandering Minstrel; 74th Highlanders'/Roderick MacDonald/Sandy Cameron/Creignish Hills/A Pipe Tune/Mary MacDonald; Hills of Lorne/Sir Archibald Dunbar/Traditional/Pat Carney's/Scourdiness/Mrs. Duff; The New Fiddle/Scotty's Favourite/3 Mile Bridge/Champion; Miss Lyall's/Miss Lyall's/Sandy Cameron's/Carigoim Broach; Livingstone Pond/Long Point/Campion; Lament for Prophet/Moxham Castle/Children's Reel/Dublin Reel; Miss Elanor Stewart/Glen Grant/Miss Robertson/Donalbane; Blue Bonnets Over the Boarder; Irish Lasses/Cambridge/Aubry Foley's; Bonnie Anne Anderson/Headlight/Believe It or Not/Mist Over the Loch 46:43_

> **Hi How Are You Today?**  
>  1995 A&M (79602 2001-2)  
>  _Beaton's Delight; Sleepy Maggie; Rusty D-con-STRUCK-tion; The Devil in the Kitchen; MacDougall's Pride; Spoonboy; What an Idiot He Is; Sophia's Pipes; Sad Wedding Day; Wing-Stock; Hills of Glenorchy; Brenda Stubbert 53:57_

> **Fine Thank You Very Much**  
>  1996 Ancient Music (79602 2002-2)  
>  _The Rosebud of Allenvale/The Miller of Drone/Dusky Meadow/Neil R. MacDonald/Maggie Cameron/MacLaine of Loch Buie/Traditional Reel/Barry's Trip to Paris; The Braes of Elchies/Miss Anderson/The New Yorr/Rothiemurchus Rant/Culloden Well/Lady Loudon/The Bonnie Lass of Fisherow/The Bird's Nest/Argyle Bowling Green; The Moonlight/Hennessey's Hornpipe/Gin I Had a Bonnie Lass; Traditional Strathspey/New Bedford Reel/Pretty Peggy; Wilfred's Fiddle/The Harbourview; Athole Cummers/Flora MacDonald/Prince Charlie; Lord Rothes/Traditional Strathspey/The Braes of Tullymet/Tullochgorum/Paresis/Paddy on the Turnpike/The East Neuk of Fife/West Mabour; King George IV/King George V/The Old King's Reel/The King's Reel/Traditional Reel; Tam Bain's Lum/The Ladie's Hornpipe; Space Available/Buddy MacMaster/The Joys of Mabou Mines/The '38 Ford/Passion Flower; Traditional Jig/Traditional Reel; Allowa Kirk/Traditional Strathspey/Princess Royal/Douglas' Favourite; Jerry's Beaver Hat/Catherine MacIsaac Wedding Day/Long Point 56:42_

* * *

### Dave MacIsaac

_Celtic; Guitar; Fiddle_

When you think of Celtic guitar in Canada, the first name that springs to mind is Halifax-based Dave MacIsaac. In constant demand as an accompanist, he appears as a guest artist on most of the Celtic albums from the Maritimes. His third solo album, _Nimble Fingers_ , is a delightful survey of reels, jigs, strathspeys, marches, and airs delivered in skillful, dance-infected renditions on acoustic guitar, Fender Telecaster, mandolin, dobro, and fiddle. Accompanying MacIsaac on the album are Tracey Dares, piano; Allie Bennett, electric bass; and Dave Burton, drums.

MacIsaac is a multi-instrumentalist whose mastery of the Celtic idiom reflects a musician born and raised in the tradition. If Maritimes Celtic music appeals to you, this is an album that will be making an extended stay in your CD player.

> **Nimble Fingers**  
>  1995 Pickin' Productions (02 50399)  
>  _Smith's/Great Eastern/The Headlight; Angus Chisholm's/Mrs. Robertson's/Sept Illes/The Boys of the Lake; Donald John the Tailor; Mrs. Garden of Troup/Earl of Home/Mary MacDonald's/Mr. Bernard/Miss Scott of Usan; Honest Duncan/Mrs. Tulloch/Lady Georgina Russell; The Daisy Field/The Flax in Bloom/Miss Monaghan; Garthland's/Green Grow the Rashes/The Night We Had the Goats/Yon Town; General Robertson of Lawar's/Culloden Well/Johnny Wilmot's Fancy/Miss Marie MacEachern; Sweet Is the Lass/Captain Campbell; The Water in the Sea; Alex Steele's Farewell to West Bay Road/The Concert; The Muddy Road to Glencoe/Duke of Athole/The Big Fiddler/Prince of Wales/The Marquis of Tullybardine; Nimble Fingers/The New Kelvin Bridge/James F. Dickie; Currie's Rambles/Pretty Peggy/Lady Charlotte Murray; West Mabou Hall/South West Margaree Hall/Noel Hill's Fancy/Blind Nora O'Neill; New Waterford/The Ocean Waves/The A-1 Jig; You and I/The Strand/Dan J. Campbell; The Blue Cuckoo (A' Chuthag Ghorm); Tom MacAllister/Jessie's Welcome Home/The Eight Men of Mordart 68:04_

* * *

### Dave MacIsaac & Scott Macmillan

_Guitar_

Cape Bretoner Dave MacIsaac, who grew up accompanying his father, a fiddler, is one of the most sought-after Celtic guitarists for session work. Because of this association he may not be as well known as a gifted blues/rock guitarist. Scott Macmillan, who loves jazz and blues, is a guitarist/composer who has arranged music for many Cape Breton groups. For over twenty years Dave and Scott have been jamming together whenever their schedules permitted. _Guitar Souls_ has given them a chance to spread their wings and take flight. These performances, recorded live, provide an excellent album for those who love electric blues with a touch of Celtic seasoning.

> **Guitar Souls**  
>  1993 Atlantica (ATL CD 8835)  
>  _Country Crunch; Sad Night Owl; Hydrostone Rock; Lament for Albert King; Rocks in My Tea/Curly Haired Mule/Keji Clay/Reg the Red/Lisa's Jig; Cluny Castle March/Athole Brose Strathspey/General Stewart Reel/Jenny Dang the Weaver/The Randy Wife of Greenlaw; Halifax Shuffle; Mayall Bag; All Blues; The Stumble; Blue Bag; Hometown Polka 64:24_

* * *

### Wendy MacIsaac

_Fiddle_

Wendy MacIsaac, a popular young Cape Breton fiddler, pianist, and step dancer based in Port Hastings, Nova Scotia, has appeared at dances and ceilidhs throughout the Maritimes, Ontario, and parts of the northeastern United States. A cousin of Ashley MacIsaac, she plays in a traditional Cape Breton style influenced by two fiddlers in particular: John Morris Rankin and Willie Kennedy. Her sure, fast-paced touch make _The "Reel" Thing_ an engaging fiddle CD.

> **The "Reel'' Thing**  
>  1994 Wendy MacIsaac (WMR002)  
>  _Pipe Major George Ross' Welcome to the Black Watch/William Lawrie; Traditional Strathspey; The Highlanders Farewell to Ireland Strathspey; Creignish Hills Reel/Rev. Hugh A. MacDonald; Traditional Reel; Donalbane/Traditional Reel; Idle Road Jig; The Lame Duck Jig; The Old Dutch Churn Jig; The Dundee Clog; Foresters Clog; Master McDermot Reel; Lively Steps Reel/Jerry Holland; The Fairy Dance Reel; Amelia's Jig; the Murray River Jig/Graham Townsend; Traditional Jig; Lochnagar Slow Air; Traditional Strathspey; Athole Brose Strathspey; Traditional Reel; Jenny Bowser Reel; King of the Fairies March; Bacon and Eggs Strathspey/Wendy MacIsaac; Cooleys Reel; Drowsey Maggie Reel; Tarbolton Lodge Reel; Larry Down's Reel; Neil Gow's Lament for the Death of His Second Wife; Miss Jessie Smith Strathspey; Glen MacIsaac's Reel/Wendy MacIsaac; Nicole Fakoory's Jig/John Morris Rankin; Traditional Jig; The Baddeck Gathering Jig; Da Peerie Hoose March Traditional; Arthur Muise's Traditional Strathspey; Duke of Gorden's Birthday Strathspey; Heather Hill Reel/Dan R. MacDonald; The Mourne Mountains Reel; Miss Drummond of Perth Strathspey; Muileann Dubh Reel; Pretty Marion Reel 40:22_

* * *

### Buddy MacMaster

_Fiddle_

Cape Breton master fiddler Buddy MacMaster, of Judique, Nova Scotia, has been ranked alongside fiddle legend Neil Gow as one of the greatest Scottish fiddlers ever to have lived. Not only an inspiration to younger generations of Cape Breton fiddlers, MacMaster has also been instrumental in reintroducing the Cape Breton Scottish fiddle tradition back to Scotland, where he has been an honoured guest instructor.

The intricate, flowing, and flawless passages he makes across the spectrum of traditional fiddle music on _Judique on the Floor_ shows a master at work. A gorgeous album. MacMaster received a Winston `Scotty' Fitzgerald Award for East Coast Fiddling Porcupine in 1994.

> **Judique on the Floor**  
>  1989 Sea-Cape (ACD-9020)  
>  _Golden Rod Jig/The New Stove Jig/Irene's Jig; Da Slockit Light/Glen Caladh Castle/The Lasses of Stewarton; Memories of Paddy LeBlanc/Lord Alexander Gordon/The Marquis of Huntly/Haud Er Guan; Kenloch Jig/The Strathlorne Jig/Spin N' Glow; King George the Fourth/Old King George/ Old King's Reel/ King's Reel/ Old Traditional Reel; Oban and Lorne Society/The Devil in the Kitchen/Miss Drummond of Perth/ Traditional Reel/Traditional Reel; Don't Be Teasing Jig/Richard Brennan's Jig/Bonny Lea Rig; P.M. Jim Christie of Wick/Miss Catrina Gillies/Coire an Lochan/ Andy Renwick's Ferret; Jackson's Trip to Augrim/Tripping up Stairs/Tar Road to Sligo/Swinging on Home; R.P. Cummings March/Christie Campbell/Traditional Strathspey/Traditional Reel/Traditional Reel/The MacKentosh of MacKentosh 40:35_

* * *

### Natalie MacMaster

_Fiddle_

Young virtuoso fiddler and niece of legendary Buddy MacMaster, Natalie MacMaster is another in a long line of Cape Breton Island fiddlers who have kept the fiddle tradition alive and vibrant. Natalie brings a light, seemingly effortless, touch to the fiddle that sends the jigs, reels, strathspeys, and waltzes into overtime. Her third album, and first CD, _Fit As a Fiddle_ (1993) is a recommended purchase for any fan of Maritime fiddling. "This album is a thoroughly joyful experience"— _Dirty Linen_. Additional musicians include Dave MacIsaac, guitars; Howie MacDonald, piano; Tracy Dares, piano, synth; Tom Roach, drums; MacInnis, Jamie, highland pipes; and Sandy Moore, Celtic harp. Natalie received a Winston 'Scotty' Fitzgerald Award for East Coast Fiddling Porcupine in 1993.

Three years after the release of _Fit As a Fiddle_ , Natalie MacMaster has released a new Warner recording, _No Boundaries_. _No Boundaries_ (1996) preserves Natalie's sweet, lively Cape Breton-style fiddling, extending it to new genres. The CD's opening track, "The Honeysuckle Set" sets the stage with two hornpipes and three reels, deftly accompanied by Dave MacIsaac on guitar and Tracy Dares on piano plus additional guitar, drums and bass. The fuller instrumentation gives the track a less sparse, more contemporary feel without veering away from a traditional Cape Breton sound.

Warner has given us a gift by reissuing MacMaster's early cassette recordings _Four on the Floor_ (1989) and _Road to the Isle_ (1991) as a new CD release called _A Compilation_ (1996). Recorded when she was 16 and 18, the album captures her early virtuosity. Her sweet style was evident from the first. This extremely accessible album is a good purchase for both MacMaster fans and those who are timid about fiddle music but would like something in their collection. The remastering from cassette is excellent.

> **Fit As a Fiddle**  
>  1993 Natalie MacMaster (NMAS-CD 1972)  
>  _John Campbell's/Miss Ann Moirs Birthday/Lady Georgina Campbell/Angus on the Turnpike/Sheehan's Reel; My Dungannon Sweetheart/Scaffies Cairet/Juniper Jig; Carnival March/Miller of Drone/MacKinnon's Brook/ Lucy Campbell/Annie Is My Darling/Gordon Cote/Bird's Nest/Maid Behind the Bar; Nancy's Waltz; Compliments to Sean Maguire/President Garfield/Miss Watt/Casa Loma Castle; O'r the Moor Among the Heather/Traditional/Lady Mary Ramsay/Jenny Dang the Weaver/The Lassies of Stewarton/Garfield Vale; Jean's Reel; I'll Always Remember You; The Girls of Martinfield/Bennett's Favorite/The Green Fields of Glentown; Counselor's/The Rakes of Kildare/The Lark in the Morning; The Lass of Carrie Mills/Lennox's Love to Blantyre/Archie Menzies/Reichwall Forest; If Ever You Were Mine; The MacNeils of Ugadale/MacLaine of Loch Buie/Colville's Rant/Pibroch O'Donal Dhu 54:12_

> **No Boundaries**  
>  1996 WEA (CD 15697)  
>  _Lad O'Beirne's/The HoneySuckle/Tammy Sullivan's/The Holly Bush/Rannie MacLellan's; Blue Bonnets Over the Border/Danny MacEachern's Piano/Alex MacDonnell's Favorite/My Friend Buddy; Fiddle & Bow; Béatrice (Oggi Nevica)/Seán Sa Chéo; Memories of Paddy LeBlanc/Sandy Cameron/Devil in the Kitchen/The Bridge of Bamore/Arthur Muise/The Rejected Suitor; Silverwells; Primrose Lasses/Far Am Bi Fhin/Reel Father John Angus Rankin; Catharsis; Miss Stewart/Braes of Tullymet/The Gillisdale Reel/We'll Aye Gang Back to Yon Town/Break Yer Bass Drone; Gabriel's Jig/Sir Wilfred Laurier's/Bill Crawford's Fiddle; The Beaumont Rag; the Autograph/The Bee's Wing/Eugene Stratton/Memories of Dan Beaton/Natalie MacMaster's; Lament for the Death of Reverend Archie Beaton 55:18_

> **A Compilation**  
>  1989, 1991; Reissued 1996 Natalie MacMaster (CD 16561)  
>  _Spey in Spate/The Forth Bridge/The Fox Hunter; The Earl of Dalhousies Happy Return to Scotland/Back of the Change House/Bob Steele's/Mountain Road; Mahone Bay/Oh Dear What Can the Matter Be/Traditional/Fraser's; Amelia's Waltz/The Fir Tree/Athole Brose/The Pondville; Happy Go Lucky/Fred Wilson's/Fisher's/Carnie's Canter/Saratoga; Traditional/King of the Clans/Johnny's Made a Wedding O'T/Cameron's One Legged Hen; Traditional/Cronin's Favorite/Buttermilk Mary; The Headlands/Captain Campbell/Callum Breugach/King George/O'er the Isles to America/Sandy Cameron/Kings/The Cape Breton Fiddler's Welcome to the Shetlands; Newcastle/The Second Star/Mrs Forbes Leith/Mary Claire/Jabe Meadow; The Evesdropper/The Knights of St. Patrick/One for the Record/Shandon Bells; Road to the Isle/Scourdiness/Homeward Bound; Doug MacPhee's Visit/Traditional/Short Grass; Blackberry Blossom/The Red-Haired Lass/Paddy O'Brien's/The Dawn; Jimmy's/A Buddy MacMaster Jig/Connaughtman's Rambles; Airidh nam badam/Glen of Thickets; To Daun't on Me/Cameron Chisholm's/Haughs of Cromdale/Johnny Wilmot's Fiddles/Mrs Kennedy of Greenan/Fermoy Lasses 69:23_

* * *

### Scott Macmillan

_Contemporary; Celtic_

_Celtic Mass for the Sea_ , composed by Nova Scotia's Scott Macmillan was commissioned by the CBC in 1988. The text was researched, adapted and edited by Jennyfer Brickenden. The world premier of the work was on February 15, 1991 in Halifax. _Celtic Mass for The Sea_ "celebrates the reverence of the ancient peoples for the sea's majesty, ferocity and vitality. More than at any other time in human history we need to learn from this long ago vision. Our oceans are depleted, our planet is in crisis. It is Scott and Jennyfer's belief that only through empowerment of the human spirit will we find the collective will to make the sacrifices that will restore balance and harmony to our global home"—liner notes. The music consists of voice, string orchestra, and a Celtic ensemble of fiddle, mandolin, Celtic harp, pipes, flute, whistle, and guitar.

> **Celtic Mass for the Sea**  
>  1993 Atlantica (ERAD149)  
>  _Introit; Kyrie; Gloria; First Reading; Second Reading; Credo; Sanctus; Benedictus; Agnus Dei and Dismissal 56:31_

* * *

### Rita MacNeil

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Although Rita MacNeil has evolved into a pop singer-songwriter with one of the most recognizable voices in Canada, she started her career playing folk festivals and small venues and her lyrics are still rooted in Big Pond, Cape Breton. A champion of Canadian music, her CBC television show _Rita & Friends_ showcased more Canadian talent, including many of the folk performers in this guide, than any recent entertainment show. MacNeil's first three albums, _Born a Woman_ (1975), _Part of the Mystery_ (1981), and _I'm Not What I Seem_ (1983) have not been issued on compact disc. The first CD available is her fourth album, _Flying on Your Own_ , dating from 1987 when she signed with a major label. For folkies, the introspective "She's Called Nova Scotia" is the highlight of the album. It makes you wish MacNeil would, for one album at least, ditch her ubiquitous background orchestra and do an "unplugged" recording, letting her fine voice stand out in a more traditional context as it did on her earliest recordings. Alas, this is not likely to happen. We must content ourselves to listen to her pop albums and just dream about what might have been. MacNeil received Junos as "Songwriter of the Year" in 1989 and "Female Vocalist of the Year" in 1990, and the "Country Artist of the Year" East Coast Music Award in 1995.

> **Flying on Your Own**  
>  1987 Lupins (RMCD 1001)  
>  _Flying on Your Own; Neon City; She's Called Nova Scotia; Baby Baby; Leave Her Memory; Fast Train to Tokyo; Everybody; Used to You; Loser (When It Comes to Love); Realized Your Dreams; I Believe in You 42:26_

> **Reason to Believe**  
>  1988 Lupins (RMCD 2001)  
>  _Walk on Through; Two Steps from Broken; City Child; Doors of the Cemetery; Reason to Believe; When the Loving Is Through; Causing the Fall; The Music's Going Round Again; Sound Your Own Horn; Working Man; Good Friends 49:19_

> **Rita**  
>  1989 Lupins (RMCD 4001)  
>  _Crazy Love; Anna I.O.U.; I'll Accept the Rose; You've Known Love; Moonlight and Clover; When Love Surrounded You and I; Black Rock; Part of the Mystery; Why Do I Think of You Today; The Other One; In the Spirit; We'll Reach the Sky Tonight 52:02_

> **Home I'll Be**  
>  1990 Lupins (RMCD 5001)  
>  _You Taught Me Well; Call Me and I'll Be There; Watch Love Grow Strong; This Thing Called Love; Home I'll Be; How Many Hearts; Southeast Wind; The Hurtin' Kind; Old Flames Never Die; Does It Ever Change 45:53_

> **Thinking of You**  
>  [no date] Lupins (RMCD06001)  
>  _Old Man; Shining Strong; Moment in Time; Lupins; Bring It to Me; Broken Heartstrings; The Crossing; Thinking of You; I Need to Feel Close Again; Bring It on Home to Me 38:40_

> **Songs from the Collection, Volume One**  
>  1994 Lupins (RMCD 68001)  
>  _Reason to Believe; We'll Reach the Sky Tonight; Home I'll Be; Shining Strong; Flying on Your Own; This Thing Called Love; Working Man; I'll Accept the Rose; Moment in Time; She's Called Nova Scotia; Leave Her Memory; Fast Train to Tokyo; The Crossing; Good Friends; Higher Power 65:47_

> **Porch Songs**  
>  1995 EMI (7 2438 35469 2 3)  
>  _Rolling Thunder; Coming Around Again; All for Love; Field of Daisies; Walk Softly; I Guess I Always Will; Steal Me Away; Stay out of Harm's Way; Sweet Memory; The Light Burns On; Tell the World; It's for You 44:20_

* * *

### Cyril MacPhee

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Cape Breton singer-songwriter Cyril MacPhee, also a member of Brakin' Tradition, has released a splendid solo album in _When I Say I Do_ (1998). A mix of carefully chosen covers plus two MacPhee originals, the album is a sensitive selection of heart-felt songs, beautifully produced. The songs range from three David Stone numbers ("Harbour Town", "We'll All Come Back Again", "Will You Come Away with Me") to a Lennon/McCartney song ("I Will") to a traditional ballad ("Geordie"). MacPhee's fine voice is accompanied by Cindy Church on backup vocals and Curly Boy Stubbs on second guitar. The album was produced by Paul Mills.

> **When I Say I Do**  
>  1998 Brakin' Tradition (CD 0907)  
>  _Harbour Town; We'll All Come Back Again; When I Say I Do; L'Acadie; Angelina's Wish; It's Only Me; I Will; Will You Come Away With Me; Arm of Gold; Fait Do Do; Counting My Blessings in Twos; Geordie; I'm on My Way 44:48_

* * *

### Mad Love

_Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Mad Love was founded by a Toronto-based trio of sisters who previously operated under the name the Celtic Gales. Of _Knockin' the Myth_ a _Dirty Linen_ reviewer remarks that "the context of the lyrics is a fascinating mix of contemporary topics with a trad feel ... An excellent disc." The highlights of this acoustic, traditional-sounding album include "Rains Come Down," "A Woman Alone," "Tumblin' Down," and "Dance Dance." Mad Love's vocalists are Audrey, Wanda, and Linda Vanderstoop with Scott Rogers on guitar and banjo, Allan Beardsell on guitar and mandolin, and Tim Hadley on acoustic bass.

> **Knockin' the Myth**  
>  1991 Moose (CD007)  
>  _Rains Come Down; Rose on the Briar; Mercy Mercy Me/Irish Spring; London Town; A Woman Alone; What Have We Done?; Not Our Own; Weather the Storm; Tumblin' Down; Dance Dance 38:33_

* * *

### Mad Pudding

_Contemporary; Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

"It sounds like a musician's gag: what do you get when you put together two choral conductors immersed in Celtic music, a classical violinist who plays fiddle tunes, and a rhythm section consisting of a jazz-funk bassist and a rock drummer? Answer: a Vancouver band called Mad Pudding"—Tony Montague, _Georgia Straight_.

The eclectic mix of backgrounds adds to the fun as you listen to Mad Pudding work its way through the tracks of their debut album _Bruce's Vegetable Garden_ (1994). The underlying sense of humour, evidenced in both the band's name and the title of the album, never intrudes where it shouldn't. The playing is confident and sure and the vocals carry the material well. Highlights include "Lately By," "Grandma Groats," "Canadian Old Time Set," and "Johnny and the Devil." Listening to this album is like opening the window and letting in fresh air. Mad Pudding includes Andy Hillhouse, guitar, vocals; Amy Stephen, accordion, vocals, penny whistle, harp, guitar, piano, recorder; Cam Wilson, fiddle, vocals; Richard Ernst, bass, vocals; John Hildebrand, drums, percussion.

Mad Pudding's second album, _Dirt and Stone_ (1995), continues the upbeat, contemporary Celtic sound and the excellent playing debuted on _Bruce's Vegetable Garden_ is even tighter. Their arrangements of traditional material is fresh and spunky and their original material is strong. The band does an especially interesting arrangement of "The Dewy Dells of Yarrow"—an eight-minute traditional border ballad taken from Edith Fowke's collection. Mad Pudding is one of the finest young Celtic bands in Canada.

> **Bruce's Vegetable Garden**  
>  1994 Fiendish (FR 101)  
>  _Funk Reels/Boys of the Lough/The Bob of Fettercairn; As I Walked Out; Bruce's Vegetable Garden; Lately By; Grandma Groats/Mouth Music/Pretty Peg/Sweeping the Bees; Reptile Song; Canadian Old Time Set; Shores of Brittany; Difficult Women; Johnny and the Devil/Johnny on the Woodpile/Devil's Dream; Burkeville Beach; Kitimat Mall/Mozart the Canary/The Creel of Turf; Curragh of Kildare 46:17_

> **Dirt & Stone**  
>  1995 Fiendish (FR 102)  
>  _Indian Reels; Dirt & Stone; The Toast - Part I; The Toast - Part II; The Dewey Dells of Yarrow; Crazy Creek Set; Patchwork; Air; Dance of the Hungry Panda; Hey to the Pipes; The Ploughman's Son; Heather Bonn; Service; Spanish Lady; Brandon Town; Big John McNeil 67:41_

* * *

### Aimé Major

_French-Canadian_

The fine baritone voice of Aimé Major has been captured on the historical recording, _Aimé Major_ —part of MCA's Héritage Québécois series. The CD contains no liner notes.

> **Aimé Major**  
>  [no date, reissued 1991] MCA (MCAD-10490)  
>  _Tango Mystérieux; Tu m'As Donné; Passant Par Paris; Un Train Bleu Dans la Nuit; Un Souvenir; Tu Te Souviens; Chevaliers de la Table Ronde; Les Mirettes; Maman; La Prière; Ne Me Quittes Pas; Cythère; Chacun Son Bonheur; Comme l'Amour; Partons la Mer est Belle 38:39_

* * *

### Malaika

_Contemporary; Traditional; Worldbeat; A Cappella_

Malaika, a four-woman a cappella group from Ottawa formed in 1994, is the result of a chance encounter between Beth Ferguson, Lee Hayes, Neema Mugala, and Stella Haybukhai. Malaika means "angel" in Swahili and is the name of East Africa's most popular love song. Malaika, the group, performs music from around the world in many different languages and styles. Malaika's eclectic repertoire includes songs of social struggle, African music, traditional folk songs, and gospel tunes. As well, the group has written many original songs. Much of the material is in English, but the group sings in many other languages, including Spanish, French, Swahili, Xhosa, Portuguese, Gaelic, Swedish, and Japanese.

_Malaika Live_ presents the group in concert with their rich, sonorous, but never overly-sweet harmonies. There's a touch of vinegar in the delivery that gives the songs zing and makes them come alive. Their sound is infectious and because the recording is live their on-stage banter breaks up the inevitable monotony associated with full-length albums of a cappella singing. This excellent recording was produced by Ross Murray and Ian Tamblyn. Recommended.

> **Malaika Live**  
>  1996 Malaika (MA 001-2)  
>  _Malaika; Mama Would Say; When a Woman; Nginani Na; Images de mon enfance; Mjusi; Stand Up!; My Images Come; Mbombela; Woody and Dutch; Joe's Goodbye; What is Love? 41:06_

* * *

### Eval Manigat

_Worldbeat_

Montreal-based Eval Manigat came to Canada by way of his native Haiti, with extended stays in Martinique and St. Martin, where he became more and more impressed with the versatility of Caribbean-African musical culture and the new forms that emerge when it is fused with European classical and folk traditions. In Quebec, Manigat experimented with fusions that drew on jazz, funk, and salsa. His second album, and first CD, _Africa+_ won a Juno in 1995 for best "Global Recording." On this upbeat recording, Manigat's band is joined by guest singers Emeline Michel, Karen Young, Vivianne Rangon, Juan Fernandez, and Lazaro René.

> **Africa +**  
>  [no date] Tchaka (TRBC-9940)  
>  _Africa +; Anna Maria; Salsa Sun; Élan-Yé; Afro-Cab; Salade Musicale; Somos; Con Sentimiento Latino; De Costa a Costa 35:13_

* * *

### Mariposa in the Schools

_Traditional; Contemporary; Children's_

_Circle of Friends_ is a very special album—a compilation celebrating twenty years of the Mariposa in the Schools project. Ken Whiteley, producer, explains the album this way: "We began a series of `sing-arounds,' where those present go around a circle taking turns leading everyone in a song, story, tune, game, dance, etc. I realized this was how we should make the recording and so our sing-arounds became recording sessions. Most of this collection was recorded 'live off the living room floor.' I think it captures the spirit of people sharing with each other something that they love very much. It is our pleasure to now share with you what is but a portion of those moments."

> **Circle of Friends**  
>  1990 Mariposa in the Schools (MITS2 0090)  
>  _Donkey Riding (Haddad, Andrea;Rawlings, Chris); Stomp Stomp (Hanford, Caitlin;Whiteley, Chris); Talk About Peace (Hampson, Joe;Roberts, Ted); A Tale (Jaeger, Sally); Saturday Night up the Gatineau (Bell, Ian); La Laine des Moutons (Cohen, Judith;Haddad, Andrea); Diddle de Dum (Beech, Sandra); Same Boat Now (Whiteley, Ken); Oh Santa (MacMillan, Jim); My Candles (Schonbrun, Bluma); Jump Josie/Skip to My Loo (Sharon, Lois & Bram); Happy Birthday Round (All); 10 Bright Candles (Parry, Caroline); Les Gens du Pays (Cohen, Judith;Haddad, Andrea); Red River Valley (Gordon, Shelley); Meet in the Circle (Brodey, Jerry;Brodey, Kim); Nova Scotia Farewell (Robertson, Beverlie); Flee Fly Flow (Dunleavy, Deborah); The Bear Missed the Train (Byer, Sandy;Greenhill, Judy;Reid-Naiman, Kathy); St. Joe's Reel (Bell, Ian;Lederman, Anne); My Band (Roberts, Chick); Puce est Morte (Peringer, Marylyn); The Rain (MacMillan, Jim) 55:42_

* * *

### Marcel Martel

_French-Canadian_

Born in Drummondville, Québec, in 1925, Marcel Martel began singing and playing accordion by age ten. Deeply influenced by Roland Lebrun, he began performing the folkish songs of Lebrun in the 1940's, accompanying himself on guitar. A highly popular recording artist who began writing his own songs in a simple, country style, Martel toured with his wife Noëlla Therrien and his daughter Renée in the 1950's. He was also the star of a highly popular TV show, _Marcel Martel_ , on CHLT, Sherbrooke, Québec, from 1962-65. According to the _Encyclopedia of Music in Canada_ he had recorded 130 singles and 40 LP's for Compo, London, and Bonanza by 1979. the historical recording, _Marcel Martel_ , provides a sampling of his work. Issued by MCA as part of its Héritage Québécois series, there are no liner notes to identify the fine female voice that accompanies Martel on several of the songs. It might be his wife, Noëlla Therrien.

> **Marcel Martel**  
>  [no date, reissued 1991] MCA (MCAD-10488)  
>  _Quand le Soleil Dit Bonjour aux Montagnes; Adieu Mauvaises Rêveries; Ton Coeur est Froid; Les Trois Cloches; Allo Ma Patrie; Lettre Et Souvenir; Mon Coeur est Comme un Train; Dans Mes Bras Ce Soir; Tu Dis Que Tu m'Aimes; Mon Amour a Grandi; Fleurs du Bon Dieu; En Prison Maintenant; Un Coin du Ciel; Amenez-Moi Là-Bas à Panama; Il Faudra m'Oublier 42:11_

* * *

### Harry Martin

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

On _Visions of This Land_ , Harry Martin, a singer-songwriter from Labrador, has put together a solid album that will appeal to those who enjoy simple, dignified songs delivered in an early country-music style. Martin's sensitive songs and easy-listening voice highlight life in Labrador. "This Is My Home," is a song about an old trapper who, having lived the life of a free man, wishes to die in the country. "Halfway up the Mountain" is about a person who "having reached middle age, reflects upon the promise of the past and all of the plans that came to nothing." "Only in My Dreams" is about "an old man longs to return to the coast where he spent his life as a fisherman. His thoughts are of the beautiful spring days as the ice melts and the birds return to nest on the islands." The album succeeds in being sentimental without becoming maudlin.

> **Visions of This Land**  
>  [no date] Piper Stock (PM 002)  
>  _This Is My Home; Raven Hair; Somewhere Beyond the Hills; Visions of This Land; Another Day of Waiting; The Harbour Is Empty; Don't Think I Could Live Here; Halfway up the Mountain; Race to the Grave; This Old River; Eagles Got to Fly; Dream Forever; Forgotten Soldiers; Only in My Dreams 50:41_

* * *

### Lawrence Martin

_First Nations; Singer-Songwriter_

Born of a Cree mother and an Irish father, Lawrence Martin (stage name Wapistan) is an executive of the Wawatay Native Communications Society which provides radio, television, and newspaper communications to nearly fifty reserves throughout northern Ontario. He has also served as mayor of Sioux Lookout, Ontario—the first native to be elected mayor in Ontario history. According to the liner notes on _Wapistan Is Lawrence Martin_ , Martin was taught guitar by an aunt, and he became a songwriter and performer to convey "the joy, heritage, wisdom, and new optimism of his people, as well as the anger and bitterness that stems from five centuries of abuse, neglect and ignorance."

_Wapistan Is Lawrence Martin_ (1993), which received a Juno in the "Best Music of Aboriginal Canada" category in 1994, explores a variety of moods. The opening track, "Elders" expresses a fundamental optimism: "The elders say there will come a day / When the young will be strong like the eagle." The very next track, "Like a Bad Dream," presents the uprooted sentiment "This world I'm living in feels like a real bad dream / I lost my religion to Christianity / I lost my language and my dignity." The moods swing from happy, in "Wache Ay," which means "hello" and "goodbye," to bitter and wistful in "Betty Jean" and "What's Gonna Happen to the Indian?"

_Message_ (1995) is another strong album. Very tight musically, the instruments propel the Martin's lyrics through a soft folk/rock journey with an abundance of "messages" about the feelings, situation and plight of Canada's First Nations people. As on his previous release, Martin is an engaging singer and lyricist. The album was produced by John James Stewart.

> **Wapistan Is Lawrence Martin**  
>  1993 First Nations Music (Y2 10014)  
>  _Elders; Like a Real Bad Dream; Wache Ay; The Polar Bear (Is Taking Me Home); Ashtum; Celtic Nemowin; Wawatay; Betty Jean; What's Gonna Happen to the Indian?; Canada O'Daskey; Red Road of Life; Meegwetch Nashville 41:47_

> **Message**  
>  1995 First Nations (Y2-77621-10020-2-6)  
>  _Born Again Pagan; Let's All Dance; Anishinabe Child; Bey Chi Weh Tah Mo Win (Come and Tell Me); Turtle Island; Stuck in the Mud (Tribute to Sandy Lake); Mushkeego; Bey Chi Ghi Wey (Come on Home); Paradise; Time to Get Together; Ashai; Wapi's Reel 47:22_

* * *

### Danielle Martineau

_French-Canadian; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Quebec folklorist and performer Danielle Martineau ably blends a mix of musical genres that feature her excellent voice and accordion playing. Backed up by fine, if very electric, musicians, her music includes touches of zydeco, rock, and traditional. If you like latter-day La Bottine Souriante, you are sure to like her upbeat albums.

> **Rockabayou**  
>  1992 Les Disques Bros (BROS 2001-2)  
>  _Le Duc; Loupgarou; Belle; La Porte d'En Arrière; La Fête à Montréal; J'Pense Ringque à Toi; Zarico Charivari; Laisse Faire; Revenue pour Rester; Dans l'Détour; Le Temps d'Une Valse 39:28_

> **Autrement**  
>  1994 Les Disques Bros (BROS 4002-2)  
>  _Téléguides; Zydeco Musico; Toi T'es Pas Là; L'Eau et le Vent (Valse d'Hiver); Chou Chou (Y'A Que Toi); Montréal Cotton Blues; En Silence; La Table des Veuves; La Montagne Coupée; Nouveau Gouvernement; Dure Lutte; Suite Pierre-Antoine 45:13_

* * *

### Brent Mason

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Brent Mason, a New Brunswick singer-songwriter, may be one of the few East Coast folksingers who isn't part of the Celtic tradition. A 60's-style folksinger with plenty to say, Mason presents his penetrating lyrics accompanied by straightforward guitar arrangements. He avoids 60's-style monotony through the nice sidework of the guest musicians and backup vocalists who join him on the albums. Ontario fans may notice a strong similarity between Mason and Toronto's Tim Harrison. Try to catch Mason if he appears in a venue near you. He's a very engaging performer.

> **Head for the High Ground**  
>  1994 Brent Mason (no catalogue number)  
>  _Head for the High Ground; Stuck; Walk Me Down; Room with a View; Death Is a Way of Life; Little Boy; Thought & Deed; Woman in Me; Look like Your Neighbour; Tonight; Head for the High Ground II 46:06_

> **Down to Heaven**  
>  1993 Brent Mason (no catalogue number)  
>  _Down to Heaven; Matter Over Mind; We Believe in Ghosts; Rust in the Rain; Entropy; 100 Miles Away; Wrong Again; Don't Touch Me like a Friend; Song for Marc Lepine; Wicked Rain 52:41_

* * *

### Barb Mattiacci

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Peterborough, Ontario singer-songwriter Barb Mattiacci has one of those voices, like Buffy Sainte-Marie's, that quickly grabs your attention and carries you into the lyrics. _Inside My Dream_ shows Mattiacci to be a talented songwriter who concentrates on mood rather than visual images or clever twists of phrase. Songs like "Inside My Dream," "Fly with the Wind," and "Solid Ground" are gently evocative. This is introspective territory nicely done.

> **Inside My Dream**  
>  1992 Barb Mattiacci (AVACD 931)  
>  _Inside My Dream; Fly with the Wind; Long Time Ago; Solid Ground; Where Do We Go?; Walking Down the River; See to Believe; Fragile Facts; Dream Tonight; Angels 43:39_

* * *

### Zeke Mazurek

_Fiddle_

Belleville, Ontario, fiddler Zeke Mazurek plays a fine collection of tunes on _I Ain't Dead... Yet_ , subtitled "a choice and authentic collection of traditional and contemporary melody specially adapted for the violin, being gems culled from life in Canada." The selections come from far and wide: examples are "Lament for Owen Christy," a Jim Stewart composition from New Brunswick, "Cinquantaine," a French tune learned from Vancouver street musicians, "Szla Dzieweczka Do Laseczka," a Polish tune Mazurek learned from his father, and "Si Pa Bi," a Laotian melody learned from Sneezy Waters. The melodies tend to be dark and mournful—this is introspective territory that tugs at the heart with sweet, lovely playing. Mazurek is accompanied by Danny Greenspoon, guitar, Rob Hollett, bodhran, Sneezy Waters, guitar, and Rick Bauer, guitar.

> **I Ain't Dead... Yet**  
>  1995 Iady (no catalogue number)  
>  _Lament for Owen Christy; Teufelpferde (The Black Nag)/Colleraine/Miss Shepperd; Cinquantaine; Back to the Hills; Szla Dzieweczka Do Laseczka; The Battle of Glencoe; Si Pa Bi; Rodney's Glory/Dust in the Lane/Sally Gooding/Billy Cheatem; Blind Mary; Variation on Sandor Lakatos' Verbunk in A; A Mira Melody; Captain O'Kane; Lament for Owen Christy 35:03_

* * *

### Doug McArthur

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Known for his excellent and unusual songwriting, former Ontario performer Doug McArthur has been a festival favourite since the 1970's. The gentle lyrics and slightly husky voice of his two mid-70's albums have been reissued as a single compact disc: _Letters from the Coast / Sisteron_. This delightful reissue brings back such fine songs as "Dreams and Visions," "Hero," "Lord Douglas," "Sisteron," "Skyway," "1911," "Cowboy Bob," "Ain't Goin' Home," and "Almost Midnight." "[ _Sisteron_ is] one of the best Canadian folk records of the 1970's"—Craig MacInnis, _Toronto Star_. _Doug McArthur With Garnet Rogers_ features thirteen of McArthur's later compositions, including "Break the Law" which was covered by Garnet Rogers on his debut album. Rogers fills in instrumentally on this album (along with David Essig) but the singing is strictly McArthur. From the haunting "Merlin" to the lyrical "Black Eyed Susan," McArthur sings memorable song after song. His voice is perhaps a trifle more husky than it was in the 70's, but like the taste of scotch whiskey, that adds to the ambiance.

> **Letters from the Coast / Sisteron**  
>  1974, 1976, reissued 1991 Snow Goose (SGS-1119/10)  
>  _Dreams and Visions; Hero; Glory Road; Lord Douglas; The Painter's Song; I Do; One-Eyed Walden; Don't You Believe; The Devil's Pony; Skye Song; Sisteron; Whip Me; The Lights of Town; Skyway; 1911; Cowboy Bob; Restless; The Way I Ride; The Lunenburg Shift; Ain't Goin' Home; Gentle People; Almost Midnight 71:38_

> **Doug McArthur with Garnet Rogers**  
>  1989 Snow Goose (SGS-1116D)  
>  _Merlin; Break the Law; Isle Madelaine; The Siege of Toronto; Bullwhip Jack and the Silver Bell; There Is a River; Bank the Fire; Thief in the Night; Ships at Sea; Black Eyed Susan; Wino Breath; Chella; The Un-named City 50:28_

* * *

### Doug McArthur & Jeffra

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Former Ontario folksinger and songwriter Doug McArthur has relocated in the San Francisco Bay area of California, where he has joined forces with Californian musician Jeffra. As a folk duo, McArthur plays guitar, Jeffra plays keyboard, and they share vocals and song writing.

Inspired by local history, the duo released _Angels of the Mission Trail_ (1997), an album of songs drawing on the history of the California and Oregon coasts and California's Mission Trail. Some of the cuts are vintage McArthur, especially the title song "Angels of the Mission Trail" and a gem about an encounter with a homeless man in Berkeley, "The Gold I Threw Away," the album's two strongest tracks. The combination of McArthur's rough-edged voice and Jeffra's breathy vocals works well on the harmonies, creating an unusual and catchy sound.

> **Angels of the Mission Trail**  
>  1997 Tableaux Vivants (TV1111CD)  
>  _Jack & Charmian; Angels of the Mission Trail; Hills of Oregon; The Gold I Threw Away; Lovintide; Stumble from Vesuvio; Dust to Dust; Montaña de Oro; Big Alma; Kinsymphony 50:06_

* * *

### John McDermott

_Traditional; Contemporary; Christmas_

A graduate of St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto, McDermott sings "old favourites" in a voice that, while pleasant, is probably too stagey for most folkies. _Danny Boy_ is a perfectly good album, in small doses, but the delivery is too sentimental to take in one sitting. McDermott's second album, _Old Friends_ , continues in the same vein. The heartfelt delivery seems a bit overwrought if you're accustomed to bouncier Celtic bands that handle this material with a lighter touch. If you like McDermott's interpretations you'll undoubtedly like _Christmas Memories_.

> **Danny Boy**  
>  1992 EMI (CDM 54772)  
>  _The Green Fields of France; By Yon Bonnie Banks; Danny Boy; The Last Rose of Summer; And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda; The Old House; The Faded Coat of Blue; The Rose of Tralee; The Sun Is Burning; Christmas in the Trenches; The Minstrel Boy; Auld Lang Syne; Danny Boy (A Cappella) 62:20_

> **Old Friends**  
>  1994 EMI (E2 27467)  
>  _Ye Banks and Braes of Bonnie Doon; One Last Cold Kiss; She Moved Thro' the Fair; The Bard of Armagh; The Meeting of the Waters; The Old Man; Mother Machree; Amazing Grace; Farewell to Pripchat; The Skye Boat Song; Lachin Y Gair (Dark Loch Nagar); My Love Is like a Red, Red Rose; Massacre of Glencoe; The Dutchman; The Parting Glass 62:53_

> **Christmas Memories**  
>  1994 EMI (E2 27468/7243 827468 2 9)  
>  _Away in a Manger/Angels from the Realms of Glory/Good King Wenceslas/In Dulci Jubilo; Gesu Bambino; Panis Angelicus; Ave Maria; What Child Is This; Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming; O Holy Night; Suo Gan; Deck the Halls/Noel Nouvelet/Patapan/The Angels and the Shepherds/We Wish You a Merry Christmas; O Little Town of Bethlehem; The Holly and the Ivy; Silent Night (w/Girvan, Allison); Somewhere a Child Is Sleeping (w/Durham, Judith); Old Tin Star; Christmas Memories; The Secret of Christmas 60:05_

* * *

### Eileen McGann

_Contemporary; Traditional; Singer-Songwriter_

"Irish melodies are reason enough for anyone to become a singer"—Eileen McGann. Calgary resident Eileen McGann started as a singer of traditional Celtic songs and gradually inserted her own material into her repertoire. The daughter of Irish parents, McGann fell in love with traditional Irish music, especially the a cappella melodies. During her university years she did guest sets at the Fiddler's Green Folk Club in Toronto and later at festivals. Once folkies heard her beautiful, lilting voice and her perceptive, intelligent lyrics, it was only a matter of time before McGann became a fan favourite. McGann's first album, _Elements_ (1987), is a mix of traditional material and original songs. The supporting musicians and singers on the album read like a who's who of Canadian folk music: Grit Laskin, Garnet Rogers, Cathy Miller, and Ken Whiteley, who also produced the album. A beautiful debut album.

Her second album, _Turn It Around_ (1991), features a growing, maturing songwriter. Her original songs include "Turn It Around," about a street person in Toronto, "Requiem (For The Giants)," a protest and lament about proposed clearcutting of the old pines of Temagami, and "Westminster Bridge," inspired by a "cardboard city" in London. The strong supporting cast is continued, with the likes of Grit Laskin, Garnet Rogers, Mary Anderson, Ken Brown, Anne Lederman, and Cathy Miller. This is an extraordinarily good folk album. "Requiem (For the Giants)" received an "Environmental Song Award" Porcupine in 1991.

McGann's third album, _Journeys_ (1995), puts McGann more directly on her own personal journey as a songwriter. There are only three traditional songs on the album: "Bonny Portmore," "Braw Sailin' on The Sea," and "Jock O'Hazeldean." As usual, McGann injects magic into these numbers. But what's most impressive about the album is McGann's increasing confidence as a songwriter. Songs like "I See My Journey," "Reservations," "In the Silence," "Rolling Home Canadian," "Windigo's Coming," and "Too Stupid for Democracy" are fine contemporary folksongs. Once again McGann is surrounded by some of the industry's best—a partial list includes Mary Anderson, Ken Brown, Stephen Fearing, David Knutson, Anne Lederman, Cathy Miller, Oliver Schroer, and David Woodhead.

McGann is exceptionally adept at switching between her own songs and traditional material she has collected. Concert goers have implored her for years to release an "all-trad" album and she has responded with _Heritage: Traditional Songs of Ireland, Scotland, England and Canada_ (1997). A traditionalist's delight, _Heritage_ will provide hours of listening pleasure and inspiration. McGann is to be commended for her continued efforts to highlight these gems of the past. While some of the material is well known, many of these songs have been rescued from obscurity. Beautifully sung and performed, you could ask for little more. This is an album you will treasure.

> **Elements**  
>  1987 Dragonwing (DRGN 111CD)  
>  _Live Not Where I Love; Isabella Gunn; My Lagan Love; Temagami; Sands; Man's Job; The Power and the Need; The Riddle Song; Here's to the Men; Canoe Song at Twilight 41:47_

> **Turn It Around**  
>  1991 Dragonwing (DRGN 112CD)  
>  _Turn It Around; The Fair Flower of Northumberland; Requiem (For the Giants); Tiree Love Song; Leaving This Nation; Westminster Bridge; The Parting; The Dancers of Stanton Drew; The Knight of the Rose; Whitewater; Thyme 50:03_

> **Journeys**  
>  1995 Dragonwing (DRGN 113-CD)  
>  _I See My Journey; Bonny Portmore; Reservations; In the Silence; Braw Sailin' on the Sea; Rolling Home Canadian; Windigo's Coming; Reach for the Light; Too Stupid for Democracy; Jock O'Hazeldean; Kassandra; Another Train 54:59_

> **Heritage: Traditional Songs of Ireland, Scotland, England**  
>  1997 Dragonwing (DRGN 005)  
>  _Blackwaterside; Lowlands; Peggy Gordon; My Brief on the Sea/Cape Clear; The Rolling of the Stones; Faithful Johnny; A Beggin' I Will Go/Tae the Beggin' I Will Go/The Little Beggarman; Lord Franklin; Little Musgrave; As I Walked Out/Farewell to Erin; The Beltane; Female Drummer; There'll Be More Joy 51:30_

* * *

### Kate & Anna McGarrigle

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Daughters of French-Canadian and Irish parents, the immensely talented sisters Kate & Anna McGarrigle sing in English and French and each plays piano, guitar, banjo, and accordion. They began playing Montreal coffee houses in the early 1960's and became internationally known as songwriters by the 70's. In a curious career that never quite catapulted them to major fame, they nonetheless generated a cult following that persists to this day. There's something unusual, almost vinegary, about their material that, when it gets under your skin, you're never the same again—once you're hooked on the McGarrigles it's hard to hear enough of them. Fortunately for McGarrigle junkies, only their third album, _Pronto Monto_ , has not yet been reissued on compact disc. Their debut album, _Kate & Anna McGarrigle_, features the McGarrigle classics "Kiss and Say Goodbye," "Heart like A Wheel," "Swimming Song," "Travellin' on for Jesus," and the incomparable "Talk to Me of Mendocino." The loose and occasionally rough-edged arrangements are all over the map, sometimes folksy, sometimes jazzy, sometimes popish. Somehow it all works. Recommended.

The McGarrigles' second album, _Dancer with Bruised Knees_ , continues with the half-zany, half-serious mix of styles with lyrics that keep you guessing, line by line. Not quite as magical as their debut album, but highly recommended. Their fourth album, entirely in French, was originally titled _Entre la Jeunesse Et la Sagresse_. Deciding that this was perhaps a bit too challenging for anglophones, PolyGram reissued the album as _The French Record_. An excellent album, but a working knowledge of French helps. The CD liner notes include translations of all the songs, but not the French lyrics. _Love Over and Over_ takes up where _Dancers_ left off. The landscape is skewed by unusual, engaging lyrics and unexpected, entertaining arrangements. _Heartbeats Accelerating_ , from 1990, is a departure from the carefree arrangements of the earlier works. The sound is tighter, more commercially acceptable. The songwriting is still insightful and quirky—as evidenced in "I Eat Dinner," "Rainbow Ride," "D.J. Serenade," and "I'm Losing You." Unfortunately, nothing on this album leaps out at you. The special quality of their voices is obscured by the production—the signature sound is missing.

After a recording hiatus, the McGarrigle Sisters returned to the studio to record _Matapedia_ , released in 1996. _Matapedia_ is a soft but stunning recording that easily matches up to their early releases and moves beyond them. The mysterious opening song "Matapedia" takes its name from the Matapedia River in Quebec. "Goin' Back to Harlan" is a tribute to folk music. This very poignant album easily made everyone's list of top albums of the year. The magic is still there. Recommended.

> **Kate & Anna McGarrigle**  
>  1975 Rykodisc / Hannibal (HNCD 4401)  
>  _Kiss and Say Goodbye; My Town; Blues in D; Heart like a Wheel; Foolish You; Talk to Me of Mendocino; Complainte pour Ste Catherine; Tell My Sister; Swimming Song; Jigsaw Puzzle of Life; Go Leave; Travellin' on for Jesus 35:45_

> **Dancer with Bruised Knees**  
>  1977 Rykodisc / Hannibal (HNCD 4402)  
>  _Dancer with Bruised Knees; Southern Boys; No Biscuit Blues; First Born; Blanche Comme la Neige; Perrine Etait Servante; Be My Baby; Walking Song; Naufragée du Tendre (Shipwrecked); Hommage à Grungie; Kitty Come Home; Come a Long Way 41:13_

> **French Record**  
>  1980, reissued 1992 Polydor (314 513 554-2)  
>  _Entre Lajeunesse Et la Sagesse; Complainte pour Ste Catherine; Mais Quand Tu Danses; Cheminant a la Ville; Excursion a Venise; En Filant Ma Quenouille; La Belle S'Est Etourdie; Naufragée du Tendre; Avant la Guerre; À Boire; Prends Ton Manteau 37:02_

> **Love Over and Over**  
>  1982 Polydor (422 841 101-2)  
>  _Move Over Moon; Sun, Son (Shining on the Water); I Cried for Us; Love Over and Over; Star Cab Company; Tu Vas m'Accompagner; On My Way to Town; Jesus Lifeline; The Work Song; St. Valentine's Day; Midnight Flight; A Place in Your Heart 43:24_

> **Heartbeats Accelerating**  
>  1990 Private Inc. (2070-2-P)  
>  _Heartbeats Accelerating; I Eat Dinner; Rainbow Ride; Mother Mother; Love Is; D.J. Serenade; I'm Losing You; Hit and Run Love; Leave Me Be; St. James Hospital 42:50_

> **Matapedia**  
>  1996 Hannibal (HNCD 1394)  
>  _Matapedia; Goin' Back to Harlan; I Don't Know; Hang Out Your Heart; Arbre; Jacques et Gilles; Why Must We Die; Song for Gaby; Talk about It; The Bike Song 44:42_

* * *

### Donald McGeoch

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

One of the founders of Ontario's Brantford Folk Club, Donald McGeoch, like Bobby Watt, is a native Scotsman who emigrated to Canada and has graced the Canadian folk scene with his fine arrangements of traditional Scottish folk material and original compositions. On _Land of the Western Sky_ , McGeoch's strong voice is highlighted on original songs like "Land of the Western Sky," "Just Another State," "The Porcelain Waltz," and "Homeland." McGeoch is backed by a fine cast of musicians, including Stephen Fuller, fiddle; Allison Lupton, flute, whistle; Harry Jongerden, bass; Steve Didemus, guitar and dobro; Jeff Daw, mandolin; Ruth Sutherland, harp; and backup vocalists Sharon Fitzsimon, Gerry Dion, and Martin Zimber.

> **Land of the Western Sky**  
>  1994 Donald McGeoch (DMCD 11:11)  
>  _Lancashire Lads; Dumbarton's Drums; Land of the Western Sky; Number Two Top Seam; Scot's Wha Hae; Leaving Nancy; Just Another State; Homeland; Come by the Hills; Sound the Pibroch; The Porcelain Waltz; Keep the Fiddle Playing; Jamie Raeburn's Farewell; Cadgwith Anthem 49:59_

* * *

### McGinty

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

McGinty is a popular Celtic pub band from Nova Scotia that has played to audiences for over fifteen years. They perform traditional Irish tunes alongside material from contemporary songwriters. McGinty's _Live_ album was recorded at their 15th Anniversary Concert in Halifax. The disc begins with the bouncy Irish medley "Rocky Road To Dublin/Morrison's Jig/Paddy on the Railroad" and proceeds through a selection of crowd pleasers, including two Stan Rogers tunes, "Forty-Five Years" and "Mary Ellen Carter," a Rita MacNeil song, "Working Man," and Roch Voisine's "A Fishing Day." The concert closes with a "Farewell to Nova Scotia/This Land Is Your Land" medley. The disc makes you wish you could have been there.

_Atlantic Favourites_ is a studio album that brings out the excellent musicianship of the group. The sparkly, upbeat arrangements of songs and medleys like "The Ballad of St. Anne's Reel," "Inverness Ceilidh/Robert Hannigan's Reel," and "Farewell to Nova Scotia" put you in a ceilidh mood. The album also features material by several Canadian songwriters including Tom Lewis' "Last Shanty," Ron Hynes' "Sonny's Dream," Stan Rogers' "Barrett's Privateers," and Kenzie MacNeil's "The Island." _Ballads & Bar Tunes_, from 1994, is McGinty's most polished album to date. They do justice to all the old favourites on the recording, including "Roseville Fair," "Fiddler's Green," "Mary Mack," "Streets of London," "Willie McBride," "Brennan on the Moor," and "Nancy Whiskey." McGinty is John Ferguson, vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki, tin whistle; Don Moore, vocals, guitar, mandolin, bodhran; and Dave Hickey, vocals, bass, banjo, twelve-string. McGinty received a "Rendition of a Canadian Classic" Porcupine Award in 1990 for "Sonny's Dream."

> **Live**  
>  1992 Rocky Coast (RCMI-CD 4)  
>  _Rocky Road to Dublin/Morrison's Jig/Paddy on the Railway; Sagely Wisdom; Forty-Five Years; Rollin' Down to Old Maui; The Mary Ellen Carter; New South Wales; The Musical Priest/Lucy Campbell/The Banshee; Working Man; The Man in the Moon; He's Nobody's Moggy Now; A Fishing Day; Farewell to Nova Scotia/This Land 47:39_

> **Atlantic Favorites**  
>  [no date] Rocky Coast (RCMI-CD 5)  
>  _The Ballad of St. Anne's Reel; The Bluenose Song; Last Shanty; Inverness Ceilidh/Robert Hannigan's Reel; Sonny's Dream; Home in My Harbour; Barrett's Privateers; The Island; The Legend of Kelly's Mountain; Song for the Mira; As Long As There Is Sail; Farewell to Nova Scotia 40:03_

> **Ballads & Bar Tunes**  
>  1994 Rocky Coast (RCMI-CD 6)  
>  _Roseville Fair; Fiddler's Green; Danny Boy; Mary Mack; Santiano/Sally Brown; Streets of London; Swallow's Tail/Kesh/Trippin' up the Stairs; Willie McBride; Brennan on the Moor; Dirty Old Town; Nancy Whiskey; Ballads and Bar Tunes/Ashokan Farewell 48:45_

* * *

### Loreena McKennitt

_Traditional; Celtic; Christmas_

"Anyone who can get an ancient Celtic ballad like 'The Bonny Swans' onto American pop radio must be doing something right"— _Dirty Linen_. Stratford, Ontario singer Loreena McKennitt began her career as a busker, driving to Toronto's St. Lawrence market where she would set up her fifty-pound harp just after dawn and play Celtic music to what must have been a very intrigued group of early morning shoppers. With flowing red hair and Elizabethan dress, her striking, theatrical appearance and unusual music soon created a substantial following. McKennitt's first independent recording, _Elemental_ , is the best introduction to her work. Simpler and plainer than her later albums, it's the folkiest of McKennitt's albums. _To Drive The Cold Winter Away_ is an album of traditional Christmas songs that will please anyone who appreciates an alternative to the standard Christmas fare. The album title comes from the lyrics of the eighteenth century English song, "In Praise of Christmas." Other English, Scottish, and Irish songs include "The Seasons," "The King," "Balulalow," and "The Wexford Carol."

On _Parallel Dreams_ , McKennitt begins a musical exploration that has led her to a more ensemble approach to her music. Mixing rich tapestries of sound into her original compositions, she is joined by a larger group of musicians. The intent is to delve into the mysterious side of Celtic music and McKennitt succeeds admirably on tracks like "Samian Night," "Moon Cradle," Standing Stones," "Breaking The Silence," and "Ancient Pines." There's also "Dickens' Dublin," based on a passage from Charles Dickens, and one of the loveliest versions of "Annachie Gordon" on record. Quite different from her earlier material, but delightful if you have an ear for it.

Beginning with _The Visit_ , which won a Juno award in the "Roots & Traditional" category in 1992, McKennitt's recordings have been distributed by Warner Brothers. The album continues the trend towards musical tapestry started on _Parallel Dreams_ but with more confidence and attack. From the stunning opener, "All Souls Night," to arranged poems by Tennyson and Shakespeare, "The Lady of Shalott" and "Cymbeline," respectively, to the traditional "Greensleeves," this an exciting and varied album. On _The Mask and Mirror_ McKennitt branches further afield from the British Isles and Brittany to the Celtic remnants found in the Galicia region of Spain. Fascinated by the crosscurrents of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity in this early material, McKennitt delves into mystical themes underscored with exotic arrangements. Compositions like "The Mystics Dream" and "The Dark Night of the Soul" are darker in hue than her preceding work. She is analogous to a serious author who explores her themes more deeply with each successive novel. _The Mask and the Mirror_ received a Juno in the "Roots & Traditional" category in 1995.

By any measure, _A Winter Garden_ (1995) is a strange little album. Containing only five songs for the Christmas season, it is an odd followup to _To Drive the Cold Winter Away_ , a full selection of seasonal songs. As usual, the arrangements are sumptuous and the singing beautiful, but this album is clearly aimed at Christmas radio play—it was not designed as an album for McKennitt fans.

> **Elemental**  
>  1985 Quinlan Road (QR CD101)  
>  _Blacksmith; She Moved Through the Fair; Stolen Child; The Lark in the Clear Air; Carrighfergus (w/Smith, Cedric); Kellswater; Banks of the Claudy; Come by the Hills; Lullaby 36:34_

> **To Drive the Cold Winter Away**  
>  1987 Quinlan Road (QRCD 102)  
>  _In Praise of Christmas; The Seasons; The King; Banquet Hall; Snow; Balulalow; Let Us the Infant Greet; The Wexford Carol; The Stockford Carol; Let All That Are to Mirth Inclined 45:48_

> **Parallel Dreams**  
>  1989 Quinlan Road (QRCD 103)  
>  _Samain Night; Moon Cradle; Huron 'Beltane' Fire Dance; Annachie Gordon; Standing Stones; Dickens' Dublin (The Palace); Breaking the Silence; Ancient Pines 43:33_

> **The Visit**  
>  1991 Quinlan Road (WEA CD75151)  
>  _All Souls Night; Bonny Portmore; Between the Shadows; The Lady of Shalott; Greensleeves; Tango to Evora; Courtyard Lullaby; The Old Ways; Cymbeline 49:08_

> **The Mask and Mirror**  
>  1994 Quinlan Road (WEA CD 95296)  
>  _The Mystic's Dream; The Bonny Swans; The Dark Night of the Soul; Marrakesh Night Market; Full Circle; Santiago; Cé Hé Mise le Ulaingt?/The Two Trees; Prospero's Speech 52:47_

> **A Winter Garden**  
>  1995 Quinlan Road (CD 12290)  
>  _Coventry Carol; God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen; Good King Wenceslas; Snow; Seeds of Love 22:30_

* * *

### John McLachlan

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Vancouver singer-songwriter John McLachlan brings a soft, gentle voice and laid-back sound to _Stepping Out_. The tracks range from a ramblin' song, "Railroad Town" to a song about mining, "Cumberland Coal," a song about a towboat captain, "Towboat Captain," to the lyrical "There Is a Star." The arrangements blend folk, pop, and rock.

> **Stepping Out**  
>  1990 John McLachlan (JM 10001)  
>  _Railroad Town; Rough Water; Cumberland Coal; Hard to Believe; Out of Step; Towboat Man; There Is a Star; Bogota; Though Time Goes On; Wouldn't Say No 40:33_

* * *

### Sarah McLachlan

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Sarah McLachlan, who was raised in Nova Scotia and later moved to British Columbia, is a popular singer-songwriter who numbers many folkies among her fans. Perhaps it's the deft acoustic guitar playing she does occasionally in concert that creates the bond. McLachlan's albums are musically textured in a manner somewhat reminiscent of Loreena McKennitt's later work, but with a pop, rather than a Celtic, bias. She is a master of mood, creating impressive effects through a combination of her lyrics, her expressive voice, and an interlocked, interwoven sound. McLachlan has gained a very large following among college and university students. The sequence of her work is _Touch_ (1989), _Solace_ (1991), _Fumbling Towards Ecstasy_ (1993), and _The Freedom Sessions_ (1994). The first three show the normal maturing and progression you would expect from a growing pop/rock artist. _The Freedom Sessions_ is an album of many of the cuts on _Fumbling Towards Ecstasy_ , but in acoustic versions that captured the songs at an earlier stage of development before the heavy layering process began. The result is a folkish album that brings McLachlan's voice front and centre. From the perspective of this guide, it is her most successful album.

> **Touch**  
>  1989 Nettwerk (W2-045)  
>  _Out of the Shadows; Vox; Strange World; Trust; Touch; Steaming; Sad Clown; Uphill Battle; Ben's Song; Vox (Extended) 47:48_

> **Solace**  
>  1991 Nettwerk (W2-30055)  
>  _Drawn to the Rhythm; Into the Fire; The Path of Thorns (Terms); I Will Not Forget You; Lost; Back Door Man; Shelter; Black; Home; Mercy 44:52_

> **Fumbling Towards Ecstasy**  
>  1993 Nettwerk (W2-30081)  
>  _Possession; Wait; Plenty; Good Enough; Mary; Elsewhere; Circle; Ice; Hold On; Ice Cream; Fear; Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 54:59_

> **The Freedom Sessions**  
>  1994 Nettwerk (W2-6321)  
>  _Elsewhere; Plenty; Mary; Good Enough; Hold On; Ice Cream; Ice; Ol '55 38:04_

* * *

### Murray McLauchlan

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Born in Paisley, Scotland, in 1948, Murray McLauchlan was brought to Canada at age five. He began performing folk music in Toronto's Yorkville coffeehouses at seventeen and made his first appearance at the Mariposa Folk Festival in 1966. Musically his styles have ranged from folk to country to rock and, most recently, back to country. The durable McLauchlan has won nearly every Juno award Canada has to offer to folk/country performers. In 1973 McLauchlan won Juno awards for "Best Folk Single," "Best Country Single," and "Composer of the Year." He has won at least six Junos as "Country Male Vocalist," between 1976 and 1986. His instantly recognizable voice is embedded inextricably into the memory of folk music fans who listened their way through the 1970's. During the 80's and early 90's McLauchlan became a radio host for the CBC, first with his _Timberline_ series and then with _Swingin' on a Star_.

Unfortunately most of his solo albums from the 70's are out of print and have not yet been reissued as compact discs. Fortunately _Greatest Hits_ brings back some of the memories. Once again you can listen to "The Farmer's Song," "On the Boulevard," "Down by The Henry Moore," "Little Dreamer," and "Honky Red." McLauchlan has continued to grow as a songwriter since the 70's. _The Modern Age_ , released in 1990 displays his writing talents on such powerful numbers as "The Modern Age" and "The Berlin Wall." The arrangements are more electrified and McLauchlan's singing has matured.

> **Boulevard**  
>  1976 True North (TNMD 0025)  
>  _Harder to Get Along; Train Song; Met You at the Bottom; La Guerre c'est Fini pour Moi; On the Boulevard; As Lonely As You; Crying to Me; Slingback Shoes; Gypsy Boy 42:23_

> **Greatest Hits**  
>  1972-78 True North (WTNK-35)  
>  _Honky Red; Farmer's Song; On the Boulevard; Do You Dream of Being Somebody; Hard Rock Town; Little Dreamer; Exiles; Child's Song; Shoeshine Workin' Song; Maybe Tonight; Down by the Henry Moore 44:57_

> **The Modern Age**  
>  1990 Capitol (C2 95523)  
>  _The Modern Age; Berlin Wall; Woman in a Checkout Line; So I Lost Your Love; Elvis Will Save the World; The Last Great War; Let the Good Guys Win; Back with You Tonight; When I Was Down; I'll Stand by You; Women like That; Brownstone Streets 54:21_

* * *

### Big Dave McLean & Tim Williams

_Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

Big Dave McLean and Tim Williams possess between them more than six decades of performing and recording. They have travelled parallel pathways: both were initially inspired by the first-generation country bluesmen "rediscovered" during the 60's folk music revival. Dave (in Winnipeg) and Tim (in Southern California) became blues players, each soon sharing club, concert and festival stages with the very heroes who had drawn them to the music. Dave has appeared with Muddy Waters, Bukka White, Sam Chatmon, Roosevelt Sykes, Dave Van Ronk and others. Tim has shared stages with Lightnin' Hopkins, Jesse Fuller, Mississippi Fred MacDowell, B.B. King and more.

Teaming up for a recording was a natural. On _Fellow Travelers_ (1998) they recorded their totally acoustic music directly with no over-dubs. The majority of the instruments on the recording are vintage pieces from the pre-war makers patronized by the early blues artists. McLean used a 1910 Sears parlour guitar, a 1932 National resonator guitar and Hohner harmonicas. Williams played two Stella parlour guitars, a 1939 Stella mandolin, a 1905 Windsor banjo-guitar, a 70's Yamaki 12-string and a Johnson resonator.

Performing both blues classics and their original blues songs, McLean and Williams trade off on lead vocals and backup playing. On the instrumental breaks each lays down solos (nicely marked in the liner notes so you can listen for the stylistic differences). Country acoustic blues doesn't get much finer than this. Highly recommended.

> **Fellow Travelers**  
>  1998 Cayuse (TW003)  
>  _If I'm Not the One to Love You; Me and the Devil; K.C. Moan; Big Road Blues; Why Do All These Things Happen to Me?; Mud, Rubble and Crying; Hey, Baby; A Perfect Moon; Seemed Like a Dream; Mean Black Spider; How Long, How Long Blues; Mama, Tain't Long 'Fore Day 45:22_

* * *

### Heather McLeod

_Contemporary; Jazz; Singer-Songwriter_

Montreal-based singer-songwriter Heather McLeod works the jazz/progressive side of the musical landscape. Her first album, by the Heather McLeod Trio, is a selection of older and contemporary jazz standards. Titled _Ain't Misbehavin'_ (1993), it features McLeod's whimsical soprano delivery set against guitar, bass and clarinet. The Trio is Heather McLeod, vocals and guitar; John Dodge, vocals and acoustic bass; and Ian Babb, clarinet. McLeod started out as a folk singer before turning to jazz, and _Funny Thing_ (1997), a solo album, features her songwriting. The album includes a wide variety of backup instrumentation, including clarinet, flugel horn, flute, trumpet, violin and sax, as well as acoustic guitar and bass.

> **Ain't Misbehavin'**  
>  1993 BellaMuse (no catalogue number)  
>  _Sunny Side of the Street; After You're Gone; I Love Paris; Sweet Georgia Brown; Basin Street Blues; Mama Just Wants to Barrelhouse; Them There Eyes; Mack the Knife; Lulu's Back in Town; What a Wonderful World; Stompin' at the Savoy; Ain't Misbehavin' 45:09_

> **Funny Thing**  
>  1997 BellaMuse (BMP-2-3003)  
>  _Solace; Funny Thing; The Dance of a Dying Leaf; A Past Forgotten; Mother's Heart; Insane Again; Blues to Grey; Someone Tell; The Echo of a Child's Smile; True Fortune; Ignacio Looked Back; Maureen's Song 49:47_

* * *

### Mark McNeil

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Mark McNeil has worked for over fifteen years as a journalist with the Hamilton Spectator in Hamilton, Ontario. He carries two notebooks—one for news stories and one for songwriting. Often human interest stories that appear in his reporter's notebook find their way into his other notebook. Hence McNeil's CD, _Reporter's Notebook: A Collection of Original and Traditional Songs_ (1998). With a good singing voice and solid folkstyle guitar work, _Reporter's Notebook_ will find many appreciative listeners. The album includes a beautiful arrangement of "Lady Franklin's Lament" (with a newly written chorus by McNeil), a haunting instrumental track, "Wooden Mistress" (a tribute to his guitar), plus a selection of original songs including "Trail of '98," a song about the Klondike gold rush. Those who sometimes wish singer-songwriters could find a more folkish vein for their material will welcome this engaging recording. Additional musicians on _Reporter's Notebook_ include Michael J. Birthelmer, acoustic and synthesizer guitars; Paul Panchezak, percussion; and Dino Verginella, bass.

> **Reporter's Notebook**  
>  1998 Songscribe (SSM-222)  
>  _Ghosts of Gold; Lady Franklin's Lament; Wooden Mistress; The Way; Poet Behind Those Eyes; Trail of '98; Sky, Water and Land; Starting Over Again; Roll Over Segovia; The Day 1005 Cried; The Other Side; Turn off the Lantern; Steeltown Hula Medley 52:27_

* * *

### Les Méchants Maquereaux

_Acadian; French-Canadian; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Les Méchants Maquereaux, an electric-trad Acadian band from New Brunswick, has turned out a fine album with its initial release, _Les Méchants Maquereaux_. Winner of the East Coast Music Award "Acadian Recording Artist of the Year" in 1995, the album bounces with dance-oriented music laced with accordion, fiddle, acoustic instruments, electric guitar, and drums. The upbeat songs and tunes "Bayou Têche," "Stomp du Lac Arthur," and "Acadie de Nos Coeurs" are written by band members. French lyrics are included. Les Méchants Maquereaux consists of Roland Gauvin, Johnny Comeau, Clarence Deveau, Jac Gautreau, Martin Melanson, and Charles Goguen.

> **Les Méchants Maquereaux**  
>  1994 Hued (MM CD 940801)  
>  _Bayou Têche; Stomp du Lac Arthur; Le Départ du Soldat; Danse Avec Moi; Acadie de Nos Coeurs; Oh Bébé; La Femme de l'Ivrogne; La Maquereel; Je m'Ennuie de Mon Pays; Ode à Marcel 34:20_

* * *

### The Men of the Deeps

_Traditional; Contemporary; Choral_

The Men of the Deeps, Cape Breton's coal miners' chorus was founded in 1966. _Diamonds in the Rough_ is a collection of some of the most popular arrangements recorded and performed by the chorus during its first twenty-five years. As you might expect, many of the songs have a mining theme, such as "Thirty-Inch Coal," "Dark As a Dungeon," "Coal Tattoo," "Sixteen Tons," and "Dust in the Air." A lovely, honest work that will please anyone who enjoys choral music.

> **Diamonds in the Rough**  
>  [no date] Men of the Deeps (MDCD-1025)  
>  _Thirty-Inch Coal; Dark As a Dungeon; Coal Tattoo; Sixteen Tons; I Went to Norman's; Man with a Torch in His Cap; Coal Is King Again; Working Man; Coal by the Sea; Mary Ann; Are You from Bevan?; Dust in the Air; Plain Ole Miner Boy; No. 26 Mine Disaster; Farewell to the Rhonda; Rise Again 50:04_

> **Buried Treasures**  
>  1995 Atlantica (02-50322)  
>  _The Jolly Miner; Little Pinkie Engine; The Government Shore; The Omen; Jolly Wee Miner Men; The Ballad of Springhill; The Unknown Miner's Grave; Kelly's Cove; Miner's Memorial Hymn; Oran Do Ceap Breattain/Down Deep in a Coal Mine; Coal Is King Again; Cape Breton Dream; The Cape Breton Coal Miners; The Lonely Fiddler; Drill Ye Tarriers, Drill 39:03_

* * *

### Scott Merritt

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Scott Merritt is a masterful songwriter whose songs are clever, quirky and insightful"—Festival of Friends _Program Guide, 1994_. Ontario singer-songwriter and Juno nominee Scott Merritt has been a part of the folk scene for many years, frequently performing as part of groups such as Fred J. Eaglesmith's Flying Squirrels. On his solo album, _Violet And Black_ , he presents his electric-folk music through a collection of original material. He has been labelled "a songwriter for the nineties," "one of Canada's finest exports," and "an original." Audiences enjoy the honesty and perception behind Merritt's lyrics.

> **Violet and Black**  
>  1989 Duke Street (X2 13017)  
>  _Burning Train; Bell to Bell; Sweet Accident; Are You Sending; Violet and Black; Radio Home; Copetown; Wild Kingdom; Blue Field 46:24_

* * *

### Don Messer

_Fiddle; Country_

Born in Tweedside, Prince Edward Island, in 1909, Don Messer became one of the most popular and influential performers in Canadian history. From early radio shows, featuring Don Messer and the New Brunswick Lumberjacks to the extraordinarily successful CBC-TV show _Don Messer's Jubilee_ , featuring Don Messer and His Islanders, Messer influenced over three generations of Canadian musicians. Messer's excellent fiddling, which was broadcast across Canada and was made widely available on phonograph recordings, is said to have eliminated many pockets of traditional fiddling. Young fiddlers all wanted to sound like Don Messer and they copied his quick, steady rhythms and techniques, often abandoning local traditions. A more positive aspect of Messer's popularity was that he introduced thousands of listeners and viewers to traditional music and to talented performers like Catherine MacKinnon, Stompin' Tom Connors, and Graham Townsend, to name but a few. Messer insisted that his music was "not Western or cowboy music. Our tunes have been around for two or three hundred years. They're folk tunes passed from generation to generation"— _Encyclopedia of Music in Canada_. Among the many tributes to Don Messer, one of his fiddles resides in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, and Messer has been inducted into the Porcupine Awards Hall of Fame.

No serious collection of Canadian folk music can exist without a Don Messer CD or two. _Don Messer and His Islanders_ and _The Very Best of Don Messer_ are both readily available. _The Very Best_ , which features nearly 60 minutes of music, is a particularly good buy.

> **Don Messer and His Islanders**  
>  [no date] Rodeo (SBSCD 5266)  
>  _Anniversary Schottische; Poor Girls Waltz; Plaza Polka; Westphalia Waltz; Lamplighter Hornpipe; Buckwheat Batter; Hannigans Hornpipe; Interlake Waltz; Riley's Favourite Reel; Pilot Mound Waltz; Grant Lambs Breakdown; The Girl I Left Behind 32:33_

> **The Very Best of Don Messer**  
>  [no date, reissued 1994] MCA (MCAD 4037)  
>  _The Great Atlantic Breakdown; Maple Leaf 2 Step; Blue Mountain Rag; Red River Waltz; Road to the Isles; Red Wing; Bowing the Strings; Woodchopper's Breakdown; Lamplighter's Hornpipe; Backwoodsman Reel; The Centennial Waltz; The Shannon Waltz; Atlantic Polka (1-4); Highland Hornpipe; Hill Lilly; Big John MacNeil/The Dusty Miller's Reel; Rustic Rig; Flop Eared Mule; Mother's Reel; The Dawn Waltz 58:34_

* * *

### Lynn Miles

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"A singer with a fabulous voice who should be heard often and in large helpings"— _Dirty Linen_. Ottawa-based singer-songwriter Lynn Miles has been performing throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe for over a decade, appearing at most of Canada's festivals, including Winnipeg, Edmonton, Mariposa, and Summerfolk. Her lyrics probe themes from a distinctly northern point of view. Lynn says of her songwriting: "I often curse the winter, and lately have been leaving it as often as I can, but it's an indelible fact of Canadian life, and it does make us different. The things I write about—beauty, heartbreak, humour and survival—I approach quite differently from the way a southern songwriter would." _Chalk This One up to The Moon_ , from 1991, features these themes on songs like "All I Ever Wanted," "It's Hockey Night in Canada," "Whisky," "Nobody's Angel," and "The Venus Hotel." _Slightly Haunted_ continues these themes with "The Ghost of Deadlock," "This Heart That Lived in Winter," and "Loneliness." Miles' expressive, soaring vocals and deft guitar work are a treat.

> **Chalk This One up to the Moon**  
>  1991 Snowy River (SRR-S30-CD)  
>  _All I Ever Wanted; It's Gone; It's Hockey Night in Canada; I Can't Tell You Why; Whiskey; Roses and Intentions; Nobody's Angel; A Little Rain; It'll Be Here; The Venus Motel; Never Again; A Bell Will Ring 46:35_

> **Slightly Haunted**  
>  1996 PH 1190 (Philo)  
>  _You Don't Love Me Anymore; I Always Told You the Truth; I Loved a Cowboy; Loneliness; I Know It Was Love; The Ghost of Deadlock; Long Time Coming; Last Night; This Heart That Lives in Winter; Big Brown City; I'm Still Here 47:15_

* * *

### Will Millar

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

Co-founder of the Irish Rovers, Vancouver Island resident Will Millar has gone on to a solo career that embraces children's music and Celtic instrumental music. Every folk collection should have a few children's albums and Millar's _The Keeper_ fills this need well. With classics like "Waltzing With Bears," "The Tree Planting Song," and the inevitable Rovers hits, "The Unicorn" and "Biplane Evermore," this is an enjoyable collection of kid's songs that doesn't slick them up beyond decency. _The Lark In the Clear Aire_ , a collection of instrumental Celtic tunes, is something of a surprise. It's an easy-listening, New Agey kind of album that features well-known pieces like "Carrickfergus," "Ashokan Farewell," and "Farewell to Tarwathie."

> **The Keeper**  
>  1994 Attic (KACD 1400)  
>  _Just a Little Bitty Ball; The Tree Planting Song; The Keeper; Waltzing with Bears; Windy Old Weather; Hey Li Le Li Le Lo; The Unicorn; If We Try; A Place in the Choir; Sailing on the Bay; Bog Down in the Valley-O; The Biplane 'Evermore; Reel in the Flickering Light 38:56_

> **The Lark in the Clear Aire**  
>  1994 Chacra (CHACD 042)  
>  _The Lark in the Clear Aire/My Singing Bird; Slieve Gallon Braes/Sally Gardens; Bold Fenian Men/Hills of Shiloh/Skibereen/Ashokan Farewell; Carickfergus/Mary of Dungloe; The Lark in the Clear Aire (Reprise); Bonnie Kellswater; Mo Mhuirnin Ban/By the Banks of the Bann/Factory Girls; Flower of Sweet Straban; Dark Island/Mist Covered Mountains/Rhumm/Farewell to Tarwathie 48:45_

* * *

### Cathy Miller

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Calgary-based Cathy Miller, originally from Ottawa, is a singer, songwriter, and children's entertainer. Miller's music, which started out as folk with a twist ("I've never been able to write a three-chord wonder," she says) was heavily influenced by artists such as Connie Kaldor, Ian Tamblyn, and Bonnie Raitt and evolved to include blues and jazz influences. A popular festival performer and songwriting workshop leader, Miller has released two previous albums available on cassette: _Superwoman: Cathy Goes Camping_ and _Footprints on the Moon_. Her third album, and first CD, _Dance Beneath the Moon_ is a jazz-flavoured album that demonstrates Miller's new western influences with an acoustic approach that dominates the sound. Highlights include the title track, "Dance Beneath the Moon," "Ride the Wind," "Living in the Martinique," and "In a Perfect World." This is an album you keep coming back to, listen after listen.

> **Dance Beneath the Moon**  
>  1991 Sealed with a Kiss Records (SWAK CD03)  
>  _Dance Beneath the Moon; Ride the Wind; Smith Boys; Living in the Martinique; I Had a House; Desert Dancing; Empty in the Sunrise; No Point of View; Two People; Indian Summer; In a Perfect World 44:40_

* * *

### Mikel Miller

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Mikel Miller, a travelling balladeer, performed on street corners in the 60's, folk clubs in the 70's, and assorted bars and honky-tonks. His music is influenced by the time he spent with Phil Ochs and Townes Van Zandt, Miller has assimilated styles drawn from Jerry Jeff Walker and Ramblin' Jack Eliot. During the 80's settled in Whitehorse, Yukon, playing the local clubs and festivals throughout the Yukon and Alaska. In the late 80's he released a six-song LP titled _No More Trains_. In the early 90's he contributed material to the CBC double CD _Another Day in Paradise_ , a series devoted to northern artists. His debut CD, _The Key_ (1996) features Miller's songwriting, including "Slow Driftin' Song," "Simple Gift of Love," and the title song, "The Key." Miller includes one Norm Hacking song, "Stubborn Ghost." Produced by Bob Hamilton, additional musicians on _The Key_ include Dave Haddock, George McConkey, Bob Hamilton, Annie Avery, Andrea McColeman, Don Armitage, Marc Paradis, Roland Mitton, and Rusty May.

> **The Key**  
>  1996 LEA/JEN (LJMCA-001)  
>  _Slow Driftin' Song; The Evenin's Over; Stubborn Ghost; This One's On Me; The Key; It's Not Supposed to be That Way; The Pilgrim's Progress; My Love for Her; Something You Never Knew; Simple Gift of Love 43:12_

* * *

### Miller's Jug

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Miller's Jug has been recording and performing around the East Coast since 1972. On their latest collection of songs, _Songs from Canada's East Coast_ (1995), the band has featured various East Coast songwriters including D.J. Reeves, Paul Healy, Duncan Wells, as well as members of the band itself. The album is slow-paced, with an emphasis on sentimental lyrics. The musicianship and vocals are workmanlike and sound, but there's no special crackle of energy or any fresh insights. The band members on this recording are Sean McCabe, Peter Brown, Don Webb and Dave Weir.

> **Heritage: Songs from Canada's East Coast**  
>  1995 Silver Cove (MJD1995)  
>  _Mullen; Heritage; Sittin' Next to You; Old Man and the Mary C.; Mama Sang a Cajun Song; Carrickfergus; Black Rum and Blueberry Pie; Northeast; Joshua; Last Waltz; Herring and Potatoes; The Nova Scotia Medley 49:48_

* * *

### Joni Mitchell

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Brilliantly-gifted singer-songwriter and Juno Hall of Famer Joni Mitchell began her musical career playing Toronto's chief folk venues—The Riverboat and the Mariposa Folk Festival—in the mid 1960's. From the start it was obvious that she was unique and unusually talented. With her exotic open guitar tunings and her intensely personal, highly-charged lyrics, Mitchell acquired a huge following on the folk circuit before she became an international star. Her music quickly grew beyond what anyone would call folk music. Never afraid to experiment, Mitchell ranges widely between folk, folk/rock, jazz, and fusions of all three. From an audience point of view, some of her explorations have been more successful than others.

Mitchell's early period is the one most universally loved by her many fans, for it was this period that introduced her indelible sound and style and many of her best, if youthful, lyrics. Mitchell's early recordings became part of the fabric of the "flower-power" era. _Joni Mitchell_ , from 1968, was originally divided into two sides, "I Came to the City," and "Out of the City and Down to The Seaside"—a distinction lost on CD. _Clouds_ , reveals a more confident Mitchell who has found her sound. The entire album is a gallery of Mitchell classics, including "Chelsea Morning," "Songs To Aging Children Come," "Both Sides Now," and the haunting "Tin Angel." The 1970 _Ladies of the Canyon_ is archetypal early Mitchell. From "Morning Morgantown," through songs like "For Free," "Ladies Of The Canyon," "The Arrangement," "Big Yellow Taxi," to the closer, "The Circle Game," this is the album to purchase for those who want to revel in nostalgia.

_Blue_ , released in 1971, is widely acclaimed as one of the finest albums Mitchell has ever done. Darker, more intimate, and more mature than her previous work, it includes masterful creations such as "All I Want," "Carey," "Blue," "California," "River," "A Case of You," and "The Last Time I Saw Richard." _For the Roses_ , 1972, features songs like "Banquet," "Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire," "For the Roses," and "You Turn Me on I'm a Radio." The 1974 album _Court and Spark_ may be Mitchell's best-known and best-loved recording. Backed by outstanding jazz and rock musicians, the album represents the high-water mark of Mitchell's early career. From "Court And Spark" to the jazz classic "Twisted," this durable album wears well, still sounding fabulous over the years. The live album, _Miles Of Aisles_ , another 1974 release, may be one of Mitchell's more underrated works. Backed by a good folk/rock band, the L.A. Express, Mitchell is in fine voice as she puts a new spin on her work.

With the 1975 release, _Hissing of Summer Lawns_ , Mitchell began to change direction into the experimental music that characterizes her "middle" period. The change between _Court and Spark_ and _Hissing_ was too abrupt for some fans. Songs like "The Jungle Line," "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow," "The Hissing of Summer Lawns," and "Shadows and Light" are fascinating, but more demanding than her earlier work. The songs don't latch onto your psyche the way her earlier ones do. Sounding as if it could have been recorded in the 90's, _Hejira_ , from 1976, is the most successful of Mitchell's mid-period work. It includes memorable songs like "Coyote," "Amelia," "Hejira," and "Refuge of the Roads." The album features Mitchell exploring the textures and tapestries available on the electric guitar. _Don Juan's Reckless Daughter_ , an album "which was very unpopular in the white community, was understood by the black community," according to Mitchell. This 1977 release left a lot of early fans behind. The distance between _Don Juan_ and _For The Roses_ was too great. _Don Juan_ continues the exploration of rhythms and sounds that characterize her middle period. If _Don Juan_ bothered fans, it was nothing compared to _Mingus_ , Mitchell's 1979 album that carried her further into her avant garde explorations. Most fans, as well as critics, remain convinced that Mitchell's voice and lyrics were not meant for jazz. The 1980 _Shadows and Light_ release is another live recording. A perhaps defiant Mitchell selected material almost exclusively from her middle period, as if turning her back on her early and more popular work.

_Wild Things Run Fast_ , from 1982, is Mitchell's first album for Geffen and her first collaboration with Larry Klein. It takes Mitchell into her "contemporary" period, away from the jazz-based experimentalism of her middle period and back to a concentration on lyrics. Unlike her early albums, the instrumentation is very modern, with electric instruments and synthesized sounds. The 1985 _Dog Eat Dog_ is a work that Mitchell describes this way: " _Dog Eat Dog_ was a synthetic keyboard album, but I'm playing most of it. People think somebody has smeared all of this over me, but it is me, playing with a wider palette" (Interview in _Impact_ , December 1994). For most fans, one of her least successful experiments. _Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm_ , 1988, reunites Mitchell with Larry Klein as co-producers. The emphasis is back on lyrics (set among highly complex musical tapestries).

The 1991 album _Night Ride Home_ is the first Mitchell album in years that is an unqualified success. This Mitchell/Klein recording features some of the best lyrics Mitchell has written in over a decade and although her voice is a ghost of its former self, the mature, penetrating songwriting is a joy to listen to. Highlights include "Night Ride Home," the stunning "Cherokee Louise," "Slouching Towards Bethlehem," and "The Only Joy in Town." The rich sound of Mitchell's acoustic, open-chord tunings is a pleasant relief from the instrumentation of her middle period. _Turbulent Indigo_ , a 1994 recording, takes up from where _Night Ride_ leaves off and does it one better. Her reduced vocal range notwithstanding, this might be the best Mitchell album ever. While not as prettily lyrical as her early work, the biting lyrics form a powerful album that grows on you play after play. Highlights include "Sunny Sunday," "Turbulent Indigo," "The Magdalene Laundries," and "Borderline."

> **Joni Mitchell**  
>  1968 Reprise (CD 6293)  
>  _I Had a King; Michael from Mountains; Night in the City; Marcie; Nathan la Franeer; Sisotowbell Lane; The Dawntreader; The Pirate of Penance; Song to a Seagull; Cactus Tree 38:03_

> **Clouds**  
>  1969 Reprise (CD 6341)  
>  _Tin Angel; Chelsea Morning; I Don't Know Where I Stand; That Song About the Midway; Roses Blue; The Gallery; I Think I Understand; Songs to Aging Children Come; The Fiddle and the Drum; Both Sides, Now 37:44_

> **Ladies of the Canyon**  
>  1970 Reprise (CD 6376)  
>  _Morning Morgantown; For Free; Conversation; Ladies of the Canyon; Willy; The Arrangement; Rainy Night House; The Priest; Blue Boy; Big Yellow Taxi; Woodstock; The Circle Game 44:58_

> **Blue**  
>  1971 Reprise (CD 2038)  
>  _All I Want; My Old Man; Little Green; Carey; Blue; California; This Flight Tonight; River; A Case of You; The Last Time I Saw Richard 36:13_

> **For the Roses**  
>  1972 Asylum (5057-2)  
>  _Banquet; Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire; Barangrill; Lesson in Survival; Let the Wind Carry Me; For the Roses; See You Sometime; Electricity; You Turn Me on I'm a Radio; Blonde in the Bleachers; Woman of Heart and Mind; Judgement of the Moon and Stars (Ludwig's Tune) 40:25_

> **Court and Spark**  
>  1973 Elektra / Asylum (CD 1001)  
>  _Court and Spark; Help Me; Free Man in Paris; People's Parties; Same Situation; Car on a Hill; Down to You; Just like This Train; Raised on Robbery; Trouble Child; Twisted 36:58_

> **Miles of Aisles**  
>  1974 Elektra / Asylum (202-2)  
>  _You Turn Me on I'm a Radio; Big Yellow Taxi; Rainy Night House; Woodstock; Cactus Tree; Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire; Woman of Heart and Mind; A Case of You; Blue; Circle Game; People's Parties; All I Want; Real Good for Free; Both Sides Now; Carey; The Last Time I Saw Richard; Jericho; Love or Money 74:05_

> **The Hissing of Summer Lawns**  
>  1975 Elektra / Asylum (1051-2)  
>  _In France They Kiss on Main Street; The Jungle Line; Edith and the Kingpin; Don't Interrupt the Sorrow; Shades of Scarlett Conquering; The Hissing of Summer Lawns; The Boho Dance; Harry's House/Centerpiece; Sweet Bird; Shadows and Light 42:37_

> **Hejira**  
>  1976 Elektra / Asylum (CD 1087)  
>  _Coyote; Amelia; Furry Sings the Blues; A Strange Boy; Hejira; Song for Sharon; Black Crow; Blue Motel Room; Refuge of the Roads 51:55_

> **Don Juan's Reckless Daughter**  
>  1977 Elektra / Asylum (701-2)  
>  _Overture—Cotton Avenue; Talk to Me; Jericho; Paprika Plains; Otis and Marlena; The Tenth World; Dreamland; Don Juan's Reckless Daughter; Off Night Backstreet; The Silky Veils of Ardor 59:41_

> **Mingus**  
>  1979 Elektra / Asylum (505-2)  
>  _Happy Birthday 1975 (RAP); God Must Be a Boogie Man; Funeral (RAP); A Chair in the Sky; The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey; I's a Muggin' (RAP); Sweet Sucker Dance; Coin in the Pocket (RAP); The Dry Cleaner from des Moines; Lucky (RAP); Goodbye Pork Pie Hat 37:24_

> **Shadows and Light**  
>  1980 Elektra / Asylum (704-2)  
>  _Introduction; In France They Kiss on Main Street; Edith and the Kingpin; Coyote; Goodbye Pork Pie Hat; The Dry Cleaner from des Moines; Amelia; Pat's Solo; Hejira; Dreamland; Band Introduction; Furry Sings the Blues; Why Do Fools Fall in Love; Shadows and Light; God Must Be a Boogie Man; Woodstock 72:24_

> **Wild Things Run Fast**  
>  1982 Geffen (GEFMD 2019)  
>  _Chinese Cafe/Unchained Melody; Wild Things Run Fast; Ladies' Man; Moon at the Window; Solid Love; Be Cool; (You're So Square) Baby, I Don't Care; You Dream Flat Tires; Man to Man; Underneath the Streetlight; Love 36:44_

> **Dog Eat Dog**  
>  1985 Geffen (GEFD-24074)  
>  _Good Friends; Fiction; The Three Great Stimulants; Tax Free; Smokin' (Empty, Try Another); Dog Eat Dog; Shiny Toys; Ethiopia; Impossible Dreamer; Lucky Girl 43:30_

> **Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm**  
>  1988 Geffen (CD 24172)  
>  _My Secret Place; Number One; Lakota; The Tea Leaf Prophecy (Lay Down Your Arms); Dancin' Clown; Cool Water; The Beat of Black Wings; Snakes and Ladders; The Reoccurring Dream; A Bird That Whistles (Corrina, Corrina) 46:24_

> **Night Ride Home**  
>  1991 Geffen (GEFSD 24302)  
>  _Night Ride Home; Passion Play (When All the Slaves Are Free); Cherokee Louise; The Windfall (Everything for Nothing); Slouching Towards Bethlehem; Come in from the Cold; Nothing Can Be Done; The Only Joy in Town; Ray's Dad's Cadillac; Two Grey Rooms 51:42_

> **Turbulent Indigo**  
>  1994 Reprise (9 45786-2)  
>  _Sunny Sunday; Sex Kills; How Do You Stop; Turbulent Indigo; Last Chance Lost; The Magdalene Laundries; Not to Blame; Borderline; Yvette in English; The Sire of Sorrow (Job's Sad Song) 43:05_

* * *

### Michael Mitchell

_Traditional; Contemporary_

Ottawa troubadour Michael Mitchell has led a dual career, as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, and as an entertainer who sings Scottish, Irish, and Canadian folksongs at clubs and in schools. Among his accomplishments, he is also the author of the book _Ducimus—The Regiments of the Canadian Infantry_. Mitchell's albums are theme based. _Lest We Forget_ is a collection of songs "dedicated to the men and women who have defended the peace and freedom of our nation on the field of honour." Mitchell's delivery of Bogle's "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" and "No Man's Land," Whittaker's "The Last Farewell," and the traditional "Arthur McBride" stand up well. _Pub Night, Volume 1_ is an uptempo set of songs recorded live. Highlights include "The Hills of Connemara," "Silver Sea," "Streets Of London," and "Farewell to Nova Scotia." _Canada Is ..._ is a collection of songs about Canada including "Log Drivers Waltz," "Sonny's Dream," "Canadian Railroad Trilogy," and "Canada Is." The similarly titled _Canada Is for Kids_ is an album of songs about Canada aimed at schools. There's a separate book of lyrics and music that can be purchased to be used with singalongs.

> **Lest We Forget**  
>  [no date] MKM (SA94201)  
>  _Banks of Sicily; The Last Farewell; Bonnie Dundee; Heaven Help the Devil; The Band Played Waltzing Matilda; Fare Thee Well Enniskillen; A Scottish Soldier; Arthur McBride; The Peat Bog Soldier; No Man's Land 38:01_

> **Pub Night, Volume 1**  
>  [no date] MKM (SA94202)  
>  _The Hills of Connemara; Waltzing Matilda; Gypsy Rover; The Orange and the Green; Song for the Mira; Silver Sea; Streets of London; Bold O'Donoghue; Farewell to Nova Scotia; Skye Boat Song; Black Velvet Band; Working Man; Lord of the Dance; Danny Boy; Scotland the Brave 56:40_

> **Canada Is ...**  
>  [no date] MKM (SA94246CD)  
>  _Log Drivers Waltz; Sonny's Dream; Canadian Railroad Trilogy; Nous Vivons Ensemble; The Island; The York Boat Brigade; Rolling Down to Old Maui; Roseville Fair; Canada Is ... 38:04_

> **Canada Is for Kids**  
>  [no date] MKM (MKMC 1004)  
>  _Something to Sing About; Little Trees; I'se the B'y; The Island; Farewell to Nova Scotia; V'La l'Bon Vent; Canada in My Pocket; This Land Is Your Land; Log Driver's Waltz; Lady Franklin's Lament; Alberta Bound; The Bluenose; Fly High; Canada Is ... 42:42_

* * *

### Modabo

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Modabo's first album _Modabo_ (1994) established the New Brunswick group as one of the premier folk/rock bands in Canada, rooted more in the tradition of Crosby, Stills and Nash rather than East Coast Celtic. With superb vocal harmony and equally superb playing, Modabo is upbeat, irreverent, humourous and engaging. The band, consisting of Darell Grant, Jon Weaver, and Michael Doyle, have one of the freshest, acoustic-based sounds playing the folk circuit. _Modabo_ produced by Garnet Rogers, contains one excellent listening track after another.

With their second release, _The Many and the One_ (1997), Modabo has notched up its sound and lyrics to another level. With lush instrumentation and original material written mainly by songwriter Darell Grant, the band has produced an album that will reach across generations of listeners. The album was co-produced by Darrell Grant, Jon Weaver, and Oliver Schroer, with additional production by Paul Mills.

> **Modabo**  
>  1994 Modabo Productions (no catalogue number)  
>  _Sargasso; High Time; If It's Not Broken; Hold Tight; On a Bus Growing Crowded; Time to Go; Travellin'; Stop; Brand New Start; Heart's Arrow; Fire; Early One Morning 41:15_

> **The Many and the One**  
>  1997 Modabo (02-50732)  
>  _A Little Too Far; Second Chance; Cakewalk; Echolalia; The King Who Knew Everything; Young, Young Man; Arabella; Love and Sorrow; While the River's Rolling; Boomerang; Take Life Adagio; If You Keep on Telling Me Lies; Grace; Simon James; You Do Something to Me; Let's Find a Way 52:32_

* * *

### Terry Morrison

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Edmonton-born Terry Morrison began writing her songs in her teens, drawing on influences like Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Judy Collins and Joni Mitchell. At seventeen she moved to Montreal briefly, then spent most of the 80's on the West Coast and in Toronto before moving back to Edmonton in 1991. Devoted to her music, Morrison has worked day jobs from tree planting to waitressing while developing as a performing songwriter. She has subsequently played the Edmonton Folk Festival, Calgary Folk Festival, Regina Folk Festival, Mariposa Folk Festival, Victoria Jazz Festival and others, in addition to clubs and concert appearances.

The title of Morrison's first release, _Breaking Ground_ (1995), has multiple meanings. "It's a place where you break down, or the idea that you have to go through stuff to move forward, and that you have to break new ground to make things happen. I'm big on gardening and you have to break ground to plant a seed"— _Edmonton Journal_. Some of the tunes are dark but there is always hope in them. And you've just got to love it when an artist pens a tongue-in-cheek song called "Herbaceous Ballad of Coriander Mandrake." Morrison has a fine cast of backup musicians on this album produced by Dave Mockford. Additional musicians include Chris Smith, Bill Bourne, Kevin Cook and Shannon Johnson.

_No Covers_ (1997) is a live concert recording from Convocation Hall at the University of Alberta in the spring of 1997. The thirteen songs selected for the album include the upbeat acoustic numbers "Cream in My Coffee," "Something Going On," and "Naked" to the jazz-coloured "Moment of Reckoning" and "Compitas." From introspective ballads such as "Psyche's Dream" and "Blue Madonna" to the bluesy "Hot and Bothered," Morrison's rich alto voice and strong songwriting draw you in as if you were in attendance in the hall. Produced by Colin Lay, additional musicians include Maria Dunn, Brian Gregg, Shannon Johnson and Dale Ladoucer.

> **The Breaking Ground**  
>  1995 Terry Morrison (CD555)  
>  _Big Trouble; Thinking Song; Golden Boy; Dogs of Life; Don't Tell Me; Tokens of a Dream; Ripe for Action; Walking the Fine Line; Herbaceous Ballad of Coriander Mandrake; Siren Song; Split in Two; The Breaking Ground 53:08_

> **No Covers**  
>  1997 Terry Morrison (TMCD 222)  
>  _Cream in My Coffee; Psyche's Dream; Two Feet and a Heartbeat; Winter Wind; Moment of Reckoning; Something Going On; Blue Madonna; Compitas; Cyrano's Valentine; Hot and Bothered; Always on the Move; No Rules; Naked 64:27_

* * *

### Ann Mortifee

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Loosely associated with the folk circuit, British Columbia singer-songwriter Ann Mortifee brings her full, theatrical voice to original songs that lean towards the New Age side of the musical spectrum. Mortifee's fifth album, and her first CD, _Serenade at The Doorway_ , is described as "songs to support and inspire a healing journey." The liner notes preface the lyrics with this passage: "We are forever at a doorway, going through endings and beginnings; being born or dying to a relationship, a dream, a way of being or to life itself. Those who have gone before us through the doorway, must yearn to send word to those of us who linger awhile." This theme is carried forward to her sixth album and second CD, _Healing Journey_. There are elements of the music that may remind some fans of the work of Irish singer-songwriter Enya. Highlights include "Healing Journey," "Baptism," "Oriental Breeze," "Shankarananda," and "When the Rains Come." Mortifee's voice is undeniably beautiful throughout, but the delivery may not be rootsy enough for some fans.

> **Serenade at the Doorway**  
>  1990 Jabula (JR 043)  
>  _Come with Me; I Always Thought I'd Have Tomorrow; Healing Journey; How Can I Say Good-Bye; Anger is a Fever; I Won't Stay Silent Any Longer; As Each Moment Goes By; Alone; The Garden Gate/Lead Me on 50:57_

> **Healing Journey**  
>  1994 Jabula (JR 046)  
>  _Healing Journey; Baptism; Gypsy Born; Oriental Breeze; Tyger! Tyger!; Shankarananda; Streets of Banaras; Are You Lonely; Goodbye My Love; Born to Live; Take Me Back; Just One Voice; I Won't Stay Silent; Zulu Fairy Tale; When the Rains Come 67:02_

* * *

### Brian Morton

_Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

Hamilton, Ontario singer-songwriter Brian Morton has been deeply inspired by Stan Rogers, as evidenced from the title of his first album, _A Lonely Cairn of Stones_ , a phrase from "Northwest Passage." Morton writes songs about incidents from Canadian history such as the sinking of the Canadian Pacific liner "The Empress Of Ireland," and "She's Gone Boys, She's Gone," about the fishing moratorium and its effects on Newfoundland. Morton also includes songs by other songwriters, including Scott Smith's "Green Town," Bill Gallaher's "The Last Battle," and Grit Laskin's "Where Does Love Come From." With great guest musicians, such as fiddlers Steve Fuller and Oliver Schroer, this is a solid debut album.

> **A Lonely Cairn of Stones**  
>  1994 Theatre Erebus (BGM CD 1001)  
>  _The Empress of Ireland; Green Town; Three Fishers; She's Gone Boys; The Nancy's Pride; U-Boat 534; The Maple Leaf Forever; The Last Battle; Friends Ain't Supposed to Die; Where Does Love Come From?; Young Jimmy in Flanders; Blind Dancers; Lady Franklin's Lament/A Lonely Cairn of Stones/Northwest Passage 73:45_

* * *

### Moxy Früvous

_Contemporary; Humour; Singer-Songwriter_

As Monty Python says, "And now for something completely different." Toronto-based Moxy Früvous sound like the Beach Boys doing Tom Lehrer. The sweet boyish harmonies (part of the comic effect) are laced with barbs, satire, political commentary, nonsense, and just plain fun. They began as an a cappella busker act working the Toronto subway system. The group, consisting of Mike Ford, Murray Foster, Jean Ghomeshi, and David Matheson write fresh, vibrantly fun material that is a counterpoint to the serious-mindedness that occasionally affects folksinger/songwriters. _Bargainville_ presents the zany and highly original work that has made Moxy Früvous a catchy act on the folk circuit. Perhaps the funniest track is "King of Spain," a calypso-style ditty with quips like "Once I was the King of Spain / An' now I vacuum the turf at Skydome." Recommended for anyone who needs to shed some seriousness.

> **Bargainville**  
>  1993 Warner (WEA CD 93134)  
>  _River Valley; Stuck in the 90's; B.J. Don't Cry; Video Bargainville; Fell in Love; The Lazy Boy; My Baby Loves a Bunch of Authors; The Drinking Song; Morphée; King of Spain; Darlington Darling; Bittersweet; Laika; Spiderman; Gulf War Song 52:07_

> **Wood**  
>  1995 Warner (CD 10616)  
>  _Down from Above; Horseshoes; Fly; The Present Tense Tureen; Poor Mary Lane; On Her Doorstep; Misplaced; It's Too Cold; Bed and Breakfast; Nuits de Rêve; Sad Today 51:17_

* * *

### Mr. Mole

_Traditional; Contemporary; Bluegrass_

The Calgary-based folk trio, Mr. Mole, performs an eclectic mix of original material that spans a range of folk styles from traditional to bluegrass to blues/jazz-oriented cuts. Anchored by tasty guitar and fiddle arrangements, their first CD _Silver Thin Lines_ presents three highly talented songwriters and musicians who have good material and know how to have fun performing it. The vocals are excellent and the acoustic-based arrangements are tight. The lyrics come through front and center. A fine debut album.

The members of Mr. Mole are Will Mehew, Gary Kurtz and Mary Cole. Mehew (pronounced _may-hue_ ) was born and raised in Toronto, moving west in 1973. Inspired by Gordon Lightfoot, Stan Rogers and James Keelaghan, Mehew left the rock world to enter Calgary's thriving folk scene in 1990. Gary Kurtz, a native of Brooks, Alberta, apprenticed in rock and country bands before discovering acoustic guitar and fiddle. His acoustic influences include Celtic music, traditional fiddle tunes and bluegrass. Mary Cole, a native of Calgary, Alberta, took up bass in 1990 in order to share her original songs. Her influences include Leonard Cohen, Rory McLeod, Bill Holliday and Betty Carter.

> **Silver Thin Lines**  
>  1997 Moletown (no catalogue number)  
>  _Fisherman's Lament; Painter's Cry; I Ain't Tired; Old House; Jesus' Basement; Lavender & Prose; Takin' It Easy; Immigrant Bones; Ode to Grandma; Walkin' the Dog; Fighter Pilot's Lament 42:59_

* * *

### Mundy's Bay Grog League

_Traditional_

A group of singers and musicians who live by Ontario's Georgian Bay, Mundy's Bay Grog League take their name from Mundy Bay, the former name of Midland, Ontario during the great sailing days of the Great Lakes. Comprised of friends and members of the Mundy's Bay Folk Society, the group began as a kitchen-session song circle in 1993. Living near the "sixth" Great Lake, it comes as little surprise that they should specialize in songs of the sea.

Their debut CD, _Songs of the Sea_ , is the kind of album you should put on your player whenever the world becomes too serious or too effete. Their infectious a cappella harmonies and lightly instrumentalized sea songs and shanties are in the same school of delivery as Tom Lewis and Friends of Fiddler's Green. The album is sheer fun—if you can avoid singing along, you fail as a folkie.

The majority of the songs on the album are traditional, with some particularly nice renditions of tunes such as "Bullgine Run," "All For Me Grog," "Santy Anno," and "The Bonnie Ship the Diamond." Mundy's Bay performs one Tom Lewis number, "I'm Marching Inland," as well as the Jim Stewart song, "Marco Polo." This is an album you'll play often—it strips away all the music-industry nonsense, delivering honest-to-goodness, traditional sea songs with aplomb. The few rough edges here and there simply add to the ambience. If your song circle ever sounds this good, book some studio time! Recommended.

Mundy's Bay Grog League is Neil Evans, Jim Hanmore, Sharon Tippin, Keith Tippin, Deborah Sibbald, and Dave Ward.

> **Songs of the Sea**  
>  1996 Mundy's Bay Grog League (MBGL-001)  
>  _Strike the Bell; The Alabama; Greenland Whale Fisheries; I'm Marching Inland; Bullgine Run; Marco Polo; Santy Anno; All for Me Grog; Boston Harbour; Paddy Lay Back; Roll the Old Chariot; My Donald/Ode to Big Blue; The Bonnie Ship the Diamond; Essiquibo River; The Rosabella; Across the Line 48:15_

* * *

### Lee Murdock

_Great Lakes Songs; Singer-Songwriter_

For the purposes of this book, Lee Murdock has been declared an "honourary Canadian." Based in Kaneville, Illinois, outside of Chicago, Murdock is a specialist in Great Lakes songs, some of which he writes and many of which he has researched and brought back into circulation. His material is part American and part Canadian, with stories that reflect the history and people on all the shores of the Great Lakes as well as the sailors from both countries who ply the inland oceans.

Murdock began his performing career as a folk-blues artist and only later discovered the extensive body of music and stories of the Great Lakes when he started a simple search looking for folk songs from his own local history. Audiences loved the material he unearthed and asked for more. From that time forward, Murdock has become _the_ chief interpreter of Great Lakes material, appearing frequently at American and Canadian venues and festivals in the Great Lakes region. A good guitarist who switches between 6-string and 12-string, Murdock has an engaging voice that is a perfect match for his material. He puts just the right touch to his material. In addition to historical songs and original songs, Murdock also collects other contemporary songs about the Lakes. Performers looking for fresh material will find plenty of good songs on these albums, and lyrics are included. Murdock received a Harry Hibbs Porcupine Award in 1995.

Murdock's first album to include Great Lakes material is _Fertile Ground_ (1989) which includes "Christmas Ship"—a Murdock original that has become one of his trademark numbers—and "The Bigler's Crew" and "The Eastland." Canadian listeners will also enjoy Murdock's version of "Lady Franklin's Lament," not a Great Lakes song, but a song dear to Canadian audiences.

By _Cold Winds_ (1991) Murdock was hitting his stride with his new repertoire. Most of the songs on the album are Lake songs. The album also includes a nice interpretation of James Keelaghan's "Rebecca's Lament." _Safe in the Harbour_ (1993) is one of Murdock's finest releases and one highly recommended for anyone new to his music. Starting with the splendid song "The Downtowner Motel," the album progresses through a memorable set of material. Of note is Murdock's fine interpretation of Stan Rogers' "White Squall." "The Spirits of Long Point" is a humourous account of a shipwreck off Long Point in Ontario. The album also has another interesting Canadian connection: the version of Eric Bogle's "Safe in the Harbour" (a song written in memory of Stan Rogers) is an unusual version of the song Murdock learned from the singing of one-time Ontario resident Margaret Christl.

_Freshwater Highway_ (1995) starts off with the upbeat, up-tempo Shel Silverstein number "The Great Lakes Song," a good song for young and adult audiences alike. The album is sprinkled liberally with historical material blended with contemporary writing. A well-produced album, Murdock is joined by a number of fine session musicians.

_Voices Across the Water_ (1997) may be Murdock's finest album, musically. The album is highlighted by Murdock's own songwriting, including two memorable songs he has written about the Great Lakes, "Deep Blue Horizon" and "Voices Across the Water." There is a good selection of traditional Great Lakes material as well as one of Murdock's most popular concert medleys: "Red Iron Ore / Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." "Red Iron Ore" is a song about the E.C. Roberts, a large schooner that was also considered "the pride of the line." Both ships hauled iron ore and both were bound for Cleveland. The Roberts was eventually sold for scrap while the Fitzgerald met her doom in a wreck made famous by Gordon Lightfoot. Murdock is joined by another fine cast of guest musicians and backup vocalists on this recording.

_Great Lakes Chronicle_ (1998) is a 2-CD set of Murdock material from live concerts. CD 1 features Murdock in concert with the Blue Water Band. The album captures the spirit of a Lee Murdock concert and preserves some of his between-song information about ships on the Great Lakes. Many of these songs have been released on previous albums, but hearing them performed live adds a pleasant ambiance. The 2-CD set makes an excellent introduction to Murdock's music, but performers should note that this album does not include lyric sheets. Recommended.

> **Fertile Ground**  
>  1989 Depot (DEP009)  
>  _Fertile Ground; St. Louis Tickle; The Eastland; Trouble in Mind; Carolan's Quarrel with the Landlady; Lakes of Pontchartrain; The Bigler's Crew; Gilderoy/Flowers of the Forest; Lady Franklin's Lament; Dollar Down and a Dollar a Day; Charles O'Connor; The Christmas Ship 50:19_

> **Cold Winds**  
>  1991 Depot (DEP-011)  
>  _Prelude/The Captain and the Mystic; Shores of Lake Michigan/May Day (Bannockburn); Foxfire Light; Last Winter Was a Hard One; Downbound on Superior; Low Bridge, Everybody Down; Cold Winds; Living Gale; Rebecca's Lament; Wreck of the Carl D. Bradley; Banks of Cold Waters; E.C. Roberts; Walk-in-the-Water; I'll Be with You/Reprise 58:06_

> **Safe in the Harbor**  
>  1993 Depot (DEP-013)  
>  _The Downtowner Motel; Lost on the Lady Elgin; Yankee Brown; White Squall; The Spirits of Long Point; Rendezvous; Keeper of the Light; Watching Lake Michigan Roll; You Damned Old Piney Mountains; The Gallagher Boys; Joshua Johnson; Indiana; Safe in the Harbor 65:12_

> **Freshwater Highway**  
>  1995 Depot (DEP-017)  
>  _The Great Lakes Song; Heave Her Up and Bust Her; No Nets Will Be Found; The Scow Netty Fly; Fire on the Water; Haul Away Joe; The Illinois and Michigan Canal; Requiem for the Mesquite; The Glendy Burk; The Ghost of Red Monroe; It's Time for Us to Leave Her; The Cold Freshwater Trade 49:54_

> **Voices Across the Water**  
>  1997 Depot (DEP-020)  
>  _Deep Blue Horizon; Hangin' Johnnie; The Longing That I Feel; The Stomach Robber; Below Niagara Falls; Voices Across the Water; We Have to Go Out; Rio Grande; The Mules that Walked the Fo'c's'le Deck; Queen of the Beach; Red Iron Ore/Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald; Shenandore; Let the Lower Lights be Burning 58:41_

> **Great Lakes Chronicle**  
>  1998 Depot (DEP-022)  
>  _**CD1:** The Great Lakes Song; The Persia's Crew; Low Bridge, Everybody Down; Lost on the Lady Elgin; Queen of the Beach; The Mules That Walked the Fo'c's'le Deck; White Squall; Shores of Lake Michigan/May Day (Bannockburn); No Nets Will Be Found; The Christmas Ship 55:42_

> _**CD2:** Cold Winds/Living Gale; Requiem for the Mesquite; Illinois & Michigan Canal; The Ghost of Red Monroe [recitation]; Watching Lake Michigan Roll; Banks of Cold Waters; Voices Across the Water; The Longing That I Feel; Safe in the Harbor; Encore: Christmas Medley 63:10_

* * *

## N

### Arnie Naiman & Chris Coole

_Traditional; Banjo_

Arnie Naiman and Chris Coole are two of Toronto's most accomplished "old-time" banjo players. Naiman is from the duo Ragged But Right and Coole plays with the bluegrass band One Horse Town. On _5 Strings Attached with No Backing_ they joined forces to produce a banjo album that features old and new material all played in finger-picking and claw-hammer styles accompanied occasionally by guitar and vocals.

The album is a tasteful frolic through traditional tunes such as "Elkorn Ridge," "John Henry," and "John Hardy" to new compositions in the old style, such as "Winfield's Fancy" and "The Skinny Guy's Gotta Eat." Kathy Reid-Naiman from Ragged But Right fills in with guitar on a number of the tracks. The album is a banjoist's delight. Recommended.

> **5 Strings Attached with No Backing**  
>  1997 Merriweather (MO1CA)  
>  _Winfield's Fancy; Don Valley Ramble; Elkorn Ridge; Bloody Red River; The Blackest Crow; Darlin' Nelly Grey; Fretless; Country Blues; The Skinny Guy's Gotta Eat; Trip to Restoule; Sally Ann Johnson; Sam's Dream; John Henry; Walking the Dog; Ducks on the Pond; John Hardy; Quince Dillon's High D; Mind the Gap 56:22_

* * *

### Jory Nash

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto-based Jory Nash is a young singer-songwriter who plays six- and twelve-string acoustic guitar, piano, and banjo. With a voice described as "smooth, often dreamy, but with an edginess throughout," Nash has been developing a following in the Toronto club scene at venues such as C'est What, Rivoli, Free Times Cafe, Lee's Palace, and Liberty Street Cafe.

_One Way Down_ (1998), combines elements of folk, rock, jazz, blues and country. In addition to Nash's solid vocals and songwriting, the album is cemented by his stylish flat picking and finger picking. He also adds some nice work on piano. The folkiest tracks on the recording are "A Terrible Man," which has an early Paul Simon feel, and the unlisted 17th track, "Pot of Gold." _One Way Down_ is a strong debut recording that lifts Nash into the professional arena. Additional musicians include Jason Fowler on guitar, David Woodhead on bass, and Leah Salomar on vocals.

> **One Way Down**  
>  1998 Thin Man (tmrcd 001)  
>  _Dark Brown Eyes; The Flyer (Intro); The Flyer; Ashbridge's Bay; A Terrible Man; One Way Down; Call It Blue; Many Fools Am I; Sweetness; Jericho Now; Stories; Let Me In; Been So Good to You; Two Little Indian Girls; Headlines; Across the Water; Pot of Gold 56:39_

* * *

### The Nationals

_Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

The Nationals, a Toronto blues trio, are Brian Cober, Paul McNamara, and Nick Kent. Fronted by Cober, who uses a unique method of double slide playing (using slides on the fourth finger and thumb), _Piece of Wood_ , their first CD, features good instrumentals mixed with hard, raw blues songs.

> **Piece of Wood**  
>  1994 Chester (CHESTER02)  
>  _Walk the Line; I Can't Fight; I Long; Trouble Looks for Me; In Among the Trees; Statesboro Blues; I'm Over Here, She's Over There; Poor Boy; Piece of Wood; Fifth Column Theme; Reds R Blues; Live-a This Life 40:18_

* * *

### Nazka

_Worldbeat_

Nazka, a Toronto-based group originally from Chile, expresses its engaging Latin-American rhythms, instrumentation, and vocals on _Latino American Music_. Nazka's blend of percussion, strings, and Andean winds is accompanied by vocals and, here and there, a touch of soft trumpet. This easy-listening album provides a gentle starting point for those interested in exploring world music. Nazka is Rodrigo Chavez, Lisa Lindo, Edgardo Moreno, Jose Sanhueza, and Miguel Vasquez.

> **Latino American Music**  
>  1993 Nazka (N002-93)  
>  _A_ la Orilla de la Cuidad; Silencio en Lima; Me Gusta Elena; Conversacion; Asi Suavecito; Coplas de Cantaclaro; La Vida Simple; Que se Quema El Zango; San Pedro de Cayambe; Sikuriada Del Alba; Cueca de Dos Lugares; Los Matarifes/Yo Soy Due ñno Del Baron 49:17_

* * *

### New Earth

_Contemporary_

New Earth is a musical collaborative in Victoria, British Columbia consisting of Scott Sheerin, Niel Golden, and Dan Rubin. Playing instruments as varied as bouzouki, tabla, flute, sax, piano, guitar, tamboura, cekow, Chinese balls, violin, bansuri, tongue drum, and tabla tarang, their album _Music from Canada's West Coast_ , with its unusual rhythms and exotic tapestry of sounds, is a listener's delight.

> **Music from Canada's West Coast**  
>  1991 New Earth (NSD111CD)  
>  _Papardom; Flows like a Wave; Chio; Solstice; Cherimoya; Chinese Balls; Bethlehem; Limahuli Lullaby; Passing the Verandah; Elephant Morning; Little One; Bing Bang Bong; Angular Chicken 51:58_

* * *

### Ngoma

_Worldbeat_

Perhaps it's due to the long winters and the historical absence of exotic music, but Canadian music fans have increasingly been drawn to Latin music as more performers from Latin and Caribbean countries have entered the Canadian mainstream. Ngoma, a salsa-flavoured band with a mixed makeup, puts together a good salsa sound on _Culturally Modified Stone_. From the opener, "Everybody's Got Some Culture" to "Tout est Possible" to "Ivory and Gold," there's plenty of listening here for salsa fans. Ngoma is Marcos X, Dan Cook, Vicki Rae, Karine Zamor, Wendie dB, Allain Allain, Tia Real, and Mike Eby.

> **Culturally Modified Stone**  
>  1994 Ngoma (NCD 09406)  
>  _Everybody's Got Some Culture; Solution; Tout est Possible; Ivory and Gold; Agitator; Do Me a Favour; Directions; Breakfast; Need; Batucada IV 38:28_

* * *

### Night Sun

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Night Sun, a folk/pop band from Iqualuit in the Northwest Territories, brings a strong sense of the Far North to their music. With lyrics and lead vocals by Ellen Hamilton, _Calling_ starts off with "Damn This Wind," a song that, according to the liner notes, conveys "how the North is a constant nag at my heart whenever I flirt with going south." "You're Not Bad" deals with the problem of how so many northern, native boys, "despite their beauty and potential, have a better chance of going to jail than graduating from high school." "8 Months of Snow" is a song Hamilton wrote as a teenager in Holman, an Inuvialuit community on the Beaufort Sea. Hamilton's soft, earthy vocals are backed up by Paul Meggs, Chris Coleman, Bob Longworth, and Erik Coleman.

> **Calling**  
>  1993 Night Sun (NSCD 002)  
>  _Damn This Wind; You're Not Bad; Alone; Figure It Out; Different Kinda Love; Your Heart Calls; Kisses and Sighs; Midnight Sun; 8 Months of Snow; Make It Right; Ride 47:26_

* * *

### Faith Nolan

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and, later Toronto's working class Cabbagetown, deepened her commitment to representing the lives of Black and working class peoples in her songs. Her life experiences, and those of the women she grew up with, fill her songs. Her music is her political work. A politic firmly rooted in her Black working-class womanhood"—Dionne Brand, liner notes to _Freedom to Love_. Sometimes politically-oriented songs sacrifice musical excellence to statement, but such is not the case on _Freedom to Love_. This fine album will captivate you with its powerful mix of folk and blues. From the "Shake Sugaree" tribute to Elizabeth Cotten, to "Anna Mae Aquash," who gave her life in the battle of First Nations peoples to retain their land and culture, this album succeeds lyrically _and_ musically. _Freedom to Love_ received the "Canadian Folk Blues" Porcupine Award in 1990.

> **Freedom to Love**  
>  1989 Aural Tradition (ATRCD 302)  
>  _Shake Sugaree; Freedom to Love; Where Does the Torturer Live?; Prove It on Me Blues; Anna Mae Aquash; Beloved Comrade; White, Brown, Black Blues; Aleticia; Jellyroll; Poor Glory; Strange Fruit; I Black Woman 33:57_

> **Hard to Imagine**  
>  1995 MWIC (1163B)  
>  _How Will We Find a Way Out; Hard to Imagine; The Richest in the World; Long Time Coming; Where Can I Run; When I Get Home; Little School; Little Girl Blues; Everthang Gleaming Ain't Gold; Graceys Blues; Loving Womon 43:27_

* * *

### Chris Norman

_Flute_

A native of Halifax, Chris Norman began classical studies on flute at age ten with the aim of pursing an orchestral career. The lure of traditional music, however, drew him back to his roots when he was reintroduced to the folk tunes of Nova Scotia. An immensely talented flautist, his impeccable performances of dance tunes may seem, as one reviewer noted, just a bit too polite, but the overall effect is lovely. Both of his lengthy albums, _Man with the Wooden Flute_ (1992) and _Beauty of the North_ (1994), provide a relaxing way to enjoy the inner beauties of traditional music. _Lullaby Journey_ (1996) continues the exploration of traditional music, lullabies in this case, on Norman's wooden flute. He is accompanied by the soprano voice of Custer LaRue and the Celtic harp of Kim Robertson. This album is a perhaps a bit too soft to carry itself over the entire sixty minutes of play. It could use a few energetic tracks for counterpoint.

> **Man with the Wooden Flute**  
>  1992 Dorian (DOR-90166)  
>  _Lament for James Moray of Abercarney; Father Dollard's Favorite; The Flail; Guzzle Together; Isle of Madeleine; Point au Pic; Jacques Cartier; Bovaglie's Plaid; The Cradle Song; I Won't Do the Work; Thousand Pipers; The Road to Skye; Man of Constant Sorrow; Chinkapin Hunting; King of Naples; The Belle of the Stage; The Fairy Queen; Hugh O'Donnell; Dry N' Dusty; Rochester Schottische; Frosty Morning; Shuffle About; The Wounded Hussar; Prince Charles'; The Prague; Mozart's Favorite; Northern March; Richard Dwyer's; High Road to Linton; Sleepy Waltz; An Irish Lullaby; Suo Gam 73:48_

> **The Beauty of the North**  
>  1994 Dorian (DOR-90190)  
>  _North Highland Country Dance/North Highland Country Dance/Atlantic Polka/The Parry Sound/Nova Scotia; la Have River Waltz/Quand Je Suis Pr es de Troi; Reel Montreal/Reel Amos/Reel Rimouski/Reel St. Simeon; Valse Frontenac; the Beauty of the North/Rocky Brook/Castle Bay/Cape Wrath/Banks of Newfoundland/Scotch Cove/Gigue de Joliette; Valse Parisienne; Reel de Chicoutimi/Reel St. Jean/ Reel Éboulement; Dirge of Mull/Mull Rant/The Way to Mull River/Sound of Mull/Mull River 60:07_

> **Lullaby Journey**  
>  1996 Dorian (DOR-90232)  
>  _Hwi Hwi; The Whippoorwill Song; Sweetly She Sleeps/My Alice Fair; Lovely Willy; Morpheus Descending; Cradle Song; Gloomy Winter's Now Awa'; Mine Eyes are Now Closing to Rest; All the Pretty Little Horses; Hwi Hwi Reprise; Manx Lullaby; Cape Breton Lullaby I; Cape Breton Lullaby II; Gartan Mother's Lullaby; Acadian Lullaby; Now I Am Asleep; Beautiful Dreamer 60:02_

* * *

### Northern City Limits

_Bluegrass_

Northern City Limits, an award-winning bluegrass band based in Kitchener, Ontario, puts together a fine set of vocal harmonies and instrumental arrangements. Bluegrass is a demanding musical form, requiring first-rate general musicianship combined with the ability to ad-lib guitar, mandolin and banjo riffs. The lyrics also demand a touch of vocal insouciance. Northern City Limits delivers on all fronts. Their CD's, _Through the Mill_ (1995) and _Clear Blue Sky_ (1997), which include bluegrass standards alongside original material written by band members, are satisfying purchases for bluegrass fans. Northern City Limits are Bill Carson, vocals and bass; Paul Hurdle, vocals and banjo; Tom Nunn, vocals and guitar; and Norm Tellier, vocals and mandolin.

> **Through the Mill**  
>  1995 Northern City Limits (NCL-001)  
>  _Friend of the Devil; Gone, Gone, Gone; Song for Life; You're in My Heart; Through the Mill; It's Mighty Dark to Travel; New Patches; Little Maggie; I've Just Seen Your Face; Pallet on Your Floor; Age; Peaches and Cream; Home Sweet Home Revisited; You Ain't Going Nowhere; First to Know 43:39_

> **Clear Blue Sky**  
>  1997 Northern City Limits (NCL002)  
>  _One Glorious Day; Old Old House; B's Tune; Down Where the River Bends; King of Spades; Armadillo Breakdown; Dark Skies; Rolling Away; Katie; Gone Away; I'll Break out Again Tonight; Sunday Morning Singing; Listening to the Rain; Maybe This Time 38:57_

* * *

### Bertha Norwegian

_First Nations; Singer-Songwriter_

Bertha Norwegian, based in the Northwest Territories, has been a consultant on the CBC television show _North of 60_ as well as being a recording artist who performs striking original songs written by herself and her sister Bernadette Norwegian. Her album _Spearmaidens_ contains songs that spread into your consciousness like snow sifting onto the landscape. Haunting, beautiful tracks like "Anthem of the North," "The Swan Song," and "Spearmaidens" are among the album's highlights. Unusual and rewarding.

> **Spearmaidens**  
>  1992 Bertha Norwegian (no catalogue number)  
>  _Anthem of the North; The Swan Song; Often I'm a Young Tree; Nomad; Early Fall; Two Agonies; Winter Hills; Spearmaidens 39:16_

* * *

## O

### Gary William O'Hart

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Kitchener, Ontario singer-songwriter Gary William O'Hart has released a Celtic-oriented album, _Ninth Night Beyond Tara_ , tinged with an alt-rock vocal delivery. The more successful cuts on the album are the traditional numbers, "An Greasai Brog," "As I Roved Out," "Á la Claire Fontaine," and "The Four Marys." Even these will stretch your ears if you're accustomed to a more melodic approach to singing.

> **Ninth Night Beyond Tara**  
>  1993 Sound on Sound (SOS 193)  
>  _Mysterious; An Gr easai Brog; Good Mornin' New Orleans; Sea Song; Wait for You; As I Roved Out; À la Claire Fontaine; Surreal Killer; The Four Marys; Moira; Cnoc Na Slaine 52:36_

* * *

### Tom O'Keefe

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Tom O'Keefe writes contemporary songs in a Maritimes Celtic/country style. Highlights from _Beyond The Dawn_ include "Fly Away," "The Gift," "The Kitchen Racket," and "Beyond the Dawn." His pleasant voice and down-home lyrics create an easy-listening album that is great for relaxing to at the end of a busy day.

> **Beyond the Dawn**  
>  1991 Overtom (OPCD004)  
>  _Fly Away; Girls of Neil's Harbour; The Gift; The Kitchen Racket; Home of My Heart; Nightwind; Sweet City Lady; Rosetown's Garden Girl; Sons of Steel; Better Days Ahead; Beyond the Dawn 38:47_

* * *

### The Octet

_Traditional; Fiddle_

The Octet was a collaboration between a quartet of Atlantic Symphony musicians and some well-known Maritime traditional musicians. They created one album— _Songs of the Cape_ —before disbanding. The album, recorded in 1986 and recently reissued on CD, includes traditional tunes plus original reels and jigs written by Cape Breton musicians. "The group successfully blends classical sophistication and Celtic energy without exposing any of the seams that hold the whole project together so cohesively"— _Dirty Linen_. The Octet is Scott Macmillan, guitar, bass; Andrew Russell, guitar, banjo; Dave MacIsaac, guitar, fiddle; Louis Benoit, mandolin; Karen Langille, first violin; Jim Danson, second violin; Yvonne De Roller, Viola; and Joan Danson, cello.

> **Songs of the Cape**  
>  1986, reissued 1992 Atlantica (ATL 8888)  
>  _You're Only As Good As Your Last Gig Jig/Ronnie Rankin's Jig/Whitehorse Jig/Nicole Fakoory's Jig/Charles MacCuspic's Jig/Little Black Dog Jig/John Alphonse's Jig/Angela Cameron's Jig/Angus Chisholm's Jig; Mr. Winston Fitzgerald (Strathspey and Reel); Song for the Cape; My Friend's Reel/Joey Beaton's Reel/Jeannie and Bruz's 25th Wedding Anniversary Reel/John Allan Cameron's Reel; Glengarry's Dirk/The Bonnie Lass of Fisherrow/The Bird's Nest/The Argyle Bowling Green; Atlantic Polka; The Banks of Hornpipe/The Earl of Hyndford/Sticky Buns; MacPherson's Blade/MacPherson's Rant 37:37_

* * *

### Odd One Out

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Odd One Out, an acoustic trio based in Ottawa, has released _A Spell We're Under_ —a collection of primarily original material plus a few traditional numbers. Backed up with a bevy of acoustic instruments, including six-string and twelve-string guitars, slide guitar, flute, and mandolin, you would expect Odd One Out to sound more folkish than they actually do. The group, consisting of Marc Florent, Lee Ann McIntosh, and Douglas Henry, brings pleasant three-part harmony to their pop-oriented original songs. The selections consist mainly of earnest songs of young love. When the group takes the next step, moving beyond youthful, introspective lyrics and into more interesting musical ideas, they have the talent and potential to become a very interesting band, as can be heard on a good arrangement of the traditional song "The Water Is Wide" and gripping version of C. Dalmon's "Rum & Milk." This CD is a good start for them to build on.

> **A Spell We're Under**  
>  1995 Odd One Out (0101CD)  
>  _I Would Be There; Time; The Water Is Wide; Silence; White Lies; A Spell We're Under; Happy We Were; Rum & Milk; Ballad for a Friend; Hiding; Song from the Black Chair; Prelude/Hold On/Waltz, Opus 39 61:46_

* * *

### Terry Odette

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Kitchener, Ontario singer-songwriter Terry Odette has released the CD _Without Wings_ that features a collection of original material in a mix of styles. Highlights include "Through the Silence," "Without Wings," "All in Motion," and "Bigger Than It Was." Odette's bluesy voice carries the material well on this solid folk/rock album.

> **Without Wings**  
>  1990 WART (CD1001)  
>  _Through the Silence; God Loves a Racist Too; Without Wings; All in Motion; Help Along the Way; Theo; Bigger Than It Was; Up the Gate; Will You Wait for Me; Sweet Caress; Once in a Life 49:44_

* * *

### Ojnab

_French-Canadian; Traditional_

Ojnab ("banjo" spelled backwards) is a Quebec traditional group headed by Jean-Paul Loyer, who plays tenor banjo throughout _Le messager_ (1995). "The Messanger" is a set of melodies with the particular quality and savour of the Quebecois tradition, played on the tenor banjo (four-string banjo), tenor guitar (six-string guitar tuned as a tenor guitar with two drones, a fiddle and an assortment of other instruments, including pipes and flutes. The album is a quiet masterpiece, never so energetic it overwhelms the music, but catchy and infectious. Replete with feet and occasional choruses. The album received the Gem of Canada Porcupine Award in 1996. The members of the group are Mario Forest, harmonica; Denis Frechette, drums, piano; Dany Lamoureux, mandolin, guitar; Christopher Layer, flute, small Scottish bagpipe, highland bagpipe; Daniel Lemieux, fiddle, feet; Paul Marchand, guitar, feet; Jean-Claude Mirandette, guitar, feet, fiddle, vocal; Jean-Paul Loyer, tenor banjo, tenor guitar; Denis Violetti, bass, drums.

> **le Messager**  
>  1995 Ojnab (DC 01)  
>  _Korolenko; Hommage a Andre Alain; Le reel de l'embacle; Lerlan; Le tourment; Le reel africain; Jus d'orange; Le bord de l'eau; La marche au camp; La robe de mariee 45:21_

* * *

### Lowry Olafson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia singer-songwriter Lowry Olafson writes contemporary songs that blend folk, pop, and country elements. _Wind and Rain_ features Olafson's strong, expressive voice on songs like "Sweet And Strong," "Someone to Love," "Nova Scotia," and "Wind and Rain." _Good Intentions_ shows a maturing songwriter on cuts like "When The Time Is Right," "I Wish You Were Mine," "Desperate Wind," and "After the Rain." In addition to Olafson's excellent backup musicians, there's a guest appearance by Amos Garrett on "Journey" and "Time to Grow." Olafson is an emerging songwriter to watch.

> **Wind and Rain**  
>  1992 Festival (LO 9201 CD)  
>  _Sweet and Strong; Words; Someone to Love; Living in the Country; Nova Scotia; Blues Out on the Road; Prodigal Son; Who Will Be the Ones?; Wind and Rain; Just Call 30:32_

> **Good Intentions**  
>  1994 River (RR9402CD)  
>  _When the Time Is Right; I Wish You Were Here; Change Your Mind; Journey; Ring Telephone; Hiding Behind Your Pride; Good Intentions; One Last Goodnight; Time to Grow; Desperate Wind; After the Rain 43:45_

* * *

### Open Mind

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Open Mind, a folk duo from Hamilton, Ontario, is a throwback to the sound of the 60's. Chantal Chamberland sings lead vocal and played twelve-string guitar. Cynthia Kerr, who sings and plays six-string, is the duo's songwriter. Accompanying themselves with strong guitar rhythms, their fresh material has brightened up many a stage at folk festivals. _The Stones We Carry_ , their first CD, includes songs like "Lion's Den," "Strange Places," "The Mystic," "Wishful Thinking," and what became the duo's trademark song, "Kent State And Kennedy." This is a good album for those who enjoy strong lyrics performed simply—two guitars and a bass. On _Suspect Terrain_ there's additional instrumentation, giving Open Mind a fuller sound. Highlights include "One More Night," "Jagged Edge," "The Wall," "All the Love," and "Frustration." _Live At Luna_ , recorded live at la Luna in Hamilton, Ontario, captures the sound of Open Mind in concert. Supported solely by their own guitar work, they provide the driving rhythms and infectious sound that makes them so much fun at festivals. The album includes new songs, including "Fed Up," "Space in My Heart," and the lovely "Mississippi River." The recording quality is rough.

> **The Stones We Carry**  
>  1991 Open Mind (DTMS-001)  
>  _Lion's Den; Strange Places; The Mystic; Kent State and Kennedy; Desperate Eyes; Wishful Thinking; Nina's Circle; Things I Know How to Do; Deadly Sins; Aphrodisiac 42:10_

> **Suspect Terrain**  
>  1993 Open Mind (DTMS-002)  
>  _One More Night; Jagged Edge; The Wall; All the Love; Blue Box; Touch the Water; What Are We to Do; King of Vague; Frustration; Heartbeat 39:54_

> **Live at la Luna**  
>  1993, 1994 Open Mind (DTMS-003)  
>  _Fed Up; Space in My Heart; Blue Box; Frustration; Insomnia; I Just Want You to Want Me; Mississippi River; Sociable!; All You Need; Undone (A.K.A. The Orgasm Song); Don't Let Me Down 42:43_

* * *

### Orealis

_Celtic_

Orealis, an English-singing group from Quebec, performs Celtic music with arrangements that include hammered dulcimer, bouzouki, tin whistle, keyboards, guitar, and percussion. _Celtic Music_ (1990) features songs like "Spencer the Rover," "The Trooper and the Maid," "Highland Way," and "Rob Roy," intermixing instrumentals with vocal arrangements. The sound is captivating, though traditionalists may find the arrangements a bit heavy on keyboard which sometimes overpowers the more delicate sound of the dulcimer. Orealis is Kirk MacGeachy, vocals, guitar; Jim Stephens, hammered dulcimer, bouzouki, tin whistle; and Renee Morin, keyboards. Guest musicians on _Celtic Music_ include Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

_Night Visions_ (1995) continues the New Age overlay on traditional material such as "Lowlands," and "Love Will You Marry Me." Most of the songs on the album were written by Kirk MacGeachy who captures a nice Celtic feel in numbers such as "Leaving Lochinver" and `Cutty Sark."

> **Celtic Music / Musique Celtique**  
>  1990 Green Linnet (GLCD 1106)  
>  _l'Hiver sur Richelieu/Miss B's Dreams; Spencer the Rover; The Trooper and the Maid; Dream Angus/Elgol; Highland Ways; Rob Roy; Jannie Walker; Plaisir de la Table/Eibhli Gheal Chiuin 38:34_

> **Night Visions**  
>  1995 Green Linnet (GLCD 1152)  
>  _Introduction; Lowlands; Leaving Lochinvar; Interlude: Lonely at the Bottom; Cutty Sark; Night Visions; Armero; Interlude: Willie Won't Be in Today; Aftermath; Lost Tribe; Farewell to Gairloch/The Raiders; Far From Their Home; Interlude: She's Ma Peerie Weerie Winkle; Paddy in the Kitchen/Love Will You Marry Me; Closing: Aftermath 59:58_

* * *

### Orquesta BC Salsa

_Worldbeat_

Vancouver may be on its way to becoming Canada's Salsa capital. Orquesta BC Salsa, another fine salsa band from British Columbia, has released _Fiesta Caliente_ , a good dance album that includes numbers like "Niños de America Latina," "Mi Condena," "Falsaria," and the English-language track, "I Lost the Key." The brassy delivery and strong vocals make this another good album for those who enjoy Latin rhythms.

> **Fiesta Caliente**  
>  1994 Orquesta BC Salsa (no catalogue number)  
>  _Ni ños de America Latina; El Rico Vacilon; Mi Condena; Nenita Linda; Humo; Falsaria; Simplemente Amigos; Colombia Rock; I Lost the Key 41:51_

* * *

### Len Osland

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Len Osland, from Whitehorse, Yukon, writes about life and the people of the North where he has lived for over thirty-four years. A veteran musician who has been in bands for the past twenty-five years, Osland is also the principal songwriter for _Inconnu_. With lyrics that reflect his northern perspective, Osland has released _Salty Fingers_ , an album more traditional/roots oriented than his Inconnu material.

_Salty Fingers_ opens with the title song, "Salty Fingers" which segues into the instrumental "Departure Bay." From there the album unfolds presenting ballads, blues numbers and the a cappella "Bones." Osland's pleasant singing voice is augmented by the excellent musicianship of his backup artists and singers. The varied styles that emerge from track to track make this a fine listening album that stays fresh from beginning to end. The northern imagery and sentiments portray a regional sensibility seldom experienced by those who live in the south.

Additional musicians include Bob Hamilton, Ray Tucker, Lonnie Powell, Rolly Mitton, Rusty May, Andrea McColeman, Anna Avery, and Marc Paradis. Backup vocalists include Bruce Bergman, Paul Stevens, Brenda Lee, and Katrenchuk.

> **Salty Fingers**  
>  1997 Len Osland (SF-001)  
>  _Salty Fingers/Departure Bay; Tombstone; Streets of No Snow; Rudder Song; Bones; Lil' Sticks River Song; The Dancer; Pop; Island View; Casey; 50 Below in the Hollow; Eagle Plain 40:54_

* * *

### Walter Ostanek

_Accordion_

Latin-oriented salsa bands aren't the only dance bands to be found at folk festivals. Polka bands are also represented, from time to time, and St. Catharines, Ontario accordionist Walter Ostanek, "Canada's Polka King," is just the person to provide this time-honoured form of dance music. Ostanek, who fell in love with the accordion while watching a button accordionist at a house party when he was four, has gone on to become Canada's leading proponent of polka music. Host of _Polka Time_ , CKCO-TV, Kitchener, Ontario, Ostanek was inducted into the Porcupine Awards Hall of Fame in 1992, and was awarded three consecutive Grammy awards for his music in 1993, 1994, and 1995. If you enjoy accordion and polkas, you'll delight in the recordings of Walter Ostanek and his band.

> **35th Anniversary**  
>  [no date] Walter Ostanek (WACD 10015)  
>  _The Old Time Band Polka; Three Little Wishes Waltz; Sandra's Polka; Sweetheart's Polka; Tomsick's Waltz; So Many Times Polka; CB's Polka; Polka Nova Polka; Platt's Polka; Come Away with Me Waltz; Roseann Polka; CJ's Polka; Dance with Me This Polka; I Lied to You Polka 38:31_

> **Accordionally Yours**  
>  [no date] Walter Ostanek (WACD 10016)  
>  _Whoop Polka; Singers and Players Polka; Pretty Polly Polka; I Never Knew Polka; Emily's Polka; My Mariea Polka; You Are My Sunshine Polka; I Knew from the Start Polka; Clarinet Polka; Please Leave Me Alone Waltz; That Is Why Polka; La Dee Da Oberek; Kenny's Polka; Lulubelle Polka 36:52_

> **Music & Friends**  
>  [no date] Walter Ostanek (WACD 10017)  
>  _Broken Heart Polka; Chipper's Polka; First Love Waltz; Anne T. Polka; Bye Bye My Baby Polka; Little Theme Polka; Smiling Eyes Waltz; Slovenian Gold Polka; My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You Polka; I Love to Polka; Pecon Medley Polka; It Thrills Me So Waltz; Don's Polka; Button Box Beat Polka; Over Three Hills Waltz; Wooden Heart Polka; Donnie's Polka; Take Me Baby Polka/Tic Tock Polka 51:08_

> **Music Music Music**  
>  1989 Quality (RSPD-185-2)  
>  _It's a Small World; Julie's Polka; Red River Valley Polka; Button Accordion Polka; Rose of Old Monterey; Wilkinson's Polka; It's Happy Polka Time; All in My Love for You; Stillman's Polka; Learning to Smile All Over Again; Gay Ranchero Polka; Tennessee Polka; Sailboat Polka; Polka Dots and Polka Dreams; Go Man Go; Highways Are Happy Ways; Jo Ann Polka; Beer Barrel Polka; Loretta's Polka; My Favourite Polka; Polka Ivories; Merry Maiden Polka; Wagon Wheels Polka; Thanks for a Wonderful Evening; String-A-Ling Polka 66:27_

* * *

## P

### The Paperboys

_Contemporary; Traditional; Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

The Paperboys are a Celtic band from Vancouver that mixes traditional Celtic numbers with original material written mainly by band member and lead singer Tom Landa. _Late as Usual_ (1995) features this talented group on their debut recording. Their musicianship comes through to most advantage on traditional cuts such as "Whiskey in the Tea" and "Cooley's Reel/Tyrol Mountain Hop." The band consists of Tom Landa, vocals, guitars, mandolin, bouzouki, bodhran, accordion, keyboards, and percussion; Moritz Behm, fiddle, mandolin, and percussion; Cam Salay, bass, banjo; Neil Burnett, flute, whistles, Celtic harp, accordion and percussion; and Paul Lawton, drums.

> **Late As Usual**  
>  1995 Stomp (CD001)  
>  _She Said; Cooley's Reel/Tyrol Mtn. Hop; In Love for Now; Whiskey in the Tea; January; Come Tella Me; Rocking Chair; Forest of Blue; Indian Summer; Nowhere But Up; Devil Away 45:55_

* * *

### Paris to Kiev

_Worldbeat_

What makes Winnipeg's Paris to Kiev unique is its slavic focus, reflecting the origins of its musicians. Alexander Boychouk and Petro Lurashchuk both grew up in the Carpathian Mountains. Alexis Kochan and Nestor Budyk were born and raised on the Canadian prairies. This meeting of two cultural worlds has led to the recording of the captivating, Ukrainian-oriented folk album, _Paris To Kiev_.

> **Paris to Kiev**  
>  1994 Olesia (AKBCD 02)  
>  _Pavochka (A Carol); Quiet Water; Bukovynshka Polka; Triyka (Three); Tylyn Kolomeyka; Dream; Lemko; Panflute Concerto; Alone; Wedding March; Kant; Kolomeyka 38:12_

* * *

### David Parry

_Traditional_

The late David Parry, a member of Friends of Fiddlers Green, put together a truly unusual albums with _The Man from Eldorado: Songs And Stories of Robert W. Service_. Parry had been introducing stories and poems of Robert W. Service into his concert and festival performances for years before it occurred to him that they could be set to music. Given that Service played penny whistle, piano, flute, piccolo, banjo, and guitar, this work is true to the inner feeling of Service's work. Parry included spoken passages and songs on the album. If you've ever succumbed to the charms of "The Cremation of Sam McGee," this CD is for you.

> **The Man from Eldorado: Songs and Stories of Robert W. Service**  
>  1993 Borealis (BCD106)  
>  _We Are a People Few and Far Away; Heart of the Sourdough; Athabaska Dick; In Praise of Alcohol; The Atavist; The Man from Eldorado; Laziness; L'Escargot d'Or; There! My Pipe Is Out; Accordion; And Now I Fear I Must Write; The Volunteer; A Song of Winter Weather; I Have Been at It for Over Six Months; A Pot of Tea; The Petit Vieux; We Are a People Few and Far Away—Reprise 50:28_

* * *

### Jim Payne

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in St. John's, Jim Payne is one of the Newfoundland's most active producers and supporters of folk music. In addition to producing albums for Minnie White and Rufus Guinchard, working with the local folk festivals, and giving step dancing classes, Payne is a singer-songwriter. On _Empty Nets_ , Payne brings home the reality of Maritimes life in songs like "Empty Nets," about the crisis in the fishing industry and "Two Fisherman Missing," about the sinking of the Andrea Denis. The medley "On the Passing of Rufus" is a tribute to Rufus Guinchard. Payne's voice is occasionally rough edged, but the lyrics ring true. The liner notes on _State of the Nation_ indicate that Payne wrote the songs on this album for shows at the Rising Tide Theatre, with the exception of the traditional "Lukey's Boat" and "The Stampin' Ground," based on "The Squid-Jiggin' Ground." As befits show tunes, the arrangements are varied. The themes reflect contemporary conditions in Newfoundland.

> **Empty Nets**  
>  1992 SingSong (SS-9192)  
>  _Work Work Work; Empty Nets; Two Fishermen Missing; Jack Hinks; The West Side of Notre Dame Bay; A Crowd of Bold Sharemen; Father's Jig/Esau Payne's Tune/The Bluebird; Always the Best Man; I've Been a Gay Roving Young Fellow/Rufus' Cordeen Tune/The Final Jig 42:11_

> **State of the Nation**  
>  1992 SingSong (SS-9293)  
>  _State of the Nation; Billion Dollar Baby; Ode to the Boys of Mt. Cashel; The Windy Waltz; Christmas in the City; Lukey's Boat; Owed to Newfoundland; Dancing in Dreamland; Toronto or Bust; A Ship Is Sinking; Much Darker Standing; The Stampin' Ground; I Watch Them Go; When the Dole Stops Coming from up Yonder 43:15_

* * *

### Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne

_Traditional; Canadian History_

The concept behind _Wave over Wave_ began with a set Jim Payne and Fergus O'Byrne performed at the 1944 Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival. The idea was to "present a collection of old and new songs based on shared vocals and the traditional lifestyles and industries of Atlantic Canada." _Wave over Wave_ abounds with songs about sailing, logging and mining. Most are traditional, with a few new additions by Jim Payne and Allister MacGillivary. Performed simply and with spirit, the album was intended to be a singalong CD. With its catchy tunes and infectious lyrics, it is very difficult to resist doing so, so be careful where you play it.

> **Wave over Wave**  
>  1995 Singsong (02 50440)  
>  _Heave Away; Net Hauling Song; Rig Worker's Alphabet; My Loving Little Sailor Boy; Cape Breton Silver; Double Sledder Lad; Jolly Roving Car; Wave over Wave; Big Bow Wow; Peter Emberly; Duffy's Hotel; Bound for St. Peter's 39:14_

* * *

### Ken Perlman

_Traditional; Banjo_

American multi-instrumentalist and folklorist Ken Perlman has compiled a wonderful selection of fiddle tunes from Prince Edward Island. Drawn from Perlman's field recordings of PEI music, the compilation was published both as a CD and as a book with the tunes transcribed. A Mel Bay publication, the book and CD are titled _The Fiddle Music of Prince Edward Island: Celtic and Acadian Tunes in Living Tradition_ (1996). This important compilation deserves a home on the CD rack of everyone who enjoys and supports Canadian music. The music is joyous.

By itself, the compilation is a great gift to Canadian music, but Perlman has taken it a step further. A gifted instrumentalist and teacher, Perlman has taken many of the tunes from the book, plus a few from Cape Breton, and transcribed them to banjo, and occasionally to guitar, on _Island Boy_ (1996). Hearing these familiar tunes played on banjo gives them new life and freshness. Kudos to Perlman for this original, delightful album. As with Lee Murdock, we declare Perlman an Honourary Canadian for his outstanding contribution to Canadian folk music.

> **The Fiddle Music of Prince Edward Island**  
>  1996 Mel Bay (MB9539CD)  
>  _Lord MacDonald's Reel/The Chaisson Reel/The Women of Pisquid/West Mabou Reel; The Dragger's Reel; Pigeon on the Gatepost; Jerome's Farewell to Gibralter; Carlton County Breakdown; The Farmer's Reel; The Rose of Tennessee/John Dan MacPherson's Jig; The Princess Reel; Peek-a-Boo Waltz; Paddy on the Turnpike; The Acadian Reel; Ottawa Valley Reel; La Bastringue/ À San Malo a Bord de Mer; Reel a Joe Bibienne; Island Boy; The Duke of Gordon's Birthday/Sheehan's Reel/Heather on the Hill/Poppy Leaf Hornpipe/College Hornpipe; Fiddling Phil; The East Newk of Fife; The Old King's Reel; The Drunken Piper; Bonnie Dundee; Hector MacDonald's Reel/Arrochar Bridge; Donald Cameron's Reel/Chetticamp Reel; Mrs. Menzies of Culdares/Mrs. Forbes Leith/President Garfield's Hornpipe/Mary Clare; Plaza Polka; MacDonald's March Reel; Wight's Reel; Joe Kearney's Reel; Reg Banks' Tune; McDermott's Reel/O'Brien's Reel; Patsy MacDonald's Reel; McPhee's Rant; My Two Sons/Kimmy's Jig; Sally in the Gardens/West Mabou Reel; St. Kilda's Wedding/Trip to Windsor; Paddy Cronin's Reel; Freetown Reel; Home Sweet Home; West Point Reel; Denny Pitre's Reel; Zelie-Anne's Tune; The Miramichi Fire; Mrs. McLeod of Rasay 73:20_

> **Island Boy**  
>  1996 Wizmak (W579-27)  
>  _Lord MacDonald's Reel/The Princess Reel; Miss Maxwell/Miss Gordon/Robert Stubbert; The Brae Reel/The Miramichi Fire; Belfast Jig/Inverness Jig/Bear River Jig; Glenfiddich Strathspey/Homeward Bound; Northside Tune/Over the Briny Ocean; Captain Campbell/The Cape Breton Wedding Reel/Andrew Renwick's Ferret; Upper Denton Hornpipe/Fiddlin' Phil; Niel Gow's Fiddle/Scoudiness; The Duke of Gordon's Birthday/The Dragger's Reel/The Green Meadow Reel/Paddy on the Turnpike; Irishman's Heart to the Ladies/River Bend Jig; Rothiemurchus Rant/The Bonny Lass of Fisherrow/Koebler's Hornpipe; Joe Kearney's Reel/Darlin Don't You Meddle Me/Fermoy Lasses; Space Available/The Dismissal/Dublin Porter; Bishop MacDonald/Glengarry's Dirk/The Bird's Nest; Island Boy/St. Anne's Reel 49:18_

* * *

### Mark Perry

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

British Columbia singer-songwriter Mark Perry mixes elements of folk, pop, and country into his work. His 1990 CD, _Dreams Of The Highway_ contains some catchy singing, songwriting, and musicianship, including "These Days," "Secrets," "Dreams of The Highway," and "Under Northern Skies." Produced by Roy Forbes, who also sits in as a guest musician, this is a thoughtful folk/pop album from a talented songwriter. _Still Around_ (1993) is more electric and pop-oriented. Highlights include "My Year," "Still Around," "Sam," "I'm with You," and "Late Night Radio." By folkie standards, this one is overproduced.

_Vera's Cafe_ (1996) is a more mature recording featuring strong contemporary lyrics, interesting, varied arrangements and a fine cast of musicians and backup vocalists. Produced by Hugh McMillan, additional musicians include Hugh McMillan, mandolins; Vince Ditrich, percussion; Rob Steinniger, guitars; Gaye Delorme, guitar; Colleen Eccelston, background vocals; Tobin Frank, accordion; Ole Johnson, guitar; and Wayne Summers, percussion. The liner notes do not mention who is playing the very funky bass lines.

> **Dreams of the Highway**  
>  1990 Northern Sky (MP 1001)  
>  _These Days; I Don't Need Your Love Any More; Secrets; Dreams of the Highway; Higher Place to Stand (Jane's Song); Crazy If You Let Her; Hard Girl; Used to Be a Rocker; Under Northern Skies; Ten Year Reunion 37:16_

> **Still Around**  
>  1993 Coyote Entertainment (CEGCD 2010)  
>  _My Year; Still Around; On Your Way Back; Sam; I'm with You; Growin' Up; If You Really Want To; Standin' Here Today; Another Chance; Leap of Faith; Late Night Radio 36:19_

> **Vera's Cafe**  
>  1996 Central Mountain (MP1503CD)  
>  _This Picture; Here We Go Again; Good to be Here; Small Plane Down; Vera's Cafe; Dark Clouds; Room to Move; New Angel; Love is Gone; Big White House; Cold Outside 41:19_

* * *

### Colleen Peterson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The late singer-songwriter Colleen Peterson began her career as a folkie and, after several years in country music, became an integral part of Quartette. _Beginning to Feel like Home_ , from 1976, features Peterson's engaging voice on songs like Willie P. Bennett's "Music in Your Eyes," and Jesse Winchester's "Brand New Tennessee Waltz." The album includes two Peterson originals, "Souvenirs" and "You're Not the Only One." _Let Me Down Easy_ , from 1991, is a more mature album. Most of the songs are by Peterson, often in collaboration with other songwriters, including Sylvia Tyson. Highlights include "What a Fool I'd Be," "If You Let Me Down Easy," "Deeper Waters," "Love Scares Me," and "Ghost of Maggie's Sailor."

Peterson passed away in 1996, leaving a void for her many fans and admirers. These recordings preserve her beautiful singing voice and her special approach to music.

> **Beginning to Feel like Home**  
>  1976, reissued 1994 Capitol (S2 30656)  
>  _Don't It Make You Wanna Dance; Who Will the Next Fool Be; Richland Woman Blues; Sad Songs and Waltzes; Music in Your Eyes; Six Days on the Road; Brand New Tennessee Waltz; Souvenirs; Chattanooga Night; You're Not the Only One; Denver Hotel; It Takes a Lot to Laugh (It Takes a Freight Train to Cry) 38:46_

> **Let Me Down Easy**  
>  1991 Intersound (CDI 9102)  
>  _No Pain, No Gain; What a Fool I'd Be; If You Let Me Down Easy; Basic Fact of Love; Deeper Waters; Hearts Still in Love; Love Scares Me; I'm Not Just Another April Fool; Mr. Conductor; Ghost of Maggie's Sailor 34:16_

> **What Goes Around Comes Around**  
>  1995 EMI (72438-33362-2-7)  
>  _Crazy; Mr. Conductor; Bucket to the South; Closest Thing to You; Married Ladies; Code of the West; I Go to Pieces; What Goes Around Comes Around; Beginning to Feel like Home; Delaney; Dim Lights, Thick Smoke & Loud Loud Music; Startin' Out Clean; Goin' Goin' Gone; Old Fashion Fool; What's New Tomorrow; You Were the One; Cupid; Another Day Begins; The Ghost of Maggie's Sailor; Am I Blue 68:59_

* * *

### Terry Phelps

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Terry Phelps now resides in British Columbia. A singer-songwriter with a driving, rhythmic guitar style, Phelps' work is notable for its "northernness." On his CD _Northern Waters_ (1995), Phelps takes a lyrical journey from Winnipeg ("Kitchen Floor") across Saskatchewan ("North Saskatchewan") to the waters of British Columbia ("Northern Water"). Phelps also pens works about contemporary life ("McLuhan" and "Radio Men").

Produced by Mark Bracken, additional musicians on _Northern Waters_ include Mark Bracken, Doug Cox and Dan Lapp.

> **Northern Water**  
>  1995 Timber Music (CDTP01)  
>  _McLuhan; Northern Water; Kitchen Floor; Northern Saskatchewan; Dust of Summer; Believe; Friend to Lover; House of the Lord; Heroes to Zeros; 39 Bernier Blue Box Song; Radio Men 52:11_

* * *

### Pipestone Creek Singers

_First Nations; Pow Wow_

The drum group Pipestone Creek Singers, from the Onion Lake Reserve in Saskatchewan, was formed in 1987 by the original members Vern Chocan, Grant Whitstone and Duane Chocan. Having travelled extensively throughout North America and winning major drumming contests, the Pipestone Creek Singers have released _Message for Our People_ (1995), recorded live at the 1995 Piapot Pow Wow and the 1995 Frog Lake Pow Wow. The instructions for the dancers, recorded on the album, make you wish you had video to accompany the CD.

> **Message for Our People**  
>  1995 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (PS081995)  
>  _White Buffalo Calf Song; Tiny Tots; Straight Song; Intertribal; Rejoice in Mother Earth; Intertribal; Eagle Song; Everyone Come Dance; Jerome Stanley Song; Claudia Adams Song; Honor Song 57:51_

* * *

### The Plankerdown Band

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

After the breakup of Figgy Duff, Newfoundlanders Kelly Russell and Frank Maher formed a new band—The Plankerdown Band—that has returned to the traditional/roots approach of the original Figgy Duff material. "The music on _The Jig Is Up_ is all instrumental, mostly traditional, and quite impressive ... unlike Figgy Duff, Plankerdown maintains an essentially acoustic melodic core"— _Dirty Linen_. The Plankerdown Band is Kelly Russell, Don Walsh, Frank Maher, Wade Pinhorn, and George Morgan.

> **The Jig Is Up**  
>  1993 Pigeon Inlet (PIPCD-7331)  
>  _The Jig Is Up; Clyde Wells' Dream and the Meech Lake Breakdown; How Swede It Is; El Carite; Skipper Sydney's Pussycat; Father's Jig; Waiting for Supper; Bridget and the Breton; Velvet in the Wind; Free Payne; The Ships Are Sailing 43:03_

* * *

### Murray Porter

_First Nations; Contemporary; Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

Blues artist Murray Porter, who grew up on the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario, describes himself as "a red man who sings a black man's blues in a white man's world." _1492 Who Found Who_ is an energetic blues album that features songs like "T.V. Repairman," "1492 Who Found Who," "Cryin' in My Sleep," and "Heart of the Eagle." The songs have bite, and wit. Porter, who plays piano and sings in a rich bar-room voice, is one of Canada's emerging blues talents.

> **1492 Who Found Who**  
>  [no date] First Nations Music (Y2-10015)  
>  _T.V. Repairman; 1492 Who Found Who; Cryin' in My Sleep; Tears Are Gonna Fall; Last Stand; 500 Years; Colours; Heart of the Eagle; Baby You're My Good Thing; White Man's Card; Drinkin' Again; How Sweet It Is 49:11_

* * *

### John Prince & A Piece of the Rock

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

John Prince & A Piece of the Rock is a Toronto band that successfully blends a Celtic sound with pop/rock arrangements and a touch of bluegrass. Behind Prince's rich voice and strong songwriting, the band adds acoustic guitar, harmonica, accordion, mandolin, and tight harmonies. _Take Me Back_ (1994) highlights Prince's songwriting, including "Take Me Back," "Vagabond," "The Schooner Song," "It's Good to Be A Canadian," and "Where Do Old Boats Go." A Piece of the Rock includes ex-Maritimer John Prince, Bruce McDaniel, Joe Sexton, and Paul McKeracher.

The band's second album, _From Bristol to Bonavista_ (1997), is unusual in that it is mainly an album of covers. Many bands start out doing covers then moving to their own material on subsequent albums. John Prince has done the reverse. Whatever the reasons, the album is delightful. Prince has a fine singing voice and the band is excellent. Mixing songs and instrumentals, the album ranges from "Haul Away Joe" to "The Jolly Beggarman" to "The Streets of London." On this album Chad Wenzel takes over as the band's new bass player. An engaging recording.

> **Take Me Back**  
>  1994 Rattle Falls (JP-001)  
>  _Take Me Back (To the Good Kind of Livin'); Vagabond; Superman (Ain't What He Used to Be); The Schooner Song (Sail Away); It's Good to Be Canadian; Where Do Old Boats Go; The Ballad of Belfast; Newfoundland Blessing; Let's All Pull Together; Blue Collar Blues; Smokin' in the Kitchen 42:13_

> **From Bristol to Bonavista**  
>  1997 Rattle Falls (JP-002)  
>  _Haul Away Joe; The Jolly Beggarman; The Voyage of John Cabot; The Legacy of Cabot's Newfoundland; The Love that I Wasted Away; Fools Like Me; Leaning on the Half Door/Lamb Foley's Tune; Streets of London; Heave Away, Haul Away; Pussycat up in the Plum Tree/Feller from Fortune; It All Comes down to You and Me; I'll Be Your Heart (If You'll Be My Wings); Fingers on Fire 47:35_

* * *

### Puirt a Baroque

_Traditional; Fiddle; Celtic_

The liner notes to their CD's explain that "Puirt a Baroque (pronounced _poorsht-a-ba-roke_ ) performs the music of Cape Breton, Scotland, and of the Baroque era in which it has its roots. Founded in 1994 the group was originally a trio consisting of violin, guitar, and harpsichord. Its name is a play on _puirt a beul_ , Scottish Gaelic for `tunes from the mouth' (usually called mouth-music). _Puirt a baroque_ , therefore, represents the joining of Scottish traditional music with baroque art music, an idea that has its precedent in 18th-Century `Scots drawing room' music. The end of the Baroque era coincided with the `golden age' of Scottish fiddling, a time when rural fiddler and trained concert musician alike participated in the bloom of a national music. Soon afterwards, thousands of Scots displaced by the Highland Clearances settled on Cape Breton Island, the northeast portion of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, where the fiddle and song traditions continue to flourish."

The members of Puirt a Baroque are David Greenberg on violin, Terry McKenna on guitar, David Sandall on harpsichord and, beginning with their third release, Stephanie Conn on vocals. (Scott Macmillan was guitarist on the first Puirt a Baroque recording.) The group's original release, _Bach Meets Cape Breton_ (1996) was nominated for three East Coast Music Awards, including Album of the Year in 1997. It took home the award for Best Classical Album. It also received considerable airplay on classical radio shows. _Bach_ was produced by Peggy Hemsworth.

On _Kinloch's Fantasy: A Curious Collection of Scottish Sonatas and Reels_ (1997), Terry McKenna replaced Scott Macmillan as the trio's guitarist. The trio is also joined by guest stepdancer Kate Dunlay, who studied stepdancing with Minnie MacMaster of Troy, Nova Scotia. _Kinloch's_ was also produced by Peggy Hemsworth.

_Return of the Wanderer_ (1998), has Puirt a Baroque pulling out all the stops, becoming a quartette with the addition of Stephanie Conn on vocals (Gaelic and English) and a number of guest musicians, including Kate Dunlay, violin and stepdancing; Curly Boy Stubbs, guitars; Abby Newton, cello; and John Allen Cameron, backup vocals. Stephanie Conn's lilting soprano voice on lead vocals, adding English and Gaelic lyrics to many of the tunes, supplies the recording with added depth and interest. This highly recommended album was produced by Paul Mills.

> **Bach Meets Cape Breton**  
>  1996 Marquis Classics (ERAD 181)  
>  _Sweet is the Lass that Dwells Among the Heather; The Carle He Came O'er the Craft; Peggie I Must Love Thee; The Honourable Mrs. Drummond of Perth's Delight; The Lass of Pettie's Mill/Rabbit Teeth/Minnie Adam's House/A Reel for Kate/The High Street Hornpipe; Pinkie House/Sir Archibald Grant of Monymusk/The Duke of Gordon's Birthday/Isla Reel/Mrs. Grant's Reel/Colonel Macbean's Reel/Johnny's Make a Wadding O't; ; First Music - Second Music: Hornpipe; Air; Canaries; Song Tune; Hornpipe/The Lad of Leith/Sodger Lad; Chaconne; Trip to Mabou Ridge/Traditional Mabou Strathspey/Angus Ronald Beaton/Traditional Reel/Locheil's Rant/ Carl Beaton's Reel; /Miss Wedderburn; Niel Gow's Lament; /Johniie Sullivan's/Prince Charlie/Reel Made with Hilda; The Farewell 70:56_

> **Kinloch's Fantasy**  
>  1997 Marquis Classics (7 7471-81211-27)  
>  _Bonnocks of Beer Meal/Lilac Ships; Languido: Largo; Brilliante/Giga: Brilliante/The Old Dutch Churn/Joan Beaton's Jig; When She Came Ben She Bobbed/Lady Wallace's Reel; Loch Ness/Sandy Is My Darling; Compliments to David Greenberg/Lord Alexander Gordon's/Doug MacPhee's Favourite/Miss Robertson/Welcome Owen Diack; Lady Jean Lindsay's Minuet/Minuetto/Lady Jean Lindsay's Minuet/The Thistle; Pastoralle: Andantino; Brilliante/Amoroso/Andante/Brilliante; Black Jock; Macklean Sonata I: Largo; Macklean Sonata I: Allegro; Macklean Sonata I: Adagio; Macklean Sonata I: Giga: Allegro; Callam Shiarglas/Miss L. Johnston of Hilton's/Favourite Quick Step/Miss Grace Hay's Delight/Hoop Her and Gird Her/Miss L. Johnston (reprise); The Storm; The Graveyard of the Gulf; Kinloche His Fantassie; Cottonwood Reel/A Duncan MacQuarrie Reel; Dumbarton's Drums/Lieutenant Howard Douglas/The Forest of Ga-ick/Miss Stewart of Garth/Lady Georgina Gordon's Reel 63:04_

> **Return of the Wanderer**  
>  1998 Marquis Classics (81223)  
>  _Joy Go with My Love/Andrew Carr/Balgeny's Bowling Green; Kate and David's Strathspey/The Highlander's Farewell/Victoria Line/C ota Mor Ealasaid; St. Martin's Church Yard; Return of the Wanderer; The Nether Bow has Vanished/Bernard's Well; Johnnie Faa; Mackintosh Sonata: Allegro; Mackintosh Sonata: Largo; Mackintosh Sonata: Jigg; Logan Braes/Logan Water/Will Ye Lend Me Your Loom Lass; Tullochgorum Mouth-Music Strathspey/Tullochgorum/Tullochgorum Strathspey/Miss Dundas's Reel; Memories of St. Paul Island; Three Sheep Skins; The Haughs of Cromdale/Sid Mar Chaidh an Cal a Dbolaidh/This is How the Kale was Ruined/The Haughs of Cromdale Strathspey/The Hills of Cromdale Reel/The Mirimichi MacDonalds of Hamilton; Lament for William Chisholm; The Flowers of the Forest/The Flowers of the Forest/A New Strathspey Reel/Isla Side Lasses/Good Morrow to your Night Cap/Honourable Mr. Fraiser of Lovat's; Return of the Wanderer 61:52_

* * *

## Q

### Lei Qiang

_Worldbeat; Erhu_

The erhu, at least 1000 years old, is a two-stringed Chinese instrument with a snakeskin resonator, played with a bow is made of horsehair. Lei Qiang, who plays erhu on _Chinese Traditional Erhu Music_ (1995), studied the instrument in the People's Republic of China, performing with the Shaanxi Provincial Song and Dance Troupe prior to moving to Montreal. The beauty of this instrument comes alive in Qiang's sure hands.

> **Chinese Traditional Erhu Music**  
>  1995 Oliver Sudden (K10-007CD)  
>  _Night Song; Tea Harvest; Spin the Cotton; Picking Red Chestnuts; The Flickering of the Candle Flame; The Ballad of Blue Flower; Moonlight Reflected on the Er-Quan Spring; Jasmine Flower; Pick up the Betal/The Purple Bamboo Song; Moonlit River; Liu Yang River; Farewell Red Army; Boys and Flowers/Raise the Red Lantern 51:10_

* * *

### Quartette

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

Like a similar collaboration project, UHF, Quartette was formed by four independent artists who enjoyed performing together: Sylvia Tyson, Cindy Church, Caitlin Hanford , and the late Colleen Peterson. On their debut album _Quartette_ (1994), the vocals are gorgeous and the songs are perfectly selected—one or two by each singer. Each of the members of the group is a formidable songwriter and their voices blend spectacularly. The collaboration is an outstanding success—a recommended purchase for every Canadian folk collection.

Quartette's second album, _Work of the Heart_ (1995), is a strong follow-up release. It follows the same format as _Quartette_ , rotating the lead among each of the performers. This formula highlights the distinct vocals of each singer and prevents the album from being too predictable. While not as surprising as the original release, this is a fine album.

_In the Beauty of the Day_ (1998) is a departure from the sound of the previous releases. After losing Colleen Peterson to cancer, Gwen Swick, a good friend of Peterson's and a noted solo performer, became Quartette's fourth member. Produced by Danny Greenspoon, the album has a more contemporary pop sound, with intricate sound overlays. The format is the same as before: each member gets three feature songs in round-robin order. As before there is some fine songwriting from members of the group. Sylvia Tyson's "Sentinel Crow" stands out, as does her "I Walk These Rails." The title track, "In the Beauty of the Day," is an upbeat, catchy tune by Caitlin Hanford. Cindy Church contributes the atmospheric "I Don't Want to Cry" and "Ask Me." Swick adds her vocals and writing to "Me and My Love and I" and "All Things Can Change." This is a softer album than the previous releases and the new sound may take you by surprise. You should sample this at the record store before purchasing.

> **Quartette**  
>  1994 Denon Canada (CAN 9016)  
>  _The Circle; Denim Blue Eyes; Unabashedly Blue; Soul to the Bone; Neon Cowboy; It Never Rains on Me; Hard Times; Cowboys and Rodeos; Lost Between the Barren Shores; Papere's Mill; Hobo Girl; When God Dips His Pen of Love in My Heart; Red Hot Blues; King of the Cowboys 44:42_

> **Work of the Heart**  
>  1995 Denon Canada (CAN9024)  
>  _Runaway Heart; No Place Like Home; Inspiration; Spring of '45; This She Knows; When I Can Read My Titles Clear/A Road Less Well Travelled On; The Best is Yet to Come; Piece by Piece; Alison Lives by the Big Bend; Street of the Mariachi; Just like a Woman; The Promised Land 44:21_

> **In the Beauty of the Morning**  
>  1998 Outside Music (No Catalogue Number)  
>  _I Don't Want to Cry; Me and My Love and I; Sentinel Crow; In the Beauty of the Day; Ask Me; All Things Can Change; E.Z.; I Don't Believe I Do Believe; A Love That Just Won't Stray; I Walk These Rails; Long Chain of Love; Rain on the Highway 50:53_

* * *

### Quigley Ensemble

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Barbara Ann Quigley is well known for her folk presentations, but the Quigley Ensemble goes beyond folk. _Renovations_ , which includes a mix of styles, is biased towards jazz-oriented arrangements and perky versions of folkish material. Highlights include "I Went to Market," "Antique Eyes," "J'ai Peur Des Loups," and "High Germany." The Quigley Ensemble is Barbara Ann Quigley, Johanne Landry, Laura Huffaker, and Monica Lang.

> **Renovations**  
>  1992 Moka (MMQE 001)  
>  _I Went to Market; Je Ne l'Ose Dire; The Nursery; L'Amour de Moy; Antique Eyes; Isabeau; Willie-O; J'ai Peur des Loups; High Germany; La Belle Fran çoise; All Around My Hat; Russell in the Wind/À la Claire Fontaine; The Croppy Boy; L'Hirondelle; The Ten Commandments 51:09_

* * *

### Bob Quinn & The Quincept Project

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

Bob Quinn is a musician from Nova Scotia who has brought together some of Nova Scotia's best as part of the Quincept Project. The liner notes tell little, but _Coast of Difference_ is clearly a collaboration with different singer-songwriters. The opener, "Nova Scotia, Nature's Song," is performed by its author, Kevin Evans, joined by Quinn, members of the Symphony Nova Scotia, and pipers Ian MacKinnon, Jamie MacInnis, and Paul MacNeil. The rest of the album follows suit, with the following members of the collaboration singing lead vocal: Bobby Arvon, Jennifer Whalen, John Gracie, Brian Doherty, and Helen Bezanson. A beautiful album, if a trifle overproduced.

> **Coast of Difference**  
>  1993 Bob Quinn (BAQ-1-93)  
>  _Nova Scotia, Nature's Song; Always There; Grand Bank Ladies; Eastern Wind; Forever Young; My Love, Cape Breton and Me; Night Train; Love Chant; A Drink for My Father; Coast of Difference; Song for Canada 40:04_

* * *

### Lester Quitzau

_Blues; Guitar; Singer-Songwriter_

Lester Quitzau (pronounced _quit-saw_ ) has been playing guitar and studying blues since his early teens. For the past ten years he has been a well-respected and recognized figure on the Canadian festival circuit and blues scene. His 1994 CD, _Keep on Walking_ , lays down one excellent acoustic blues track after another. As the liner notes attest, the album "was recorded 'au natural' with no additives or artificial flavours. All tracks were recorded live to DAT (no over-dubs) with the exception of 'Keep on Walking'." Quitzau received an Al Cromwell Porcupine Award in 1995.

> **Keep on Walking**  
>  1994 L.Q. Productions (LQ-003)  
>  _Intro; I've Got to Go; Rich Land Women Blues; Road; Someday Baby; Feel the Way I Do; Close to You; Turkish Theme; Rats in My Kitchen; Your Heart; Valhalla; Room Full of Mirrors; Saddle up My Pony; Keep on Walking; Lookin' for My Baby; Alone...But Not Lonely 53:24_

* * *

## R

### The Rankin Family

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

A Canadian success story writ large, the Rankin Family's soaring harmonies and Gaelic-flavoured material have caught the fancy of fans in Canada and abroad. Their debut album, _The Rankin Family_ , captures the freshness that captivated festival audiences before the Rankins attracted widespread attention. The sound is slightly tentative—the group had not yet attained full confidence in themselves—but the material is wonderful. Highlights include the Gaelic "Mo Run Geal, Dileas," "Chi Mi Na Morbheanna," and the "Jigging Medley." _Fare Thee Well_ is a leap forward for the Rankins. They sing confidently and totally convincingly on numbers such as "Orangedale Whistle," "An T-Each Ruadh," "Fare Thee Well Love," and "Gillis Mountain." Their harmonies are in total accord with their material. _North Country_ is disappointing. The material is not as convincing and the group seems intent on trying to step into country music—a genre that does not particularly suit their voices or style. As usual, the Gaelic songs are the highlights: "Oich U Agus H-Iuraibh Éile," "Ho Ro Mo Nighean Donn Bhoidheach," and "Leis an Lurgainn." _Grey Dusk Of Eve_ is a limited edition, five-song CD that represents a less-than-outstanding purchase. The music is not as inspired as earlier recordings and the packaging is questionable. The Rankins should have waited until they had enough material to master a full album. The Rankin Family is Cookie Rankin, Heather Rankin, Raylene Rankin, and Jimmy Rankin. The Rankin Family received Juno awards in 1994 in the "Canadian Entertainer of the Year" and "Group of the Year" categories.

Any new release by the Rankins is a major event in the Canadian music industry. _Endless Seasons_ , their latest, is another strong album that Rankin Family fans will love, though folk-music fans may have a few reservations. This is a "something-for-everybody" kind of album that includes some of the traditional material (including one Gaelic number) that has endeared the Rankins to festival audiences. There is also a lot of original pop-oriented material that takes the Rankins further into the musical mainstream. The musicianship throughout is first-rate, with guest musicians that include John Morris Rankin, piano; John Jennings, guitars; and Howie MacDonald, fiddle. The album, recorded in Nashville, was produced by John Jennings.

The overall sound on this recording is excellent. But while no one would begrudge the Rankins their hard-earned popularity, the movement to mainstream robs the album of the electric freshness of their classic _Fare Thee Well_ release. _Endless Seasons_ is a good recording with many pleasurable tracks (especially the opening track, "As I Roved Out" and the Gaelic "Òganaich an Òr-fhuilt Bhuidhe/Am Braighe") but it's not a compelling album from a "roots/acoustic" perspective.

> **The Rankin Family**  
>  1989 Capitol (C2 99995)  
>  _Mo R un Geal, Dileas (My Faithful Fair One); Lonely Island; Loving Arms; Memories of Bishop MacDonald/The Tweeddale Club/MacFarlane's Rant/Lively Steps; Mairi's Wedding/Michael Rankin's Reel; Roving Gypsy Boy; Chi Mi Na Morbheanna (Mist Covered Mountains); the Warlock's Strathspey/Bog-an-Lochan/Nine Pint Coggie/Mr. J. Forbes/Hull's Reel; Lament of the Irish Immigrant; Whiskey in a Cup/King George/Old King's Reel/King's Reel/Bodachan A'Mhirein 42:29_

> **Fare Thee Well Love**  
>  1990 Capitol (C2 99996)  
>  _Orangedale Whistle; An T-Each Ruadh (The Red Horse); Fair and Tender Ladies; Lime Hill/Keep the Country Bonnie Lassie/Jack Daniel's Reel/Little Donald in the Pig Pen; Fisherman's Son; Tell My Ma; You Left a Flower; Fare Thee Well Love; Gillis Mountain; Mo Shuil Ad' Dheidh/Buain A' Rainich/He Mo Leannan/Fail 'Il O; Tripper's Jig 36:06_

> **North Country**  
>  1993 EMI (E2 80683)  
>  _North Country; Oich U Agus H-I uraibh Éile (Love Song); Borders and Time; Mull River Shuffle; Lisa Brown; Ho Ro Mo Nighean Donn Bhoidheach (Ho Ro My Nut Brown Maiden); Tramp Miner; Rise Again; Leis an Lurgainn (Boat Song); Christy Campbell Medley; Saved in the Arms; Johnny Tulloch; Turn That Boat Around 47:53_

> **Grey Dusk of Eve**  
>  1995 EMI (E25Q 7243 8 82013 2 2)  
>  _Grey Dusk of Eve (Portobello); The Ballad of Malcolm Murray; An Teid Thu Leam a Mhairi (Will You Go with Me Mary); Twin Fiddle Medley; Sir James Baird 18:04_

> **Endless Seasons**  
>  1995 EMI (7243 832348 2 0)  
>  _As I Roved Out; The River; Natives; Òganaich an Òr-fhuilt Bhuidhe/Am Braighe; Forty Days and Nights; Eyes of Margaret; You Feel the Same Way Too; Endless Seasons; Padstow; Blue Eyed Suzie; Your Boat's Lost at Sea 46:16_

* * *

### Rita & Mary Rankin

_Traditional; Celtic_

Nova Scotia singers Rita and Mary Rankin plumb the Celtic repertoire in a different way than the Rankin Family, to whom they think they may be distantly related. These Rankins embrace a more traditional, less commercial, approach to the music. Their style works admirably, proving once again that there's no single method of interpretation. _Lantern Burn_ is a traditionalist's delight. Backed by some of Nova Scotia's best musicians, including Dave MacIsaac on guitar, Tracy Dares on piano, and Jerry Holland on fiddle, Rita and Mary Rankin each sing solo numbers and occasionally combine on duets. Their soft, lyrical voices provide intimate interpretations of songs like "Hi Horo 'S Na Horo Éile," "Long for the Sea," "Darkest Winter," "Lantern Burn," and the haunting "Greenwood Side."

> **Lantern Burn**  
>  1994 Ingold / CBC Maritimes (2001-2)  
>  _Three Love Songs; Hi Hor o 'S Na Horo Éile; Western Highway; Chi Mi'N Geamhradh (I See the Winter); Eilidh; Cawdon Fair Strathspey/ Mairi Alasdair/Raonuill Reel/Miss Charlotte Alston/Stewart's Reel/Traditional Reel; Gradh Geal Mo Chridh' (Fair Love of My Heart); Long for the Sea; Oran Luathaidh (A Traditional Walking Song)/Rannie MacLellan's Jig/McInerney's Fany Jig; Greenwood Side; Nighean Donn a Chuil Reidh (Brown-Haired Maiden of the Smooth Tresses); Darkest Winter; Fear a' Bhata (The Boatman); Sarah; Lantern Burn 59:05_

* * *

### Rare Air

_Contemporary; Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

If you like your rock/jazz laced with bagpipe, Rare Air will interest you. This Toronto-based group wrote and performed uptempo music infused with a touch of Celtic. _Hard to Beat_ , from 1987, is the most traditional sounding of the Rare Air recordings. The bagpipes are front and centre on tunes like "Tribal Rites," "Taxi Suite," and "Marvin's March." Other tracks, such as "Inside Out," "Small As Life," and "The Waiting Room" are more avant garde. _Primeval_ is more experimental with less bagpipe. The tracks range from fairly heavy rock, "Fourth World Reel," to a flute piece, "Jungle," to a mixed bagpipe, jazz-like piece, "Volunteer Slavery." _Space Piper_ continues the jazz influence. By this point, the Celtic bits have mostly disappeared, with the exception of some cameo performances by bagpipe. Still, there are some interesting tracks, such as "Treebranch," "Mammoth No Arms," "Astral Jig," and "Death of a Space Piper." The various personnel of Rare Air included Patrick O'Gorman, Grier Coppins, Dick Murai, Trevor Ferrier, Christian Frappier, and Richard Greenspoon. Oliver Schroer put in a guest appearance on _Space Piper_. The group disbanded in 1991.

> **Hard to Beat**  
>  1987 Green Linnet (GLCD 1073)  
>  _Tribal Rites; Taxi Suite; Inside Out; Small As Life; Marvin's March; The Waiting Room; Dee Dee Diddley Bop; Onward Blindly Onward; Beam Me up 42:29_

> **Primeval**  
>  1989 Green Linnet (GLCD 1104)  
>  _Fourth World Reel; Jungle; Volunteer Slavery; New Swing Reel; O'Grady's Little Italy; Chicago Shopping Mall; Behind the Garage; Hipbone; Highland Life; Dreaming of the Other Side 44:14_

> **Space Piper**  
>  1991 Green Linnet (GLCD 1115)  
>  _Treebranch; Mammoth No Arms; Astral Jig; Snake MacMurray; La Marche de Tintin to India; C'est Fou, c'est Toi, c'est Tout; Madhouse; Death of a Space Piper 49:42_

* * *

### Rawlins Cross

_Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

No ethereal harps and dulcimers here. Rawlins Cross is a Newfoundland Celtic band that mixes bagpipe, tin whistle, bodhran, bouzouki, mandolin, banjo, drums, acoustic and electric guitar in a fusion that really rocks. Co-founded by one of the members of the original Figgy Duff, Dave Panting, Rawlins Cross is widely considered to be one of Canada's most entertaining folk/rock bands. Their first CD, _A Turn of The Wheel_ , is a driving album that includes a number of Panting brothers songs, including "Wild Rose," "A Turn of the Wheel," "Mountainside," "Shaken Up," and "Ghost of Love," plus some traditional reels and jigs such as "Farmer's Daughter/High Reel" and "Sleepy Maggie/Gavel Walk/Little Beggarman." The band's trademark, Ian McKinnon's soaring piping, is featured effectively on nearly every track. _Crossing the Border_ , the band's second album, falls a little off the pace. It includes more excellent Panting material, but some of the riveting instrumental blends lose their edge as the band centres more on vocals. The singing doesn't quite match the driving quality of the instrumentals.

On the brilliant _Reel 'N' Roll_ (1993), the band solved the vocal dilemma by bringing aboard Joey Kitson, whose powerful David Clayton Thomas-like voice is a perfect match for the electric/Celtic instruments. Between Kitson's voice and McKinnon's bagpipe, the band soars through track after track. Highlights include the opener "Reel 'N' Roll," "Don't You Be the One," "It'll Have to Wait," and a re-recording of "Turn of the Wheel." The album also contains the powerful lament, "The Long Night," dedicated to the memory of Emile Benoit and Noel Dinn.

_Living River_ (1996) shows the band solidified around Kitson's vocals. The drive and energy continue to make Rawlins Cross one of the best dance bands on the Celtic Rock scene. As usual the songwriting is provided by Dave and Geoff Panting.

Rawlins Cross is Dave Panting on guitars, mandolin, bouzouki, and tenor banjo; Geoff Panting on piano accordion with midi interface; Ian McKinnon playing highland bagpipe, tin whistles, trumpet, and bodhran; Brian Bourne on bass and Chapman Stick; Howie Southwood on drums; and Joey Kitson singing lead vocals and playing harmonica. Rawlins Cross received "Recording Group of the Year" and "Pop/Rock Artist of the Year" East Coast Music Awards in 1995.

> **A Turn of the Wheel**  
>  [no date] Ground Swell (RCCD-101)  
>  _WildRose; Farmer's Daughter/High Reel; A Turn of the Wheel; Mountainside; MacPherson's Lament; Colleen; Mac's Fancy/Give Me a Drink of Water; Shaken Up; Ghost of Love; Sleepy Maggie/Gravel Walk/Little Beggarman 32:18_

> **Crossing the Border**  
>  [no date] Ground Swell (RCCD-102)  
>  _Legendary; Chessboard Dancer; Nightfall; Israel Got a Rabbit; Eleventh Hour; Stray Cat; Blues for You; O'Neil's March/Haughs of Cromdale; Peace on the Inside; Memory Waltz; Sound of Sleat/Ale Is Dear; Open Road 41:06_

> **Reel 'N' Roll**  
>  1993 Ground Swell (GSR-67)  
>  _Reel 'N' Roll; Don't You Be the One; It'll Have to Wait; Long Wait; The Wedding Gift; Pedestrian Again; Mystery Tonight; Dance Hall; Ghost of Love; A Turn of the Wheel; Colleen; MacPherson's Lament 46:28_

> **Living River**  
>  1996 Ground Swell (CD 13666)  
>  _Forever Dancing; A Matter of the Heart; The Morning After; Wild Rose; When My Ship Comes In; A Sad Story; Open Road; Little Sara/Jessie's Jig; A Little of Your Lovin' Goes a Long, Long Way; Through It All; The Long Way Home; Baby-Oh; M airi Nighean Alasdair 46:19_

* * *

### Glen Reid

_Traditional; Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

Hailing from Burk's Falls, Ontario, Glen Reid—performer, songwriter, and instrument maker—returns to the recording industry with a fine folk CD, _Heritage River_. Through a mix of original songs and classic, but little recorded, material by the likes of Mac Beattie, Reid gives a voice to the North—the rugged landscape, the vital rivers, the lives of hard-rock miners. _Heritage River_ is an extremely accessible album. Straightforward, in a folkie, old-time country style, the recording flows naturally through Reid's pleasant baritone vocals, some fine playing, and tasteful background vocals from "The Black River Boys."

Rivers dominate the recording, from the opening "Log Driver's Song" by Mac Beattie to the closer, "River Flow for Me" by Rick Fielding and Tony Quarrington. Some of the strongest tracks are Reid's own compositions: "Dreams of the Hobo," "Hard Rock Miner," "Heritage River" and "Lifeline to the Country." Rick Fielding recorded "Lifeline" as the title song of one of his Folk-Legacy recordings and it would not be surprising to see other artists begin to cover Reid's material—it has a delightful, old-fashioned sensibility. If you like a countryish folk sound, this recording is a gem. One of the most likeable recordings of 1996. The release earned Reid the 1996 Mac Beattie Porcupine Award.

_Heritage River_ was produced by Glen Reid. Additional musicians include Tony Quarrington, Rick Fielding, Loretto Reid, Aaron Solomon, Eve Goldberg, and the Black River Boys: Eddie Baltimore, Steve Fruitman, and Ronnie Jones.

> **Heritage River**  
>  1966 Royston Road (RRM96CD01)  
>  _Log Driver's Song; Heritage River; Dreams of the Hobo; Old Super-I-Ay; Mary of the Wild Moor; Hard Rock Miner; Little Shack up the Pontiac; Lifeline to the Heartland; Roustabout Song; If I Were a Blackbird; Black River Ramble; In My Father's Time; River Flow for Me 44:34_

* * *

### Loretto Reid & Brian Taheny

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Whistle_

Loretto Reid and Brian Taheny emigrated to Canada in 1988 from County Sligo, Ireland. Celtic musicians with a distinctive style, they have performed at many of Canada's folk festivals and frequently offer workshops on Celtic instruments. Loretto and Brian are former members of the Toronto Celtic band TIP Splinter. Their premier album _The Golden Dawn_ features a lively collection of Irish jigs, reels, and airs composed by Loretto. She plays flute, tin whistle, and concertina while Brian adds guitar, dobro, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin. The performances are sumptuous—it's a pity the album is so short. The release earned them the David Parry Porcupine Award in 1996.

With _Celtic Mettle_ , Loretto Reid and Brian Taheny have released another spirited, varied, and often spell-binding set of Celtic tunes. Loretto, fingers flying on whistles and concertina, and Brian, coaxing Celtic tunes and rhythms from a bevy of stringed instruments, have been accumulating a devoted following at concerts and festivals and this album explains why. Bringing a Celtic sensibility from their native Sligo region of Ireland, this husband and wife duo pair a special blend of style and sense of occasion into their performances. The album contains a mix of traditional tunes alongside Reid's original compositions. The albums opens with the haunting "Planxty Cowan"—a Reid composition—and then cuts to the lively "Youngest Daughter" set—traditional tunes arranged by Reid. From there the album twists and turns like a river journey through a fresh countryside. Several of the tracks have a playful quality, such as the inclusion of skat singing by Lorraine Lawson on "Brian's Favourite." All the tracks are well produced and well played. This one's a keeper.

_Celtic Mettle_ was produced by Loretto Reid and Don Bird. Additional musicians include Sharlene Wallace, Celtic harp; Tracy Dares, piano; Pierre Schryer, fiddle; and Patrick O'Gorman, bagpipes.

> **The Golden Dawn**  
>  1993 Willow (WPCD9301)  
>  _Mick and Mary Carr's/Trip to Kingswood; the Ivy Leaf/The Bank of Ireland/Sean S a Cheo; Rowena the Child; The Wind and the Willow; Seamus Reid's Delight/The Five Hansom Daughters; Kate's New Shoes/Farewell to Sligo; Sunrise/Sunset 24:32_

> **Celtic Mettle**  
>  1996 Reta Ceol (RCPCD 96042)  
>  _Planxty Cowan; The Youngest Daughter/R il Gan Ainm; Fleur de Quebec; Brian's Favourite; The Moving Cloud/Rakish Paddy; Planxty Robinson; Tam Lynn's/The Morning Dew; the Fairy Queen/Fanny Power/Carolan's Concerto; Dill Pickle Rag; Capt. Edgley's Strathspey/The Maple Shamrock/If Tracy Dares/Jenny's Chickens; The Wedding Promise/Johnny's Dream; the Hills of Halton/The Freaky Reel; Nios Mo Na Aisling (More Than a Dream); The Banks/The Belfast Hornpipe; The Abbey Reel/The Mason's Apron; Prayer for the Children; Strum 301 66:37_

* * *

### J.P. Riemens

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

J.P. Riemens, a singer-songwriter from the Port Dover region of Ontario, has produced three albums to date: _Sub Level Audio Bulk_ , _Songs from Mom's Kitchen_ and his first CD, _Full Moon In August_. He has also produced a compilation CD, _The Hatchley Sawmill Sessions_ (see Compilations). He is currently at work on an "unplugged" CD featuring J.P. and Sue Sweetman.

Riemens' band, headed by J.P. and Sue Sweetman, has emerged as an opening act for groups like Captain Tractor, Melanie Doane, Ashley MacIsaac, and John Allen Cameron. Their diverse style has earned them the reputation of being able to entertain crowds of every age group - from pop rock to country to bluegrass to folk-festival audiences.

On his first CD, _Full Moon in August_ , the strong lyrics of Riemens' songs are set in a pop/country context, laced with electric and acoustic guitar. The title song, "Full Moon in August," contains lyrics like "So he sings in the kitchen to his family and friends / and anyone else who might stop and drop in / and the closest he gets to those neon lights / is a full moon in August, on a hot summer night."

On _Full Moon_ Riemens is backed by Sue Sweetman on vocals and guitar. Sweetman is also the author of the song "Janie." Other musicians include Cindy Dell, John Lewis, Ray Ovington and Ron Elliott.

> **Full Moon in August**  
>  1996 Bunkhouse (BH003)  
>  _Little Angel; Full Moon in August; Only Time Will Tell; Baytides '85; Could This Be Love; Tail Lights; Janie; Jaymies Song; Living on the Moon; Nothing To Say; Just Like Me; Into the Night; Painting Pictures 45:56_

* * *

### Tracy Riley

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

On _Only Once_ ,Tracy Riley, a singer-songwriter from the Northwest Territories, delivers an outstanding debut album featuring her big, bluesy voice and acoustic guitar on original material such as "Three Wishes," "I Wonder," "Joliffe Island," and "Hear the Drum."

> **Only Once**  
>  1994 Drum Song (TAR:001)  
>  _Three Wishes; When You Know; I Wonder; Joliffe Island; Pick Your Feet up and Dance; Only Once; Wild Women Don't Have the Blues; P.M.S. Rap; Children with Fire; Hear the Drum 34:05_

* * *

### Nancy Roach

_Fiddle_

Nancy Roach, who began studying classical violin at the age of nine, later started playing the traditional repertoire. She is the winner of eight Maritime fiddle titles in Scottish class, Oldtime fiddling, and Waltz competitions. She has travelled extensively through the Maritimes and the United States studying fiddle styles. _Footnotes_ is an album of dance tunes from across a broad spectrum of styles that includes Maritime and country traditions.

> **Footnotes: The Dancing Fiddle**  
>  1990 Nancy Roach (NRE 102)  
>  _St. Ann's Reel/McNabb's Hornpipe; River John Sunset Waltz; Cabra F eidh/Bonny Lass of Fisherrow; Maple Sugar/La Joyeuse Quebecoise; Fisher's Hornpipe/Archie Menzie; Poor Girl's Waltz; Heather on the Hill/Princess Reel/Paddy on the Turnpike; Faded Love/Maiden's Prayer; Big John MacNeil/Mason's Apron/Growling Old Man and Woman; San Antonio Rose/Silver and Gold Two-Step; Cape Blomidon Reel/The Shelburne Reel; Silver Wedding Waltz; Don Messer's Breakdown/Woodchopper's Breakdown 35:37_

* * *

### Ian Robb

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ottawa-based Ian Robb, besides being a singer-songwriter and long-time member of Friends of Fiddler's Green, also writes a literate, insightful column, "The British-North America Act," in _Sing Out!_ Robb's pre-CD work includes a series of albums for Folk Legacy. _From Different Angels_ , his first CD recording, refers to three of Robb's musical influences—Stan Rogers, Peter Bellamy, and Ewan McColl. He pays tribute to Rogers with "Make And Break Harbour" and "Mary Ellen Carter." From McColl he has selected "The Big Hewer" and "The Lag's Song." From Bellamy's repertoire Robb learned "Green Groves" and "A-Roving on a Winter's Night." The album also includes Robb's infamous parody of "Barrett's Privateers," called "Garnet's Home-Made Beer." Robb's clear, strong singing makes this album a clear-cut winner for folkies. Recommended.

> **From Different Angels**  
>  1994 Fallen Angle (FAM 01CD)  
>  _The Santa Fe Trail; Farmer's Boy; The Moving Cloud/Miss Thornton/Skepper Schotish; The Big Hewer; Make and Break Harbour; Ye Mariners All; Garnet's Home-Made Beer; The Last Minute Waltz/Midnight on the Water; A-Roving on a Winter's Night; Green Groves; Charlie Hunter/McGuire's/Cape Breton Dream; The Lag's Song; D-Day Dodgers; They're Taking It Away; Cattle in the Cane/Vladimir's Steamboat; The Mary Ellen Carter 61:38_

* * *

### Robert & Susan

_Contemporary; Children's; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in Victoria, BC, Robert Anderson and Susan Ellenton are a folk duo who write and perform contemporary material. Each plays a variety of instruments, including guitar, mandolin, bass, piano, and accordion. On their first collaborative recording, _In the Backyard_ (1995), their styles range from the syncopated opener "In My Backyard," which celebrates urban wildness to slide guitar, "I'll Remember You," to the countryish "Long Stemmed Rose." Their laid-back, easy-going style makes this a thoughtful, gentle album that lends itself to listening to beside an open fire. In addition to his fine guitar playing, Robert Anderson is a noted BC guitar maker. Although the album was not originally created with this in mind, many parents have found _In the Backyard_ to be a fine children's album.

> **In the Backyard**  
>  1995 Ellanderston Productions (95CD1)  
>  _In My Backyard; Gaia; I'll Remember You; Long Stemmed Rose; Rainbow Flip Flops; Summer Night; Our Little Secret; Old City Blues; Hi Honey, (I'm Home); Blackberry Jam; Firelight; Bedtime 48:21_

* * *

### Dyhan Roberts

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

On _Angel on the Shoreline_ , British Columbia singer-songwriter Dyhan Roberts combines pop and country elements with folkish lyrics and acoustic guitar playing. Highlights of the album include "Angel On The Shoreline," "Little Bird," "One by One," "Undeniable Heat," and "Flying High on One Wing." James Keelaghan is guest vocalist on "Firelight." Roberts has a fine voice, but her very electric arrangements may lean too heavily into pop for some folkies.

> **Angel on the Shoreline**  
>  1993 Arpeggio (DJ1703)  
>  _Angel on the Shoreline; Angry Hearts; Firelight; Little Bird; One by One; Undeniable Heat; Candle of Love; Flying High on One Wing; Crackling like Fire; Until Their Eyes Shine; In the Thick of It; Bridges That Are Dreams 49:58_

* * *

### Robbie Robertson & the Red Road Ensemble

_First Nations; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Robbie Robertson, of the Band, is half Mohawk and was raised on the Six Nations reserve near Hagersville, Ontario. His involvement in creating the music for a six-hour documentary, _The Native Americans_ , led him on a musical journey in which he wrote and collaborated with a number of First Nations artists, including Kashtin (Innu), sisters Rita and Priscilla Coolidge (Cherokee), the Silver Cloud Singers (Hopi, Winnebago, Lumbee Flathead and Saponi Tuscarora), Douglas Spotted Eagle (Lakota), Ulali (Saponi Tuscarora and Mayan/Apache), Jim Wilson (Choctaw), Dave Carson (Choctaw), Benito (Taos Pueblo), Mazatl (Aztec/Mayan), and Bonnie Jo Hunt (Lakota).

Robertson decided to call his contributors the Red Road Ensemble. "It's just a way of me saying I worked with some wonderful other people. It's my way of acknowledging them. The Red Road, in native talk, means the cool way, the righteous way—done with really honorable intentions"—Robbie Robertson, interview in _Network_ , November 1994. Robertson received a "Producer of the Year" Juno for this album in 1995.

> **Music for the Native Americans**  
>  1994 Capitol (C2-7243 8 28295 2 2)  
>  _Coyote Dance; Mahk Jchi (Heartbeat Drum Song); Ghost Dance; The Vanishing Breed; It Is a Good Day to Die; Golden Feather; Akua Tuta; Words of Fire, Deeds of Blood; Cherokee Morning Song; Skinwalker; Ancestor Song; Twisted Hair 54:28_

* * *

### Andrew Roblin

_Bluegrass_

Manitoba-born Andrew Roblin, now residing in the United States, fronts the bluegrass band Andrew Roblin & the Pocono Mountain Men. Son of Canadian politician Duff Roblin, Andrew started his musical career playing guitar in Winnipeg as an eight-year-old. Later he turned to banjo. Raised on Metis fiddle tunes, cowboy music and bluegrass, Roblin headed south to Nashville to pursue bluegrass when he was still a teenager. There he got to the heart of Scruggs picking. Roblin credits tapes of live Foggy Mountain Boys shows as being a major influence on his concert performance style.

Roblin's CD, _Perilous Pursuit_ , might be dubbed "northern bluegrass." In addition to repertoire classics such as "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down" (Flatt & Scruggs) and "Peach Picking Time" (Jimmie Rogers), Roblin and crew mix in some great original pieces, like Roblin's utterly captivating banjo/instrumental opener "Plum Coulee," Andy Dejarlis' "Ti-Jean Bouribale," and Roblin's "Manitoba."

There's a friendly, almost gentle, pace to the material. It's not rushed or deliberately "hot." The musicianship is impeccable, from Roblin's banjo and hammered dulcimer right through the other instruments in the band. The vocal tracks are not quite up to the same quality as the instrumental tracks, but they're pleasant. The Pocono Mountain Men are Scott Eager, mandolin, vocals; Rich Starkey, guitar; Joe Spinelli, string bass; and Jim Daniels. _Perilous Pursuit_ is a very good contemporary bluegrass album.

> **Perilous Pursuit**  
>  1995 Upstart (CD 1003)  
>  _Plum Coulee; Pocono Jubilee; Freight Train Boogie; Lucky Trapper's Reel; Temperance Bear; Doing My Time; Festival du Voyageur; Don't Let Your Deal Go Down; Valerie's Waltz; Peach Picking Time; Thank You; Red River Jig; Broncho Buster; Who's Yer Daddy; Walls of Time; Manitoba; Ti-Jean Bouribale 50:26_

* * *

### Georges Rodriguez

_Worldbeat_

Montreal resident Georges Rodriguez, originally from Haiti, is considered to be _the_ Haitian percussionist. Rodriguez, who has been recording for over twenty years, is a musician and folklorist who has preserved the Haitian tradition of drums and drumming. _Tambours "Rada"_ provides the listener with an overview of different Haitian styles. The musicians and vocalists on this very fine album are Fritz Pageot, Steve Pageot, Leopold Moliere, Kesnel Hall, Michel Dubeau, Gary Crevecoeur, Carole Stines, and Marie-Carmelle Millien.

> **Tambours "Rada''**  
>  1993 George Rodriguez (GR-CD 1313)  
>  _Anbatonel #1; Mazaka Lakwa; Maskaron; Van Van Van; Rab oday; Anbatonel #2; Bal Chanpet; Iwa Zaou; Kontredans; Fi-a; Anbatonel #3; Vyej Mirak; Solo Tambou 53:49_

* * *

### Garnet Rogers

_Contemporary; Guitar; Singer-Songwriter_

"The narratives of singer/guitarist Garnet Rogers bore down upon you like a brisk winter wind, tingling your soul long after they're passed"— _Performing Songwriter_. Raised in and around Hamilton, Ontario, Garnet Rogers may be Canada's quintessential folksinger-songwriter. An excellent musician who performed with his brother Stan for many years before embarking on an independent musical career, Garnet has a fine, strong voice and an uncanny ear for talent.

His debut album, _Garnet Rogers_ , features Roy Forbes' "Woh Me," Doug McArthur's "Break the Law" and "Black Eyed Susan," Willie P. Bennett's "Music In Your Eyes," Connie Kaldor's "Bird on A Wing," and Archie Fisher's "Final Trawl." This is an album that wears well. _The Outside Track_ features Ralph McTell's "Gypsy Song," Doug McArthur's "Ain't Goin' Home," James Keelaghan's "Jenny Bryce," Henry Lawson's "The Outside Track," Rod MacDonald's "American Jerusalem," Archie Fisher's "Denbrae," and Enoch Kent's "The Farm Auction." It also includes some original tunes by Rogers—the start of a successful songwriting career.

_Speaking Softly in the Dark_ continues in the same vein as _The Outside Track_ with Rogers covering songs by other songwriters and adding a bit of his own to the mix. Highlights of the album include Mary Chapin Carpenter's "Goodbye Again," and Phil Ochs' "Crucifixion." This time around, the formula was not quite as gripping—it was time for Rogers to move on, which he did on his next release.

_Small Victories_ may be Rogers' most popular album. While it includes a few covers, such as "The King of Rome" by David Sudbury, this is the first album that is really Rogers' own. His songwriting bursts out all over on memorable tracks like "Small Victory," "One More Ride," "His Father's House," "Stars in Their Crown," "Off the Rails" and "Sleeping Buffalo."

By _At a High Window_ (1992), Rogers has developed the voice and style that characterizes his concert performances today. Confident and sure, Rogers delivers his songs with a mix of acoustic and electric arrangements. He has also developed the knack of writing _long_ songs, such as the beautiful twelve-minute classic, "A Row of Small Trees." Other highlights include "Through the Cracks," "At a High Window," and "Election Night: North Dakota."

_Summer Lightning_ (1994) was recorded live at Annie and Carl Grindstaff's house concert in London, Ontario and at the Commercial Tavern in Maryhill, Ontario. The ambiance is warm and intimate and Rogers performs a fine mix of covers and original material. New Rogers' songs on this album include "The Beauty Game," "What's Wrong With This Picture," "Frankie and Johnny," "Let Me Count the Ways," and "Summer Lightning."

To the possible distress of older fans _Night Drive_ (1996) is unlike any previous Garnet Rogers recording. It is electric, driving, sassy and riveting. The way to listen to Night Drive is to turn up the volume and let it rock. The album carries the usual Garnet Rogers stamp: excellent covers mixed with excellent original material. Rogers has an uncanny knack for choosing an unusual, effective piece and transforming it into an memorable performance. And, as always, new Garnet Rogers songs are events in themselves. This album has many such events.

At the risk of unintentionally downplaying Garnet's fine voice and songwriting, Night Drive could be called a "guitar" album. It's about electric guitars, slide guitars, and acoustic guitars. Anyone who's been to a Rogers concert recently will testify that Garnet has developed into one of the finest singer-instrumentalists on the folk circuit. Garnet switches between guitars and styles from track to track, laying down rock riffs, bluesy slides, and filigreed acoustic finger picking in an inspiring display of versatility.

One of the outstanding releases of 1996, Night Drive is a worthwhile addition to any folk collection, and it's one that can be enjoyed by a very broad audience. If you know any teens or young adults who claim they don't like folk music, spin this one for them. Better yet, take them to a Garnet Rogers concert.

> **Garnet Rogers**  
>  1984 Snow Goose (SGS-1111CD)  
>  _Woh Me; Break the Law; Music in Your Eyes; Carrickfergus/Final Trawl; Westlin Winds; Black Eyed Susan; Bird on a Wing; Farewell to Music; Thanksgiving Eve 46:07_

> **The Outside Track**  
>  1986 Snow Goose (SGS 1113CD)  
>  _Gypsy Song; Green Eyes; Ain't Goin' Home; Jenny Bryce; The Outside Track; American Jerusalem; Denbrae; The Farm Auction; Blind Mary; Archie Gets a Leg Up; John O'Dreams 45:07_

> **Speaking Softly in the Dark**  
>  1988 Snow Goose (SGS 1115 D)  
>  _Dear Grandfather; The Sliprails and the Spur; McArthur's Farewell to the West; The Enfolding; Like a Diamond Ring; Hallelujah! (The Great Storm Is Over); Goodbye Again; Lament for Henry Chapin; Crucifixion; After All 44:37_

> **Small Victories**  
>  1990 Snow Goose (SGS 1117)  
>  _The King of Rome; Small Victory; One More Ride; His Father's House; Stars in Their Crown; Off the Rails; One Bullet; Sleeping Buffalo; The Lost Ones; For Herself 59:04_

> **At a High Window**  
>  1992 Snow Goose (SGS 1121CD)  
>  _Through the Cracks; Come from the Heart; Last of the Working Stetsons; At a High Window; Willie Short; The Joy of Living; Young Willie; A Row of Small Trees; Election Night: North Dakota 53:47_

> **Summer Lightning**  
>  1994 Snow Goose (SGS1123CD)  
>  _Give the Fiddler a Dram; The Beauty Game; This Shirt; What's Wrong with This Picture; Frankie and Johnny; Let Me Count the Ways; Sleeping Buffalo; Sammy's Bar; A Row of Small Trees; The Outside Track; Summer Lightning; The King of Rome; O'Neil's Dream 66:33_

> **Night Drive**  
>  1996 Snow Goose (SGS1125)  
>  _Jesus and Elvis; Never So Lonely; Seeds of Hope (The Last March); Roman Coin; Corrinna, Corrinna; Love's Been Linked to the Blues; Phone Booth; Colliertown; Golden Fields; Borealis (Instrumental); Night Drive 59:19_

* * *

### Stan Rogers

_Contemporary; Traditional; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

Many fans consider Stan Rogers the greatest Canadian folksinger ever, and the loss due to his death in an airline disaster in 1983 is still felt deeply. Every folk collection should contain a selection of Stan Rogers recordings. With assistance from his wonderful musicians, especially his brother Garnet, who adds magic to song after song with his fiddle playing, Stan created some of the finest folk music on record. If you're like most people who discover his music, you'll probably end up purchasing all the albums in his too-brief discography. Rogers is a memorial member of the Porcupine Awards Hall of Fame.

Rogers' ascent in popularity began with his discovery of the songwriting potential of the Canadian Maritimes, his ancestral home. He plumbed the history and character of Maritimes fishing and mining villages in his outstanding debut album, _Fogarty's Cove_. The album is filled to the brim with what are now Stan Rogers classics, such as "Forty-Five Years," "Fogarty's Cove," "Barrett's Privateers," and "Make and Break Harbour." Rogers' second album, _Turnaround_ , is a little patchier, containing such gems as "The Bluenose" and "The Jeannie C.", but also containing some rougher, early material that shows a developing Stan Rogers rather than the later, mature artist. _Between the Breaks...Live!_ , one of two live albums in Rogers' discography, is a classic that provides a good blend of Stan's original material mixed well with that of other songwriters. His cover of Archie Fisher's "Witch of The Westmorland" is one of the album's highlights. The version of "Barrett's Privateers" on this album is considered by many to be definitive.

From the opening, achingly beautiful a cappella "Northwest Passage" to the gently lingering "California" that rounds out the album, _Northwest Passage_ may be Rogers' finest work. It continues his exploration of the songwriting possibilities of Canada, this time the Canadian prairies and Canadian West. The album features some of his strongest lyrics: "Lies," "Free in the Harbour," "The Field Behind The Plow," "The Idiot," and, of course, "Northwest Passage." Interspersed between _Northwest Passage_ and _From Fresh Water_ is Stan's "fun" album, _For the Family_ on which he performs the traditional music his musically-talented family grew up on. A tribute to his roots, _Family_ provides an insight into the direction Rogers might have taken. This was the first, and only, album he produced himself. He dispensed with the background strings, returning to a plainer, more traditional folk sound.

_From Fresh Water_ , released posthumously (1992), was Rogers' last major project—a set of songs he wrote about the Great Lakes region of Canada where he was raised. His song cycles about Canada had come full circle, back to his home. The album includes some great Rogers' compositions, including "Lock-Keeper," "White Squall," "The Last Watch," and "The Nancy." It also displays a rarer side of Rogers—a pair of protest songs: "Tiny Fish for Japan," and "The House of Orange." Ten years after Stan's death, Fogarty's Cove Music posthumously released a concert recorded in 1982 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. _Home in Halifax_ , a superb live recording, preserves the essence of a Stan Rogers concert performance, including snatches of stage patter. It catches Garnet Rogers' engaging humour, and, arguably, the best version of "Barrett's Privateers" on all of Stan's albums. It also includes a previously unrecorded Stan Rogers song, "Sailor's Rest."

As the demand grows for anything of Stan's work in the archives, Fogarty's Cove has pledged to release CD's of recorded concerts and radio shows. The first of these, _Poetic Justice_ (1996), is the release of two radio plays done for the CBC. They form interesting contrasts. The first _Harris and the Mare_ is a play written by John Douglas, based on Stan's song "Harris and the Mare." As such it extends the story of the song into a dramatic production. The second, _The Sisters_ , by Silver Don Cameron was a play for which Stan wrote the theme song, "The Sisters." The collector will want to purchase this highly interesting album.

> **Fogarty's Cove**  
>  1977 Fogarty's Cove (FCM-P/1001D)  
>  _Watching the Apples Grow; Forty-Five Years; Fogarty's Cove; The Maid on the Shore; Barrett's Privateers; Fisherman's Wharf; Giant; The Rawdon Hills; Plenty of Hornpipe; The Wreck of the Athens Queen; Make and Break Harbour; Finch's Complaint; Giant: Reprise 39:30_

> **Turnaround**  
>  1978 Fogarty's Cove (FCM 001D)  
>  _Dark Eyed Molly; Oh No, Not I; Second Effort; Bluenose; The Jeannie C.; So Blue; Front Runner; Song of the Candle; Try like the Devil; Turnaround 40:57_

> **Between the Breaks...Live!**  
>  1979 Fogarty's Cove (FCM-002D)  
>  _The Witch of the Westmorland; Barrett's Privateers; First Christmas; The Mary Ellen Carter; The White Collar Holler; The Flowers of Bermuda; Rolling Down to Old Maui; Harris and the Mare; Delivery Delayed 43:30_

> **Northwest Passage**  
>  1981 Fogarty's Cove (FCM 004D)  
>  _Northwest Passage; The Field Behind the Plow; Night Guard; Working Joe; You Can't Stay Here; The Idiot; Lies; Canol Road; Free in the Harbour; California 39:39_

> **For the Family**  
>  1983 Folk Tradition (R002)  
>  _Lookout Hill; Cliffs of Baccalieu; Strings and Dory Plug; The Badger Drive; Cape St. Mary's; Two Bit Cayuse; Scarborough Settler's Lament; Yeastcake Jones; Up in Fox Island; Three Fishers 36:10_

> **From Fresh Water**  
>  1984 Fogarty's Cove (FCM 007D)  
>  _White Squall; The Nancy; Man with Blue Dolphin; Tiny Fish for Japan; Lock-Keeper; Half of a Heart; MacDonnell on the Heights; Flying; The Last Watch; The House of Orange 42:04_

> **Home in Halifax**  
>  1992 Fogarty's Cove (FCM 010D)  
>  _Bluenose; Make and Break Harbour; The Field Behind the Plow; Shriner Cows (dial.); Night Guard; Morris Dancers (dial.); The Idiot; Lies; Free in the Harbour; Band Introduction (dial.); Workin' Joe; The Legend of Fingal (dial.); Giant; Forty-Five Years; The Mary Ellen Carter; Barrett's Privateers; Sailor's Rest 64:01_

> **Poetic Justice: Two Radio Plays**  
>  1996 Fogarty's Cove (FCM 011D)  
>  _Harris and the Mare; The Sisters 58:14_

* * *

### Deborah Romeyn

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Like many folk artists, Winnipeg-based Deborah Romeyn leads a multifaceted life. A high school biology teacher and massage therapist, Romeyn is also a singer-songwriter who writes beautifully and passionately about the Prairies.

A Canadian writer once wrote that the Prairies had taught her a sense of "distance." Anyone living on the Prairies understands this spatial dimension, something not fully understood by outsiders. On her CD, _Distance in Her Eyes_ , subtitled _A Gift from the Prairies_ , Romeyn captures this Prairie sensibility immediately on the opening track "Nothing Like the Freedom"—"And it's something, the space around you like it never ends / Highways go forever and don't look back."

With a voice reminiscent of Ferron, Romeyn's strong lyrics and soft arrangements carry through the album like the Prairie breezes she documents. Recommended.

Additional musicians on _Distance_ include Dan Donahue, Tom Wattrous, Boyd McKenzie, Nancy Reinhold and Ilena Zaramba.

> **Distance in Her Eyes: A Gift from the Prairies**  
>  1997 Bo Jess (BJRCD7)  
>  _Nothing Like the Freedom; Distance in Her Eyes; Turn of the Words; Till Your Heart Comes Home; Her Garden; Prairie Skies; If Your Heart Should Miss Me; Days in the Saddle; My Own Road; My Mother's Eyes 34:55_

* * *

### The Rose Vaughn Trio

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"[Rose Vaughn's albums] immediately set up an elegant and almost austere mood which never lets up ... The Rose Vaughn trio performs songs that are cordial and sometimes melancholy and the music is always captivating, if not downright luminous"— _Dirty Linen_. A regular act at folk venues across Canada, the Halifax-based, jazz-influenced Rose Vaughn Trio presents its atmospheric blend of music on _Sweet Tarragon_ , with Rose Vaughn, the group's songwriter on lead vocals, Catherine Porter on piano, keyboard, flute, and Pam Mason on acoustic bass. Highlights include "Song of the Fog," "Sally's Song," "Runaway Day," "Sweet Tarragon," and "Take Me Down to the River." The trio continues its unique music on the 1993 _Fire in the Snow_. Highlights include "Restless As a River," "Stone and Sand," "Fire In The Snow," "Stones," and "Seashell Boat."

> **Sweet Tarragon**  
>  1991 WildRose (102)  
>  _Song of the Fog; Sally's Song; Man/Maid Moon; Runaway Day; Out of the Darkness; One Way Street; Cuu Cuu Viu; Sweet Tarragon; White Stretch Limo; Shopkeeper (Gina); Isabelle's Lament; Take Me Down to the River; Thyme on My Windowsill/Chaucer's Strut 44:08_

> **Fire in the Snow**  
>  1993 WildRose (103)  
>  _Restless As a River; Stone and Sand; Fire in the Snow; Shadow; Small; Celina; Ella May; My Jemmie; Stones; Equally in Love; Coming Home; Seashell Boat 40:48_

* * *

### Don Ross

_Contemporary; Guitar; Singer-Songwriter_

With hands that move with the speed of a Cuisinart, Toronto guitar virtuoso Don Ross carries six-string acoustic folk guitar into the stratospheric regions usually reserved for flamenco, jazz, and classical. His compelling compositions delight the ear, propelling you from track to track with innovative delights and surprises. If you like guitar instrumentals, add Don Ross to your music collection and dive into his unique soundstream.

"First Ride," the first track on Ross's debut CD, _Bearing Straight_ , may send you in search of your seatbelt. In a few short bars Ross establishes himself as one of the finest acoustic guitarists around as he launches into passages that take you around musical corners at breakneck speed. The sweet "Catherine" that follows is a slower, jazz-flavoured piece that combines violin and acoustic bass. The remainder of the album presents track after track of highly-pleasurable listening as Ross works his way through his imaginative compositions. This very long album was recorded "live" in the studio with no dubs or edits. Simply amazing. The eponymous album, _Don Ross_ , continues the adventure with compositions like "Groovy Sunflowers," "Zarzuela," "Thin Air," "Bluefinger," and "Little Giants." This is guitar lovers' heaven.

_Three Hands_ takes Ross in a different direction. Ross, who is half Scottish and half Micmac, displays a good, though not distinguished, singing voice on songs like "Spirit Wars" and "A Child Must Grow," songs about human relations Ross wrote after the events in Oka, Quebec in 1990 involving a clash between native and non-native cultures. With _This Dragon Won't Sleep_ Ross began recording for Columbia. The album is a mix of instrumentals and vocals. Opening with the lush instrumental, "Godzilla," Ross explores diverse moods and styles. "Head & Heart," for instance, is a pop-oriented song with syncopated rhythms and ornamentation. Re-makes from earlier albums include "Groovy Sunflowers," "Catherine," and "Zarzuela."

> **Bearing Straight**  
>  1989 Duke Street (DSRD 31054)  
>  _The First Ride; Catherine; Midnight March; Silversmith; That'll Be the Phone; Patmos; The Is-Ought Controversy; Goby Fish; King Street Suite; Ginger and Fred; In from the Cold; New Aaron; Slow Burn 65:42_

> **Don Ross**  
>  1990 Duke Street (DSRD 31065)  
>  _Groovy Sunflowers; Zarzuela; Thin Air; Bluefinger; Carolan's Quarrel with the Landlady/Michael and Juliana; Lucy Watusi; Wall of Glass; Enka; August on the Island; Little Giants 46:36_

> **Three Hands**  
>  1992 Duke Street (DSRD 31084)  
>  _Spirit Wars; Hoover the Musical Dog; Island of Women; A Child Must Grow; Hands; Run, Don't Walk; Sugar; Kehewin; Big Buck; Everybody Lies; 39 Weeks; L eger de Main 48:26_

> **This Dragon Won't Sleep**  
>  1995 Columbia (CK 80221)  
>  _Godzilla; Head & Heart; Obrigado (Egberto); This Dragon Won't Sleep; Yoyomama; Any Colour but Blue; Groovy Sunflowers; Afraid to Dance; Tierra Maya; Catherine; Au Jardin d'Amour; Big Steps; Little Shoes; Zarzuela 60:14_

* * *

### Wayne Rostad

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ottawa singer-songwriter Wayne Rostad is well known as the host of the popular CBC TV series _On the Road Again_ which travels across Canada focusing on unusual facets of Canadian life. In some ways, the TV show is a mirror of Rostad's 1991 album, _Storyteller_ , a recording that, in song, tells the story of some of the interesting characters Rostad has met. The album includes "Noisy Jim's Cafe," about a popular little cafe and its proprietor just outside Saskatoon, "Ruby and Rose," a song about two ladies from Quebec who travelled one summer in a wagon pulled by a Belgian mare, and "Sonny, Pull with Me," about a pair of world champion dory racers in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. The songs are tributes to real people, and the pen-and-ink drawings that accompany the lyrics add to the overall charm. Rostad's homespun voice will not win any awards, but the album is fun.

> **Storyteller**  
>  1991 Stag Creek (SCR-CD 1013)  
>  _Stories to Tell; Transition to Trinity Bay; Ruins of British Harbour; Passage to Grand Manan; King of Dulse; Ruby and Rose; Noisy Jim's Cafe; Schubenacadie Tinsmith Man; Back to the Slocan; Sonny, Pull with Me; Clarence the Caribou; Song of the Orcas; When I Grow up 45:20_

* * *

### Karl Roth

_Contemporary_

Calgary violinist Karl Roth, a member of the Cold Club and backup musician for many Calgary artists, steps out front and centre on _Everybody Wants to Be a Cat_ , a top-notch jazz-oriented release that features Roth's excellent violin and voice. Guest musicians include Loni Moger, Neil Bentley, Dave Hamilton, Craig McCaul, Ian Grant, Dave Wilkie, and Ron Casat.

> **Everybody Wants to Be a Cat**  
>  1994 Too Hot Music (THM CD 0001)  
>  _Everybody Wants to Be a Cat; Minor Swing; My Favourite Things; I've Got the World on a String; Swing 42; L'Accord eoniste; It Don't Mean a Thing; In a Sentimental Mood; When You Wish Upon a Star; Built for Comfort; Minor Swing; Two Sleepy People 42:30_

* * *

### Ryan's Fancy

_Traditional; Celtic_

One of the early and influential Irish groups was Ryan's Fancy, comprised of Denis Ryan, Fergus O'Byrne, and Dermitt O'Reilly, three transplanted Irishmen who settled in Canada's East Coast. A popular group during the 70's, their albums are all out of print, with the exception of this CD reissue of _Ryan's Fancy Live_. This album was recorded at The Black Night Lounge, according to the announcement on the introductory track, but the city is not mentioned. The recording quality is rough but Ryan's Fancy fans will enjoy having this musical memory. Unfortunately this album is spoiled, like most Heritage albums, by a total absence of any liner notes, doing a disservice to the artists and their fans.

> **Live**  
>  [no date] Heritage (HCD 4409)  
>  _Intro; I'se the B'y; South Australia; Cock o' the North; The West's Awake; Seven Old Ladies; Swallow's Tail; Goodbye Mick; A Lesson Too Late for the Learning; Come by the Hills; The High Reel; Johnny Bucher; Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen; Goodbye Mursheen Durkin; This Land is Your Land; Farewell to Nova Scotia 54:47_

* * *

### Denis Ryan

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

Denis Ryan, the founder of the popular group Ryan's Fancy, delivers an album of old favourites on _Mist Covered Mountains_. His Irish tenor voice is featured on songs like "Tiree Love Song," "Newport Town," "Mist Covered Mountains of Home," "Will You Go Lassie Go," and "Dark Island." Ryan is joined by guest musicians and vocalists including Raylene Rankin, Tony Quinn, Scott Macmillan, and Dave MacIsaac.

> **Mist Covered Mountains**  
>  1991 Brookes Diamond (DRCD 228)  
>  _Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore; Tiree Love Song; Newport Town; Sweet Forget Me Not; Cape Breton Sunrise; Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary's; Mist Covered Mountains of Home; Will You Go Lassie Go; For Now I'm Sixty-Four; I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen/Isle of Innisfree; Dark Island 42:35_

* * *

## S

### Buffy Sainte-Marie

_Traditional; Contemporary; First Nations; Singer-Songwriter_

Saskatchewan-born Buffy Sainte-Marie was inducted into the Juno Awards Hall of Fame in 1995 for her lifetime achievement in the field of music. A dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Sainte-Marie's career took flight in the 1960's when her uncanny songwriting talents and striking voice brought her to the forefront of the 60's folk revival. Sainte-Marie may be Canada's most diverse songwriter—her material ranges effortlessly from protest songs to love songs to country, pop, and rock. _It's My Way_ , from 1964, is a treasury of early Sainte-Marie material including "Now That the Buffalo's Gone," "Cod'ine," "The Universal Soldier," "It's My Way," "He Lived Alone in Town," "The Incest Song," and "Eyes of Amber." On "Cripple Creek" Sainte-Marie sings to the accompaniment of mouth bow. _Little Wheel Spin and Spin_ , from 1966, contains "My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying," "Poor Man's Daughter," the countryish "Sometimes When I Get to Thinkin'," and the title track, "Little Wheel Spin And Spin."

By the close of the 60's every folk act was making a Nashville album, and Sainte-Marie was no exception. She has a knack for writing country/folk and for many fans the 1968 recording, _I'm Gonna Be A Country Girl Again_ , is simply her best. Highlights include "He's A Pretty Good Man If You Ask Me," "A Soulful Shade of Blue," "The Piney Wood Hills," "Tall Trees in Georgia," "Take My Hand for Awhile," and "Gonna Feel Much Better When You're Gone." _Illuminations_ is as different from _Country Girl_ as it is from _It's My Way_. This haunting, often beautiful, album was Sainte-Marie's first experiment with electronics, combining acoustic guitar and voice with synthesized sound. Her arrangement of Leonard Cohen's poem "God Is Alive, Magic Is Afoot" is one of the album's highlights.

_The Best of Buffy Sainte-Marie_ was originally issued as a Vanguard "Twofer"—two vinyl LP's in one package. The problem with this CD is that while Sainte-Marie's wide-ranging songwriting sounds right on her individual albums where the tracks are carefully sequenced, the _Best Of_ collection turns them into a hodgepodge. The individual albums are more satisfying, but this collection is the only place you'll find CD copies of songs like "Many a Mile," "Los Pescadores," and Joni Mitchell's "The Circle Game." _She Used to Wanna Be a Ballerina_ is one of Sainte-Marie's least successful albums—a move into pop music that doesn't ring true. _Moonshot_ , on the other hand, succeeds moderately well as a pop album. Backed by a congenial band, Sainte-Marie introduces a new sound and includes some new material written for the occasion: "He's an Indian Cowboy in the Rodeo," "Moonshot," and "Native North American Child." In 1992 Sainte-Marie stunned the music industry by releasing her first album after a hiatus of over fifteen years. _Coincidences and Likely Stories_ is an album for the 90's with 60's-like sentiments. Sainte-Marie has lost none of her songwriting magic—the album ranks among her best.

Sainte-Marie has been touring again in recent years and, given that many of her early recordings are either out of print or difficult to obtain, Sainte-Marie has re-recorded many of them on the album _Up Where We Belong_ (1996). For those who do not have access to the originals, this is an excellent purchase. It includes both new and old material and the production values of the CD are very high. Sainte-Marie is still in good voice, although those who remember her from the 60's may prefer the more youthful, energetic voice on the original Vanguard recordings.

> **It's My Way**  
>  1964 Vanguard (VMD 79142)  
>  _Now That the Buffalo's Gone; The Old Man's Lament; Ananias; Mayoo Sto Hoon; Cod'ine; Cripple Creek; The Universal Soldier; Babe in Arms; He Lived Alone in Town; You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond; The Incest Song; Eyes of Amber; It's My Way 40:35_

> **Little Wheel Spin and Spin**  
>  1966 Vanguard (VMD 79211)  
>  _Little Wheel Spin and Spin; House Carpenter; Waly, Waly; Rolling Log Blues; My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying; Men of the Fields; Timeless Love; Sir Patrick Spens; Poor Man's Daughter; Lady Margaret; Sometimes When I Get to Thinkin'; Winter Boy 40:55_

> **I'm Gonna Be a Country Girl Again**  
>  1968 Vanguard (79280-2)  
>  _I'm Gonna Be a Country Girl Again; He's a Pretty Good Man If You Ask Me; Uncle Joe; A Soulful Shade of Blue; From the Bottom of My Heart; Sometimes When I Get to Thinkin'; The Piney Wood Hills; Now That the Buffalo's Gone; They Gotta Quit Kickin' My Dawg Around; Tall Trees in Georgia; The Love of a Good Man; Take My Hand for a While; Gonna Feel Much Better When You're Gone 34:02_

> **The Best of Buffy Sainte-Marie**  
>  1987, 1970 Vanguard (VCD-3/4)  
>  _A Soulful Shade of Blue; Summer Boy; The Universal Soldier; Better to Find Out for Yourself; Cod'ine; He's a Keeper of the Fire; Take My Hand for a While; Ground Hog; The Circle Game; My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying; Many a Mile; Until It's Time for You to Go; Rolling Log Blues; God Is Alive, Magic Is Afoot; Guess Who I Saw in Paris; The Piney Wood Hills; Now That the Buffalo's Gone; Cripple Creek; I'm Gonna Be a Country Girl Again; The Vampire; Little Wheel Spin and Spin; Winter Boy; Los Pescadores; Sometimes When I Get to Thinkin' 71:04_

> **Illuminations**  
>  1970, reissued 1992 Vanguard [FNAC—-France] (WM 321/662115)  
>  _God Is Alive, Magic Is Afoot; Mary; Better Find Out for Yourself; The Vampire; Adam; The Dream Tree; Suffer the Little Children; The Angel; With You, Honey; Guess Who I Saw in Paris; He's a Keeper of the Fire; Poppies 35:57_

> **She Used to Wanna Be a Ballerina**  
>  1971 Vanguard (VMD 79311)  
>  _Rollin' Mill Man; Smack Water Jack; Sweet September Morning; She Used to Wanna Be a Ballerina; Bells; Helpless; Moratorium; The Surfer; Song of the French Partisan; Soldier Blue; Now You've Been Gone for a Long Time 35:00_

> **Moonshot**  
>  1972 Vanguard (WM 321/662140)  
>  _Not the Lovin' Kind; You Know How to Turn on Those Lights; I Wanna Hold Your Hand Forever; He's an Indian Cowboy in the Rodeo; Lay It Down; Moonshot; Native North American Child; My Baby Left Me; Sweet Memories; Jeremiah; Mister Can't You See 32:12_

> **Coincidence and Likely Stories**  
>  1992 Chrysalis/Ensign (F2 21920)  
>  _The Big Ones Get Away; Fallen Angels; Bad End; Emma Lee; Starwalker; The Priests of the Golden Bull; Disinformation; Getting Started; I'm Going Home; Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee; Goodnight 43:23_

> **Up Where We Belong**  
>  1996 EMI (0 7243 835059 2 0)  
>  _Darling Don't Cry; Up Where We Belong; Piney Wood Hills; Cripple Creek; God is Alive/Magic is Afoot; Until It's Time for You to Go; Universal Soldier; Goodnight; Dance Me Around; He's An Indian Cowboy in the Rodeo; Now That the Buffalo's Gone; Soldier Blue; Eagle Man/Changing Woman; Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee; Starwalker 52:10_

* * *

### Trichy Sankaran

_Worldbeat_

Toronto-based Trichy Sankaran is a virtuoso _mrdangam_ player—the double-headed barrel drum from South India. A disciple of the late Sri Palani Subramania Pillai, Sankaran made his public debut at age thirteen. A professor of Indian Music Studies at York University, Toronto, his techniques have been filmed and documented by the CBC. Sankaran's writings include a textbook on mrdangam performance and rhythmic theory. Sankaran has performed widely throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. On _Laya Vinyas_ he is accompanied by Karaikkudi Subramaniam, a leading proponent of the vina (a string instrument from South India), Lalitha Sankaran on taboura, and Andrew Timar on finger cymbals.

> **Laya Vinyas**  
>  1990 Music of the World (CDT-120)  
>  _Mrdangam Solo in Adi Tala (8 Beat Cycle); Mrdangam Solo in Misra Chapu Tala (7 Beat Cycle); Kriti: Padavini (Adi Tala); Kanjira Solo in Khanda Eka Tala (5 Beat Cycle); Talavadya Kacceri in Khanda Eka Tala; Kavadichindu in Misra Chapu Tala 42:13_

* * *

### Sazacha Red Sky

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

_Red Sky Rising_ has been the subject of controversy since its release. The album claims that Sazacha Red Sky, the stage name of Vancouver session singer Nancy Nash, is the "spiritual" daughter of Vancouver's Chief Dan George. Can a non-native person do First Nations music? Controversy aside, this is a powerful album with some wonderful singing and slide guitar.

> **Red Sky Rising**  
>  1993 Sazacha Red Sky (SRS9313)  
>  _Wolf/Dolphin Welcoming Song; Stuck in the Middle; The Prayer Song; All of My Love; Grandma's Comin; Roy's Song; Mr. Velvet Blue; Little Drum; Red Sky at Night; A.I.M. Song/The Prayer of Silence 47:20_

* * *

### Mose Scarlett

_Traditional; Blues; Swing; Guitar_

Toronto-based performer Mose Scarlett has a voice that has been described as a "velvet baritone that could smooth the scales off an armadillo." An extraordinary guitarist who has inspired a generation of young finger pickers, Scarlett commands an extensive repertoire of the music of the 20's, 30's and 40's. His first album, _Stalling for Time_ , was produced by Bruce Cockburn. Scarlett's imbues his material with a freshness that transcends any date and time. His current album, _The Fundamental Things_ (1995), is a fine release from one of the music scene's true originals.

Appearing with Scarlett on _The Fundamental Things_ is a large cast of supporting musicians including Jackie Washington, Ken Whiteley, Tony Quarrington, and Victor Bateman.

> **The Fundamental Things**  
>  1995 Borealis (PD013)  
>  _The Moon Is a Silver Dollar; Sweet Georgia Brown; A Kiss to Build a Dream On; It's a Sin to Tell a Lie; After You've Gone; Nobody's Sweetheart; As Time Goes By; Nine Pound Hammer; My Walking Stick; The Sheik of Araby; How Long Blues; Big Bad Bill; Miss Otis Regrets; Marie; Hobo's Lullaby 59:52_

* * *

### Scatter the Mud

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

A Calgary-based Celtic band, Scatter the Mud puts a lively spin on traditional numbers and tunes written by band members. The group combines tight harmonies and energetic, well-played instrumentals on their debut album, _In The M ud_ (1994). The album includes numbers like "Wavy Creek," described as "a body of water in Manitoba where you can skate, swim and augment your mosquito collection." Despite the light-hearted atmosphere, there is some seriously good Celtic music on this album. Scatter the Mud is Phil O'Flaherty, Cam Keating, Greg Hooper, and Conan Daly.

On their second release, _Never Time to Play_ (1997), the band continues its focus on lively, intricate Celtic-style jigs and tight harmonies, but it also ventures into a smattering of reggae, country and even surf. To bolster its ever playful and inventive approach to music, the band added percussionist Dave Horrocks as a full time member. Guest musicians include Keith Glass on guitar and Thom Moon on percussion.

> **In the M ud**  
>  1994 Mud Music (MMCD0051)  
>  _Leis an Lurigan/The Ingleneuk; Sleive Russell/The Swaggering Jig; Diamantina Drover; The Scotsman Over the Border/The Peeler and the Goat; The Old Mountain Road; Wavy Creek; A Bad Day for Brittany/Flying Plate/Whelan's Reel; Red Is the Rose; The Rakes of Kildare/Stuart Chisholm's Walkabout/Famous Ballymote; As I Roved Out/Galdowyn's Reel/The Blacksmith; At the Ball and Chain 53:43_

> **Never Time to Play**  
>  1997 Mud Music (62366-76000-2)  
>  _Step It Out Mary/The Hunter's Purse; Not Prepared To Go; Skyeman's Jig/Maguire's/Alan MacPherson of Mosspark; The Courtship; Gardens of Skye/The Old Concertina; Little Piece of Me; Wild Geese/Listowel Hornpipe; The Maple Leaf/Dunmore Lasses; Piper Lad; Jig the Gig; Lass of Glenshee; An Cl ar Scatala/Richard's Volvo 65:01_

* * *

### Lesley Schatz

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Calgary artist Lesley Schatz has put together an unusual set of albums on the Bear label from Germany. The first two albums, _Coyote Moon/Run to the Wind_ and _Walls, Hearts & Heroes_, are collections of Schatz' songwriting, well sung in a "western" style with sparkling, outstanding backup musicianship from some of Calgary's best, including David Wilkie, Stewart MacDougall, Nathan Tinkham, and Cindy Church. The next three albums, _Hello Stranger_ , _Banjo Pickin' Girl_ , and _Brave Wolfe_ , appear to be part of a project on the Bear label to do modern recordings of North American folk classics. The instrumentation on these recordings is stark—often just a simple guitar or banjo—and Schatz' effervescent, but somewhat fragile, voice doesn't always have enough depth to carry the tunes successfully. She does her best interpretations on faster-paced material, particularly Appalachian tunes. Unfortunately for Canadian folkies, CDs from the Bear label are imported into Canada at premium prices, seriously limiting the audience for Schatz' work. Schatz has a large following in Europe and the former Soviet Union.

> **Coyote Moon/Run to the Wind**  
>  1990 Bear (BCD 15513)  
>  _It's About Time; Alberta Blue; Freight Train Bound; The Way She Would Sing; Printed Word; Coyote Moon; Boppin' at the Gamle; Goin' Home; Old Tin Pot; Les' Wish; Alberta Waltz; Molly and Tenbrooks; To Each His Own; I'll Be on the Road Again; Run to the Wind; Chinese Silver; Slow Dance; Wind (Stay Away); The Only Sound You'll Hear; Empty Hands 72:24_

> **Walls, Hearts & Heroes**  
>  1992 Bear (BCD 15674)  
>  _Walls and Borders; Gotta Go (Bremen Train); Dryland; Lonely Bird; Back to Your Arms; Girl Gone Wild; Old, Old Doll; Take a Stand (For the Children); I Can Hear Ya Callin'; Foothills Lullabye; My Heart Stands (At Your Door); Gypsy Blue; Wastin' the Moon; Merlin and the Cowboy; I Can Dance (Like Arthur Murray); New Crescent Moon; Once a Dream; Way of Walkin' (She's Sure Got Away with My Heart); Old Wooley; A Christmas Wish; Christmas in the Cabin; Un Canadien Errant 78:05_

> **Hello Stranger**  
>  1993 Bear (BCD 15725 AH)  
>  _Hello Stranger; Shenandoah; The Wayfaring Stranger; Apple Blossom Time; Beautiful River Valley; The Sweetest Gift; The Water Is Wide; Somewhere in Tennessee; Froggy Went A-Courtin'; Farewell to Nova Scotia; Home on the Range; Down in the Valley; Whiskey in the Jar; The Girl I Left Behind; The Lily of the West; Did He Mention My Name; Spanish Is a Loving Tongue; Cancion de Cuna; La Source; Brahm's Lullaby 57:57_

> **Banjo Pickin' Girl**  
>  1993 Bear (BCD 15729 AH)  
>  _The Winter It Is Past; Troubled in Mind; Cruel Sister; Barbara Allen; Little Joe, the Wrangler; Zebra Dun; Streets of Laredo; Jesse James; Tom Dula; Banjo Pickin' Girl; Early One Morning; Arthur McBride; Jack O'Hazlegreen; Great Silkie; Silver Dagger; Rowan Tree; White Coral Bells; Flor Del Pino; Tumbalalaika; Will the Circle Be Unbroken 62:22_

> **Brave Wolfe**  
>  1993 Bear (BCD 15735 AH)  
>  _Red River Valley; Gypsy Davy; Oh Susanna; Brave Wolfe; The Banks of the Ohio; I Never Will Marry; Greensleeves/Greenpeace; I Ride an Old Paint; Shady Grove; Rising Sun Blues; The Train That Carried My Man from Town; Shortenin' Bread; Cripple Creek; Mole in the Ground; Old Joe Clark; Nine Pound Hammer; Turkey in the Straw; Sinner Man; Careless Love; Pretty Little Horses 57:02_

* * *

### Oliver Schroer

_Fiddle_

The ubiquitous Oliver Schroer, a Toronto-based fiddler, is a popular session musician and producer. His concert performances are always wonderful and slightly wacky. Schroer's first CD, _Jigzup_ , is an album of contemporary fiddle music that draws from a background of traditional fiddling and adds overtones from various musical cultures, including a touch of rock and a few bars of trumpet playing. It's a little offbeat, but it comes off well, with Schroer's fiddle providing a core that keeps everything centred. His second CD, _Whirled_ , may have pushed the envelope a little too far. A few of the tracks are very difficult to listen to, which is a shame because most of the album is engaging. Highlights include "Into the Sun," "Whirled," "Blue Sun in a Yellow Sky," and "The Humours of Aristotle." _Whirled_ received an "Offbeat Folk Award" Porcupine in 1994.

> **Jigzup**  
>  1993 Big Dog (no catalogue number)  
>  _Victory of Love; Toby's Reel/The Job; Laughing in Her Sleep; Horseshoes and Rainbows; Far Away by the Sea/Lady Diane Laundy/Seanaghan Kennedy's; Ansgar's Jig/Kari's Jig; Blow November Wind/Sea of Change; The Devil and the Little Faces; The Hub of the Wheel; Jump Up/Ghost Dance; Roro; December 16th/The Shooting Star; If Geese Could Sing; Bright Eyes 51:47_

> **Whirled**  
>  1994 Big Dog (no catalogue number)  
>  _Into the Sun; Whirled; Blue Sun in a Yellow Sky; The Humours of Aristotle; The Humours of Plato; Early in the Morning/Irkuzan; Gurka's Retreat; Sit by Me; Deep Water; Marcie's Dzygh; Christmas with Poncho/Last Call; The Western Door; Handgames 51:32_

* * *

### Pierre Schryer

_Fiddle_

Easily one of Canada's finest fiddlers, Pierre Schryer, of Ontario's Schryer Triplets, has produced a solo album called _The New Canadian Waltz_ (1996). Recorded live on a concert tour of Northern Ontario, Schryer is joined by Nathan Curry on guitar, Brad Fremlin, percussion, Brian Pickell on guitar and mandolin, and sister Julie Schryer-Lefebvre on piano. A mix of traditional tunes and new ones (including several composed by Schryer), the album has a light, swingy style that makes it ideal for dancing or just listening. Schryer, who has been named Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion, Canadian Open Fiddle Champion, and North American Fleadh Cheoil Fiddle Champion, puts on an effortless, virtuoso display throughout. Schryer received the 1996 Don Messer Candian Fiddle Porcupine Award for this recording. Recommended,

> **The New Canadian Waltz**  
>  1996 New Canadian (NCCD-9610)  
>  _Trans Canada; A Scottish Tribute; The Sally Sisters; The New Canadian Waltz; The Leading Role; Reel du pendu; Northern Ontario Set; Set in Ireland; East Coast Set; Cape Breton Dream; En plein hiver; From George to Jenny; Timmins' Encore 55:35_

* * *

### The Schryer Triplets

_Fiddle_

Ontario's Schryer Triplets—Dan, Louis, and Pierre—thoroughly dominated Ontario fiddling contests for over a decade. _Triple Fiddle_ , which showcases their ability to range effortlessly from traditional Celtic to Texas Swing, is a recommended purchase for all fiddle lovers. On this upbeat album the Schryers combine as a fiddle trio on some tracks and play solo on others. Guest musicians include Julie Lefebvre, piano; Denis Lanctot, accordion, piano; Jamie Gatti, bass; Ann Downey, double bass; Rob MacLeod, drums; Al Bragg, pedal steel; Brian Pickell, guitar; Bobby Lalonde, guitar; Nathan Curry, cittern, mandolin, bodhran; Pat McLaughlin, guitar; Steve Piticco, guitar; and Kerry Vaillancourt, guitar.

> **Triple Fiddle**  
>  1993 Schryer Triplets (CD 930702)  
>  _la Sauvagesse/Reel a Remi/Reel de l'Enfant/Reel du Printemps; Panhandle Rag; Spellan's Inspiration/Sir Wilfred Laurier Quadrille/Donnell Leahy's Breakdown/Timmins Reel/Dan's Hornpipe; My Lily/The Sweetness of Mary Strathspey/Hughie Jim Paul's Reel; Black and White Rag; Tennessee Waltz/Down Yonder; Waiting for Emilie; Maids of Castlebar/The Flower of the Flock/Farewell to Old Decency; Tico-Tico; McHattie's Waltz; Beaumont Rag; Cape Breton Dream/Chelsey's Jig/Sally Goodin'/Fisher's Hornpipe/Sherbrooke Reel/Pointe-Au-Pic/Moving Cloud/White Fish in the Rapids/Reel du Faubourg/Schryer's Breakdown/Snowflake Breakdown/Indian Reel/Mason's Apron/High Road to Linton 47:11_

* * *

### Sandy Scofield

_First Nations; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Some tan the hides / some sew the beads / some live and die on skid row / cheap for pills and booze democracy"—from "Lil' Wat Man." On _Dirty River_ , British Columbia singer-songwriter Sandy Scofield delivers a set of hard-hitting contemporary lyrics wrapped in tight acoustic/electric folk arrangements. Highlights include "Angels," "Dirty River," "Lil' Wat Man," "Geronimo," and "Fool's Gold." Scofield's strong, countryish voice drives the lyrics home on track after track.

> **Dirty River**  
>  1994 Arpeggio (SP659)  
>  _Angels; Dirty River; Sylvia; Sweet Talk; Lil' Wat Man; Kahnestake; Geronimo; Fool's Gold; Big House; Come the Spring 37:10_

* * *

### Seanachie

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Seanachie (pronounced _shawn-a-key_ ) is a Calgary Celtic-folk band that combines original songs with traditional jigs and reels on pipes, fiddle, and whistles. Their debut album, _Shouting At Magpies_ (1995), presents a mix of original material, such as Gordon McCulloch's "Faith in Rhetoric," "Leaving the Banks," and "Dieppe," alongside traditional tunes like "The Drunken Landlady," "Primrose Girl," and "Sleepy Maggie." The pace is gentle and the singing is intimate. Members of Seanachie are Gordon McCulloch, former member of the Calgary Celtic band First Draft and Seanachie's main songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist, Ann Gray, a piping champion, whistle player, and former member of the Barra MacNeils, Jackie Bell on vocals, violin, piano, and guitar, and Richard Gullison on bass.

On their second release, _Telling Tales_ (1996), the band picks up the pace. Getting into a groove with their sound, Seanachie are more confident and mature on this recording. The result is an excellent Celtic recording. Changing pace frequently, the album is nicely balanced between driving, dance-oriented numbers and quieter, introspective cuts. Ann Gray's superb bagpipe solos add a special sparkle to the mix. Changes in personnel include the addition of Robin Tufts on percussion, and Bernard Graham as the band's new bass player. In late 1998 Seanachie began recording a new album, tentatively titled _A Quarrel with Whiskey_.

> **Shouting at Magpies**  
>  1995 Seanachie (no catalogue number)  
>  _Faith in Rhetoric; Leaving the Banks; Te Bheag; Fitzy's Birthday Present/Skyeman's Jig/The Moose/The Drunken Landlady; Do You Remember; Go to Hell/Duncan Johnstone; Dieppe; South in Autumn; Malts in the Optics/Forest Lodge/Primrose Girl/Sleepy Maggie; Eyes That Laugh the Same_

> **Telling Tales**  
>  1996 Seanachie (SEAN001)  
>  _Mormond Braes; The Hangman and the Papist; You are my Love; The Jig Set; Keir Hardie; She Moves Through the Fair/Urge for Going/Shouting at Magpies; Te Bheag; The Reel Set; The Bonnie Lass of Fyvie; Go to Hell; Do You Remember?; Whiskey in the Jar 51:24_

* * *

### Seventh Fire

_First Nations; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

A kind of First Nations Rap 'n' Roll band, Ottawa's Seventh Fire combines snappy lyrics with chants, electric instruments, and sax in a driving mix on _The Cheque Is in the Mail_. The band rips its way through numbers like "Where the Buffalo Roam," "Radiation Heat," and "Caught up in the Smiles." Traditionalists may find the album too rock-laced for their tastes.

> **The Cheque Is in the Mail**  
>  1994 First Nations (7621-10016-2)  
>  _Round Dance; Where the Buffalo Roam; Radiation Heat; The Cheque Is in the Mail; Caught up in the Smiles; They Got It Made; Panic City; Days of Anger; Think About the Children; My Home; Chi Meegwetch; Freedom Train; Round Dance (Reprise) 48:46_

* * *

### Ron Sexsmith

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Sexsmith's appeal is his utterly sincere voice and way with a tune; his unassuming manner carries the insights of an Everyman trying to remain optimistic in a tough world"— _Toronto Star_. Raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Ron Sexsmith was equally influenced by Buddy Holly and Leonard Cohen. His voice has been described as "fragile" but older folkies will be excused if Sexsmith's voice reminds them of a young Phil Ochs. After several years of playing coffee houses, Sexsmith was signed by a major record label and his debut recording, _Ron Sexsmith_ , is a solid effort that highlights his spare, understated, penetrating lyrics. Highlights include "Secret Heart," a song about the importance of expressing yourself, "Words We Never Use," inspired by watching a couple on the subway holding hands but not speaking, "Speaking with the Angel," a song written while observing his own child, and the poignant "From a Few Streets Over," about not having enough money to buy his kids ice cream from a street vendor.

> **Ron Sexsmith**  
>  1995 Interscope (CD 92485)  
>  _Secret Heart; There's a Rhythm; Words We Never Use; Summer Blowin' Town; Lebanon, Tennessee; Speaking with the Angel; In Place of You; Heart with No Companion; Several Miles; From a Few Streets Over; First Chance I Get; Wastin' Time; Galbraith Street; There's a Rhythm 43:02_

* * *

### Shanty Boys

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Shanty Boys, an upbeat, energetic acoustic band based in Arnprior, Ontario, put a driving spin on their original music. The band's first cassette album, _Upriver!_ is a collection of Ottawa Valley material. Its second album, _Sea to Sea_ (1995), is a CD collection of songs about the sea. The arrangements range from slow, haunting melodies to Celtic rock to jig-like tunes. The band has a sound similar to early Spirit of the West.

The Shanty Boys are Pat Bourke, James Hrkach, Chris Loten, Sarah Loten, Bob Martin and Mike Lacroix.

Additional musicians on _Sea to Sea_ include Jay Knutson, John Geggie, Louis Schryer, Dan Stacey, James Stephens, Walter Macdonald, and Duncan Gilles.

> **Sea to Sea**  
>  1995 Dacre Mountain (P1 17456)  
>  _The Field behind the House; The Call; The Drinking of Whiskey; My Hometown; The Ghosts of the Island; Wings of the Sparrow; Halifax Tide; Lights in the Sky; Sailing Away; A Fisherman's Daughter 42:53_

* * *

### The Sharecroppers

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

A Pasadena, Newfoundland trio, The Sharecroppers consist of Guy Romaine, Ed Humber, and Mike Madigan. On _Natural_ —so named partly due to the "natural" recording method with the trio performing in a church—The Sharecroppers deliver a set of nostalgic, downhome lyrics over a fabric of acoustic instrumentation and simple harmonies.

> **Natural**  
>  1993 Ibycus (SHC 001 02)  
>  _One Room School; The Mill Whistle; Engineer's Song; Katie's Tune; The Kyle; The Legionnaires; Newfoundland Autumn; Freddie's Tune; Yesterday's Fishermen; My Grandfather's Fiddle; Newman's Reel; Mermaid; Twenty-Five Miners 46:20_

* * *

### Sho Do Man

_Worldbeat_

Toronto-based Sho Do Man, born in Kinshasa, Zaire, launched his musical career at age seventeen. Since immigrating to Canada in 1987, his songs and compositions range from the Zairian dialect to English, French, and Spanish. On _Trouble, Trouble_ , Sho Do Man's fine voice blends well with the catchy rhythms of his band in a mix of songs that range from Zairian-oriented material to Caribbean-style reggae. The musicians on this album include Adomo Ndaro Solomon, Bishop Okele, and Ossie Gurley.

> **Trouble, Trouble**  
>  1994 Dark Light (DL 6001)  
>  _Trouble Trouble; Let's Change the Beat; Billy Part 1; Nadia; Itebe; Masiandoki; Baby Girl; Anto; Nathy; Billy Part 2_

* * *

### Simani

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Newfoundland duo Simani (Bud Davidge and Sim Savory) perform rootsy, countryish songs written mainly by Davidge. Mixing acoustic guitar with fiddle and accordion accompaniment, Simani will be enjoyed by those who like "old country" music—simple, heartfelt, earthy, and (mostly) acoustic. Highlights from _Some Things I Cherish_ include "Keep Our Spirit Alive," "Out of My Sight," "Some Things I Cherish," "Watch the Flowers Grow," and a bouncy instrumental version of Emile Benoit's "Emile's Jig." _Home and Native Land_ provides a similar mix of material. A takeoff on "I'se The B'y" called "I'se Da Boy" is a commentary on changes in the fishing industry. _Promises_ is clearly their best-produced album to date. The sound is cleaner and Bud and Sim get a boost from some excellent session musicians.

> **Some Things I Cherish**  
>  1990 SWC (SDCD 5159)  
>  _Keep Our Spirit Alive; Out of My Sight; Emile's Jig; Some Things I Cherish; Whose Heart Is It; The Loveliest Day in June; Garden of Eden; Bay Boy's Jig; Love Me Now; Watch the Flowers Grow 30:14_

> **Home and Native Land**  
>  1992 SWC (SDCD 749212)  
>  _Island of Mine; You Know Full Well; Cory's Jig; You're My Best Friend; Look at Her Blow; The Rose in the Hair; Nose to the Grindstone; In the Bushes with You; I'se Da Boy; Home and Native Land 31:57_

> **Promises**  
>  1994 SWC (no catalogue number)  
>  _The Promise; Said and Done; It Could Be Worse; B.J.; Take That; The Ballad of Mildred Baxter; Every Blue Moon; Rock Valley Jig/Little Burnt Potato; A Tribute to Don and Al; I'll Send My Love with Roses 30:01_

* * *

### Siren's Whisper

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Siren's Whisper is a Newfoundland singer-songwriter duo consisting of Kathy Phippard and Esther Squires. _The Spell Is Cast_ is a folkish, poetic collection of songs that, as the title implies, explores the spell of moments and the lyrical underpinnings of experience. The songs abound in water and ocean imagery.

> **The Spell Is Cast**  
>  1992 Sirens (SW-001-02)  
>  _Young at Heart; The Spell Is Cast; Here's to Life; Running Wild; Night Journey; Faceless Angel; Deadman's Cove; Unmasked; You Walk Alone; Child of the Sea; Stranger; Looking to Dawn; Weather Inside; Towered in the Night 53:31_

* * *

### Six Mile Bridge

_Contemporary; Traditional; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Six Mile Bridge is an Ottawa group that includes musicians from the Angstones and Fat Man Waving. A traditionally minded, yet experimental, band, Six Mile Bridge likes to blend world rhythms into their Celtic-based music, as featured on "Bombay Revisited/Marioro," the opening track from _Six Mile Bridge_. The band consists of Nathan Curry, Peter Kiesewalter, Ian Mackie, Ross Murray, James Stephens, and John Wood.

> **Six Mile Bridge**  
>  [no date] Canal (CANAL 259 CD)  
>  _Bombay Revisited/Marioro; The Banks of Lough Gowna/More Power to Your Elbow; Temagami; Yapper's Reel/My Darling's Asleep; Flowing Tide/Tommy Sullivan's Polkas; Bound for India; The Wee Room; Killen's Fairy Hill/Ms. McLeod/The Foxhunters; Go and Sit Upon the Grass; Blarney Pilgrim/President's Choice; The Gravel Walk to Stravinsky's House; The Promise 55:30_

* * *

### Christina Smith & Jean Hewson

_Traditional_

Two of Newfoundland's finest musicians, Christina Smith and Jean Hewson, have formed a duo for the purpose of preserving and performing Newfoundland music. Respectful, yet experimental, the duo breathes new life into traditional songs and tunes. Behind Smith's fine fiddle and cello and Hewson's beautiful vocals and complex guitar work, their first release, _Like Ducks!_ (1998), moves smoothly and effortlessly between lively fiddle tunes, haunting ballads, and humorous traditional songs. They even present a fresh and unusual treatment of the classic Hank Williams song "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." This innovative album makes an outstanding purchase. Recommended.

> **Like Ducks!**  
>  1998 Borealis (NCD108)  
>  _Sound Symposium Jig/Steve Neary's Waiting for This; The Mallard; The Pride of the Season; Old Boney; Jolly Jack Tar; Kelly and Joe; Broken Down Girl; Lady in the East; Scotty Macmillan's G Minor Jig; Waltz in the House; Liar's Song; I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry; Jacob's Jig; Up the Hills of Down 52:28_

* * *

### Laura Smith

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"I'm not a storytelling songwriter. I don't follow the tradition of telling stories about losing cows. I'm talking about being a person, having questions. I'm documenting being human"—Laura Smith, Interview, _Toronto Star_. Laura Smith, a singer-songwriter born in Ontario and a resident of Nova Scotia since 1984, brings a clear, bluesy voice and insightful lyrics to her debut album, _Elemental_. Those who enjoy good poetry in song will revel in this slightly obscure recording and will find it worthwhile to track down a copy. _B'tween the Earth and My Soul_ , released in late 1994, should bring Smith's slightly dusky voice to a wider audience. The production values are high and the music is memorable. Highlights include "Shade of Your Love," "Four Letter Word," "No Call for Mercy," "Duine Air Call," and an absolutely smashing version of "My Bonny."

> **Elemental**  
>  1989 CBC Variety Recordings (VRCD1001)  
>  _Bells; Elemental; The Tides After Shifting; Faceless Wonder; Jordy; Shorelines; Matt's Song; So Far from Home; Diggin'; It Works Great on Paper 33:51_

> **B'tween the Earth and My Soul**  
>  1994 Atlantica (02 77657 50235 21)  
>  _Shade of Your Love; Four Letter Word (For Lonesome); My Bonny; So Close to My Knees; Two Steps; No Call for Mercy; Duine Air Call; I Go There; Gypsy Dream; Clean up Your Own Backyard; Whirlaround 48:13_

* * *

### Bob Snider

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Born and raised in Toronto, Bob Snider lived in Nova Scotia from the early 70's to the mid-80's. He started consistently writing songs in the Maritimes, but only began publicly performing them in earnest as a busker when he returned home in 1986. While singing on the streets of Toronto, Bob was discovered by local musicians, many of whom began to offer him opening slots at their gigs. By 1991, Bob had become a well-liked figure and respected songwriter on the local scene, and had released two independent cassettes, _You_ and _Live at the Free Times Cafe_.

In 1995, Bob signed a recording contract with EMI Music Canada. That year, the company released his first full-length CD, _Caterwaul & Doggerel_, to critical acclaim. In 1996 EMI put out _Poetreason_ , the recording of a tribute concert featuring Bob's songs as performed live by Change Of Heart, Meryn Cadell, Groovy Religion and many others. A lot of these friends were the same ones that first discovered Bob on the street almost a decade earlier. In November 1996 Bob recorded his third EMI album, _Words & Pictures_, live with a five-piece band and musical guests at Toronto's Trinity-St.Paul United Church.

> **Caterwaul & Doggerel**  
>  1995 EMI (E2 7243 832949 2 3)  
>  _Parkette; Talk to Me Babe; What I Don't Know (Is Hurting Me); Rejection Blues; What's up Doll?; If I Sang It Pretty; Hurry up Blues; Bums in the Park; Darn Folksinger; Sittin in the Kitchen; Clear Blue Sky; Caught Again; They Oughta Bottle Friday Night; When the Wind Blows 49:25_

* * *

### Charlie Sohmer

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"I love the way Sohmer has combined blues, folk, jazz, and even a sultry New Orleans flavour in his songs"—Lynn Saxberg, _Ottawa Citizen_. Ottawa singer-songwriter Charlie Sohmer's expressive, sometimes gritty, voice matches the wide range of his songwriting. Rooted in country, R&B, and folk, Sohmer surrounds himself with excellent musicians. His initial album was a cassette-only release of _Some Shadows Lead You On_ (1991). Next came his debut CD, _Spirit Jewels_ (1994)—an album that moves effortlessly from folk to blues to country. Highlights include "All Your Tears," "Lilies in The Valley," "I Who Would Run," "Crossing the River," and "Needle Of Love." Fans who like Willie P. Bennett will find parallels in Sohmer's voice and lyrics.

Sohmer fans will greatly prize his third release, _Casual Rake_ (1997), a bluesy, R&B-laced recording featuring strong songwriting delivered with fine feeling. This fine-listening album supplements Sohmer's vocals and lyrics with outstanding playing from his band: John Geggie, bass; Fred Guignion, guitars; and Ian Mackie, drums.

> **Spirit Jewels**  
>  1994 Snowy River (SRR-S33)  
>  _All Your Tears; Lilies in the Valley; I Who Would Run; Crossing the River; Inch by Inch; The Lover and the Lady; Needle of Love; Please Don't Let Me In; With Grace; And Laugh 43:28_

> **Casual Rake**  
>  1997 Glowing Hearts (no catalogue number)  
>  _Rain Rain; It Isn't Enough; Zumbo Ta Ya; Roll with the Punches; Prevail; Embracing You; She Know How to Rock You; Leather to the Lumber; Casual Rake; I Smoke; His Heroin and His Horn 48:55_

* * *

### Sons of Maxwell

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Sons of Maxwell are, literally, the sons of Maxwell "Max" Carroll of Timmins, Ontario who had a local hit song several years ago with "Closing the Mine." With a rock/folk/celtic sound, Don and Dave Carroll would sound right at home in a Maritimes venue. After their start in Timmins, the duo have relocated to the Ottawa area. Their debut album, _Sons of Maxwell_ , includes their father's "Closing The Mines," plus covers of Harry Chapin, Indigo Girls, Terry Tufts, Paul Simon and traditional pieces like "Farewell to Nova Scotia" and "Mairi's Wedding." The album also features the songwriting of Dave Carroll on "Maggie" and "Sixteen for Awhile." A decent starter album.

Their second album, _Bold Frontier_ , produced by Tim Feswick, was recorded in Halifax, acquiring a distinct East Coast sound from the session musicians who join the Carrolls. _Bold Frontier_ features more original material than _Sons of Maxwell_ —seven songs by Dave Carroll, one by Don Carroll, plus covers of Stan Rogers, Gordon Lightfoot, and Billy Joel. The album repeats two songs, "Sixteen for Awhile" and "Maggie," from the first album. A well-produced album, _Bold Frontier_ presents a talented, emerging duo who combine good voices with tasteful, if somewhat middle-of-the-road, arrangements.

> **Sons of Maxwell**  
>  1994 Sons of Maxwell (no catalogue number)  
>  _Maggie; Closing the Mine; Mr. Tanner; Sixteen for Awhile; Farewell to Nova Scotia; Closer to Fine; Never No More; Early One Morning; Cecilia; Mairi's Wedding/Tell My Ma 38:08_

> **Bold Frontier**  
>  1995 Sons of Maxwell (no catalogue number)  
>  _Free to Be; The Mary Ellen Carter; Mary's Song; Sixteen for Awhile; I'm Your Man; Old Dan's Records; Sailor's Story; Piano Man; Maggie; Street Man's Confession; Bold Frontier 44:23_

* * *

### Isidore Soucy

_French-Canadian; Fiddle_

Isidore Soucy, born in Ste-Blandine, Quebec in 1899, was the best fiddler in his home town by his teens. By the time he moved from the Gaspe to Montreal, he was a remarkable fiddler and dancer who knew older dances such as quadrilles and schottisches which were different from the prevailing waltzes and reels. Soucy, who called himself a "folkloriste" began playing on radio shows and eventually formed three popular recording groups: Vive-la-Joie, the Trio Soucy, and, his most famous band, the Famille Soucy. The Famille Soucy consisted of family members Eugene, Therese, Marie-Ange, and Fernando. The family made its radio debut in 1956 and in 1960 launched the immensely popular TV show, _Chez Isidore_. After his death in 1963, the band continued under his son, Fernando. According to the _Encyclopedia of Music in Canada_ , Soucy is said to have made some 1200 recordings, including 78's for Columbia, Starr, and Bluebird, and LP's for Dominion. Some of these historical recordings have been captured on the CD _Isidore Soucy_ , an MCA Heritage Quebecois reissue. There are no liner notes with this fine recording. Soucy was inducted into the Porcupine Awards Hall of Fame as a memorial member in 1994.

> **Isidore Soucy**  
>  [no date, reissued 1991] MCA (MCAD-10489)  
>  _Gigue a Ti-Zoune; Reel Reve du Diable; Grande Gigue Simple; Set Canadien; Reel a Manda; Valse de la Cuisine; Polka Piquee; Reel des Esquimaux; Valse du Vieux-Quebec; Marche Domino; Reel du Pendu; Reel de Rimouski; Reel a Fi-Fine; Reel des Poilus; Reel du President 43:22_

* * *

### Spirit of the West

_Contemporary; Traditional; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Vancouver band Spirit of the West started out as a Celtic-influenced folk group similar to the Pogues, but, with shifting personnel, and changes in musical direction, the group evolved into a popular rock band. Spirit of the West has two distinct audiences: folkies, who tend to prefer their earlier material and young music fans who prefer their later work. The focus of the group, throughout, has been the joint songwriting of Geoffrey Kelly and John Mann. The earliest, and folkiest, material available on compact disc is _Old Material_ , a collection of songs from 1984-1986. On this album Spirit of the West does a convincing set of Celtic-oriented songs like "Rocks at Thieves Bay," "To a Highlander Unknown," "Aberdeen," "Ships in Full Sail," and "General Guinness." The second half of the album, recorded live, suffers from poor recording quality. On this album the band consists of Geoffrey Kelly, J. Knutson, and John Mann. _Tripping up the Stairs_ continues in a Celtic spirit, with the same personnel. With _Labour Day_ Spirit of the West changes musical directions. There's still a rootsiness about the material but there's a tilt away from Celtic and towards rock. Knutson has been replaced by Hugh McMillan.

Many Spirit of the West fans list _Save This House_ as their favourite album. The lyrics are more exploratory and introspective than those on _Labour Day_ and the tempo has swung strongly towards the rock side of the spectrum. The band has added Linda McRae and they've made a successful transition to their new sound. Highlights include "Save This House," "Last to Know," "Dirty Pool," "Not Just a Train," and "Swingin' Single." The 1991 release, _Go Figure_ , loses some of the edge of _Save This House_. The band has added Vince Ditrich to bring the number to five. Of _Faithlift_ one reviewer says, "I enjoy this album for its sound and the rich imagery of its lyrics, but I also miss the old Spirit of the West"— _Dirty Linen_. If you're a dedicated Spirit of the West fan, you may find the album either wonderful or disappointing, depending on your expectations. If you're a marginal fan, this one may tax you.

> **Old Material: 1984-1986**  
>  1984, 1989, reissued 1994 Stony Plain (SPCD 1141)  
>  _Rocks at Thieves Bay; To a Highlander Unknown; Doin' Quite Alright; Down on the Dole; John Goodman; Aberdeen; Ships in Full Sail; Be Right; Time to Ring up Some Changes; General Guinness 43:06_

> **Tripping up the Stairs**  
>  1988 Stony Plain (SPCD 1098)  
>  _An Honest Gamble Jig/Tripping up the Stairs; Our Station; Peacetime; Room Without a View (Stella); The Crawl; The Kesh/The Blackthorn Stick; The Mists of Crofton; Till the Cows Come Home; When Rivers Rise; Be Right/Pigeon on the Gate; 39:39_

> **Labour Day**  
>  1988 Stony Plain (SPCD 1123)  
>  _Darkhouse; Political; Profiteers; The Hounds That Wait Outside Your Door; Runboy; Drinking Man; Expensive/Cinema of Pain; Gottingen Street; Take It from the Source 40:55_

> **Save This House**  
>  1990 WEA (CD-70971)  
>  _Save This House; Home for a Rest; Last to Know; Roadside Attraction; Dirty Pool; Not Just a Train; (Putting up With) the Joneses; Turned Out Lies; Sentimental Side; Water in the Well; Wrecking Ball; Loaded Minds; Swingin' Single; The Old Sod 58:30_

> **Go Figure**  
>  1991 WEA (CD 74692)  
>  _D for Democracy (Scour the House); Big Head; Spot the Difference; Pulling Lame; Let's Make a Mystery; Goodbye Grace; Just Another Day; Polaroid; Political; Ship Named Frank; Far Too Canadian 53:44_

> **Faithlift**  
>  1993 WEA (CD 93642)  
>  _5 Free Minutes; Sadness Grows; Is This Where I Come In; Bone of Contention; Slow Learner; And If Venice Is Sinking; Mum's the Word; Death on the Beach; Sincerely Yours; God's Apprentice; Guildhall Witness; 6th Floor 50:09_

> **Two Headed**  
>  1995 Warner (CD 10615)  
>  _Wishing Line; Blood and Honey; Tell Me What You Think; Never Had It in Me; Scaffolding; Two Headed; Unplugged; Mildred; Pretend Is Fun; Can't Accept the Saint; Pin-up Boy 46:31_

* * *

### Starb'ard Side

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

The Nova Scotia group, Starb'ard Side, performs a sparkling mix of traditional and contemporary songs punctuated with original material. On their debut album, _Starb'ard Side_ , they switch from instrumentals like the "Over the Starb'ard Side/Kilmoulis Jig/Belle Dune Reel" medley to original material like "Wooden Ships and Iron Men," "Fisherman's Farewell," and songs like the Dave Mallet composition, "Light at the End of The Tunnel." Starb'ard Side is Jim Pittman, Jim Hanlon, John Hanlon, Wayne Hiltz, and Bill Plaskett.

> **Starb'ard Side**  
>  1994 Slumgullion / CBC Maritimes (NGOLD 2002-2)  
>  _Over the Starb'ard Side/Kilmoulis Jig/Belle Dune Reel; Light at the End of the Tunnel; Wild Rose of the Mountain; Wooden Ships and Iron Men; Pittman's Polka; The Shores of Botany Bay/Speed the Plough; Will You Be Waiting; Morrison's/Swallowstail/Tobin's; Home Dearie Home; Carleton County/Big John MacNeil/Dusty Miller; Fisherman's Farewell; Johnny I Sure Do Miss You/Cheese/My Love Is a Lassiette; Down North; Debbie's Waltz; Hard Times 49:45_

* * *

### Bob Stark

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ottawa singer-songwriter Bob Stark's pleasant voice and bluesy guitar combine with consistently good songwriting to make _Levels Of Survival_ an album worth exploring. Highlights include "Monopoly World," "Big City Movie," "Wasteland to Blue," "Don't Keep Breaking My Heart," and "Bigger Chill." _One Candle Burning_ , produced by Ian Tamblyn, kicks off with the title track, "One Candle Burning," a haunting song about the Kurds escaping the military might of Saddam Hussein. The album presents a more countryish Stark on cuts like "This Side of Dreamland" and "Funny Old World." The poignant "Irish Dust" is a song about three teenagers in Northern Ireland mistakenly killed in a bomb attack.

> **Levels of Survival**  
>  1990 Snowy River (SRR-S29 CD)  
>  _Monopoly World; Big City Movie; Wasteland to the Blue; Soul of My Life; Don't Keep Breaking My Heart; Don't Let 'Em Fool Ya; Bigger Chill; The 1990's; Medal for the Blues; Between Outrage and Fantasy; And We Stand 44:40_

> **One Candle Burning**  
>  1994 Snowy River (SRR-S32)  
>  _One Candle Burning; In the Shadows of Others; Tous les Matins; This Side of Dreamland; Funny Old World; Irish Dust; It Holds Your Name; If You Should Ask Me; One More Dance; What About Love; This Love for Thee 47:59_

* * *

### Stevedore Steve

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

A travelling companion of Stompin' Tom Conners during their younger days, "Stevedore Steve" (Steven Foote) was also a fellow recording artist on the Boot label—a premiere Canadian label for country music. Like Conners, Stevedore Steve writes _Canadian_ songs, dipping into the past and examining the present for song material. A popular singer who appeared on radio and TV, Stevedore Steve's career went over a cliff in the 1970's when a tax assessment claimed he owed the government thousands of dollars. His van and property were seized and he even had to sell his guitar for needed cash. Years later the tax people later informed him that it was all a computer error. This misfortune, combined with a bad work accident that robbed of his ability to do manual labour to support himself, robbed him of his musical career and his livelihood.

His fortune turned in the 1980's when a stranger showed up at his door and handed him his beloved old dreadnought guitar. This started Stevedore Steve writing songs again. The songs on _New Brunswick Spirit Volume 1_ were all written since the return of his guitar. While the songs all have a country flavour, they are also in the folk tradition—ballads and stories about historical and modern events in Canada. Stevedore Steve has an excellent voice and is a fine country-picking player. The songs are entertaining and infectious.

> **New Brunswick Spirit Vol. I**  
>  1995 Stevedore Steve (no catalogue number)  
>  _Iron Horse; The Ballad of Marie Latour; Preacher Man; Down, Down, Down; Number Nine Cast Iron Fryin' Pan; Blackville Belle; The H. & S.M. Line (Old Molly); Irish Tears on Partridge Island; Lumberjack of the Miramichi; The Legend of the Falls; Old Joe; My St. John Valley Home; Harley Steel; By-gone Days 43:18_

* * *

### Jim Stewart

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

Jim Stewart's composition, _The Marco Polo Suite_ , is a musical tribute to one of Canada's most famous sailing ships, the _Marco Polo_. This ship, built in New Brunswick and later sold to England's Black Ball Line became the wonder of the world when it became the first ship in history to make a round trip voyage from England to Australia and back in under six months. Thousands of spectators flocked to Liverpool just to see this famous ship.

Ironically, this vessel and its rich history is unknown to most Canadians. Stewart has helped rectify this situation by creating _The Marco Polo Suite_. The suite includes original songs written by Stewart, historical lyrics about the ship set to new tunes, instruments compositions, and spoken readings from newspaper accounts of the day.

As such the _Marco Polo Suite_ is unlike most folk recordings. After the first playing, you'll probably want to skip over the narratives to get to the music. The music is a mix of new compositions and reconstructions of historical material into new tunes. Some of them are quite long ("Edwin's Song," for instance, lasts 9:35). The orchestration is sumptuous.

The album is graced by many fine performers, including Stewart's group Hal an Tow, Barbara Ann Quigley, and the popular New England performer Gordon Bok who co-wrote and sings lead vocal on "We Built This Old Ship." Stewart received the 1996 Canadian History Porcupine Award for this recording.

> **The Marco Polo Suite**  
>  1995 Jim Stewart (no catalogue number)  
>  _Anthem for the Wind & Water; The Launching; Marco Polo; Australia; Bully's Hornpipe; The Pea Soup Calamity; Edwin's Song; Southern Cross; Hob-y-derri-dando; We Built This Old Ship; To the Ends of the Earth; Anthem (reprise) 56:55_

* * *

### Paul Stewart

_Contemporary; Country; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto-based Paul Stewart, a busker, street singer and coffee-house performer, has never been one to let his blindness get in his way. With the aid of his beloved seeing-eye dogs, he has travelled from his native East Coast across parts of Canada to sing his music. With a decided country style, Stewart sings about life, love, travels and his dogs ("Home Where Doggies Go"). His CD, _On the Road of Life_ (1998), is a compilation of his previous cassette recordings _On the Road of Life_ and _Tag Along Paul_. Additional musicians include Eddie Coffey, accordion; Gerry Companion, guitars; Norma Gale, vocals; Glen Kimberly, drums; Brian Lock, bass; Maggie Morgan, keyboards; Gary Murphy, dulcimer; Frank Randazzo, bass; Steve Ridout, drums; and Brent Williams, fiddle and vocals.

> **On the Road of Life**  
>  1998 Paul Stewart (JPLCD1001)  
>  _Home Where the Doggies Go; Joe Joe the Hobo; Just the Way You Are; Newfoundland for Me; My Old Guitar; Home for the Lonely; Tag Along Paul; Searching for a Real True Friend; An Educated Mouse; Going Home; I'm a Sucker; The Man That I Am; I See; I Will Be Moving On; An Old Man Red; Search for a Satisfied Mind; Restless as a Man Can Be; Harmony; On the Road of Life 49:35_

* * *

### Stone Whistle

_Contemporary; Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

Stone Whistle, a Celtic rock band from Victoria mixes a number of recast traditional pieces with original material. Weaving whistles, mandolin, and bagpipes through a rich texture of electric guitar and strong lyrics, the band has turned the collage into a very enjoyable, upbeat CD called _Salamanders_.

Stone Whistle blends a late-60's rock sound with contemporary Celtic rock. The results sound a bit like Jefferson Airplane gone Irish. Their original lyrics are solid and the lead electric guitar is superb. When they do traditional they put their own stamp on it. "Raggle Taggle Gypsy," for instance, never before sounded quite so bouncy and driven. Not for the purist, but if you enjoy youthful energy and creativity, Stone Whistle's _Salamanders_ is a solid folk/rock album.

Stone Whistle is Rob Castle, Patty Castle, Rick Garvin, Mark Nicol, Mark Rowsome, Jason Deatherage, with guest vocals from Amy Kaellis.

> **Salamander**  
>  1995 Stone Whistle (SW013)  
>  _Heart of Stone; Salamanders; Evolution; Wraggle Taggle Gypsy; Battle of Augrim; Swallow's Tail Jig; Passion Dance; Witch Hunt; Routine; Round Round; Tom Billies/Blarney Pilgrim; The Boys of Bedlam; Little Piggies 52:30_

* * *

### Stringband

_Contemporary; Traditional; Singer-Songwriter_

"Whatever happened to Stringband?" is a frequently asked question on the Internet. This popular University of Toronto-based band was formed in 1971 when founder Bob Bossin met Marie-Lynn Hammond and fell in love with her voice. Together with violin student Jerry Lewycky they formed one of the finest touring folk groups in the annals of Canadian folk music. Gary Cristall, the artistic director of the Vancouver Folk Festival wrote of Stringband (in 1991): "They opened the door to a glorious chapter in the cultural history of this country. They proved there was an enormous amount of music worth playing in Canada.. They proved musicians could actually make a living without leaving the country. They paved the way for artists like Stan Rogers, Connie Kaldor and dozens of others and helped create a vibrant alternative acoustic music scene that featured songs which actually had something to say ... While various artists have covered one or another aspect of the ground that Stringband trod, no group has covered the waterfront in the way they did"—from Bob Bossin's _Old Folk Singer_ website.

Stringband toured across Canada for fifteen years. During that time members dropped out and others came aboard. Among Stringband's members are Ben Mink, Terry King, Zeke Mazurek, Calvin Cairns, Dennis Nichol and Steve Darke. Stringband recorded seven albums, none of which is yet available on CD, but Bob Bossin has pledged to release a Stringband retrospective CD when he is able. Due to the large interest in this band, and their historical importance, Stringband is the only group in this book represented by a cassette recording. This will remain as a placeholder until their retrospective CD is available. In the meantime, you can enjoy their music on this high-quality cassette.

> **The Old Masters: 20th Anniversary**  
>  Reissued 1991 Nick C-5 (Nick)  
>  _Over the Waterfall; Daddy Was a Ballplayer; Country Music; Did You Hear That They Busted the Fiddle Player?; Hoedown; Mic Mac Song; Dief Will Be the Chief Again; Mrs. Murphy; Le Prisonnier de Londres; Show Us the Length; Second Fiddle Rag; Flying—Spring of '44; Un bon mouton; Newfoundlanders; The Maple Leaf Dog; Root Like a Rose; The Union Cowboy; The Casca and the Whitehorse Burned Down; The Armadillo; Etre libre; The Secret Life According to Satchel Paige; All the Horses Running; Big John McNeill; Devil's Dream_

* * *

### Brenda Stubbert

_Fiddle_

A fine Cape Breton fiddler and composer, Brenda Stubbert was introduced to Scottish and Irish music at an early age. She grew up in a musical household where musicians dropped by frequently for sessions with her father, Robert Stubbert, another well-respected Cape Breton fiddler. Under the tutelage of her father, Brenda has become an accomplished fiddler, piano accompanist and step dancer. She is also well regarded for her compositions, currently numbering over one hundred tunes. In 1994 Cranford Publications published _Brenda Stubbert's Collection of Fiddle Tunes—A Compilation of Traditional and Original Melodies_.

Her first CD recording was _In Jig Time_ (1995). A zingy mix of traditional and original tunes, Stubbert's album is a high-energy set that features her impressive talent on fiddle. Produced by fiddler Jerry Holland who guests as second fiddle on one of the sets, additional musicians on the CD are Jackie Dunn, piano; Gordie Sampson, guitar; Bruce MacPhee, Scottish small pipes; and Brenda's daughter Tracey Bailey, stepdancing.

> **In Jig Time!**  
>  1995 Celestial Entertainment (CECD001)  
>  _King George V/The Devil in the Kitchen/Miss Drummond of Perth/My Brother's Lament/Bobby Winston's Tune/The Weasel; Kylebrack Rambler/Ashley MacIsaac's Reel; Lester Stubbert's/Cameron Chisholm/Jenny Bowser; Francis Xavier Kennedy MacDonald/Archie Menzie's/The Clydesdale Lasses; Johnnie Sullivan's/Malcolm Finlay's/Sleepy Maggie; The Laird of Cockpen/The Grand Mira/Down the River; Memories of Simon Fraser/Goose Cove/Miss Gordon's/Jenny's Nettles/The Lasses of Stewarton; Teviot Bridge/Stool of Repentance/Portree Bay/Donald MacLean of Lewis; Archie Neil Chisholm/Barbara Magone's Visit/Stephanie Wills; Brenda at Southwest Margaree/Traditional Old/Rita's Tearoom; Peter Poirer/The Haddington Assembly/Traditional; The Iron Man/Riddrie/The Cameron Walker; Leo and Catherine Murray/Peter and Doreen Chiasson/Rannie MacLellan 51:34_

* * *

### Ben Sures

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Quirky with twists and unusual turns of phrase"—Festival Distribution _Newsletter_. On _No Absolutes_ (1994) Winnipeg singer-songwriter Ben Sures has released a debut album sure to catch your attention with its combination of unusual lyrics and excellent musicianship. The album has a solid backup cast, including Ron Casat on accordion, Tim Williams on guitar and mandolin, and supporting vocals by Jane Hawley and Jennifer Gibson. Highlights include "Things a Fella Won't Do," "Tired," "Everything I Do," and "No Absolutes."

_Ooh Wah Baby_ (1997) is a head turner. Put this one in your CD player and people will stop to ask you who's performing. Sures' arresting lyrics combined with his excellent slide guitar playing creates an album that is varied, funny, touching and endearing, in equal parts. Produced by Sures, the album includes a cast of excellent musicians, including the Wyrd Sisters, background vocals; Jesse Hull, fiddle; Todd Kehler, bass; and Richard Moody, viola, mandolin and background vocals.

> **No Absolutes**  
>  1994 Frozen Bandicoot (BSO4CD)  
>  _Things a Fella Won't Do; Tired; Dear Sarah; Everything I Do; Breathe; Single Again...Almost; Patches; No Absolutes; Roll with the Punches; Two Little Boys; Plenty of Pride; The Hippo and the Canary 43:10_

> **Ooh Wah Baby**  
>  1997 Frozen Bandicoot (BS05CD)  
>  _Like Joseph; Etta's Blues; Old Woman's Bay; In a Perfect World; Big Big Love; Bandicoot Boogie; So Calm; Stranded; She Dyed Her Hair; The Road Home; The Hippo and the Canary Part Two; Ooh Wah Baby 60:29_

* * *

### Suroit

_French-Canadian; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Suroit is a Quebec band from Iles-De-La-Madeleine that writes original compositions based on traditional music. They rock them up blending Celtic, bluegrass, Cajun, and country elements with their Acadian sensibilities. Their debut album, _Suro it_, is an infectious recording that will have you asking for more. The smooth vocals and sparkling musicianship make this a good "road" album—put this one on in your car next time you're heading down the highway. The band consists of Felix Leblanc, Real Longuepee, Kenneth Saulnier, Henri-Paul Benard, and Alcide Painchaud.

> **Suro it**  
>  1994 Gestion Son Image (SUR C 997)  
>  _Mystificot e; Leo; Beau Robert; Les Filles de Larochelle; He Yaille, Yaille (Disco Fait Dodo); Salut Cap Breton; M'En Allant Par Saulnierville Station; Saint-Sauveur; Les Bons Souvenirs; L'Amour est Dur; La Rose; La Danse du Samedi Soir; Quand Deux Violons Chantent 41:53_

* * *

### Ruth Sutherland

_Contemporary; Traditional; Celtic; Harp; Singer-Songwriter_

Ruth Sutherland, a Celtic harpist and vocalist based in Hamilton, Ontario, has been a member of Punkie Willie and Tight Little Island. A session singer for Luba and Jane Child, Sutherland has stepped forward to lend her stark, expressive voice and harpistry to _Rantin' & Rovin'_—a solo album that mixes traditional Celtic material with elements of Gregorian chant and African drums. The result is a recording that ventures beyond the usual soothing, meditative effects of harp music into something spunkier and more exotic. Sutherland's flute-like voice carries her material well through both the traditional and experimental tracks.

> **Rantin' & Rovin'**  
>  1994 FPVB Productions (RSCD-0194)  
>  _Chi Mi Na Morvheanna; Piping Jamie; O'Keefe's Slide/Kid on a Mountain; Down by the Salley Gardens; Ae Fond Kiss; Les Gendarmes; 3 Breton Dances; Strath Ban; À la Stivell; Dance to Your Shadow; Piping Jamie Reprise; Fleasgaich Oig; Paddy Be Easy; Chro Chinn T'Saile 43:30_

* * *

### Gwen Swick

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Born in Winnipeg, singer-songwriter Gwen Swick has lived in various parts of Canada, including Edmonton and Ottawa before moving to Toronto where she performed in several bands, starting with Hamburger Patti and the Helpers. Swick is best remembered on the folk circuit for her memorable tenure as female vocalist/bass player with Tamarack. Swick left Tamarack to pursue a solo career and has, most recently, replaced Colleen Peterson as a member of Quartette.

Swick, who has been called "a songwriter's songwriter" and a "poet's lyricist" has issued a solo album: _A Pebble of Mercy_ (1995). _Pebble_ could be best be described as progressive pop with unusual studio effects overlaying Swick's always-interesting lyrics. With elements drawn from folk, country, rock and blues, she creates evocative songs that are frequently fascinating. Songwriter Jane Siberry calls Swick "an undiscovered gold mine" and songwriter Eddie Schwartz considers her "one of the finest songwriters in Canada." If you enjoy unusual, strong, contemporary songwriting, you should consider purchasing this album.

> **A Pebble of Mercy**  
>  1995 Gudney Eylin (GER 2008)  
>  _Incredible Heroine of Modern Romance Fiction; Welcome to My World; I Should Feel Empty; Rainbow; Talk to Me; Pink China Pig; Vacuum Song; I am Your Company; Make Me Believe; We All Agreed; Grand River 56:55_

* * *

## T

### Tamarack

_Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

"Songs that reflect this country's early years, sung with skill and enthusiasm, energy and charm"— _Canadian Composer_. Based in Guelph, Ontario, Tamarack is a folk trio that was formed in 1978. Tamarack's specialty is writing songs based on Canadian history. Although there have been many changes in personnel over the years, co-founder James Gordon still anchors the group, writing much of the material. Tamarack CD's are simultaneously issued on the Canadian SGB and the American Folk Era labels.

Tamarack's pre-CD releases include _Music of Canada_ (1980), _A Pleasant Gale_ (1983), _Ontario: 200 Musical Years_ (1984), _The Tamarack Collection_ (1985) and _Shave the Bear_ (1989).

The first Tamarack album available on CD is _Fields of Rock And Snow_ (1991), featuring James Gordon, Alex Sinclair, and Gwen Swick. Highlights include the Tamarack classics, "Harvest Train," "Fields of Rock and Snow," "Teamwork," "Stuart and Lillian," and "Lonesome Cowboy's Lament." _Fields of Rock and Snow_ received a Porcupine Award for Album of the Year in 1991. _Frobisher Bay_ (1993), features Gordon, Sinclair, and Swick on songs like "Days of Sun and Wind," "The Hangman's Eyes," "Loyal She Remains," "No Herring Left in the Bay," "The Greenland Whale," and Tamarack's signature song, the a cappella "Frobisher Bay." _Frobisher Bay_ (1993) received a Canadian History Award Porcupine in 1994. _On the Grand: the Story of a River_ (1994) is the result of a commission by the Elora Festival to celebrate the naming of the Grand River in Ontario as a Canadian Heritage River. Part way through the album there's a personnel change: Gwen Swick is replaced by Carole LeClair. Highlights of the album include "Pawpine," "The Elora Mill," "The Virginia Brand," and "Pioneer Tower Road."

A group as established, popular, and award-winning as Tamarack deserves a good party, and they threw one in Guelph on September 24, 1993 when various members of Tamarack and close friends over the years got together in a live and, fortunately, recorded concert— _The Fifteenth Anniversary Concert_ (1995). Although the recording quality is less than ideal, the album captures the spirit of the event. The liner notes contain an elaborate, useful Tamarack family tree of members and associates, past and present.

Joined by new bass player and ex-rocker, Molly Kurvink, Tamarack released _Leaving Inverarden_ in early 1996. The title track tells the story of John Macdonald, the last surviving partner in the North West Company (a fur-trading rival to the Hudson's Bay Company). "Magdalen McGillivray," is a poignant lament from the point of view of Macdonald's sister, a woman forced by circumstances to share her husband William McGillivray with his unofficial native wife. From there the album meanders through history with songs about maple syruping, fires, rivers, and the doughty stock that settled in Canada.

_Muskoka's Calling_ (1996) was released in parallel with _Leaving Inverarden_. Released as an album aimed at visitors to the Ontario Muskoka Lakes region, it is a short album of repackaged songs from other releases.

_Thirteen_ (1998) is Tamarack's thirteenth album and it features thirteen songs. With Molly Kurvink solidifying Tamarack's newer, punchier sound, the album offers a wider range of styles than previous Tamarack albums. The historical material is still there, in songs such as "Red River Carts," a tribute to the last days of the buffalo and "Down the Old Tweed Road," an upbeat cut about an early Ontario highway robbery story, and the lovely "Chippewa Smile," a northern love song. More contemporary material includes "Hockey Town," a song about gang rape and "Highway 17," a song about northern Ontario's endless highway. This fine album raises Tamarack to a new level, preserving the spirit that has made them popular and enduring while adding a newer sound that keeps their material from being too predictable.

> **Fields of Rock and Snow**  
>  1991, reissued 1993 Folk Era (FE1407CD)  
>  _Harvest Train; Home to You Once More; The Kitty Friel; Black Rapids Girl; Far from Home; Fields of Rock and Snow; Hangin' in the Barn; Teamwork; Aultsville; Stuart and Lillian; Lonesome Cowboy's Lament 38:24_

> **Frobisher Bay**  
>  1993 Folk Era (FE1409CD)  
>  _Days of Sun and Wind; Oh, Klondike; The Hangman's Eyes; Frobisher Bay; Loyal She Remains; The Vacuum Song; Charlie Fox; Pamela; No Herring Left in the Bay; Alaska Highway Driver; Logging Camp Christmas; The Greenland Whale 45:22_

> **On the Grand: the Story of a River**  
>  1994 Folk Era (FE 1421 D)  
>  _Our White Man's Word; Pawpine; The Song My Paddle Sings; Lochaber No More/Skirl of the Pipes; The Elora Mill; The Virginia Brand; The Grand River Canal; She Is Fickle; Lancashire Lasses; Brant County Roads; Buried Treasure; Dufferin County; Pioneer Tower Road 48:16_

> **The Fifteenth Anniversary Concert**  
>  1995 SGB (SGB 25)  
>  _The Old Ragadoo; Wild Mountain Thyme; The Scarborough Settlers Lament; Grey County; The Swallowtail Jig/Morrison's Jig; Billy Boy; Harvest Train; Les Raftsmen; Frobisher Bay; #1 Northern; Mining for Gold; Pamela; Teamwork/Redwing; Lonesome Cowboy's Lament; Farther Along; Saturday Night up the Gatineau/Fiddle Medley 67:31_

> **Muskoka's Calling**  
>  1996 SGB (SGB29)  
>  _Muskoka's Calling; Tugboat Days; Maynard's Big Front Porch; Booms Out on the Lake; The Pride of Muskoka; Maple Syrup; Up on the Verandah; Muskoka Road; Three Mile Lake; The Huntsville Fire; The Anglo-Canadian Leather Company Band 37:25_

> **Leaving Inverarden**  
>  1996 Folk Era (FE1432D)  
>  _Leaving Inverarden; Magdalen McGillivray; The Ironmaster; Maple Syrup; Up on the Verandah; The Banks of the Rocky Saugeen; Tugboat Days; Pride of Muskoka; Till the Stopwatch Is Gone; A River Runs Through Lytton; Le Sergent; The Queen of Silver Centre; The Huntsville Fire 46:59_

> **Thirteen**  
>  1998 Folk Era (FE1433D)  
>  _We Owe It to the Pioneers; Maynard's Big Front Porch; Hammers on the Scaffold; Hockey Town; Elizabeth Would Walk; Chippewa Smile; Red River Carts; The Mills of Massachusetts; Highway 17; Behind the False Fronts; Take Me Back to P.E.I.; Down the Old Tweed Road; Farther Along 46:27_

* * *

### Ian Tamblyn

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter; Composer_

"One of the most creative singer-songwriters in Canada"—Scott Merrifield, on the occasion of presenting Ian Tamblyn with the Jackie Washington Award at the Northern Lights Festival, 1990. Based in Old Chelsea, Quebec, near Ottawa, Tamblyn has composed music ranging from contemporary folk to avant garde. In addition to penning over 1500 songs, he is an avid naturalist, serving as artist-in-residence on scientific missions to the Arctic and Antarctica. His earlier folk material has been collected into a retrospective CD anthology: _Through the Years ['76-'92]_.

As a composer, Tamblyn frequently adds textured layerings of keyboard to the tracks. Other tracks are simple, acoustic guitar numbers. Highlights include "Ghost Parade," "Paris Afternoon," "Campfire Light," "Cold Wind in the Cariboo," "First Nation," and the classic "Woodsmoke and Oranges." The rest of Tamblyn's CDs are instrumental compositions based on nature themes, incorporating recorded animal and bird sounds. While not exactly traditional folk, they are delightful, relaxing albums to listen to by the fireside. They include _Magnetic North_ (1991), _Over My Head_ (1991), and _Antarctica_ (1994).

Over his impressive career, Tamblyn has continually investigated new sounds. If his early works cast him in the traditional singer-songwriter mould, replete with acoustic guitar (and hammered dulcimer), his later instrumental compositions, on albums like _Magnetic North_ and _Antarctica_ have explored the textures of sound. On _The Middle Distance_ (1995), Tamblyn combines the two sides of his musical background, placing an arresting set of new lyrics within a heavily textured musical framework. The result is a blend that contains elements of folk, New Age, and contemporary pop.

_The Middle Distance_ is a dark album, peeking at hope from the edges of downtrodden byways. The imagery is stark. Examples: "the buzzards stood by the baobab tree / waiting for the worst / the sun burned down relentlessly / there was no talk of thirst" ('The Coming Of the Rain'); "I have lost the compass home and lost is now my way ('The Compass Home'); "push carts family wagon of rags / scuttling through the tin slum town / not even humans scratching the dirt / living like rats and they're gone" ('Los Desparicitos'). The landscapes are bleak, the images provoking, and the music interesting.

Produced by Scott Merritt, _The Middle Distance_ features additional musicians Fred Guignion, John Geggie, Ian Mackie, Willie P. Bennett, Rebecca Campbell, and several others.

_Lost Visions, Forgotten Dreams_ (1996) is a musical soundscape commissioned by the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa for the exhibition _Lost Visions, Forgotten Dreams_. The pieces on the soundtrack were designed to accompany exhibition visitors as they travelled into the ancient arctic world of the Palaeo-Eskimo. The only surviving anthropological evidence for music among the Palaeo-Eskimo is a small drum. In addition to the drum, Tamblyn used pieces of bone and stone found in the High Arctic. The drumbeat he chose was drawn from early folkloric material—a 1910 cylinder recording of a small Greenlandic drum. In Tamblyn's words, "I imagined the Palaeo-Eskimo enduring fierce winters, numbing cold, and great darkness. Through drums and shamanistic song, I envisaged the Palaeo-Eskimo entering a dream world of fantastic visions and remarkable creatures."

_The Body Needs to Travel_ (1997) returns Tamblyn to singer-songwriter mode in an all-new set of songs that draw on Tamblyn's role of traveller, explorer, and environmentalist. The opening track, "Old Voice," with Tamblyn's trademark acoustic guitar picking, was written for Chief Cecil Paul, on the Northwest coast. "A Perfect Day" is a celebration of humpbacks seen near Haidi Gaii. At several points on the album the songs are punctuated with Tamblyn's short field recordings, such as the "Transient Killer Whales" following "A Perfect Day." A creative multi-instrumental musician and versatile folksinger, Tamblyn has put together another solid album that will be highly welcomed by those who follow Canadian folk music.

> **Through the Years ['76-'92]**  
>  1976-1992, Issued 1992 North Track (CD NT 14)  
>  _Ghost Parade; Paris Afternoon; Finding Myself at Your Door; Campfire Light; Woodsmoke and Oranges; Slate Islands Song; Cold Wind in the Cariboo; North Vancouver Island Song; First Nation; The Declaration of Human Rights; Green and Firewood; One Horse Town; Turlutte; Love Will Away; 25th Hour of the Day; Scene Through a Mirror 50:46_

> **Magnetic North**  
>  1991 True North (WTNK 78)  
>  _Raven and the Clam—Haida Creation Story; Kodiak Evening; The North Shore—Rainy Day; Nahanni; Gargantua Dawn; Big Sky; Lancaster Sound; Magnetic North; The Return 49:38_

> **Over My Head**  
>  1991 True North (WTNK 79)  
>  _Knock on Wood—Winter Piece; At the Feeder; Crawley Fields/April Showers; Early Morning May; Soaring; View from a Window; Loon Lake; Heading South 42:41_

> **Antarctica**  
>  1994 North Track (NTCD3)  
>  _The Bell Birds; Sastrugi; The Weddell Planet; Erebus Ice Caves; Out on the Ice Fields; The Penguin Came from Pittsburgh; Ed's Still Diving; New Life at Hutton Cliffs; Still Life for a Woodpecker; Labrador Dawn; The Bloodvein 54:10_

> **The Middle Distance**  
>  1995 North Track (NT-17)  
>  _The Coming of the Rain; Northern Town; Dream Hang On; The Low and High Tides of '94; The Compass Home; Los Desparicitos; Gather Me Round; Still Blind for You; The Middle Distance; Hurricane Season; Bay of Sails 46:02_

> **Lost Visions, Forgotten Dreams**  
>  1996 Canadian Museum of Civilization (no catalogue number)  
>  _The World of Wind and Ice; Aurora Borealis; Polynia Transformation; The Flying Bear; Shaman's Domain; Sundogs 36:54_

> **The Body Needs to Travel**  
>  1997 North Track (NT-20)  
>  _Old Voice; A Perfect Day; The Kitlope; Transient Killer Whales (Orcas); Cookie Rankin in the Purcells; Alert Bay Drum Song; Once Upon a Railroad; Higher Plane; That Boxcar in Algoma; Gather Me Round; Nellie Nungaag and Alasie Alasuak; Death of an Iceberg; Magdalena; The Emperors; Allan Macdonald; Macdonald at the Bar; Dawning of the Day; Raglan Road; Children of Tory Island; Contemplation on Iona; Flute - Allan Macdonald 59:08_

* * *

### Tanglefoot

_Contemporary; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

Based in Peterborough, Ontario, Celtic-oriented Tanglefoot writes and performs original material drawn from Canadian history. _A Grain Of Salt_ (1992), their first recording available on CD, presents a collection of songs about Irish ancestors, incidents on Canadian lakes, Laura Secord's legendary warning about the impending American attack on Canada, and Abigail Becker ("The Angel of Longpoint"), a strong pioneer woman credited with saving the lives of many sailors. On this captivating recording Tanglefoot consists of Joe Grant, Steve Ritchie, and Bob Wagar.

_Saturday Night in Hardwood Lake_ (1994) continues the historical material and adds a new member to the group: Al Parrish. The transition from a trio to a quartet hadn't fully jelled at the time of recording—some of the timing and energy of _A Grain of Salt_ is missing and the harmonies don't always merge as tightly. Highlights include "Traighli Bay," "The Last Breakdown," "Jones 1/4 Line," and "Walls of Pine."

By _The Music in the Wood_ (1996), Tanglefoot had completed the transition to a quartet, with tightened harmonies and impeccable timing. Once again the band maintains a tight Canadian focus with original material from various members of the group, plus some excellent songs by songwriter Dawn Callan of the band Gopher Baroque. The album includes a sturdy remake of "Secord's Warning," a song from their first album. With varied material that ranges from the rousing to the quiet, this is another fine album.

> **A Grain of Salt**  
>  1992 Tanglefoot (ORM11-1192CD)  
>  _Jack the Green; Selkirk Settler's Lullaby; Waltzin' Willie Warkworth; A Grain of Salt; Roll with the Tide; The Floating Bridge of Ennismore; The Angel of Longpoint; Up and Down the Stairs/Drums at the Fair/Wag's Jig; Sullivan's Shivaree; Below, Below; Secord's Warning; Keppel Township Love Song 45:22_

> **Saturday Night in Hardwood Lake**  
>  1994 Tanglefoot (TML12-1194CD)  
>  _Traighli Bay; Motherlode; The Last Breakdown; Jones 1/4 Line; No Smoke, No Baloney; Immigrant's Tears; Walls of Pine; Longjohns in Summer; The Drunken Dummer Survey; Fire and Guns; Losing Sight; Paddy's Finger; Blow to the Heart 50:39_

> **The Music in the Wood**  
>  1996 Tanglefoot (TML 14-0896CD)  
>  _Awkward Donald; Closer to the Ocean; Jack the Green; The Farmer's Piano; The Music in the Wood; Secord's Warning; La v'la m'amie; Old Broken Soldier; Loup Garou; Stone Fences; Dollar Bill; Vimy; Song for the Road 62:56_

* * *

### Pat Temple and the High Lonesome Players

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto singer-songwriter Pat Temple started the band High Lonesome with Reno Jack of the Jack family in 1988. Since then he has gone on to front the band and has taken them to Europe and across North America. Blending hillbilly rhythms with a strong dose of Texas swing, Temple delivers intense, intelligent songs like "Twenty-Nine Hands," "Feathers and Wind," and "Medicine Pipe Bag." On _Connecting Lines_ the High Lonesome Players are Joe Haag, Steve McKinnon, Andy Grafitti, Chris Ward, Longevity John, Spencer Evans, Dave Allen, Charlie Hase, Willie P. Bennett, John MacMurchy, Tom Walsh, and Michelle Rumball.

> **Connecting Lines**  
>  1991 Latent (LATEX CD10)  
>  _Twenty-Nine Hands; I'll Be Back; Salamander Bones; Cloud Walking; Beyond the Watershed; Feathers and Wind; Medicine Pipe Bag; Love Is Calling; Connecting Lines 51:04_

> **Cold Cuts**  
>  1994 Wingwalker (WWM 1003)  
>  _Cold Cuts; Forgiveness Heals; After the Fire; Rare Kind of Love; I'll Be Back; Would They Laugh; Silent Screaming; Blueberry Pickin'; Discoverers; Cloud Walkin'; 29 Hands; Theatre of the Open Heart 56:51_

* * *

### Oscar Thiffault

_French-Canadian_

Quebec singer Oscar Thiffault is featured on the historical recording, _Oscar Thiffault_ —an MCA Heritage Quebecois reissue. The selections are fun—reminiscent of early la Bottine Souriante. With no liner notes, one cannot tell if Thiffault is playing guitar or whether he's the fine fiddler we hear on track after track.

> **Oscar Thiffault**  
>  [no date, reissued 1991] MCA (MCAD-10492)  
>  _Le Rapide Blanc; Le Rocket Richard; Si Tu Maries Ta Fille; Le Fr equentations; L'Enterrement d'Nicodeme; La Cabane a Sucre; C'Était un Capitaine; Les Petites Patates; Je Parle a la Française; En Passant Par Matawin; J'ai Fait une Banqueroute; Le Nouveau Wing en Hein; Au Pays de Bill Wabo; J'ai Perdu Ma Blonde; Embarque Dans Ma Voiture 38:02_

* * *

### Three Sheets to the Wind

_Traditional; Contemporary; A Cappella; Singer-Songwriter_

Ottawa-based Three Sheets to the Wind is a trio consisting of Mary Burns, Rebecca Campbell, and Beverley Wolfe. Their debut album, _Grace Under Pressure_ , was recorded one weekend at a cottage in the Ottawa Valley. Primarily an a cappella album, the material ranges from traditional to songs by Gordon Lightfoot and Ferron, to original songs by Rebecca Campbell, who is also a member of Fat Man Waving. Highlights include "The Hundred Acre Field," "The Flower of Magherally," "Magdalene," "Grace Under Pressure," "Woodsmoke And Oranges," and a smashing version of Ferron's "The Cart," overlaid with a prayer song composed by Campbell.

> **Grace Under Pressure**  
>  1994 Canal (Canal 264)  
>  _The Hundred Acre Field; The Flower of Magherally; Ocean Art Piece; Magdalene; The Cart; Things in Life; Grace Under Pressure; Awake Ye Drowsy Sleeper; White Petals; Woodsmoke and Oranges; Female Rambling Sailor; Silver Threads and Golden Needles; The Way I Feel; Stay Home 49:07_

* * *

### Tickle Harbour

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic_

Tickle Harbour is a group made up of three Newfoundlanders, three Irishmen, and an American. They offer, as the liner notes state, "a blend of music through which one can discern the strains of Irish melodies and hints of the sounds of the Newfoundland kitchen time. Influenced by both traditions, it is slavishly imitative of neither; it is Newfoundland/Irish music, with the distinct flavour of the folk music revival about it." While _The Brule Boys in Paris_ "has something of the feel of friends getting together to play ... The musicianship is of a high calibre and the tunes while mostly traditional are not the usual ones found on all too many Irish albums"— _Dirty Linen_. Tickle Harbour on this album (there was a previous incarnation of the group) consists of Seamus Creagh, fiddle; Paddy Mackey, bodhran; Rob Murphy, flute; Bob O'Donovan; Scott Schillereff, hammer dulcimer; Gerry Strong, tin whistle; and Don Walsh, guitar/bouzouki.

> **The Brule Boys in Paris**  
>  1991 Pigeon Inlet (PIP7235CD)  
>  _Paddy Gavin's Reel/Last Night's Fun/Olde Cuffe House Reel; Eavesdropper Jig/Humours of Corofin/Martin Byrnes; O'Connell's Trip to Parliament/Lucky in Love/Patsy Minter's Reel; The Waterford Boys; The Night Before Larry Got Stretched/Humours of Kinvara/Ratigan's Reel; Flatbush Waltz; The Rising Sun/Freshwater Reel/Shrinking Reel; St. John's Mazurka/The Brule Boys in Paris; The Dionne Reel; Memory Waltz; Polkas; Kitty Yates Turn/Rawlins Cross Reel/Paddy Ryan's Dream/The Boys of Laois 44:13_

* * *

### TIP Splinter

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Singer-Songwriter_

Listening to TIP Splinter makes you long to be Irish even if your grandmother came from the Ukraine. The group's unusual name derives from a Toronto theatre group called the Toronto Irish Players (TIP). The singers were a group that splintered away from the original troupe to pursue music. There have been many changes in the personnel of the group since its inception. The only original member left is Jonathan Lynn, host of the Ontario Cable-TV folk music show _Highway 10_ , for which Lynn received a "Builder of Canadian Folk" Porcupine Award in 1993. TIP Splinter received a "Canadian Celtic Song" Porcupine Award in 1990 for "Fields of Saskatchewan."

The group's sole CD— _A Living Tradition_ —is a compilation of material from their first four albums and tapes, arranged from most recent to oldest: _Takin' the Floor_ (1992), _The Jumping Irishman_ (1990), _Mooncoin_ (1988), and _TIP Splinter & Friends_ (1986). The quality of the group varies over the years, with the most recent cast providing the best tracks, but overall this long-playing album is a gem for anyone who loves Irish-Canadian music. Over the years, the following musicians have been members of TIP Splinter: Joe Byrne; James Ediger; Henry Geraghty; Patrick Hutchinson; Jonathan Lynn; Jim McGee; Eamonn O'Loghlin; Madeleine O'Loghlin; Loretto Reid; Jamie Snider; Brian Taheny; and Kieran Wade.

> **A Living Tradition**  
>  1986-1992, reissued 1993 TIP Splinter (TS005)  
>  _The Shores of Newfoundland/Traveller's Reel; Tanernagee Was You Ever in Quebec; Dr. Gilbert's/The Queen of May/The Red-Haired Girl/The Dark-Eyed Lassie/Lord McDonald's/The Laurel Tree/The Sandymount; Takin' the Ferry; Hector the Hero/Neil Gow's Wife/The Chicago/The Concert/The Magherafelt; For Better or Worse; Daddy's Little Girl/The Long Road Home/The Ringsend Cowboys; The Hills of Glenshee; Paddy When You Die/The Bird in the Bush/The Maid of Mt. Cisco; The Fields of Saskatchewan; McRory; Johnny from Hazlegreen; Castle Kelly/Farewell to Connacht/The Teetotaller; Rathdrum Fair; Kitty's Slip/Bobbin' Pearls; Loving Hannah; Okeefe's/John Ryan's/Mickey Chewing Bubble-Gum 74:28_

* * *

### Brent Titcomb

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario singer-songwriter Brent Titcomb drew a large following in the 1970's. In 1993 he released a CD of his past recordings, _Healing Of Her Heart_ , that also includes the new title track, "Healing of Her Heart." Titcomb fans will delight in once again hearing Titcomb's soft, gentle vocals on songs like "Sing High, Sing Low," "No Walls At All," "Cassandra," "Flow on the River," and "Tibetan Bells."

> **Healing of Her Heart**  
>  1977-1993 Manohar (MR102)  
>  _Healing of Her Heart; Sahajiya; Sing High, Sing Low; Now Walls at All; I Still Wish the Very Best for You; Cassandra; Full Moon in Pisces; Oh Great Provider; Flow on the River (Let Yourself Be); Tibetan Bells; A Falling Star 42:49_

* * *

### Hugo Torres

_Worldbeat_

Winnipeg Latin American guitarist Hugo Torres began performing professionally in his native Chile when he was a teenager. Upon his arrival in Canada he formed Retaguardia, one of the first Latin American folk groups in Canada. An extremely accomplished solo guitarist, Torres also plays, composes, and arranges pieces for the charango, zampona, tarka, bombo, recorder, and keyboard. Torres' playing and fine singing voice is highlighted on _A Compilation_ , a CD reissue of two of his previous albums, _Latin America in My Guitar_ and _Condor of Love and Fire_. This easy-listening, highly satisfying CD is well worth tracking down if you enjoy Latin American music.

> **A Compilation**  
>  1992 Rearguard (no catalogue number)  
>  _The Highlands (Altiplano); The Three Lands (Los Tres Pueblos); Unity for All (Unidad de Todos); Slogans for Peace; The People Without a River of Love (El Pueblo Sin un Rio de Amor); Latin America in My Guitar (America Latina en Mi Guitarra); The Black Pimpernel; Where Are You, Grandfather? (Donde Estas, Abuelo?); My Country (Mi Pais); Let's Think Again (Volvamos a Pensar); Condor of Love and Fire (Condor de Amor Y Fuego); Far from Here (Lejos de Aqui); The Sailboat of Sadness (El Barco de Tristeza); Island of Hope (Isla de la Esperanza); Alive Again (Me Siento Vivo de Nuevo) 67:16_

* * *

### Eleanor & Graham Townsend

_Fiddle_

Two of Ontario's fiddle champions on the same CD— _Canada's Champion Fiddlers_ —is a huge treat for fiddle fans. The album is divided roughly in half with Graham Townsend on the first half, ending with "Angus Campbell," and Eleanor Townsend playing from "Moon River Hornpipe" to the album's closer, "Wildwood Waltz." Each fiddler contributes grace and style to these recordings. The immaculate playing ranges from sweet waltzes to uptempo jigs and reels. The album received a "Don Messer Canadian Fiddle" Porcupine Award in 1993 and both Eleanor and Graham Townsend have been inducted into the Porcupine Hall of Fame for their lifetime contributions to Canadian fiddling.

_Canada's Championship Fiddle Team_ features the two playing mainly duets. Recorded live in Barre, Vermont, the album features a lively collection of individual tunes and medleys. Another important purchase for fans of Eleanor and Graham.

> **Canada's Champion Fiddlers**  
>  [no date] Heritage Music (HCD 4402)  
>  _Clear the Track; Liberty Two Step; Larry O'Gaffe; Father O'Flynn; Newlywed Reel; Rustic Rig; Peter's Favorite; Operator's Reel; Ste. Anne's Reel; Angus Campbell; Moon River Hornpipe; McDowell's Breakdown; The Jewel Waltz; Maggie Mawhinney's Jig; Little Bob River; Cowboy's Reel; Wildwood Waltz; Forester's Hornpipe 41:38_

> **Canada's Championship Fiddle Team**  
>  [no date] Heritage Music ()  
>  _Back Up and Push; Forky Deer/Chubby's Hornpipe; Faded Love; Draggin' the Bow; Ice on the Road; Ontario Swing/Bowin' the Strings; Mocking Bird; Ward Allen Breakdown; Maple Sugar; Here and There; High Level Hornpipe/Crooked Stovepipe/Milton's Breakdown/Big John McNeil/Ste. Anne's Reel/Don Messer's Breakdown/Londonderry & Lightning Hornpipe/Angus Campbell; Shannon Waltz; Four String Polka; Orange Blossom Special 42:45_

* * *

### Graham Townsend

_Fiddle_

Ontario fiddle champion Graham Townsend won the CNE fiddle contest at age nine, and at age thirteen he made his first recording. A frequent guest on the _Don Messer Jubilee_ TV show, Townsend won the Canadian Open Old Time Fiddler's Contest in 1963, 1968, 1969, and 1970 before retiring from competition. An active folklorist, Townsend has been active in documenting Canadian fiddle traditions. A master of every style, Townsend has been inducted into the North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame, the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Porcupine Award Hall of Fame. _100 Fiddles Hits_ was recorded primarily as a study aid for young fiddlers, providing them easy access to a broad range of traditional fiddle tunes. It also makes great listening for any fiddle lover. The only criticism of this fine album is that the liner notes do not indicate which sets are on which tracks of the CD. This prevents you from easily accessing tunes of interest.

The lack of liner notes or historical information plagues an additional CD reissue: _Canadian Country Classics_ It presents Townsend's sweet fiddling on a collection of chestnuts, including the "Waverley Two Step" and the "Ottawa Valley Reel." _Country Licks and All That Jazz_ was recorded for the CBC in 1982 but never released. Featuring a swinging Townsend doing standards like "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Honeysuckle Rose," the playing is superb. _Still Going Strong_ (1997 reissue) presents Townsend in a delightful set of mainly traditional material. All three albums are recommended for Townsend fans.

> **100 Fiddle Hits: 35th Anniversary Collection**  
>  1990 Dino (512 995-2 / RSP 236)  
>  _Crooked Stovepipe; Arkansas Traveller; Old Joe Clark; Soldier's Joy; Girl I Left Behind; Joys of Quebec; Loggers Breakdown; Ragtime Annie; Down Yonder; Kingdom Come; Mittons Breakdown; Rubber Dolly; Debbie's Waltz; Black Velvet Waltz; Country Waltz; Tennessee Waltz; Wilson's Clog; Gray's Second Change; Whalen's Breakdown; Big John MacNeil; Bonnie Dundee; Major Mackie; First Western Change; The Blackthorn Stick; Orange Blossom Special; Patronella; Rakes of Mallow; Don Messer's Breakdown; Liberty Two Step; Back up and Push; Turkey in Straw; The Eighth of January; Sugarfoot Rag; Road to the Isles; Cock of the North; Smash the Window; Scotland the Brave; Up Jumped the Devil; Ricketts Hornpipe; Bowin' the Strings; Mississippi Sawyer; Old Barndance; My Little Girl; Climbing up the Golden Stairs; Spanish Cavalero; Maytime Swing; Devil's Dream; Swamplake Breakdown; Chinese Breakdown; Maple Sugar; Pigeon on the Pier; Wind That Shakes the Barley; Wake up Susan; Plaza Polka; Fisher's Hornpipe; Sailor's Hornpipe; Old Man and Old Woman; Miss McCloud's Reel; Rippling Water Jig; Old Red Barn; Rock Valley Jig; Hundred Pipers; Norwegian Waltz; Waltz Quadrille; Over the Waves; Peek-A-Boo Waltz; Flowers of Edinburgh; Chicken Reel; Sally Goodin; Flop Eared Mule; Road to Boston; Redwing; Dusty Miller's Reel; Silvery Bells; Mocking Bird; Snowflake Breakdown; Angus Campbell; Tennessee Wagoner; Lightning Hornpipe; Hi-Lo Schottische; Rochester Schottische; Buffalo Gals; Golden Slippers; Bill Cheatum; St. Anne's Reel; High Level Hornpipe; Cripple Creek; Uncle Jim; Joys of Wedlock; Bride of the Wind; Haste to the Wedding; Texas Quickstep; Kiley's Reel; Snow Deer; Lorn McDonnald's Reel; Little Brown Jug; Darling Nelly Gray; Circassion Circle; Boil the Cabbage Down; Draggin' the Bow 65:12_

> **Canadian Country Classics**  
>  Reissued 1997 Holborne/Rodeo (RCCD 7104)  
>  _Sidewalk Waltz; The Lighthouse Keeper; Prince County Jig; Les Guenilles; Waverley Two Step; Ottawa Valley Reel; Fred Wilson's Clog; Spirit of Springhill; Evelyn's Waltz; Point Prim Hornpipe; Ice on the Road; Waltzing through the Leaves; Little Robbie's Jig; Alex & Maureen's Two Step; President Kennedy's Waltz; Harvey's Tune; Blue Bells on the Hills; Pinetree Jig; Pretty Little Cindy; The Rainbow Waltz 39:05_

> **Country Licks & All That Jazz**  
>  1982, Issued 1997 Margaree Sound (6397201)  
>  _Back Forty Rip-Off; Sweet Georgia Brown; Sally Goodin/Cotton Eyed Joe; Stay out of the South; Jackson's Hornpipe; Honeysuckle Rose; Weeping Heart; Lullaby of Birdland; Blackjack Whiskey; I'll Be There; Little Rock Get-a-Way; Down Yonder 34:57_

> **Still Going Strong**  
>  1997 Holborne/Rodeo (RLPCD 8044)  
>  _Blackfoot Jam; Ripplerock Jig/Landry's Breakdown; Love in My Prayers; Montreal Reel/Frenchie's Reel/The Old Man & The Old Woman; Churning Butter; Mississippi Cajun/Big Medicine Hat/Alabama Jubilee; Up Country/Little Judique; Dill Pickle Rag; Molly Hogan/Fiddler's Dream/Chain Lightening; Endearing Young Charms; East Tennessee Blues/Hoedown Polka/Golden Slippers; Swinging with the Eighties 34:03_

* * *

### Tranby Croft

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Tranby Croft is a folk trio based in London, Ontario. All three members—Helen Jarvis, Bob Cunningham and Phil Floyd—are originally from England and the name Tranby Croft comes from the name of a large estate in Yorkshire. With beautiful, tasteful arrangements of traditional and contemporary English, Celtic and North American folk music, the trio balances out its sound with elements of folk, country and jazz. The trio also performs a repertoire of original material written by all members of the trio.

Their first CD release, _Timeline_ , flows smoothly from track to track, featuring each member of the trio on vocals. The trio uses harmony more as punctuation than as its focus. This gives the album variety and an element of anticipation as each track has a different sound signature.

_Timeline_ was produced by Paul Mills. Additional musicians include Trevor Mills, bass; Curly Boy Stubbs, guitar; and Blair Heddle, banjo, fiddle, penny whistle.

> **Timeline**  
>  1996 Yew Tree (TC71193)  
>  _Once I Had a Sweetheart; Bonnie Ship the Diamond; Old French Lane; Henry Martin; Benjamin Bowmaneer; Timeline; Wind in the Long Grass; Touch His Hand; Trees They Do Grow High; Cinderella Shoe; The Artist; So Early in the Spring; Thornwood; Everyone's Turn; Andrew; Don't Save Your Dreams 57:29_

* * *

### Travels with Charley

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Vancouver-based Travels with Charley began as a trio consisting of Jackie Janzen on lead and backup vocals, Steve Mitchell on acoustic guitar, and Doug Cox on dobro, slide instruments, accordion, and banjo. The group performs a mix of original material and covers. Their debut CD, _Uncle Herb's Amusements_ , includes a number of Steve Mitchell originals, including "What Do You Think?" "Your Key Won't Never Fit My House Again," "Girl from Medicine Hat," and "I Got A House." Jackie Janzen delivers an inspired cover of Joni Mitchell's "Carey"—you might even like her version better than Joni's. On their second album, _Red Rome Beauty_ , James Young joins the group on string bass. The delightful, almost whimsical, interplay between dobro and six-string continues and Janzen's earthy voice finds a home on numbers like "Some Other Town," "Up to Me," and a smashing version of "Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor."

> **Uncle Herb's Amusements**  
>  [no date] Malahat Mountain (MMM-CD-002)  
>  _What Do You Think?; Carey; Your Key Won't Never Fit My House Again; Who's Behind the Door?; Girl from Medicine Hat; When You Come Back Again; Saved; Just at This Moment; Wonderful Tonight; If I Could Be There; I Got a House; Angel Band; Little Willie 48:29_

> **Red Rome Beauty**  
>  1995 Malahat Mountain (MMM-CD-003)  
>  _Red Rome Beauty; Some Other Town; The Thrill of Her; Up to Me; Great to Be Gone; Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor; Grassy Knoll; Stop Breaking Down; How Did You Live; I Got to Travel; Old Emotions; Trouble, You Can't Fool Me 42:14_

* * *

### Lucie Blue Tremblay

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"Lucie Blue Tremblay embodies many of the noble elements of folk music's hopes and aims: authentic multiculturalism (she mixes songs in English with songs from her French-Canadian heritage); solid singing (her voice is like a mountain lake—clear, deep, pure); passion (her romantic focus on real-life processes powers her writing); and the unusual (her stunning whistle is one example)"—Laura Post, _Sing Out!_ Quebec singer-songwriter Lucie Blue Tremblay performs her unusual mix of French and English songs on _Tendresse_. An easy-listening, poetic, album, its highlights include "Absence," "Tour Song," "Montreal," "Daddy's Song," and "Goodbye Song." _Transformations_ is a similar album with Tremblay originals and two covers: Suzanne McGettigan's "A Place in the Woods" and Shari Ulrich/Jean Roussel's "With or Without You." Tremblay's contributions include "Chez Nous," "The Little One," "There Was a Time," and "Getting Old."

> **Lucie Blue Tremblay**  
>  1986 Olivia (ORCD947)  
>  _Magic of Love; Juste une Aventure (Just an Affair); For Those Eyes; Voix d'Enfant (A Child's Voice); So Lucky; Nos Belles Ann ees; Mademoiselle; Limited Vision; St Jean Port Joli; Laissez-Moi Sortir (Let Me Out) 42:40_

> **Tendresse**  
>  1989 Olivia (ORCD955)  
>  _Absence; Tour Song; Montr eal; Daddy's Song; The Water Is Wide; Two Lives; Politique; Peaking; Jour apres Jour; Seventh House; Goodbye Song 44:37_

> **Transformations**  
>  1992 Olivia (ORCD967)  
>  _Chez Nous; The Little One; The Guilty One; There Was a Time; A Place in the Woods; Transformations; Homeless; With or Without You; Sailing Away; All Out of Love Tonite; Getting Old; All It Takes 50:59_

* * *

### Trilogy

_Traditional; Christmas_

A few years ago three Calgary-based Canadian folksingers, Eileen McGann, Cathy Miller, and David K, put together a special Christmas concert celebrating "Two Thousand Years of Christmas." With songs ranging from the 16th Century "O Magnum Mysterium" to John McCutcheon's "Christmas in the Trenches" the material spans the well known to the arcane. For several years the concert has been touring Canada to enthusiastic reviews. With wonderful harmonies and clever, thoughtful arrangements, Trilogy has made Christmas music vibrant and alive.

By popular demand, Trilogy has recorded a sound track of their annual concert. In addition to the early Canadian song "The Huron Carol" the album includes two fine songs by Trilogy members—"Tonight is for Christmas" by Cathy Miller and "Turn It Around" by Eileen McGann. This fine album belongs in every Christmas collection.

> **Two Thousand Years of Christmas**  
>  1996 Dragonwing (DRGN-114)  
>  _O Magnum Mysterium; Down in Yon Forest; Gloucester Wassail; Brightest & Best; Coventry Carol; Cherry Tree Carol; Huron Carol; Who's the Fool Now?; Dona Nobis Pacem; Light from the Lighthouse; Tonight Is for Christmas; Turn It Around; New Star Shining; Snow Shanty; Christmas in the Trenches; You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch; Rejoice! Rejoice! 55:06_

* * *

### Triple Threat

_Contemporary; Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

Calgary acoustic blues band Triple Threat consists of Rusty Reed, Johnny V, and Tim Williams. _Terra Firma Boogie_ showcases the group's fine musical talents on original material and covers, including "Bring it on Home," "On Down the Road," "San Francisco Bay Blues," "Statesboro Blues," and "Terra Firma Boogie." Driven on the rhythms of Johnny V's acoustic guitar, Williams' guitar and mandolin, and Reed's dynamic harmonica playing, Triple Threat's strong singing and great picking make _Terra Firma Boogie_ a recommended purchase for blues fans.

> **Terra Firma Boogie**  
>  [no date] Triple Threat (no catalogue number)  
>  _Bring It on Home; On Down the Road; Custard Pie; Borderline Runner; San Francisco Bay Blues; The Bottle's Gone; In Rehearsal for the Blues; Try and Kill Yourself; Caravan; Open Book; Au Contraire, Mon Fr ere; Harmony Grits; Take It Slow and Easy; So Now You Know; Statesboro Blues; Won't Go On; Terra Firma Boogie 63:48_

* * *

### Kelli Trottier

_Fiddle_

Based in Kingston, Ontario, Kelli Trottier is young fiddler/singer with a sweet, swinging fiddle style and an equally sweet voice. Her debut CD, _Kelli Trottier_ (1995), provides an excellent introduction to her music. Whether performing traditional material such as "Loch Lomond" and "Big John McNeil" or putting the bow to her own fiddle compositions such as "Sparky's Jig" and "Winds of Waterloo," Trottier's flawless playing and excellent vocals mark her as a significant emerging talent.

Additional musicians on _Kelli Trottier_ include Sherrill Trottier, Denis Lanctot, Mark McDonell and Bobby Lalonde.

> **Kelli Trottier**  
>  1995 Kelli Trottier (no catalogue number)  
>  _Tarbolten/Willow Tree; Loch Lomond/The Green Mountain; Sparky's Jig/Jig in F; Winds of Waterloo; Tableau Clog/Fair Toddler/Donegal Reel/Big John McNeil; Compliments to Sean McGuire/Jabe Meadow Hornpipe; Braelyn; Amy's Request/Heritage Mountain Hornpipe; Irish Reel/Celtic Cousins; Danny Boy 32:24_

* * *

### Terry Tufts

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ottawa singer-songwriter Terry Tufts straddles the line between folk and country. _Transparent Blue_ blends acoustic folk guitar with an electric country sound. Tufts' lyrics are highlighted on songs like "Stand 'Neath My Window," "The Bloom Falls Off the Rose," "Where Do I Go?" "Azelie," "Hanging Roses from Her Door," and "Approaching Cordelia."

> **Transparent Blue**  
>  1990 Snowy River (SRR S28 CD)  
>  _Stand 'Neath My Window; The Bloom Falls Off the Rose; Candy Calls for Water; Where Do I Go?; Azelie; Don't Think I Want Your Lovin'; Hanging Roses from Her Door; Heart of the Beholder; Holdin' On; Approaching Cordelia; Ocean of Tears; Never No More 49:25_

* * *

### Paddy Tutty

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Saskatoon singer-songwriter Paddy Tutty is a consummate interpreter of traditional material from Britain, Ireland, and North America. An accomplished musician on guitar, fretted dulcimer, and fiddle, her albums are finely crafted creations that delight, play after play. Her third album, and first CD, _Prairie Druid_ (1992), presents a mix of traditional Celtic material interspersed with some original Tutty compositions. For those who love traditional music, this album, featuring Tutty's captivating voice and instrumental work, is highly recommended. Guest musicians include Ian Mackie on tablas, berimbau, tambourine and tabor; John Geggie on double bass and fretless bass; Ian Robb on English concertina and Morris bells; Pippa Hall on backup vocals; John Henderson on bodhran and vocals; Peter Kiesewalter on shawm; and Ian Tamblyn on keyboards and hammered dulcimer.

Commenting on _In the Greenwood_ (1998) Tutty observes that "The journey which has brought me to this place began over two decades ago when I embarked upon studying and performing traditional music of Britain and Ireland. Through this exploration I have found immeasurable inspiration and solace in the old tales, powerful melodies from a land steeped in history." The material on this CD, which spans four centuries, reflects Tutty's love of traditional material and her beautiful arrangements which include instrumentation on guitar, fretted dulcimer, fiddle, anglo-concertina and harpsichord. Produced by Ian Tamblyn, there is also a fine cast of backup musicians from the Ottawa area, including John Geggie, Andy Daub, Kathy Armstrong, Wendy Davis, Shelley Posen, Ian Tamblyn, and the Ottawa Folklore Centre chorus.

> **Prairie Druid**  
>  1992 Prairie Druid (PA03CD)  
>  _Island Spinning Song; Lough Erne; George Sand's; All Among the Barley; The Prairie Pagans; The Tankard of Ale; The Man Behind the Plough; Wild Hog; Mina's Waltz; Fair Annie; Woodland; Land on the Shore 45:26_

> **In the Greenwood**  
>  1998 Prairie Druid (PA04)  
>  _The Four Seasons/Rigadoon; The Gypsy Laddie; Sui sios fa mo Dhidean; We Be Soldiers Three/Bourr e Mouregue; Knight William & the Shepherd's Daughter; Burr Oak; The Maple's Lament; The Road to Heaven; La Fleur de Bruyere; William Glen; Thousands or More; Aure Françoise; The Cuckoo 48:27_

* * *

### Two-Penny Opera

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Toronto band, Two-Penny Opera, put together a solid contemporary folk/pop album with _Dead & Crazy People_. Featuring lyrics by the group's chief songwriters, Mary-Ellen Anderson and Sandy Stubbert, the album's highlights include "Do You," "Frankie Met Sally," "Nothing Else," "Silver Surfer," "Quicksand," and "Blind Eye." Two-Penny Opera is Mary-Ellen Anderson, Sandy Stubbert, Ken Purvis, and Frank Baraczka. The group has disbanded.

> **Dead & Crazy People**  
>  1992 Two Productions (TWO CD-2)  
>  _Change; Tears; Frankie Met Sally; Nothing Else; Silver Surfer; Rickie; Tomorrow; Quicksand; Not up to You; Keep It Inside; Do You; Blind Eye 47:30_

* * *

### Ian Tyson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Juno Award Hall of Famer Ian Tyson grew up in British Columbia. Influenced in childhood by the horse stories of Will James, Tyson eventually drifted into cowboy life and the rodeo. A gifted songwriter and performer, Tyson teamed up with Sylvia Fricker in the 1960's to form the enduring and popular sound of Ian & Sylvia. After the 1960's folk revival, Tyson hosted a weekly country music television show for CTV that ran for five years, first as _Nashville North_ and later as _The Ian Tyson Show_. In the late 70's Tyson divided his time between music and his ranch in Alberta. He met new success as a solo performer on the western circuit. Ever a strong lyricist, Tyson's later works celebrate "cowboy culture"—the folk culture of the west. Tyson's rich, soft baritone voice has been his signature from his early Yorkville coffeehouse days in Toronto to his latest "western" albums. "Tyson's voice works ... like a pull of good whisky; rich and carrying, it edges close to the nasal passage before retreating safely, riding that fine country line that so very few voices find"—Roy MacGregor, _The Canadian_.

_Ol' Eon_ , from 1973, was Tyson's first solo album after the breakup of Ian & Sylvia. Tyson is in good voice on this work that features many fine songs, including "Some Kind of Fool," "Blueberry Susan," and "The North Saskatchewan." _One Jump Ahead of The Devil_ , from 1978, was one of Tyson's solo albums on Boot Records, later reissued on CD by Stony Plain. The recording is muddy—Tyson's voice sounds distant and the sidemen and background vocalists are less than inspired. Despite some good lyrics this is one strictly for dedicated Tyson fans.

_Old Corrals and Sagebrush_ , from 1984, has been reissued by both Stony Plain and Vanguard. The sequence of the songs is different on each and the Vanguard reissue includes an extra song, "Diamond Joe." The Vanguard recording has been used for this guide. This excellent album is the first of the soft-edged cowboy recordings that have become Tyson's trademark in recent years. Highlights include "Alberta's Child," "The Old Double Diamond," "Leavin' Cheyenne," "Gallo de Cielo," "Diamond Joe," "Night Riders Lament," and "Murder Steer." _Cowboyography_ , from 1986, is an all-Tyson album that continues the cowboy music started on _Old Corals_. A bonus is a remake of the Tyson classic, "Summer Wages." The album also introduces background vocalist, Cindy Church, who became a regular on subsequent Tyson recordings. The 1989 _I Outgrew The Wagon_ features songs like "Cowboys Don't Cry," "Casey Tibbs," "I Outgrew the Wagon," "Adelita Rose," "Since the Wind," and a remake of "Four Strong Winds." _And Stood There Amazed_ , from 1991, showcases the prolific Tyson on another strong album. Highlights include "Black Nights," "Lights of Laramie," and "Springtime In Alberta." A reviewer in _Dirty Linen_ calls _Eighteen Inches Of Rain_ , from 1994, "an exceptional release from a man who has put the western back into country music." Tyson just keeps on writin' and singin' fine cowboy songs. Highlights include "Horsethief Moon," "Eighteen Inches of Rain," "Chasin' the Moon," and "Til the Circle Is Through."

> **Ol' Eon**  
>  1973 A&M (CD-69820)  
>  _Some Kind of Fool; Bad Times Were So Easy; Blueberry Susan; Sam Bonnifield's Saloon; If She Just Helps Me; Lord, Lead Me Home; Great Canadian Tour; She's My Greatest Blessing; Spanish Johnny; The Girl Who Turned Me Down; The North Saskatchewan; Love Can Bless the Soul of Anyone 33:39_

> **One Jump Ahead of the Devil**  
>  1978, reissued 1978 Stony Plain (SPCD 1177)  
>  _What Does She See; One Jump Ahead of the Devil; Beverly; Turning Thirty; Newtonville Waltz; Lone Star and Coors; One Too Many; Texas, I Miss You; Goodness of Shirley; Freddie Hall; Half Mile of Hell 37:41_

> **Old Corrals and Sagebrush & Other Cowboy Culture Classics**  
>  1984, reissued 1994 Vanguard (151/52-2)  
>  _Alberta's Child; The Old Double Diamond; Windy Bill; Montana Waltz; Whoopee Ti Yi Yo; Leavin' Cheyenne; Gallo de Cielo; Old Corrals and Sagebrush; Old Alberta Moon; Diamond Joe; Night Rider's Lament; Tom Blasingame; Sierra Peaks; Colorado Trail; Hot Summer Tears; What Does She See; Rocks Begin to Roll; Will James; Murder Steer 74:26_

> **Cowboyography**  
>  1986 Stony Plain (SPCD 1102)  
>  _Springtime; Navajo Rug; Summer Wages; Fifty Years Ago; Rockies Turn Rose; Claude Dallas; Own Heart's Delight; The Gift; Cowboy Pride; Old Cheyenne; The Coyote and the Cowboy 43:28_

> **I Outgrew the Wagon**  
>  1989 Stony Plain (SPCD 1131)  
>  _Cowboys Don't Cry; Casey Tibbs; I Outgrew the Wagon; Arms of Corey Jo; Adelita Rose; Irving Berlin (Is 100 Yrs Old Today); Since the Rain; The Wind in the Fire; Four Strong Winds; The Banks of the Musselshell; The Steeldust Line 40:57_

> **And Stood There Amazed**  
>  1991 Stony Plain (SPCD 1168)  
>  _Black Nights; Lights of Laramie; Jaquima to Freno; Springtime in Alberta; Non-Pro Song; Milk River Ridge; Rocks Begin to Roll; Jack Link; You're Not Alone; Magpie; Home on the Range 41:05_

> **Eighteen Inches of Rain**  
>  1994 Stony Plain (SPCD 1193) / Vanguard (79475)  
>  _Horsethief Moon; Heartaches Are Stealin'; Eighteen Inches of Rain; M.C. Horses; Big Horns; Rodeo Road; Chasin' the Moon; Nobody Thought It Would; Old House; Alcohol in the Bloodstream; Old Corrals and Sagebrush; Til the Circle Is Through 42:04_

* * *

### Sylvia Tyson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Juno Award Hall of Famer Sylvia Tyson, nee Fricker, knew by age fifteen that she wanted to be a folksinger and moved to Toronto as soon as she finished high school in Chatham, Ontario. In 1959 she met Ian Tyson and they teamed up to form Ian & Sylvia, one of Canada's most enduring folk duos. After the Ian & Sylvia years, Sylvia hosted the CBC radio show _Touch the Earth_ for five years, beginning in 1974. The show provided important exposure for Canadian performers and established Sylvia as an independent personality. With her unique, instantly-identifiable voice and strong songwriting, Sylvia pursued a solo career in country music. "Her songs, while written in a faithful down-home style, have a sophistication that I would like to think comes from her Canadian roots ... They aren't hung up on the blues or on defining right-of-middle-of-the-road; they usually have simple stories to tell ... Topics usually left unsung in the country vein"—Paul McGrath, _Globe and Mail_. In recent years Sylvia has also taught herself button accordion, which she uses to accent her material. Sylvia's early solo albums have not yet been reissued on compact disc.

The first CD available from her country period is _You Were on My Mind_ , featuring songs like "Pepere's Mill," "Rhythm of the Road," "River Road," and two of her classics, "Trucker's Cafe" and "You Were On My Mind." Her 1992 release, _Gypsy Cadillac_ , includes "Heart Disease," "Remain a Child," "Deeper Waters," "The Sound of One Heart Breaking," "I Walk These Rails," "Chocolate Cigarettes," and "Gypsy Cadillac." Her most recent activity has been anchoring the outstandingly successful collaboration of four singer-songwriters called Quartette.

> **You Were on My Mind**  
>  1989 Stony Plain (SPCD 1140)  
>  _Pepere's Mill; Slow-Moving Heart; Rhythm of the Road; Walking on the Moon; Thrown to the Wolves; The Night the Chinese Restaurant Burned Down; You Were on My Mind; Sleep on My Shoulder; Trucker's Cafe; River Road; Last Call; Le Moulin a Pepere; Reprise; The Blind Fiddler's Waltz 48:47_

> **Gypsy Cadillac**  
>  1992 Silver City (SCD 2266)  
>  _Heart Disease; Remain a Child; Deeper Waters; Feeling Seventeen Again; The Sound of One Heart Breaking; I Walk These Rails; String Too Short to Save; Chocolate Cigarettes; Diamond Love; So Quiet Now; Hearts on the Faultline; Gypsy Cadillac 45:14_

* * *

### Tzimmes

_Worldbeat_

"Tzimmes was formed in 1986 in Victoria, B.C. They are a quartet who specialize in both secular and spiritual songs performed in Yiddish. A number of the songs are traditional Sephardic love songs with a backdrop of Arabic drumming"—Festival Distribution _Catalogue_. _Sweet and Hot_ features the gentle voices of Yona Bar-Sever, Moshe Denburg, Myrna Rabinowitz, and Julian Siegel. Even non-Yiddish-speaking folkies can appreciate the lovely music on this album.

> **Sweet and Hot**  
>  1993 Tzimmes (TZ-1)  
>  _Yossel Yossel; Hashem Yishmorcha; Morenica; Laner Velivsamim; Adio Querida; Vechitetu; Shein Vi Di Levone; Odessa Bulgarish; Rozhinkes Mit Mandlen; Gib Mir a Heym; The Book of Life; Adon Olam; Matai Tagia Eit Lashalom 56:05_

* * *

## U

### UHF

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

A musical collaboration similar to Quartette, but preceding it in time, UHF stands for Ulrich-Henderson-Forbes, as in Shari Ulrich, Bill Henderson, and Roy Forbes. The three British Columbia singer-songwriters took time out from their solo careers to team up for one concert and the result was so successful that the project continued into the studio where _UHF_ was recorded. The tracks alternate among original songs from each artist. Forbes' songs are the folkiest. Highlights include "Holding Out for You," "Keep Lightin' That Fire," "Golan Boys," "Running Back to Her," and "When Life Explodes." _UHF II_ is the inevitable followup to _UHF_. Same formula, same results: excellent music.

> **UHF**  
>  1990 Tangible (TR 102)  
>  _When I Sing; Holding Out for You; Keep Lightin' That Fire; Day by Day; Golan Boys; Running Back to Her; House up on the Hill; Can't Go Home; When Life Explodes; One Step Closer to the Light; Wings for the Sky; Do I Love You 47:41_

> **UHF II**  
>  1994 Tangible (TR CD243)  
>  _Lifting My Heart; Watching the River Run; Wild One; Don't You Cry; There Must Be Some Way; Changed Forever; Boiling River; Stand; I'm on Edge; Time Will Take Its Toll; Goodbye; Call up an Old Friend 47:10_

* * *

### Uisce Beatha

_Contemporary; Celtic Rock; Singer-Songwriter_

Uisce Beatha (pronounced _ishka-baha_ ) is a Gaelic expression for "water of life." Uisce Beatha is a young Halifax band with Celtic and alt-rock influences. The original songs of _The Mystic of The Baja_ present a somewhat bleak landscape, without the levity, charm, or hope one often finds in Celtic music. _Voice of The Voyager_ follows in the same vein. "For all the uptempo arrangements, most of the 16 songs are rather dark accounts of people at various crossroads and dead ends, where the whiskey flows freely but it's not at all a pleasant world"— _Dirty Linen_. Uisce Beatha excels at instrumentals, but the vocals are weak—the uninflected voices don't provide a particularly interesting vehicle for the lyrics. Uisce Beatha is Alan Glen, John Glen, Paul Meadows, Damian Morrissy, Doug Watt, and Marty Coles.

> **The Mystic of the Baja**  
>  1993 Uisce Beatha (UBCD01)  
>  _Whose Child Is This; Promises; Lose That Skin; Maggie Coulter; Where the River Meets the Sea; Take Me Now; Rod and Reel/The Rattlin' Bog; This Is the Story/Coleman's Cross; Strangers; Working Man; Purple Heather; Tenderness Behind the Rage; Preparation for a Wake/Off to California 45:07_

> **Voice of the Voyager**  
>  1994 Uisce Beatha (94759CD)  
>  _If You Have to Laugh; I Won't Give Up; Heartbeat; Boys Night Out; Mercy Hotel; Peterings; Bottle's End; Dream Reader; Drinkin' with the Lord; Idle Mind; Weathered by the Whiskey; Company of Ghosts; Old South London; Johnny; The Fool Has Parted; Road Less Travelled 57:37_

* * *

### Shari Ulrich

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Born in San Rafael, California, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shari Ulrich moved to British Columbia in the early 1970's. With Rick Scott and Joe Mock, Ulrich formed the legendary Pied Pumpkin String Ensemble. Later Ulrich began touring with Valdy as part of his Hometown Band. Her performances at Valdy concerts of Joe Mock's "Flying" led to an A&M record deal for Hometown Band which produced two albums, _Flying_ and _Hometown Band_. The latter received a Juno Award for Best New Group.

When the group disbanded, Ulrich began a solo career releasing _Long Nights_ (1980) on A&M which attracted a Juno nomination for most promising new female artist. After the subsequent release of _One Step Ahead_ (1981) Ulrich received a Juno Award for most promising female artist. That persuaded MCA to sign Ulrich to an international record deal, resulting in her highly acclaimed _Talk Around Town_ (1982).

Ulrich then went into media work, co-hosting CBC's Futurescan with David Suzuki, writing and hosting BCTV's Inside Trax, composing and producing several Sesame Street items and the theme music for shows on the CBC, Life, and Knowledge networks. Interspersed with these activities she released her fourth solo album, _Every Road_ (1989), which was followed by a compilation CD, _The Best of Shari Ulrich_. In 1996-97 Ulrich had a lead role in the Vancouver Arts Club Theatre's production of _Tapestry_ , a Carol King tribute.

In 1998 the Pied Pumpkin was revived for a sold-out six-week tour of BC and Alberta. The band plans to do a new recording in late 1998. Ulrich also released her fifth solo album, _The View from Here_ in 1998. Ulrich also performs with Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes as part of the acoustic/vocal trio UHF.

> **The Best of Shari Ulrich**  
>  1980-82 Esther (CD 627)  
>  _She Remembers; Somethin's Gotta Give; The One and Only; I'm Not the One; Long Nights; Oh Daddy; Romeo; The Lion; Mysterious Child; Bad Bad Girl; Save It; With or Without You; Starlight; Flying 52:45_

> **Every Road**  
>  1989 Esther (UPCD 80144)  
>  _Legacies; Someday; Looking for Me; Inside Passage; The Heartland; House up on the Hill; Only the Heart; The Jig; It's Not Love; Every Road 39:46_

> **The View from Here**  
>  1998 Esther (ER563)  
>  _I Found You; I Will Be There; Just a Word; Turning; If You Loved Me; Secret Voices; The View from Here; Time Would Tell; Ghosts and Regrets; The Fisherman's Lament; Watching the River Run 44:35_

* * *

### Uzume Taiko Ensemble

_Worldbeat; Taiko Drums_

Time to put away those hammered dulcimers, banjos, guitars, and fiddles. The drums are coming! Uzume Taiko's first CD, _Chirashi_ , gets things going nicely, but their second CD, _In Your Dreams_ , recorded live at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, launches them into full flight. The powerful, yet lyrically expressive, taiko drums put new meaning to the expression "back to basics."

> **Chirashi**  
>  1990 Aural Tradition (ATRCD 115)  
>  _Q; Grace; Spring on Heavenly Mountain; Sammai; Trap (A Love Song); Chirashi; Night of the Torch Festival; Lullaby for Taiyo (Komori Uta); The Secret of Life; Sazanami (``Ripple'') 54:33_

> **In Your Dreams**  
>  1994 Oo Zoo May (ZOOM 001)  
>  _In Your Dreams; One Step Forward—Two Thousand Years Back; Stepping Stones; Shadowing the Moon; 5 to 5; Fast Life on a Lazy Susan; Taiyo Goes to Camp 56:46_

* * *

## V

### Valdy

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

At the 1994 Ottawa Folk Festival, British Columbia performer, and former Ottawa resident, Valdy was presented with a lifetime achievement award. Valdy's popular, laid-back music is an indelible part of the aural landscape for anyone who listened to radio in the 70's. _Classic Collection_ brings it all back, including the prescient "Rock'N'Roll Song" that correctly tracked the shift in tolerance from folk music to rock: "Play me a rock'n'roll song / don't play me songs about freedom and joy / play me a rock'n'roll song / or don't ya play me no songs at all."

_Heart at Work_ (1993) extends Valdy's songwriting into the present. This release features fresh songs with better production values than those on his _Classic Collection_. Highlights include "When Peace Came to the Valley," "Magdalena," "Link in a Chain," "First Time Around," and "After All." The cleverly titled _Smorgas Bard_ (1997) finds Valdy in continued good voice with tongue-in-cheek lyrics that are as fresh as ever. Produced by Valdy, the album is designated as "75% MAPL," indicating that three-fourths of the songs are Valdy originals. The spare liner notes do not indicate which tracks are Valdy's and which belong to other writers. Additional musicians on _Smorgas Bard_ include Bill Henderson, Larry McCormick, Brian Newcombe and Lee Oliphant.

> **Classic Collection**  
>  1988 A&M (CD 9147)  
>  _Peter and Lou; Rock'N'Roll Song; A Good Song; Dirty Old Man; Yes I Can; The One You Love; Hot Rocks; Simple Life; Leaving Ain't the Only Way to Go; Weather'd Hands; Whirl and Twirl and Swirl; Easy Money; Sonny's Dream; Renaissance; Hometown Band; I'd Rather Be; Landscapes; Chocolate Goodnight 55:02_

> **Heart at Work**  
>  1993 PEG (PMK 012)  
>  _When Peace Came to the Valley; Magdelena; Link in a Chain; How Could It Be Better; Dreams About You; Atlantic Blue; First Time Around; Runaway; Hey Hey Mama; Double Solitaire; Shining Times; After All 41:46_

> **Smorgas Bard**  
>  1997 ROT (ROT101)  
>  _Stay for the Fire; Scruffy Dudes; She's In Love with the Boy; Wedding Walt's/Amor e ; Roll Man Roll; Hockey Night in Canada; Get a Haircut Dad; Peace of Mind; Double Solitaire; Daddy's Shadow; Speed of the Sound of Loneliness; Silent Passage 36:29_

* * *

### Virgo Rising

_Traditional; Contemporary; A Cappella_

Virgo Rising is a folk group of four British Columbia women who take as their motto "So many songs, so little time." They present an eclectic mix of material from the Celtic to Caribbean to Country. The members of Virgo Rising are Karen Gillmore, Sharon Hazelwood, Sue Postans, and Tracy Summers.

Karen Gillmore lists Medieval, Renaissance and Celtic influences on her music, as well as Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Steeleye Span, and Judy Collins. Sharon Hazelwood lists as her early influences family singalongs, Ian & Sylvia, Joan Baez, The Kingston Trio, Phil Ochs and Pete Seeger. Sue Postans, who is a music teacher, performs in operetta as well as folk and traditional music. Tracy Summers, the newest member of the group, is a promoter and organizer as well as an innovative bass player. All four members of the group perform solo and with other groups.

Having performed together for several years, Virgo Rising has released its first CD with _Voices Entwined: Virgo Rising in Concert_. Delightfully eclectic, the material ranges from traditional songs to songs by contemporary songwriters such as James Keelaghan, Jeanne Ritchie and Louden Wainwright III. What the recording occasionally lacks in polish it makes up for in enthusiasm. The songs are fun—you wish that Virgo Rising was in your living room giving a house concert. By mixing a cappella material with songs with instrumental backing, they avoid creating a too-predictable sound. Each track sounds fresh. Virgo Rising is definitely a group to catch if they appear at a club near you.

> **Voices Entwined: Virgo Rising in Concert**  
>  1997 Virgin Crab (CDVR01)  
>  _Honey in the Rock; Silken Dreams; Three Fishers; Whale Song; Departure Bay; Valparaiso in a Rowboat; Run Come See Jerusalem; Now is the Cool of the Day; Where the Coho Flash Silver; Work o' the Weavers; Weaving and Quilting; Swimming Song; It's a Rosebud in June; Sister; Bessie; Save a Place 58:22_

* * *

## W

### The Wakami Wailers

_Traditional; Canadian History; Singer-Songwriter_

Formed in 1981, while employed at Wakami Provincial Park, near Chapleau Ontario, the Wakami Wailers have concentrated their musical efforts interpreting Canada's history, through song and stories. Commissioned in 1984 to develop a musical show telling the tale of Ontario's rich lumbering past, they toured throughout the province with their first recording _The Last of the White Pine Loggers_. This popular recording, previously available only on cassette, was reissued on CD in 1997.

_White Pine Loggers_ is a delight. With jaunty rhythms and excellent vocal harmony the Wailers have dug out some treasures of Canadian folk music from the archives and brought them to life. The polished performances, similar in style to Tamarack and Tanglefoot, make great listening and the songs should find new life in school classrooms and song circles.

Their second album _Waltz with The Woods_ , was "inspired by the natural beauty and stories of Ontario's provincial parks"—liner notes. The solid playing and earthy vocals make this another very charming album. Highlights include Wade Hemsworth's "Log Driver's Waltz," "The Riverman," "One Last Spike," "Land of the Silver Birch," "White Lake Swamp Stomp," and "Waltz with the Woods."

The Wakami Wailers are Robert Hollett, guitar, vocals; Michael Bernier, fiddle, mandolin, vocals; Mark Despault, guitar, banjo, concertina, vocals; and Jeff Allen, spoons, story telling. Guest musicians include Andy Thompson, bass, accordion, keyboards, and Bernie Martin, accordion, bodhran.

> **The Last of the White Pine Loggers**  
>  [1985, reissued 1998] Wakami Wailers (Imakaw-CD002)  
>  _The Lumbercamp Song; The Badger Drive; A Shantyman's Life; Les Raftsmen; Peter Emberley; The Gatineau Girls; Lost Jimmy Whelan/Julia Delaney; The Backwoodsman; How We Got up to the Woods Last Year; Save Your Money When You're Young; The Jam on Gerry's Rocks; The Winter Camp; A Lumberjack's Legend; The Last of the White Pine Loggers 39:42_

> **Waltz with the Woods**  
>  1993 Wakami Wailers (no catalogue number)  
>  _Log Driver's Waltz; John Denison; The Riverman; Wakami; The Castle of White Otter Lake; One Last Spike; Take This Land; A Legend of Nanabozho; Land of the Silver Birch; Run to the Bay; Shan's Song; White Lake Swamp Stomp; Waltz with the Woods 47:02_

* * *

### Len Wallace

_Traditional; Contemporary; Accordion; Singer-Songwriter_

"Len Wallace may be the lone ambassador for the use of accordion as a solo instrument for a singer-songwriter"— _Dirty Linen_. Wallace writes in the tradition of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie—populist songs about working people. With virtuoso accordion, powerful songs, and Wallace's passionate vocal delivery, _Midnight Shift_ may be one of the strongest old-style folk albums in the guide. Highlights include "Men of the Working Shift," a song about the Nova Scotia Westray mine disaster in 1992, "Mama Said," a Terry Jones song about being forced off the family farm by foreclosure, "Leaving the Fishing Behind," about the closing of the cod fisheries, and "Cold Piece Of Steel," which Wallace describes as a "sea chantey about life on the factory floor."

> **Midnight Shift**  
>  1994 Len Wallace (LEW-02-001)  
>  _Men of the Midnight Shift; Mama Said; Never Tire of the Road; Celto-Slavic Fusion I; Leaving the Fishing Behind; Back Breaking Day; If They Come in the Morning; Celto-Slavic Fusion II; Takin' Care of Business; Cold Piece of Steel; Sing the Eagle Home 41:09_

* * *

### Peggy Ward

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Calgary singer-songwriter Peggy Ward brings a strong social conscience to her writing. Her first CD, _We Are the Dance_ , includes "Bring 'Er Around Lass," a feminist song about what sailing would be like on an all-woman ship, "People Belong to the Land," written for the Lubicon Cree of northern Alberta, "Song to a New York Poet," an insight into misplaced perceptions, and "Sophie's Song," the story of a mistreated native woman. _Songs to Clean Your House By_ continues along the same lines, with anti-war songs, thoughts about AIDS victims and their friends, and several songs about the abuse of women. Ward is not an easy-going songwriter—her spare arrangements pack a punch.

> **We Are the Dance**  
>  1990 Laughing Out Loud (DWCC-9001)  
>  _Bring 'Er Around Lass; People Belong to the Land; Song to a New York Poet; Driftwood Hunting; Sophie's Song; Boat Harbour's Lament; One of Those Days; And When You Go; We Are the Dance 42:08_

> **Songs to Clean Your House By**  
>  1992 Laughing Out Loud (LOLM2)  
>  _Yes Means Yes; These Thoughts; The Swimming Song; Dance the Dance; You Never Know; How Then Shall We Live; Let It Rain; Yes We Will; 1 800 345 Mary; Miss You like 90; Momma; The Canticle of the Kindred Spirits 58:59_

* * *

### Baxter Wareham

_Traditional; Celtic_

"Baxter is one of my generation of outport Newfoundlanders who, despite the dates on our birth certificates, were born in the eighteenth century—a time some forty or fifty years ago when the way of life was much as it had been in the time of our grand-parents. Before we were 'dragged kicking and screaming into the twentieth century,' we had lived long enough to be forever aware of the gulf that separates us from the life of those who came before us. Only memory can bridge the gulf. Music jogs the memory. The music preserves something of what might have been passed on to the next generation, but has been left 'to the wind and the rain and the sea"'—Pat Byrne, liner notes to _Buffett Double_. After performing with groups for years, _Buffett Double_ is Baxter Wareham's first solo album. Celebrating the music of Placentia Bay, the album is a collection of traditional songs arranged by Wareham, with the exception of "Tragedy Of Resettlement," by Sam Butler, and Wareham's own composition, "Harbour Buffett Waltz." Wareham is joined on the album by a strong cast of Maritime musicians: Leeland Wareham, Kelly Russell, Bryan Hennessey, Noel Dinn, Kathy Phippard, Don Walsh, Jim Payne, and Pat Byrne.

> **Buffett Double**  
>  1989 Pigeon Inlet (PIPCD-7324)  
>  _Mickey Relligan's Pup; The Old Smite; Mac Master's Tune/Herb Reid's Tune; Jennie on the Moor; Down by the Riverside; Killiecrankie; Tragedy of Resettlement; Buffett Double; Donald Munroe; Harbour Buffett Waltz; The Yankee Privateer 36:26_

* * *

### Jennifer Warnes

_Contemporary_

Jennifer Warnes is an American singer who was Leonard Cohen's backup singer for several years. Her outstanding tribute album, _Famous Blue Raincoat_ , has gained widespread popularity. For those who don't always enjoy Cohen's delivery, the versions on Warnes' album are a slick, well interpreted alternative to Cohen himself. Cohen makes a guest appearance on "Joan of Arc."

> **Famous Blue Raincoat: the Songs of Leonard Cohen**  
>  1986 Attic (ACDM 1227)  
>  _First We Take Manhattan; Bird on the Wire; Famous Blue Raincoat; Joan of Arc; Ain't No Cure for Love; Coming Back to You; Song of Bernadette; A Singer Must Die; Came So Far for Beauty 41:36_

* * *

### Jackie Washington

_Blues; Swing_

Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Jackie Washington has been in the Canadian music business since age five when he sang with The Four Washington Brothers. Born in 1919, Washington knows over 1200 songs—a repertoire that extends from the days of slavery to the present. A recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Arts Council, Washington was recently inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction. The artists he has known and worked with include Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, and Lonnie Johnson. Several Jackie Washington Awards have been created to honour his outstanding musical achievement. His appearances at folk festivals are always among the highlights.

The beautifully produced _Keeping Out of Mischief_ (1995) provides an excellent cross slice of Washington's work. Surrounded by an all-star cast of musicians, including his frequent partners Ken Whiteley and Mose Scarlett, this album displays Washington's ability to "get the joint jumpin" and "light up the world." Happy music, wonderfully performed.

Just when you thought you couldn't find a better Jackie Washington recording than _Keeping Out of Mischief_ , along comes _Midnight Choo Choo_ (1998), which is simply the best Jackie Washington album in the catalogue. This album is the one that will stand as a momument to Washington as a Canadian legend. Capturing Washington's infectious, mischievous voice and laughter, the recording is a stroll through blues/jazz standards. The mood is upbeat and light, and the musicianship is superb. Surrounded by players as diverse as Mose Scarlett on guitar; Ken Whiteley, on a variety of instruments; Graham Townsend and J.P. Cormier on fiddle; Colin Linden on guitar; and Chris Whiteley, on trumpet, the album is a shining example of the right people coming together at the right time to record the right music. Highly recommended.

> **Keeping Out of Mischief**  
>  1995 Borealis (PD014)  
>  _At Sundown; Sleepy Town Train; Time Was; Girl of My Dreams; Foolish Questions; I Told You That I Loved You; Blue Turning Grey over You; Drifting; How Much I Care; Keeping Out of Mischief Now; I Used to Love You but It's All Over; Should We Try Again; In the Evening; Everybody Will Be Happy Over There; Crosspatch; Old Folks; Winter Weather; Have Me on Your Mind; Take the "A'' Train 57:22_

> **Midnight Choo Choo**  
>  1998 Borealis (BCD112)  
>  _When That Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam'; Street of Dreams; Turkish Delight; Neighbours/Little Dutch Mill; Dinah; Should I; Sugarfoot Rag; Daydreaming; Save the Bones for Henry Jones; Heilan' Lassie; Triscadecaphobia; Dinner for One; Please Keep Me in Your Dreams; I Ain't Got You; You Taught Me to Love; Where Did Robinson Crusoe Go?; Alabamy Bound; The Snake; I Like Pie, I Like Cake 55:10_

* * *

### Bobby Watt

_Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario's Bobby Watt is a balladeer who specializes in the songs of his native Scotland. Watt has had a checkered career, working as a labourer and as a diver for the Toronto police force, helping locate and reclaim drowning victims. In recent years he has become a full-time musician. _Homeland_ , produced by Garnet Rogers, is an album with the theme of immigration and longing for home. Watt's soft, accented voice is featured well on songs like "Indiana," Don McGeoch's "Homeland," "The Call," "Black Douglas," and "The Joy Of Living." _C'est Watt_ , also produced by Rogers, is another strong album, though not as thematically unified as _Homeland_. It contains original Watt compositions, such as "Alabaster Lady," "Papillon," and "Just Another Mile." Watt received a Songwriting Porcupine Award for "The Call" in 1991.

> **Homeland**  
>  1991 Snow Goose / Glenashdale (SGS 1118)  
>  _Indiana; Homeland; The Girl I Left Behind; Black Douglas; The Journey; The Call; Lovely Arran Maid; Deep in My Heart; Hush Hush; The Flittin' Day; Heart of Your Home; Buffalo Jump; The Joy of Living; Auld Lang Syne 52:05_

> **C'est Watt**  
>  1994 Snow Goose / Glenashdale (SGS 1122)  
>  _Alabaster Lady; Rolling Hills of the Borders; The Cruel Brother; My Love Is like a Red Red Rose; Papillon; Jamie Raeburn; Reflections; Just Another Mile; Every Living Thing; The Gaudie Runs/Welcome Bobby Back/The Watts Return to Otter Creek; Footprints 43:30_

* * *

### Diamond Joe White

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"For 25 years Diamond Joe White has been the rough-hewn poet laureate of the oil rigs and rodeos of Southern Alberta. This Juno-nominated singer-songwriter who has toured with the likes of Merle Haggard and the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, recently put down his plumbing tools and picked up his guitar again in order to resume his career as a working man's troubadour"—Robert Moyes, _Monday Magazine_ (Victoria, BC).

During the 1970's and into the 80's, Alberta's Diamond Joe White released a number of excellent, Juno-nominated LP's that are long out of print. White later gave up performing and spent a decade as a plumber to support his family. His new CD, _Honestly_ , features a reunion with his old touring band, plus Doug Cox sitting in on dobro. The album includes a number of previously released songs plus newer material. Most of the songs are White originals.

Rough-edged, with excellent playing and harmonies, this earthy, country-flavoured CD is recommended for Diamond Joe White fans. Folk music fans who enjoy a homegrown, non-Nashville country sound will also enjoy it. Additional musicians on the album include Penny White, vocals; Doug Cox, dobro; Mike Vaira, guitar, vocals; Kim Kramer, bass, harmonica, vocals.

> **Honestly**  
>  1997 Malahat (MMMCD007)  
>  _The Hearse Song; Ode to Wilf Carter; 95 Point Ride; Freedom's Borderline; Honestly; The Rain Vote; Rainy Day; Ship of Life; Maybe in the Morning; Where's the Reason?; High Rider; Just Like Old Beginnings; Ferry to Nanaimo; Cowichan Bay; Searching for Tomorrow; For Bob; Buffalo Skinner; Passin' Thru; Ballad of Louis Riel; Fires of Love 64:07_

* * *

### Minnie White

_Traditional; Celtic; Accordion_

One of Newfoundland's cultural icons, Minnie White has been called "first lady of Newfoundland accordion" in tribute to her lifetime contributions to traditional accordion interpretation. _The Hills Of Home_ , her fourth album, and first CD, was produced by Jim Payne. This album is highly recommended—every cut is a gem—and your feet will be tapping from the first track to the last. The album received a "Harry Hibbs Award for East Coast Music" Porcupine in 1994. Additional musicians on the recording include Rick Hollett, piano, flute, tambourine; Fergus O'Byrne, banjo, mandolin, tin whistle, 12-string guitar, bodhran, spoons; Dave Panting, bass, mandolin; Jim Payne, guitar, mandolin. Vocals: Linda Byrne; Eleanor Dawson; Jean Hewson; Christina Smith; Esther Squires.

> **The Hills of Home**  
>  1994 Singsong (SS 9478)  
>  _Rambling Jig; Waltz to the Hills of Home; Coastal Memories; Irish Jig/Viking Jig; Sammy's Hornpipe; Me Mother Won't Let Me Marry; Polly's Jig/French Reel; Southern Sounds; Rock the Baby; Dance with the Girl with the Red Dress On; Valley Echoes; Fiddler's Jig; Green Grow the Rushes-O; Irish Breakdown; Johnny Mac's Jig; Rock Island Waltz; MicMac Square Dance Tunes; Fisherman's Reel; Larry O'Gaff; Cooper's Hornpipe; Blue Skirt Waltz; Pushthrough Jig 50:25_

* * *

### Nancy White

_Contemporary; Humour; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario singer-songwriter-satirist Nancy White is Canada's answer to Tom Lehrer. Her biting, self-deprecating wit ranks her alongside the Royal Canadian Air Farce for pricking balloons and levelling the mighty. _Momnipotent: Songs For Weary Parents_ (1990) is a collection of songs inspired by 80's Yuppieism. From "Memo to Droola" and "Everything Turn to Ratshit In My Life" to her wicked imitation of Leonard Cohen on "Leonard Cohen's Never Gonna Bring My Groceries In," White's humour is refreshing and delightful. The album includes her classic, "Daughters of Feminists." _Pumping Irony_ (1993) is a collection of satirical songs White wrote for the CBC Radio's public affairs show _Sunday Morning_. Americans may have difficulty following these Canadian topical songs. To fully appreciate "Canada's Sweetheart Joe Clark," "Nouveau Calgary," "Geezers in Love," (Brian Mulroney and Ronald Reagan), and "Viva Papa Pierre," you had to be there!

White addresses a wider audience with _Gaelic Envy_ (1998). The title song pokes fun at the surge of popularity for Celtic music—the music White, a Maritimer by birth, grew up knowing. She pokes fun at torch songs and folk music ("We may be wimpy folkies / but we move like a rock n roll band"—"The Manly Band." Because the songs are less topical than those on _Pumping Irony_ listening to them does not require as much knowledge of current Canadian affairs. White once again emerges as one of Canada's preeminent satirists.

> **Momnipotent: Songs for Weary Parents**  
>  1990 Children's Group (SANCD 1025)  
>  _I'm Babbling; It's So Chic to Be Pregnant at Christmas; Memo to Droola; Child on Board; Suzie Money Gone Away; Everything Turn to Ratshit in My Life; Momnipotent; Stroller Ladies; Daughters of Feminists; Leonard Cohen's Never Gonna Bring My Groceries In; Mammas Have a Secret; The Children's Entertainer; Open That Can 41:25_

> **Pumping Irony: Songs of the 90's**  
>  1993 CBC Radio/Mouton (no catalogue number)  
>  _Bambi the Refugee; Senator Lawson at the Motel Cucaracha; Canada's Sweetheart Joe Clark; What an Embarrassing Mayday; Nouveau Calgary; Royal Couch Potato; Vienna Rap; Barnacle Betty and Psycho Pike; Gods of America; Saving Francis' Bacon; Geezers in Love; The Auld Alliance; Cute for a Tory; Viva Papa Pierre; Baby on the Potty All Day; Hurray for Bobbi Bondar; Hall of Hosers 55:30_

> **Gaelic Envy and Other Torch Songs**  
>  1998 Borealis (BCD 109)  
>  _Gaelic Envy; Bet He Can Tango; Un Peu Cochon; Pierced Matron; Gracias a la Vida; Clapping Song for Grownups; When You Fall in Love Like That; He Wrote Too Many Songs About His Girlfriends; Manly Band; Seamless Dance of the Old Folks; Moose on the Highway; A Dream I've Had of Late; My Life is Picking Up 42:24_

* * *

### The Whiteley Brothers

_Blues_

Two of Toronto's consummate musicians, Ken and Chris Whiteley began performing professionally in 1965. Influenced by the blues since early in their careers, they have put together a concise history of the blues on _Bluesology_ —"a highly-polished work of entertainment and celebration"— _Dirty Linen_. _Bluesology_ features the Whiteley brothers on twenty different instruments, plus a number of outstanding guests including Colin Linden, Gene Taylor, Jackie Richardson, and Chris's son Dan Whiteley. The album is an obvious labour of love that blues fans will want to add to their collection. The Whiteleys received the 1996 Al Cromwell Canadian Folk/Blues Porcupine Award for this recording.

> **Bluesology: a Journey Through the Blues**  
>  1992 Pyramid (PD007)  
>  _Before This Time; Crazy Blues; M &O Blues; Memphis Jug Blues; When the Train Comes Along; Custard Pie; Got Me Worrying; Feel like Going Home; Crawdad Hole; In the Night; Sugar Sweet; Sneaking Around; Don't Start Crying Now; We Don't Talk; Wee Wee Baby 49:42_

* * *

### Chris Whiteley

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Toronto multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Chris Whiteley has been performing, writing, and recording swing and blues music for over twenty years. He has received four Juno award nominations in addition to acclaim for two albums of original songs with wife Caitlin Hanford (currently part of Quartette). Whiteley has performed throughout North America at festivals, clubs, and concerts. Most recently he has been recording with his son, Dan Whiteley, who plays lead guitar. In addition to vocals, Chris plays trumpet, harmonica, guitar, and pedal steel. On _Second Look_ , the Whiteleys have rolled out another fine album—"a bountiful mix of original material, peppered with just the right amount of classic swing and blues outings"— _RPM Chart Weekly_. When you're ready for some jazzy, swing-style blues, put this one on and enjoy.

> **Second Look**  
>  1994 Pyramid (PD011)  
>  _Cherry Red; Second Look; When Push Comes to Love; A Smooth One; Change Your Point of View; Can't Get Enough; Mean to Me; She Walks Right In; Swing 42; Another Day Without You; Mother Earth; On the Other Line; The Light Descends from Heaven; Total Eclipse 52:51_

* * *

### Ken Whiteley

_Contemporary; Traditional; Blues; Gospel; Children's;_

Toronto musician and producer Ken Whiteley has been called a "playing encyclopedia" for his vast repertoire, command of a variety of styles, and prodigious ability on over a dozen instruments. He has appeared on over 100 albums and has produced over 50. The children's recordings he has produced have sold over four million copies. His own recording for children, _All of the Seasons_ (1993), draws from a variety of musical traditions, including folk, calypso, gospel, and the blues. The twenty songs range from traditional and classic kids tunes to songs written by Whiteley, Raffi, Tom Paxton, and Pete Seeger. In characteristic fashion, Whiteley plays eighteen instruments on the album. A lively collection for the kids—and adults will enjoy it too.

Whiteley pulls out all the stops on _Acoustic Eclectic_ (1995), an album of mainly original songs that displays Whiteley's astonishing breadth as a songwriter and musician. During the course of the album Whiteley performs on six- and twelve-string guitars, piano, accordion, mandolin, mandocello, harmonica, organ, percussion, vibes and mouth horns. He also surrounds himself with a Who's Who of musicians, including his brother Chris Whiteley, son Dan Whiteley, Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington. The right way to enjoy this album is to turn the stereo up, lean back, and get into a groove with the musicians.

_Musical Mystery Machines_ (1997) is another of Whiteley's children's albums—devoted to science this time. The CD includes an interactive CD-ROM track with science games, puzzles and sing-alongs. Writing songs about science has to be one of the greater challenges for a songwriter and Whiteley does it in style. These delightful compositions include subjects such as force, inclined planes, friction, numbers and energy. Produced by Ken Whiteley, additional musicians on this bouncy album include Chris Whiteley, Bucky Berger, Dennis Pedrith, Dick Smith, Lenny Solomon, Sarah McElcheran, and Colleen Allen.

> **All of the Seasons**  
>  1993 Alcazar (ALA 1010)  
>  _Catch Hold of My Hand; The Hippopotamus; The Wiggle Song; Goes to Sleep; Big Beautiful Planet; Little Drops of Water; Frosty Weather; I Can't Wait for Spring; Clouds; One More River; Calypso Stomp; Up like a Rocket; Teddy Bear's Picnic; Get Along Home; I Heard the Water Singing; All of the Seasons; Maple Syrup Time; Swimming, Swimming; I like Picking Apples; Goodbye Waltz 50:30_

> **Acoustic Eclectic**  
>  1995 Borealis (PD015)  
>  _Let Me Fly; You Can Depend on Me; Family Tree; Bright Morning Star; As Nighttime Falls; Hold to God's Unchangin' Hand; Powerful Love; Stardust; Friends and Ancestors; Light of Love; Try to Shine; Don't Burn the Candle at Both Ends; Here with Me; Open Up; My Dear Love; Sing with Me 59:47_

> **Musical Mystery Machines**  
>  1997 Pyramid (PC010)  
>  _A Mystery; Rolling Along; Moving Things; It Takes Force; Up and Down an Incline Plane; A Wedge; Friction; Tools are Cool; A Circle & a Ball & a Box & a Square; Numbers On My Mind; Count by Fives; Big Wheel, Little Wheel; Try Again; Energy 30:50_

* * *

### Ken Whiteley, Jackie Washington, Mose Scarlett

_Traditional; Contemporary_

Toronto musician Mose Scarlett, with "a velvet baritone that could smooth the scales off an armadillo" specializes in music of the 20's, 30's and 40's. An internationally acclaimed guitarist, his first album, _Stalling for Time_ , was produced by Bruce Cockburn. Scarlett has toured internationally and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs.

Born in 1919, Jackie Washington has been a staple of the Canadian music scene since the age of five when he sang with the Four Washington Brothers. With a repertoire that extends from the days of slavery to the present, Washington knows well over 1400 songs. In his career he was worked with Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, and Lonnie Johnson. A recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Arts Council, he is held in such high regard by the Ontario music community that several Jackie Washington awards have been created to honour his outstanding musicianship.

_Where Old Friends Meet_ , produced by Ken Whiteley, and including Whiteley on instruments and backup vocals, features all three of these outstanding performers on a comfortable, relaxed album that was culled from recordings done over five years. As Whiteley says in the liner notes, the music "falls outside of today's market-driven industry ... Call this music what you will, it is timeless, sincere, and lots of fun." Whiteley received a Porcupine "Dream Award" in 1991 for his production of this recording. The album was also nominated for a Juno award in the "Roots & Traditional" category in 1992. Recommended.

> **Where Old Friends Meet**  
>  1991 Pyramid (PD006)  
>  _A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet; Go Where You Go; I Wish I Could Shimmy like My Sister Kate; Alone in the Dark; I Won't Cry Anymore; It Must Be You; The Three Bears; You Say the Sweetest Things; On the Sunny Side of the Street; Blind Barnabas; I'm So Sad; Fool's Paradise; Makin' Whoopee!; My Very Good Friend the Milkman; I'll See You in My Dreams; We'll Meet Again 50:34_

* * *

### WhiteTail Singers

_First Nations; Singer-Songwriter_

WhiteTail Singers is a drum group of North Ontario native musicians who have created a set of original songs influenced by the singing styles of drum groups in western Canada and the United States. As the liner notes explain, "the songs, the dance, and the drum hold special meaning in social aspects of their culture. The drum in particular represents the Heartbeat of Mother Earth." The songs and dances emphasize community interaction and include social commentary. "What Happened to the River Where I Used to Live?" was "inspired by the hydro dams being put up in the James Bay area in Northern Quebec, and about how it has altered the Cree People's homelands, which have been in existence for thousands of years." Those who collect pow-wow recordings will welcome this album.

> **Forever Dancing: Pow Wow Songs**  
>  1994 First Nations Music (Y2 77621-10019-2-2)  
>  _Drum Theme; Fast Young Boy's Dance Song; What Happened to the River Where I Used to Live; Women's Fancy Shawl Dance Song; Come Together Song; Old Women's Dance Song; Dance like This; Children's Dance Song; Men's Fancy Dance Song; Forever Dancing 37:18_

* * *

### David Wiffen

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ottawa singer-songwriter David Wiffen was one of the best-known Canadian folk performers in the late 1960's, early 70's. His songs have been covered by Anne Murray, Harry Belafonte, Tom Rush, Tom Wilson and Cowboy Junkies. By the mid-70's he came off the road and went home to Ottawa where he's been living since. He had virtually dropped out of music until an appearance at the 1994 Ottawa Folk Festival where he was greeted with thunderous ovations. His landmark album, _Coast to Coast Fever_ , co-produced by Wiffen with friend Bruce Cockburn was reissued in 1994. In addition to classic Wiffen songs like "Skybound Station," "Coast to Coast Fever," and "Full Circle," the album includes Willie P. Bennett's "White Lies," Murray McLauchlan's "You Need a New Lover Now," and Bruce Cockburn's "Up on the Hillside." The album features Cockburn as a guest musician. For those who have worn out their Wiffen vinyls, this is a must purchase.

_South of Somewhere_ (1998), Wiffin's first full-length release since 1973 is a collection of songs that including remakes of three of his past hits, four originals that have been well-received in concerts, and six new songs never previously released or performed. This delightful album will be well received by those who fondly remember Wiffen as "The Voice."

> **Coast to Coast Fever**  
>  1973, reissued 1994 EMI (S2-0777-7-26707-2-4)  
>  _Skybound Station; Coast to Coast Fever; White Lines; Smoke Rings; Climb the Stairs; You Need a New Lover Now; We Have Had Some Good Times; Lucifer's Blues; Up on the Hillside; Full Circle 39:43_

> **South of Somewhere**  
>  1998 South of Somewhere (no catalogue number)  
>  _Lost My Driving Wheel; Cool Green River; Skybound Station; Fire on the Water; Lucifer's Blues; You'll Never Make a Dollar That Way (Mexico); Smoke Rings; Harlequin; No Desire for Texas; Fugitive; Coast to Coast Fever; South of Somewhere; Climb the Stairs 60:12_

* * *

### David Wilkie

_Traditional; Contemporary; Celtic; Cowboy; Mandolin; Singer-Songwriter_

Alberta mandolin player and singer-songwriter David Wilkie, widely known for his collaboration with Stewart MacDougall as the Great Western Orchestra, also made some earlier recordings that were nearly lost when the original companies went out of business. Wilkie managed, eventually, to get the tapes back and has released them on CD as _Shoebox_. Part one of the disc is a reissue of Wilkie's 1977 instrumental album, _The Mandoline Kid_. Part two has never been released before—Wilkie refers to these cuts as _The Used Car Sessions (1984-85)_. This part of the CD includes vocals from Diamond Joe White and Texas artist Katy Moffatt, as well as Ron Casat among the guest musicians. The mandolin sessions are a treat and the recovered vocals of White and Moffatt are a bonus. This is an excellent album for fans of country-style roots music.

_Cowboy Celtic_ (1996) is an exploration of how Celtic melodies, especially Irish melodies, became transformed into cowboy songs. On this fine, primarily instrumental, musical journey Wilkie is joined by The McDades, including Terry McDade, Jeremiah McDade, Solon McDade, Shannon Johnson and Stewart MacDougall. A very worthwhile purchase, both for an understanding of how cowboy music came to be, and for the sheer excellence of the playing. Recommended.

> **Shoebox**  
>  1977, 1984-85, reissued 1991 Centerfire (CFA003)  
>  _Lle ñyo Grande; Stoney Waltz; Melody from Raymond; Avalon; Toulouse Tango; Duck on a Junebug; I've Never Loved Anyone More; Turkey Knob; Variations on the Theme of Huckleberry Finn; Chanson d'Amour; Old Cowhand; There Stands a Glass; Jersey Bounce; Freight Train Boogie; Cold, Cold War; Too Many Bridges; I Gotta Have My Baby Back; Eager Beaver; Sugar Mountain; Don't Get Around Much Anymore; Along the Navajo Trail 70:51_

> **Cowboy Celtic**  
>  1996 Centerfire (CFA 006)  
>  _The Trail to Mexico/In the Tap Room/The Banshee; Shenandoah; Little Joe, the Wrangler; The Lily of the West; Garry Owen/Custer Died a-Runnin'/Off 'til Monday; Lady in Green; The Colorado Trail; I'd Like to Be in Texas When They Round-Up in the Spring/The Maid Behind the Bar; Tempting the Salmon to Come to the Fly; Down by the Brazos; Goodby, Old Paint/Leavin' Cheyenne/The Strawberry Roan/Whooppee Ti Yi Yo, Git Along, Little Dogies; The Gal I Left Behind Me; Annie Laurie 47:39_

* * *

### Tim Williams

_Contemporary; Blues; Singer-Songwriter_

Calgary-based acoustic blues artist Tim Williams, formerly with _Triple Threat_ , is a thirty-year veteran of the folk/blues scene in North America. Part of the coffee-house scene in his native California in the mid-60's, Williams signed a recording contract with Epic Records and became a frequent performer up and down the West Coast before his twenty-first birthday. Settling in Canada in 1970, Williams has been a studio musician, producer, guitar teacher and performer. Playing in concerts and festivals, he has appeared with B.B. King, John Hammond, Taj Mahal, Lightnin' Hopkins, Big Walter Horton and dozens of other blues artists.

_Riverboat Rendezvous_ (1995) is an outstanding solo recording. From blues banjo to slide guitar to rumbling twelve-string, Williams unleashes some of the tastiest blues licks you've heard in a long time. Sprinkling in classics from B.B. King, Arthur Blake, Robert Johnson, Hudson Whittaker, and Willie McTell, Williams also adds seven fine originals. His seasoned voice is an ideal match to his consummate playing—Williams creates a good blues-man's intimacy as he performs. Additional musicians on _Riverboat Rendezvous_ include Willy McAlder, piano; Back Alley John, harmonica; Ron Casat, keyboards; Lincoln Fry, sax and clarinet; Suitcase James, bass guitar; and Ray McAndrew, drums.

_Indigo Incidents_ (1997) continues where _Riverboat Rendezvous_ left off. A continuation of Williams superb playing and fine blues singing, the album features songs by James "Yank" Rachell, Blind Willie Johnson, Jimmie Rogers as well as a number for fine original compositions. Additional musicians include Ron Casat on keyboards, Rich Pollack on harmonica. Both recordings are highly recommended for lovers of acoustic blues.

> **Riverboat Rendezvous**  
>  1995 Cayuse (TW 001)  
>  _Riverboat Rendezvous; When I Don't Live with You; Please, Baby; 'Fore Day Train; Losing My Race with the Reaper; The Witching Hour Blues; Come On, Boys, and Do That Messin' Round; Breathing in the City; Poor Boy; If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day; From Sorrow to Today; No Last Chance; A Two-Car Family; When the Pearly Gates Unfold 52:23_

> **Indigo Incidents**  
>  1997 Cayuse (TW002)  
>  _Ain't Seen No Whiskey; The Fool You Always Knew; If You Were Mine Tonight; A Lover's Question; He Didn't Quite Make It; Death Ain't Got No Mercy in a Storm; The Buckdancer's Choice; Letting Go of Love; Everything for Christmas (But a Cure for the Blues); Like a Gambler'd Change His Vest; Somewhere Down Below the Mason Dixon Line; Willie Jean; You Know, Yeah; The Ones Who Made the Blues 40:32_

* * *

### The Willies

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Willies are a Toronto folk trio that blends a 60ish three-part harmony with contemporary lyrics. The liner notes to _Sacred and Insane_ express this thought: "In trying to achieve our goals in life, we discover the need of others—thus we become incompetent. Because of our incompetence, we try and fail and learn that everything takes 3 times as long and costs 3 times as much as we thought—thus we become crazy. In learning to enjoy our craziness, we begin to hear the voice of God and see the work of men and women...thus we get...The Willies." Thankfully the song lyrics are less cryptic than the liner notes and the Willies deliver some catchy, well-played tracks that bear repeated listening. The Willies are Philip Kuntz, also known as "Brother Philip," vocals, mando/guitars, writer; Suzanne Belanger, vocals, percussion; and Paul Harris, vocals, bass.

> **Sacred and Insane**  
>  1993 Permanent (PW CD301)  
>  _Pallisade of Dreams; Best Revenge; What About Me; Your Love; Unity Song; Free Today; Nice Place Here; Can't Say No; So Bad; False Drugs; Desert Sky; Who; Annabelle 51:23_

* * *

### Johnny Wilmot

_Fiddle_

In another project to preserve Cape Breton fiddling history, Breton Books & Music has issued _Another Side of Cape Breton_ , a re-mastering of older recordings from LP's and 78's featuring Johnny Wilmot, a Cape Breton fiddler from the Northside. As with their Winston Fitzgerald CD, this recording ensures that the fine fiddling of Johnny Wilmot can be heard by today's generation of fiddle lovers.

> **Another Side of Cape Breton**  
>  [no date] Breton Books & Music (no catalogue number)  
>  _Tom Ward's Downfall/Jackson's Reel; Baddeck Gathering/The Girls of Banbridge; Dr. Gilbert's Reel/The Queen of May; The Jug of Punch/Ships Are Sailing/Green Fields of America; Lord Gordon's Reel; An Inverness Jig; Basker's Rambles; Maid Behind the Bar/Flax in Bloom; Maids of Tramore; Orange and Blue/Kitty of Oulart; Jackson's Polka; King's Jig/An Irish Jig; Boys of the Loch/The Devils in Dublin/Roaring Mary; Geese in the Bog; Woman of the House; Old Grey Goose/The Clay Pipe; Nova Scotia Barn Dance; The Frost Is All Over/Lark in the Morning; Bird in the Tree/The Mourne Mountains; Devine's Favourite/The Rambler; Flannel Jacket; Cape Breton Favourite/The Whiskey Jig; Hughie Shorty's Reel/Walker Street Reel 68:55_

* * *

### Tom Wilson

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Calgary singer-songwriter Tom Wilson was born and raised in West Virginia where he grew up listening to the bluegrass music of Flatt & Scruggs and the radio classics of Hank Williams. From these influences he has developed a warm, honest style of folkish country music that is modern but still true to its traditional Appalachian roots. Set against the backdrop of southern Alberta's prairie, foothill, and mountain imagery, his first CD, _Another Blue Sky Day_ , is a collection of songs about love, loneliness, and the lure of the highway. Highlights include "The Harvest Dance" and "Rockies in The Rain." Additional musicians include Cindy Church, Phil Hall, Jeff Bradshaw, and Kelvin Bell.

> **Another Blue Sky Day**  
>  1994 Blue Rockies (BRM001CD)  
>  _Blue Sky Day; Long Gone and Lonesome; The Harvest Dance; I Go Crazy; Rockies in the Rain; Don't Cross That Line; Makin' Some Time for You; As Far As Love Goes; All That's Left (Is the Leavin'); Baby's Big Brown Eyes 34:47_

* * *

### Jesse Winchester

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Widely acknowledged as one of the music industry's outstanding songwriters, as well as a fine singer, Montreal-based Jesse Winchester is a reclusive figure who rarely gives public performances. A draft exile from the United States who elected to stay in Canada after President Carter's general amnesty, Winchester's songs are touched with a longing for the South. Songs like "Yankee Lady" and "Brand New Tennessee Waltz" are modern-day classics performed by artists and groups across North America. Winchester's older recordings are being reissued by Stony Plain, Sugar Hill, and Rhino. _Jesse Winchester_ , a sought-after 1970 recording produced by Robbie Robertson was reissued in 1994. This was followed by his second album, _Third Down, 110 to Go_ with its reference to a hopeless situation in Canadian football. _The Best Of Jesse Winchester_ , a good cross section of Winchester's work, and a better buy in terms of CD duration, was released in 1989. _Humour Me_ , a 1988 recording, has been reissued by Sugar Hill with two additional songs, "Pushover" and "Love Is Fair," not included on the original LP and cassette.

> **Jesse Winchester**  
>  1970, reissued 1994 Stony Plain (SPCD 1198)  
>  _Payday; Biloxi; Snow; The Brand New Tennessee Waltz; That's a Touch I Like; Yankee Lady; Quiet About It; Skip Rope Song; Rosy Shy; Black Dog; The Nudge 35:03_

> **Third Down, 110 to Go**  
>  1972, reissued 1994 Stony Plain (SPCD 1199)  
>  _Isn't That So?; Dangerous Fun; Full Moon; North Star; Do It; Lullaby for the First Born; Midnight Bus; Glory to the Day; The Easy Way; Do la Lay; God's Own Jukebox; Silly Heart; All of Your Stories 30:19_

> **Learn to Love It**  
>  1974, reissued 1995 Stony Plain (SPCD 1205)  
>  _Wake Me; Every Word You Say; How Far to the Horizon?; L'Air de la Louisiane; Mississippi You're on My Mind; Third Rate Romance; Defying Gravity; Tell Me Why You like Roosevelt; Pharaoh's Army; Laisse les Bons Temps Rouler; The End Is Not in Sight; I Can't Stand up Alone 30:25_

> **Let the Rough Side Drag**  
>  1976, reissued 1995 Stony Plain (SPCD 1206)  
>  _Let the Rough Side; Damned If You Do; Step by Step; Lay Down Your Burden; Everybody Knows but Me; Blow On, Chilly Wind; Working in the Vineyard; How About You; It Takes More Than a Hammer and Nails to Make a House a Home; As Soon As I Get on My Feet; The Only Show in Town; The Brand New Tennessee Waltz 39:37_

> **The Best of Jesse Winchester**  
>  1972-89, reissued 1989 Rhino (R2 70085)  
>  _Tell Me Why You Like Roosevelt; Mississippi, You're on My Mind; Yankee Lady; The Brand New Tennessee Waltz; Biloxi; Talk Memphis; Bowling Green; Do It; Defying Gravity; Say What; I'm Looking for a Miracle; Do La Lay; Skip Rope Song; Everybody Knows but Me; Rhumba Man; A Showman's Life; Dangerous Fun; All of Your Stories 56:02_

> **Humour Me**  
>  1988 Sugar Hill (SH-CD-1023)  
>  _If I Were Free; Thanks to You; They Just Can't Help Themselves; Too Weak to Say Goodbye; Let's Make a Baby King; Well-A-Wiggy; I Don't Think You Love Me Anymore; Willow; Humour Me; I Want to Mean Something to You; Pushover; Love Is Fair 52:19_

* * *

### Richard Wood

_Fiddle_

Young Prince Edward Island fiddler Richard Wood fiddles up a storm on _All Fired Up!_ (1994). Having only taken up fiddle a few years ago, Wood is already demonstrating virtuoso talents that put him in a category with other young fiddlers such as Natalie MacMaster and Ashley MacIsaac. _The Celtic Touch_ (1995) displays a maturing Wood who plays more confidently with each recording. Influenced by other young Canadian fiddlers, Wood includes a few modern touches, like electric guitar, on some of the tracks. The material is mostly traditional and all of it is well played.

> **All Fired Up!**  
>  1994 Richard Wood (no catalogue number)  
>  _Flowers of Edinburgh/Trip to Windsor/Ste. Ann's; Ferry/River Bend/Traditional/Paddy in London/George MacPhee's; Lady Caroline Montague/Lady Loudon/Reel/Blind Nora O'Neil/Miss Taylor; Flowers of Hope; Fram Upon Him/Miss Catherine Ann Lamey's/Charlie Hunter's/Peggy's; Highland/Dick and Marlene Cardiff's/Daryl Poirier's/Allan McKinnon's/Bud and Anne Watson's; Joey and Angela Beaton's/Mrs. MacAuley's/Eric McEwen's/Carigoim/Traditional; Clan Munro/Frank Sutherland's/Marquis of Huntley; Treviot Bridge/Stool of Repentance/John Allan's; The Awl Man/Castle/The Ice Man's; Sea Sound; Vendome Clog/Earl Marischal's/The Fisher's Wedding/Howie MacDonald's; Lament for Glencoe/The Cape Breton Symphony's/Miss Susan Cooper/Grant's/The Four Stroke 53:43_

> **The Celtic Touch**  
>  1995 Richard Wood (RW1995)  
>  _Trip to the Doryman/Jig/Jig/Two Name Jig/Jig; The Bell Piano/Dusky Meadow/Reel/Reel/Contradiction; The Celtic Touch; Jig/Jig/Fill up the Set/Johnny's Favourite; Plains of Boyle/Pipe Reel/Newbury Reel/Wolftrap Reel; Struan Robertson's Rant/Charlie Hardie/As Athaiseach/Travelling West/The Twister; Fisherman's/Schoonmakers/Callers; Mem. of Dot MacKinnon; Clog/Democratic Rage/Juniata/Scottish Strings; Dainty Davie/Strathspey/Reel/Alex (Sandy) F. Skinner/Reel; Our Highland Queen/Cape Tormentine/My Brother's Letter/Crow Bush; Paresis/The Night We Had the Goat/Irish Reel/Celtic Rhapsody 55:43_

* * *

### Scott Woods

_Fiddle_

On _Fiddle Magic_ , Ontario fiddler Scott Woods, winner of the Canadian Old Time Fiddle Championship in 1993, performs primarily in a country/swing style on tunes like "Down Yonder," "In the Mood," "Dixie Blossoms," and "Pat's Country." His lyrical, winsome playing will have you waltzing in time for the duration of this graceful, lively recording.

> **Fiddle Magic**  
>  1992 McLeod Music (MMP-20292)  
>  _Down Yonder; Sarah's Waltz; In the Mood; Dixie Blossoms; Pat's Country; Meryl Anne's Waltz; Ariel/Deep River Jig/Liverpool Hornpipe/Fergus Reel; Lassie's Jig; Once in a While; My Sister's Weddin'/Old Doc Woods/Flowers of Edinburgh/De'il Amang the Tailors; Fergus Rag; Kendra's Wedding; Bye Bye Blues; The Ninety and Nine 41:23_

* * *

### The Wyrd Sisters

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

The Wyrd Sisters are not really weird, though they may lay claim to being unusual, unique, original, and provocative. According to their bio sheet, they take their name from "the ancient Triple Goddess who represented the circular nature of life and the phases of the moon. A form of her has existed in almost every known culture—the three fates, the three phases of life—(re)birth, maturity, death; the maiden, the mother and the crone; She who was, she who is and she who will be." With top-notch songwriting and vocal harmonies, this Winnipeg group has brought its unique blend of folk music to folk festivals and clubs across Canada and the United States. Their second album, and first CD, _Inside The Dreaming_ , features songs like the moody, evocative title song, "Inside the Dreaming," the jazz-influenced "3000 Million," and the environmental plea, "Farewell to Clayoquot." The Wyrd Sisters are earning a reputation as one of the important new voices in Canadian folk music. The group consists of singer-songwriters Nancy Reinhold and Kim Baryluk and singer Lianne Fournier.

> **Inside the Dreaming**  
>  1995 Wyrd Sisters (Wyrd CD2)  
>  _Inside the Dreaming; By Our Own Fear; 3000 Million; One Hip Shaking; No Simple Explanations; Farewell to Clayoquot Sound; Another Dreamless Sleep; Dance, Little Brother; Warrior; If It Ain't Here; The Edge of Grace 45:32_

* * *

## Y

### Yakudo

_Worldbeat; Taiko Drums_

The name Yakudo means "to be full of life and energy." When this Toronto ensemble performs on Japanese taiko drums on _Yakudo_ , they fully live up to their name. The drummers, as the liner notes indicate, are able to "create a variety of sounds as quiet as a gentle rainfall to as loud as a raging thunderstorm." The group also incorporates flutes and gongs. The expressive drums of Yakudo underscore the poetry that is possible with one of the world's oldest folk instruments. Members of the ensemble include Sam Baba, Chris Hano, Craig Hayama, Randy Hayama, Darren Miyasaki, Gary Nagata, Miyako Panalaks, and Mark Sano.

> **Yakudo**  
>  1994 Yakudo (YCD 1092)  
>  _Narukami Bayashi; Harukoma; Ko-Ryo No Mai; Shudan; San-Nin Kyoku; Sanmyaku Daiko; Fujin 46:44_

* * *

### Kathleen Yearwood

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

"[ _Book of Hate_ ] is a very strange album ... I just wish her message was a little less oblique"— _Dirty Linen_. Many listeners may be as perplexed as the _Dirty Linen_ reviewer in trying to understand and appreciate _Book of Hate_. The aggressive guitar work contrasts sharply with her soft, lilting soprano vocals. Yearwood is a talented singer and there are some strong moments on the album, which is a mix of traditional material like "Peggy Gordon" and "Tam Lin" and original material, all delivered in a highly unorthodox style. The angry, sometimes pointed, lyrics, the strange, smouldering delivery, and the sudden explosions of electric guitar imitating industrial noise make this a difficult album to assimilate.

> **Book of Hate**  
>  1994 Amatish (SW0394-2)  
>  _Peggy Gordon; Tam Lin; Who Killed Phillip?; Night Falls; Pastorale; By Any Other Name; Lost My Way; Panik in the Cattle-Pen; Louis Riel's Farewell; Amsterdam Street; For Jesse Bernstein; Fiery Heart 55:01_

* * *

### Lesley Young

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario singer-songwriter Lesley Young combines her expressive alto voice, jazz-tinged acoustic guitar, and fresh lyrics into a contemporary folk/pop mix on _Symphony for Two_. Highlights include "That's the Jazz," "Dangerous," "So Long," "Symphony for Two," "Shades of Blue," and "Song to the Wilderness."

> **Symphony for Two**  
>  1994 BlueSong (BSM101)  
>  _Laughing in the Wind; That's the Jazz; Dangerous; So Long; Picture a Sea; He Came Waltzing; Smoke and Ashes; East to West; Symphony for Two; He's Grown; Shades of Blue; Flying Straight to You; Song to the Wilderness 58:34_

* * *

### Neil Young

_Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_

Ontario singer-songwriter and Juno Hall of Famer Neil Young has been a mainstream rocker since the mid-60's when he teamed up with Stephen Stills and Richie Furray to form Buffalo Springfield. Later he collaborated with Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Afterwards, he pursued a solo career, forming bands like the Rockets, Crazy Horse, and The Stray Gators. Despite his rock orientation, he has skirted close to folk at several points with folk/rock songs and lyrics that have become deeply associated with the singer-songwriter spectrum of folk music—songs like "After the Gold Rush," "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," "Southern Man," "Heart of Gold," "Harvest Moon," and "Helpless." Deciding which of Young's albums to highlight in this guide was put to a vote on the _rec.music.folk_ Internet newsgroup. The consensus among Neil Young fans was that the following are the most "folkish" of Young's albums: _Neil Young_ , _After The Gold Rush_ , _Harvest_ , _Old Ways_ , _Harvest Moon_ , and _Unplugged_. His purely rock albums are not listed.

> **Neil Young**  
>  1969 Reprise (CD 6317)  
>  _The Emperor of Wyoming; The Loner; If I Could Have Her Tonight; I've Been Waiting for You; The Old Laughing Lady; String Quartet from Whiskey Boot Hill; Here We Are in the Years; What Did You Do to My Life?; I've Loved Her So Long; The Last Trip to Tulsa 36:10_

> **After the Gold Rush**  
>  1970 Reprise (CD 2283)  
>  _Tell Me Why; After the Gold Rush; Only Love Can Break Your Heart; Southern Man; Till the Morning Comes; Oh, Lonesome Me; Don't Let It Bring You Down; Birds; When You Dance You Can Really Love; I Believe in You; Cripple Creek Ferry 35:13_

> **Harvest**  
>  1972 Reprise (CD 2277)  
>  _Out on the Weekend; Harvest; A Man Needs a Maid; Heart of Gold; Are You Ready for the Country?; Old Man; There's a World; Alabama; The Needle and the Damage Done; Words (Between the Lines of Age) 37:31_

> **Old Ways**  
>  1985 Geffen (GED24068)  
>  _The Wayward Wind; Get Back to the Country; Are There Any More Real Cowboys?; Once an Angel; Misfits; California Sunset; Old Ways; My Boy; Bound for Glory; Where Is the Highway Tonight? 36:54_

> **Harvest Moon**  
>  1992 Reprise (CDW 45057)  
>  _Unknown Legend; From Hank to Hendrix; You and Me; Harvest Moon; War of Man; One of These Days; Such a Woman; Old King; Dreamin' Man; Natural Beauty 51:57_

> **Unplugged**  
>  1993 Reprise (CDW 45310)  
>  _The Old Laughing Lady; Mr. Soul; World on a String; Pocahontas; Stringman; Like a Hurricane; The Needle and the Damage Done; Helpless; Harvest Moon; Transformer Man; Unknown Legend; Look Out for My Love; Long May You Run; From Hank to Hendrix 65:35_

* * *

# Compilations

### Amber Christmas

_Traditional; Christmas_

_Amber Christmas_ is a low-key Christmas album that is a pleasant change from the usual fare offered in record stores during the Christmas season. The material is sung in a family setting, the traditional way. Amber Music artists Pamela Morgan and Anita Best provide lead vocals, along with The Overtones and the Younger Tones—members of their families. A recommended Yuletime album for your collection.

> **Amber Christmas**  
>  1997 Amber (9806-2)  
>  _Christmas Creatures; Carol Medley; Carol of the Beasts; The Cherry Tree Carol; What Child is This; Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming; The Bell Carol; The First Nowell; The Angel Gabriel; In Praise of Christmas; The Holly and the Ivy; The Golden Carol 42:53_

* * *

### Another Time: the Songs of Newfoundland

_Traditional; Contemporary_

_Another Time: the Songs of Newfoundland_ is a concept album, designed to feature traditional songs from Newfoundland, re-done by contemporary artists. Although they represent some of Newfoundland's leading musicians, there's a slightly artificial feeling about the result. Some vital spark is missing.

> **Another Time: the Songs of Newfoundland**  
>  1991 Pigeon inlet (PIPCD-7326)  
>  _The Old Polina (O'Byrne, Fergus); Kelligrew's Soiree (Best, Anita); Squid Jiggin Ground (O'Reilly, Dermot); She's Like the Swallow (Morgan, Pamela); Tickle Cove Pond (Hynes, Ron); Jack Was Every inch A Sailor (Stockwood, Kim); Now I'm Sixty Four (Panting, Dave); Hard, Hard Times (Joyce, Jim); Lukey's Boat (Morgan, Pamela;Best, Anita); Petty Harbour Bait Skiff (Howse, Roger); The Ryans And the Pittmans (Wareham, Baxter); Ode to Newfoundland (Barron, Vonnie;Squires, Esther) 40:50_

* * *

### Anthology of Canadian Folk Music

_Traditional; French-Canadian; Canadian History_

The _Anthology of Canadian Folk Music / Anthologie de la musique folklorique canadienne_ is a five-CD box-set bilingual compilation containing over five hours of music. The material is drawn from mainly 1950s and 1960s sources, featuring the popular performers of that era—Alan Mills, Hélène Baillargeon, Charles Jordan, Joyce Sullivan, Jacques Labrecque, Diane Oxner, Raoul Roy, Tom Kines, Edith Butler, Jean Price, and Yves Albert. The CDs are organized thematically. CD1 is "Riddle Songs and Traditional Ballads" and "Legendary Ballads and Historical Songs." CD2 is "Romantic Adventures and Tragedies" and "Love Ballads and Laments." CD3 is `Love's Labours Lost" and "Songs of Courtship and Marriage." CD4 is "Songs and Ballads of the Lumber Camps" and "Miscellaneous Work Songs." CD5 is "Sociable and Social Songs" and "Miscellaneous." The bilingual English and French liner notes offer commentary on each song of the compilation in an accompanying 135-page booklet. While much of the material sounds dated, with a taint of parlour, there are some gems in the collection. Unfortunately, for the collector, there are no recording dates or notes about the sources of the recordings.

> **Anthology of Canadian Folk Music**  
>  1997 Fonovox (VOX 7965-2)  
>  _**CD1:** Où vas-tu, mon p'tit garçon (Mills, Alan;Baillargeon, Hélène); The False Knight upon the Road (Jordan, Charles;Sullivan, Joyce); Blanche comme la neige (Labrecque, Jacques); Barbara Allan (Oxner, Diane); Dans les prisons de Nantes (Roy, Raoul); The Broken Ring Song (Kines, Tom;Price, Jean); I'll Give My Love an Apple (Jordan, Charles;Sullivan, Joyce); Une perdriole (Forestier, Louise); The Cambric Shirt (Kines, Tom;Price, Jean); Brave Marin (Albert, Yves); The Cruel Mother (Sullivan, Joyce); Si tu te mets anguille (Mills, Alan;Baillargeon, Hèléne); Le Prince Eugène (Labrecque, Jacques); The Green Willow Tree (Jordan, Charles); La courte paille (Forestier, Louise); Brave Wolfe (Kines, Tom); Le sergent (Albert, Yves); The Ballad of New Scotland (Mills, Alan); Come All You Bold Canadians (Jordan, Charles); Un Canadian errant (Labrecque, Jacques); A Scarborough Settler's Lament (Kines, Tom); Chanson de Louis Riel (Labrecque, Jacques); Anti-Confederation Song (Mills, Alan); O Canada (Art Morrow Singers) 66:40_

> _**CD2:** Chantons pour y passer le temps (Labrecque, Jacques); A Maid I am in Love (Oxner, Diane); Renaud, le tueur de femmes (Roy, Raoul); Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight (Mills, Alan); Le Roi Renaud (Albert, Yves); Who is at My Window Weeping? (Jordan, Charles;Sullivan, Joyce); Hennery, My Son (Jordan, Charles;Sullivan, Joyce); D'où reviens-tu mon fils Jacques (Roy, Raoul); Young Riley (Oxner, Diane); À l'abri d'une olive (Labrecque, Jacques); The Maid on the Shore-O (Kines, Tom;Price, Jean); À la claire fontaine (Labrecque, Jacques); When I Was in My Prime (Oxner, Diane); C'est la belle Françoise (Mills, Alan;Baillargeon, Hèléne); Mary Ann (Jordan, Charles); Si l'amour prenait racine (Forestier, Louise); The Gypsy Daisy (Kines, Tom;Price, Jean); La belle est en prison d'amour (Albert, Yves); The Cuckoo (Sullivan, Joyce); Rossignolet sauvage (Labrecque, Jacques); Burns and His Highland Mary (Kines, Tom;Price, Jean); Ah! toi, belle hirondelle (Forestier, Louise); The Bold Fisherman (Jordan, Charles;Sullivan, Joyce) 73:15_
> 
> _**CD3:** Soldier, Will You Marry Me? (Jordan, Charles;Sullivan, Joyce); Galant, tu perds ton temps (Albert, Yves); All 'Round My Hat (Oxner, Diane); Le coucou, mesdames (Roy, Raoul); Peggy Gordon (Jordan, Charles); Mon père n'avait fille que moi (Baillargeon, Hélène; Mills, Alan); The Old Man (Oxner, Diane); Dans la ville de Paris (Albert, Yves); The Red River Valley (Sullivan, Joyce); Nanette (Labrecque, Jacques); Hemmer Jane (Kines, Tom); M'sieur le Curé (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan); Time to be Made a Wife (Jordan, Charles;Sullivan, Joyce); Mariez-moi, ma petite Maman (Baillargeon, Hélène); My Grandma's Advice (Price, Jean); En menant mes moutons aux champs (Roy, Raoul); I'm Going to be Married Next Monday Morning (Jordan, Charles;Sullivan, Joyce); Wing-Tra-La (Albert, Yves); Jockey to the Fair (Oxner, Diane); J'ai une brune (Mills, Alan;Baillargeon, Hélène); The Laird O'Drum (Kines, Tom); Le mariage anglais (Forestier, Louise); He's Young, but He's Daily A-Growing (Price, Jean); Je sais bien quelque chose (Labrecque, Jacques); Cod Liver Oil (Mills, Alan); J't'aimerais mieux, mon mari (Baillargeon, Hélène); The Farmer's Curst Wife (Kines, Tom;Price, Jean) 62:23_
> 
> _**CD4:** V'là l'bon vent (Labrecque, Jacques); The Lumberman's Alphabet (Jordan, Charles); C'est dans le mois de mai (En montant la rivière) (Roy, Raoul); Peter Emberley (Kines, Tom); Envoyons d'l'avant, nos gens! (Albert, Yves); Ye Boys of the Island (Mills, Alan); Dans les chantiers nous hivernerons (Labrecque, Jacques); Les Raftsmen (Labrecque, Jacques); Ye Maidens of Ontario (Kines, Tom); Les draveurs de la Gatineau (Roy, Raoul); Johnny Doyle (Jordan, Charles); Fringue, fringue, sur la rivière! (Labrecque, Jacques); Hurlin' Down the Pine (Kines, Tom); C'est l'aviron (Roy, Raoul); Homeward Bound (Mills, Alan); Je le mène bien, mon dévidoir (Forestier, Louise); Haul on the Bowline (Jordan, Charles); Partons, la mer est belle (Labrecque, Jacques); The Honest Working Man (Oxner, Diane); Les voyageurs de la Gatineau (Roy, Raoul); The Old Polina (Jordan, Charles); La plume qui s'envole (Baillargeon, Hélène; Mills, Alan); La laine de nos moutons (Baillargeon, Hélène; Mills, Alan); The Old Chisholm Trail (Jordan, Charles); Fendez le bois, chauffez le four (Albert, Yves); Drill Ye Heroes! (Kines, Tom); Chanson de foulon (Baillargeon, Hélène); The Klondike Gold Rush (Jordan, Charles); La rose blanche (Roy, Raoul); Donkey Riding (Mills, Alan) 66:40_
> 
> _**CD5:** Vive la Canadienne (Labrecque, Jacques); The Feller from Fortune (Kines, Tom); Ah, si mon moine voulait danser! (Forestier, Louise); I's the B'y that Builds the Boat (Jordan, Charles); M'en revenant de Saint-André (Roy, Raoul); The Sauerkraut Song (Oxner, Diane); Le Curé de Terrebonne (Albert, Yves); Saskatchewan (Mills, Alan); La vieille turlututu (Albert, Yves); Old Grandma (Sullivan, Joyce); Le bal chez Boulé (Labrecque, Jacques); Cotton-Wool Pie (Oxner, Diane); La semaine bachique (Roy, Raoul); Whiskey in the Jar (Kines, Tom); De bon matin (Forestier, Louise); I Went to Market (Mills, Alan;Baillargeon, Hélène); Ma fille vous ne l'aurez pas (Butler, Edith); The Dying Outlaw (Jordan, Charles); The Squid-Jiggin' Ground (Hibbs, Harry); Le petit bateau (Butler, Edith); The Saskatchewan Girl's Lament (Sullivan, Joyce); Mon doux berger (Butler, Edith); The Ryans and the Pitmans (Hibbs, Harry); Isabeau se promène (Forestier, Louise); The Chesapeake and the Shannon (Kines, Tom); L'esseulée (Butler, Edith); The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle (Jordan, Charles); Il m'envoit à l'école (Butler, Edith); La semaine ouvrière (Albert, Yves); Marguerite (Butler, Edith); The Government Store (Kines, Tom) 68:51_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Atlantic Fiddles
> 
> _Fiddle_
> 
> _Atlantic Fiddles_ is an exception to the general rule that compilations are frequently not as satisfying as solo albums. This outstanding collection of fiddle music by some of the greatest contemporary practitioners of the art doesn't have a weak cut on it. It is also the only current source of recordings on compact disc by artists like Brenda Stubbert and Carl MacKenzie. A great album that deserves a spot on your CD rack!
>
>> **Atlantic Fiddles**  
>  1994 Atlantica (02 77657 50222 26)  
>  _The Honourable Mrs. Moules'/the Merry Lads of Air(MacIsaac, Dave); Willie Kennedy's/Traditional/Smiths Delight/Homeward Bound(Stubbert, Brenda); The Willow Tree/Sutherland's/Donegal(MacDonald, Howie); Miss Lyall's/Miss Lyall's/Sandy Cameron's/Carigon Broach (MacIsaac, Ashley); Autumn Leaf(Poirier, Eddie); Lauchie Stubbert's/Cheticamp Jig/Royal Wedding Jig(tousenard, Tara Lynn); The Earl of Jura(MacDonald, Lloyd); The Drunken Landlady/Shearing the Sheep(Vincent, Kim); Kantra to El Arish/Traditional/Christi Campbell/Mabou Coal Mines/Alan Davidson/Traditional(MacNeil, Kyle;MacNeil, Lucy); Beautiful Lake Ainslie/Miss Grace Menzies/Mr. Bernard/Compliments to Buddy MacMaster(Holland, Jerry); Fram Apon Him/Miss Catherine Ann Lamey's/Charlie Hunter's/Peggy's Jig(Wood, Richard); Festival Reel/Jeff's Tune/Meech Lake Breakdown/McCormack's Breakdown(Benoit, Emile); Governor General(Landry, Ned); Hills of Glenorchy/the Rovers Return/Stan's Jig(LeBlanc, Donny); Glen Fiddich/Neil Gows Fiddle/Celtic Ceilidh/John Campbell's Reel/Miss Mary Stuart of Derculich(MacKenzie, Carl); John Campbells/Ann Moirs Birthday/Lady Georgina Campbell/Angus On the Turnpike/Sheehan's Reel (MacMaster, Natalie); La Reel Du Brae(Arsenault, Eddy) 61:12_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### The Best Cree Fiddle Players of James Bay
> 
> _Fiddle; First Nations_
> 
> _The Best Cree Fiddle Players of James Bay_ will delight the collector of Canadian fiddle music. The Cree of James Bay have developed a fiddle tradition of their own with a unique style and sound and this collection brings together a representative sample of that tradition. This album received a Porcupine Award in the Native Canadian category in 1993.
>
>> **The Best Cree Fiddle Players of James Bay**  
>  1993 Hughboy Records (no catalogue number)  
>  _Father's Reel (Weapenicappo, Roger); The 8th of January (Mukash, Mathew); Wemindji Bridge Reel (Georgekish, Bobby); Soldiers Joy (House, Malcolm); James Bay Doings (Cheechoo, Sinclair); Wemindji Reel (Louttit, Clarence); Civil Service Breakdown (Sam, David); Big Muskeg Reel (Bosum, Peter); Mamoweedow Minshtukch (Stewart, James); Soldiers Joy (All) 26:36_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### The Best of Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre
> 
> _First Nations_
> 
> _The Best of Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre_ is a collection of traditional and contemporary pow-wow and dance music of Northern Plains First Nations. Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of First Nations traditions will find this album essential. The excellent liner notes provide an invaluable introduction to the music and its continuing evolution and development.
>
>> **The Best of Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre**  
>  1993 Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (no catalogue number)  
>  _Women's Fancy(Bull, Edmund;Red Bull); Crow Hop(Elk's Whistle); Traditional (Whitefish Jrs.); Grass Dance (Whitefish Jrs.); Eagle Whistle Song (Hawk River); Intertribal (Hawk River); Darling Don't Cry (Red Bull); Intertribal (Dance to Red Bull); Oh My Sweetheart (Grey Eagle); Fancy Dance (Northern Eagle); White Swan Blues (Mosquito Singers); Macho Man (Mosquito Singers); Intertribal (Stoney Eagle); Men's Traditional (Little Island Cree); Theme Song (Little Island Cree); Intertribal (Southern Cree); Intertribal (Southern Cree); Going Home Broken Hearted (Elk's Whistle) 74:54_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Canada: A Folksong Portrait / Un Portrait Folklorique
> 
> _Traditional; Canadian History; French-Canadian_
> 
> _Canada: A Folksong Portrait / Un portrait folklorique_ provides a splendid collection for the folklorist or anyone interested in the historical folk music of Canada. Originally compiled by Samuel Gesser for the Folkways label, this important and long out-of-print collection of Canadian folk music has been reissued on compact disc on the Mercury label, courtesy of Smithsonian-Folkways. The 94 songs in the anthology span the entire country from the Maritimes to British Columbia and the Yukon. The selections include songs by native people that offer glimpses of First Nations music as it existed before the influence of European instruments and singing styles. _Canada: A Folksong Portrait_ also captures the voices of several seminal Canadian artists—Alan Mills, Wade Hemsworth, Tom Kines, Karen James, Stanley G. Triggs, Jacques Labrecque, and Jean Carignan—rarely heard today.
> 
> One of the many jewels in this three-CD boxed set is Hemsworth's rendition of his "Little Black Fly Song." Because several of the songs are field recordings of ordinary people singing songs they remember, some of the tracks are rough-edged. This is music to study and appreciate for its historical significance as much as for its intrinsic entertainment. the extensive, and essential, liner notes complement the music. A must purchase for the serious collector as well as for any budding folk artist looking for interesting material. This collection received a Golden Porcupine award in 1994, and its editor, Samuel Gesser, was inducted into the Porcupine Awards Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievements in the field of Canadian folk music.
>
>> **Canada: A Folksong Portrait / Un Portrait Folklorique**  
>  1994 Mercury / Smithsonian-Folkways (769748000-2)  
>  _**CD1:** CD; Lord Gordon Reel (Faulkner, Kenneth); The Squid-Jiggin' Ground (Mills, Alan); I'm Going to Get Married (Gallagher, Edward (Mrs.)); The Bad Girl's Lament (Hemsworth, Wade); Chin Music (Dornan, Angelo); 'N Uair Nighidh Tu (When You Wash); À La Claire Fontaine (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan); Le Petit Moine (Kelly, Allan); Boys of the Island (Mills, Alan); Lady Gowrie (Redden, Fred); The False Knight Upon the Road (Henneberry, Edmund); Lots of Fish in Bonavist' Harbor (Peacock, Ken); Anti-Confederation Song (Mills, Alan); Pretty Susan (Dornan, Angelo); The Welcome Table (Owen, Charles); Old Tune (Henneberry, Edmund); Galop De La Malbaie (Jean, Joseph;Jean, Alfred); Laquelle Marieons-Nous (Labrecque, Jacques); Chanson De Mesonges (Beavan, William (Mme);Beauchamps, Monique); Auprès De Ma Blonde (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan); Violon En Discorde (Carignan, Jean); Tous Les Gens Du Plaisir (Beavan, William (Mme)); À La Claire Fontaine/Ah Tu Danses Bien Madeleine (Audet, Jean-Louis (Mme)); Vive La Canadienne (Mills, Alan); She Was Poor But She Was Honest (Lamb, Derek); A Young Man Lived in Belfast Town (Kines, Tom); The Wee, Wee German Lairdie (Dunbar, Max); Horch Was Kommt Von Draussen Rein? (Vopel, Erika;Vopel, Elsa); Gey Ich Mir Shpatzirin (Singerman, Raasche;Singerman, Tassy); Tell Me, Tell Me (West Indian Society of McGill University); Me'Savo Va Zi Var Dous O tont En-Dro (Conan, Jacques); Pastoral (de Vienne Blanc, Lucie); À Paris, Sur Le Petit Pont (Labrecque, Jacques); Danse Carre (Morin, Aldor ) 68:25_
>
>> _**CD2:** CD; Shining Birch Tree (Hemsworth, Wade); The Shantyboys' Alphabet (Campsall, Sam); When the Shantyboy Comes Down (Doherty, Jim); The Gypsy Daisy (Abbott, O.J.); My Irish Polly (Kines, Tom); Johnny Doyle (Kelly, Joe); The Franklin Expedition (Hemsworth, Wade); The Jam On Gerry's Rocks (Brandon, Tom); The Murder of F.C. Benwell (Tilden, Lamont); The Foot of the Mountain Brow (Kines, Tom); The Poor Little Girls of Ontario (Minnifie, Hartley (Mrs.)); The Black Fly Song (Hemsworth, Wade); An Indian Sat in His Little Bark Canoe (Sullivan, Tom (Mrs.)); The Northern Trappers Rendezvous (Loewen Orchestra); The Little Old Sod Shanty (Mills, Alan); O Bury Me Not On the Lone Prairie (Sills, Herbert); Barbara Allen (Galbraith, Molly); Johnny Sands (Carr, Grace); Our Ukraine (Konoplenko, Paul); Chanson De Riel (Jeannotte, Joseph Gaspar); Un Canadien Errant (Mills, Alan); When the Ice Worms Nest Again (Loewen Orchestra); Funky Jim (Bowker, Mel); The Alberta Homestead (Mills, Alan); A Poor Lone Girl in Saskatchewan (Halderman, Anne); Saskatchewan (Young, Jim) 70:56_
>> 
>> _**CD3:** CD; The Oda G. (Triggs, Stanley G.); The Dark-Eyed Sailor (James, Karen); Pretty Peggy O (Hall, Barry); So Long to the Kicking Horse Canyon(Triggs, Stanley G.); The Klondike Gold Rush (Mills, Alan); The Velvet Band (Triggs, Stanley G.); Swedish Melody (Hall, Barry); Land of Treasure (Doukhobors); The Lookout in the Sky (Triggs, Stanley G.); Willie Moore (Hall, Barry); The Story of Weldon Chan (James, Karen); Lake of Crimson (Triggs, Stanley G.); War Dance (Paul, William;Sack, Marin;Knockwood, John); Hunting Black Bear (MacKenzie, Sebastian); I Hunt With My Sons (MacKenzie, Joseph); Lullabye (Francis, Dorothy); Victory Song (Thomas, Roderick (Mrs.)); The Whipping Song (Murray, Gertrude); War Song (World War II) (Nicotine, George); Warrior's Death Song (for Sitting Bull); Grass Dance Song; Owl Dance (Delaney, Adam;Delaney, Wallace); Lucky Stone Song (One Gun); War Song (Calf Robe, Wilfred;Scalp Lock, Albert); Wolf Song (Assu, Billy); Wolf Song (Martin, Mungo); Headdress Song (Martin, Mungo); Little Woman Doctor Song (Wamiss, Mary); Baby Song (Cramer, Dan); Children's Game (Kasugat;Ishmatuk); Bird Imitations (Gibbons, Harry); I Sing About A Dance (Uluyok;Tutinat); Before We Came to Religion (Eevaloo); Girl's Game (Angutnal;Matee) 70:53_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Canadian Fiddle
> 
> _Fiddle_
> 
> _Canadian Fiddle_ is a pleasant anthology of fiddle music. Some of the material sounds as if it has been remastered from 78's or vinyl. Unfortunately the absence of liner notes prevents the collection from achieving its potential as an introduction to the artists and their historical impact.
>
>> **Canadian Fiddle**  
>  [no date] Holborne (HCD 3302)  
>  _Mom's Waltz (Mooring, Johnny); Joys of Quebec (Eikhard, June); Little Burnt Potato (Mooring, Johnny); Crooked Stove Pipe (Eikhard, June); Blue Skirt Waltz (Eikhard, June); Lightning Hornpipe (Townsend, Graham); St. Ann's Reel (Rodgers, Stan); Sugar in the Gourd (Mullen, Vic); Morning Star Waltz (Guest, Bill); Medley of Antigonish Polkas (Fitzgerald, Winston "Scotty''); Westphal Waltz (Mullen, Vic); Pat Leonard's Breakdown (Hill, Reg); Buckingham Reel (Townsend, Graham); Highland Jig (Eikhard, June); Little Judique Reel (Murphy, Joe); Alex And Maureen's Two Step (Townsend, Graham); The Devil's Dream (Hill, Reg); Carol Kennedy's Waltz (Mooring, Johnny); Mrs. Douglas Henderson Strathspey (Fitzgerald, Winston "Scotty'') 41:38_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Children of the World
> 
> _First Nations_
> 
> _Children of the World_ , according to the liner notes, "is a compilation of some of Native Canada's best music." Featuring contemporary recording artists such as Kashtin, Don Ross, Shingoose, and Willie Dunn, the album spotlights several contemporary performers. A good introductory album.
>
>> **Children of the World**  
>  1994 Musicor (PPFC-2023)  
>  _Cree Grass Dance (Saddleback, Gerry); The First Ride (Ross, Don); Spirit Wars (Ross, Don); August On the Island (Ross, Don); Indian Time (Shingoose); Nowhere Tonight (Shingoose); Pakuakumit (Kashtin); Tshinanu (Kashtin); Sumac Nuista (Dunn, Willie); Little Charlie (Dunn, Willie); The Pacific (Excerpt) (Dunn, Willie); Children of the World (Aglukark, Susan;Dunn, Willie;Fara;Ross, Don;Shingoose); Messages (Various) 40:44_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Close to the Floor: Newfoundland Dance Music
> 
> _Fiddle; Accordion; Traditional; Celtic_
> 
> _Close to the Floor_ is another of those anthologies that works. With a focus on Newfoundland dance music, the album is a merry romp through accordion and fiddle sets by some of today's best dance-music performers. Great for your step-dancing practise and guaranteed to put a smile on your face even when you're driving home through rush-hour traffic.
>
>> **Close to the Floor: Newfoundland Dance Music**  
>  1992 Pigeon inlet (PIP CD 7327)  
>  _Mac Master's Tune/Herb Reid's Tune(Wareham, Baxter); Kissing Dance Medley(Figgy Duff); Midnight Waltz(White, Minnie); Le Reel De La Pistroli/Arriving to St. John's(Benoit, Emile); Arriving to St. John's(the Crowd); Bridgett's Reel/Jim Hodder's Reel(Tickle Harbour); Strip the Willow(Felix, Ron); Half Penny Reel(Johnson, Ray); Up the Pond(Quidi Vidi Ceili Band); I Got A Bonnet Trimmed With Blue(Musseau, Nellie); The Growling Old Man(Aucoin, Joseph); Running the Goat(Maher, Frank); The Portuguese Waltzes(Stoyles, Art); Set Dance Tunes(Guinchard, Rufus); Centennial Highway Reel(Red Island); The Four Poster Bed(Wonderful Grand Band) 48:32_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Folklore de Montréal / Montreal Folklore
> 
> _Traditional; French-Canadian_
> 
> _Folklore de Montréal / Montreal Folklore_ , like _Canada: A Folksong Portrait_ , is a vital Gesser collection. When Samuel Gesser collected Canadian folk music for the Folkways label in the 1950's and 60's, he amassed a large amount of material by performers based in his native Montreal for the Folkways label. Analekta has reissued a two-CD boxed set of this collection as _Folklore de Montreal / Montreal Folklore_ , with Gesser material licensed from Smithsonian-Folkways. While both Gesser collections are similar in concept and sound, this set is more tuneful—more of the selections are performed by professionals. The compilation also contains a short poem read by a young Leonard Cohen. A must for serious collectors.
>
>> **Folklore de Montréal / Montreal Folklore**  
>  1994 Analekta / Smithsonian-Folkways (AN 2 9221-2)  
>  _**CD1:** CD; Sun Dance Chant (Barbeau, Marius); Noël Huron (the Huron Carol) (Mills, Alan); Au Chant De L'Alouette (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan); Sur Le Bord De La Seine (Labrecque, Jacques); Le Songe (Grandbois, Alain); The Fair Maid On the Shore (James, Karen); The Barsted King of England (Lamb, Derek); General Wolfe (Mills, Alan); Reel With Harmonica And Spoons (Reel Avec Harmonica Et Cuillères) (Beavan, Robert); Le Mariage Anglais (Barbeau, Marius); La Fille Maigre (Hébert, Anne); Nous N'Irons Plus Au Bois (Audet, Jean-Louis (Mme)); Le Papier D'éping' (James, Karen); Paper of Pins (James, Karen); Daniel O'Connell (Kines, Tom); Pis Ote-toé Donc! (Beavan, William (Mme)); Montreal (Klein, A.M.); Travelers' Reel (Reel Du Voyageur) (Carignan, Jean); Un Canadien Errant (Mills, Alan); Lord Randall (Dunbar, Max); The Miner's Dream of Home (Lamb, Derek); The Parting Glass (Kines, Tom); Le Roi Louys (Labrecque, Jacques); Ti-Jean And the Devil (Carignan, Jean;Mills, Alan) 58:58_
>
>> _**CD2:** CD; Reel Du Bon Vieux Temps (Old Time Reel) (Carignan, Jean); À La Claire Fontaine (Labrecque, Jacques); En Passant Par Le Bois (De Vienne Blanc, Lucie); L'Ombre Rouge (Lasnier, Rina); Greensleeves (Hall, Barry); The Sun Rises Bright in France (Dunbar, Max); I Don't Want to Play in Your Yard (Lamb, Derek); J'Ai Tant Dansé, J'Ai Tant Sauté! (Audet, Jean-Louis (Mme)); Les Vieux (the Elders) (Cohen, Leonard); Tum-Balalaika (Singerman, Raasche;Singerman, Tassy); Komm Lieber Mai (Vopel, Erika;Vopel, Elsa); Lou Bailero (De Vienne Blanc, Lucie); Chumm Mit I D'Berge (Liechti, Fritz); Son Ar Martolod Yaouank (the Young Sailor's Song) (Conan Family); Khalliha'Ala-Allah (Sawaya, George); El Sol Y La Luna (James, Karen); Mrs. Jacob (Caribbean Chorus of McGill University); Voici Venir Le Temps (Hénault, Gilles); Reel (Beavan, Robert); Son Voile Qui Volait (Beavan, William (Mme)); Little Maggie (Hall, Barry); Cod Liver Oil (Kines, Tom); Reel Du Pendu (Hangman's Reel) (Carignan, Jean;Seeger, Pete); I Went to the Market (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan); Donkey Riding (Hemsworth, Wade); Road to Grand'mere (Samuels, Art); À Paris, Sur Le Petit Pont (Labrecque, Jacques); Les Fraises Et Les Framboises (Morin, Aldor); La Bastringue (Morin, Aldor) 57:53_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### The Gathering: A Compilation of Toronto World Music
> 
> _Worldbeat_
> 
> _the Gathering: A Compilation of Toronto World Music_ won a Juno award in 1992 for "Best World Beat Recording." This collection makes a good starter CD for anyone venturing into worldbeat music because it offers a range of artistic styles and a brief introduction to each group in the liner notes. The album includes tracks by Mother tongue, Nu Black Nation, and the Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band.
>
>> **The Gathering: A Compilation of Toronto World Music**  
>  1991 Gathering Productions (no catalogue number)  
>  _Bellema (Mother Tongue); Mishomis (Bell, Leland); Respect 1 (Nu Black Nation); Arpa Ektum (Dostlar); El Brujo (Ramiro's Latin Orchestra); Rock A Talk (Special Ice); Tsoga (Siyakha); Hora Hora Hora (Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band); Father It's Time (Maviglia, Joseph); Hoy Vive El Recuerdo (Banda Brava); Mahal Kita (Dante) 51:38_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Golden Fiddle
> 
> _Fiddle_
> 
> _Golden Fiddle_ is a fiddle collection that is great for the listening and poor for the learning. The absence of any liner notes can only leave you guessing at the focus of the collection and the background of some of the performers. A pity, because it contains some excellent fiddling.
>
>> **Golden Fiddle**  
>  [no date] Condor (CD 501)  
>  _Angus Campbell (Townsend, Graham); Rosebud of Avondale (Townsend, Eleanor); Salt Water Jig (Sawyer, Bill); Maple Sugar (Petrie, Bunty); St. Patrick's Jig (Elliott, Carl); Golden Wedding (Elliott, Carl); Smash the Window (Sawyer, Bill); Siege of innis (Poirier, Eddie); Belfast Reel (Wilmot, Johnny); Fuddle Duddle Hornpipe (Joyce, Chuck); Waylon's Breakdown (Cormier, Rick); High Level Hornpipe (Poirier, Eddie); Scottish Medley (Poirier, Eddie); McDowell's Breakdown (Townsend, Eleanor); The Waltz You Saved for Me (Elliott, Carl); Irish Washerwoman (Sawyer, Bill); Cotton-Eyed Joe (Sawyer, Bill); The French Reel (Bates, Smiley); Concert Reel (Elliott, Carl); Joys of Quebec (Sawyer, Bill); Liverpool Hornpipe (Poirier, Gaetan); Heather On the Hill (Joyce, Chuck); Way Down Yonder (Cormier, Rick); Faded Love (Petrie, Bunty); Pat the Budgie (Ranger, Bob) 54:04_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Héritage Québécois
> 
> _French-Canadian_
> 
> _Héritage Québécois_ is a charming collection of historical recordings featuring a number of key Québec artists. This CD makes a good introductory album for those exploring the folk-music heritage of Québec. Sadly, there are no liner notes, but MCA has reissued solo CD's of the artists on this anthology. Check under the individual artists in this guide.
>
>> **Héritage Québécois**  
>  1990 MCA (MCAMD-10159)  
>  _Le Petit Sauvage Du Nord (Bolduc, La); L'Adieu Du Soldat (Lebrun, Roland); Reel Du Pendu (Duchesne, Tommy); Quand Le Soleil Dit Bonjour Aux Montagnes (Martel, Marcel); Set Canadien (Soucy, Isidore); Passant Par Paris (Major, Aimé); Reel De L'Oiseau Moqueur (Lajoie, Gérard); Le Rapide Blanc (Thiffault, Oscar); Reel Blanchette (Blanchette, Louis); La Bastringue (Bolduc, La); Chevaliers De La Table Ronde (Major, Aime); Reel Du Carnaval Du Québec (Lajoie, Gérard); La Cabane à Sucre (Thiffault, Oscar); Reel Des Noces D'Argent (Blanchette, Louis); Valse De Québec (Duchesne, Tommy); Les Agents D'Assurance (La Bolduc); Amour, Victoire, Liberté (Lebrun, Roland); Reel Des Patineurs (Duchesne, Tommy); Allo Ma Prairie (Martel, Marcel); Valse De La Cuisine (Soucy, Isidore) 56:06_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### I Am An Eagle
> 
> _First Nations_
> 
> _I Am An Eagle: the Music from the Legends Project_ is part of a larger recording— _Legends_ —on which native actors tell legends between musical selections. The _Eagle_ album features some first-rate singing from First Nations artists living on both sides of the Canada-US border. This album provides a good introduction to contemporary native artists.
>
>> **I Am An Eagle**  
>  [no date] First Nations Music (Y2-77621-10017-2-2)  
>  _I Am An Eagle (Pierce, Tammy;Porter, Murray); Ashtum (Legends Band); Midnight Strongheart (Legends Band); Thunder Warrior (Hill, Elizabeth); Wenabeg (Legends Band); Medewin Kwe (Bell, Leland); Indian Giver (Porter, Murray); Grandmother (Legends Band); Oo-Wa Gitchi Manitou (Martin, Lawrence); Seven Generations (Hill, Elizabeth) 42:38_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Jigs & Reels
> 
> _Fiddle_
> 
> _Jigs & Reels_, like Holborne's _Canadian Fiddle_ is an anthology of fiddle music unadorned by liner notes. This defeats the purpose of this kind of collection which includes historical recordings re-mastered for compact disc.
>
>> **Jigs & Reels**  
>  [no date] Holborne (HCD 3305)  
>  _Pembroke Reel (Mooring, Johnny); Kiddy Car Reel (Hill, Reg); East York Jig (Townsend, Graham); Blind Man's Reel (Steele, Cye); Logger's Jig (Hill, Reg); Musty Muldoon's Irish Jig (Hill, Reg); Ploughboy's Reel (Wood, John); Sleigh Ride Reel (Hill, Reg); Short Grass Jig (Hill, Reg); Trapper's Jig (Mooring, Johnny); Timber Raft Jig (Hill, Reg); Rippling Water Jig (Townsend, Graham); Big John McNeill (MacIsaac, Joe); Buckingham Reel (Townsend, Graham); Sunset Jig (Townsend, Graham); St. Anne's Reel (Rodgers Bros.); Clayton Poirier Reel (Mooring, Johnny); Grace McPherson's Reel (Chapman, Jimmy); Nellie's Jig (Mayhew, Jim); Journeyman's Jig (Eickhard, June); Prince County Jig (Townsend, Graham) 45:16_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Kick at the Darkness: Songs of Bruce Cockburn
> 
> _Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_
> 
> _Kick at the Darkness: Songs of Bruce Cockburn_ demonstrates why tribute albums are scary. While perhaps not the worst of tribute albums on the market, these performances simply do not do justice to the music for anyone weaned on the Cockburn originals. Unless you have a particular interest in one of the artists or groups on this album, save your money for the real thing.
>
>> **Kick at the Darkness: Songs of Bruce Cockburn**  
>  1991 intrepid (N21S 0008)  
>  _Lovers in A Dangerous Time (Barenaked Ladies); A Long Time Love Song (Tielli, Martin;Siberry, Jane); Lord of the Starfields (Swing Gang); Feet Fall On the Road (Five Guys Named Moe); Silver Wheels (All Her Brothers Are Drummers); All the Diamonds in the World (Jenkins, Rebecca); Wondering Where the Lions Are (B-Funn); Stolen Land (Bottomley, Chris); Waiting for the Moon (Fat Man Waving); If I Had A Rocket Launcher (Cottage industry); Call It Democracy (Jellyfishbabies); One Day I Walk (Skydiggers); Red Ships Take off in the Distance (Wiseman, Bobby) 54:26_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Mariposa '93: A Compilation of Canadian Musicians
> 
> _Traditional; Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_
> 
> The Mariposa Folk Festival has been one of the leading folk festivals in North America since its glory days in the early 60's when it featured performers like Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, and Ian & Sylvia. But along the way it changed its location several times, as well as its focus. When the folk music revival of the 1960's began to wane, organizers changed the basic makeup of the festival to include more rock, blues, country, and other electric-based bands. Renaming itself as _the Mariposa Festival_ , Mariposa has even sought to downplay its identity as a "folk" festival. _Mariposa '93_ is a collection of material that doesn't quite hold together to make a convincing, coherent album. Unlike the Mariposa albums of the 1970's, this collection was not recorded live at the festival. Although there are some individual gems on the album, these studio-recorded tracks don't have any compelling reason for hanging out together.
>
>> **Mariposa '93: A Compilation of Canadian Musicians**  
>  1993 Mariposa Folk Foundation (MAR093)  
>  _Still A Fool (forbes, Roy); Hold Your Ground (Keelaghan, James); The Shores of Newfoundland/Traveller's Reel (TIP Splinter); Philosophy (Bishop, Arlene); Virgenes Del Sol (Ruiz, Giovanni); Streetlights (Hookong, Susan); Big House (Scofield, Sandy); Toronto Volunteers (Lederman, Anne); Blue Line (Fearing, Stephen); Double Solitaire (Valdy); Little Sister's Gonna Be Alright (Jackson Delta); What You Got (Gamble, Karen;Cimarron Band); À La Cubaña (Ocha, Luis Mario); Running the Human Race (Tight Little Island); Lonesome And Hurting (Cheechoo, Vern); Darn Folksinger (Snider, Bob) 62:15_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Moose: the Compilation
> 
> _Contemporary; Singer-Songwriter_
> 
> _Moose: the Compilation_ was put together by ex-Torontonian Richard Chapman who founded Moose Records in 1989. Originally meant as a vehicle for the bands he was managing, Chapman formed a loose connection of artists with campaigns like "Save the Rails," which saw over thirty musicians tour together through northern Ontario. Moose Records has since disbanded but many of the artists featured on this compilation have since gone on to make their mark.
>
>> **Moose: the Compilation**  
>  1991 Moose/PolyGram (510 806 - 2)  
>  _Saturday Night in A Laundromat (Grievous Angels); Old Nova Scotian (Snider, Bob); Sittin' On Top of the World (Celtic Gales); I'll Follow the Rain (Pretty Green); Slag Heap Love (Polka Dogs); You Don't Know How Much (Lazy Grace); Drinkin' Ex And Askin' Why (Baekeland, Allen); Venez à Louisiane (Cajun Ramblers); Woodstuck (Rheostatics); Clothes (Big Smoke); Huggin' At My Pillow (Bookmen); Memory Haunts Me (Donkey); All Consuming Mistress (Lost & Profound); Evangeline (Bourne, Anne); You Are My Sunshine (Jack Family); Jump On My Wheels (Positively Stompin') 59:37_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Music of the inuit / Musique Des inuit
> 
> _First Nations_
> 
> _Music of the inuit: the Copper Eskimo Tradition / Musique Des intuit: La Tradition Des Eskimos Du Cuivre_ is an album of field recordings. The inuit people of the Northwest Territories have sustained a long history of song and music and the album captures some of the essence of this tradition. The extensive liner notes explain the importance of songs and dance songs during trade exchanges, and how even inuit children were expected to create and perform their own songs. Serious folklorists should consider this Unesco recording.
>
>> **Music of the inuit / Musique Des inuit**  
>  1983, reissued 1994 Auvidis (Unesco D 8053)  
>  _Three Connected Songs/Trois Chants Liés; Two Connected Songs/Deux Chants Liés; Joy/Joie; The Boat of the "Big Brows''/Le Bateau Des "Grands Sourcils''; My Song/Mon Chant; Song of the Minto inlet/Chant De Minto inlet; Two Dances from the Mackenzie Delta/Deux Danses Du Delta Du Mackenzie; Two Connected Songs/Deux Chants Liés; I Am Happy/Je Suis Tout Heureux; Boundless Joy/Joie infinie; Coffee, Tea And Jam/Café, thé, Confiture; Two Connected Songs/Deux Chants Liés; Agnes Nanogak's Song/Le Chant D'Agnès Nanogak; Birth of Earthworms/Naissance De Vers De Terre; The Song Floats Up Within Me/Le Chant Flotte En Moi 37:28_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Musique Multi-Montréal
> 
> _French-Canadian; Worldbeat_
> 
> _Musique Multi-Montréal_ is a retrospective collection of the best of Multi-Montréal from 1991 to 1993. The collection includes traditional Québécois music such as the opener, "Belle étoile Du Nord," plus a generous dollop of the multicultural music for which Montréal has become famous. For world music fans, a great collection.
>
>> **Musique Multi-Montréal**  
>  1994 Musique Multi-Montréal (MMM00012)  
>  _Belle étoile Du Nord (Young, Karen;Faubert, Michel); Kélé Fàbà (Diabaté, Boubacar); Kitka Ot Tangra (Tangra); More Zajenise (Tangra;Young, Karen;Savaria, Gisèle); Chacarera Tuerta (Duo Cabili/Savaria, Gisèle); Namthar (Groupe Musical De L'Association Culturelle Tibétaine); Zompa Namsum (Groupe Musical De L'Association Culturelle Tibétaine); Ghangchen Jong (Groupe Musical De L'Association Culturelle Tibétaine;Young, Karen); Ce Sont Les Garçons De Par Icitte/Derrière Chez Nous Y A T'Un étang (Charbonniers De L'Enfer, Les); La Luette En Colère (Charbonniers De L'Enfer, Les); Par Un Dimanche Au Soir (Charbonniers De L'Enfer, Les;Young, Karen); Kereshmé Dastgah Shour (Saba); Charmezrab Shahnaz (Saba); New Shoes (Immigrants, The); The Immigrants (Immigrants, The); Honor Song (Achneepineskum, Norman); Le Mariage Anglais (Young, Karen;Faubert, Michel) 69:00_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Nunavik Concert
> 
> _First Nations_
> 
> _Nunavik Concert_ is a live recording made in Inukjuak, Nunavik on August 5, 1993. The Nunavik Concert has been formed as an annual concert at which inuit artists are invited to participate in the yearly celebration of inuit music. The 1993 concert features a variety of musical styles which include fiddling, country, western, accordion, folk, rock, jew's harp, and throat singing. The range is astonishing and the musicians deserve widespread exposure.
>
>> **Nunavik Concert**  
>  1995 Sunshine (SSCD-4236)  
>  _Tukunnanguarit (Salluit Band); Umiujarmit (Tumic, Charlie); Kuuvvalak/Anuri/Kiukiukallak (Palliser, Minnie); Ammaaq/Ujurumiaq/Pingasuiliqi/Qimmiguluapik/Qanngavavaaq/Sanguajug/Aaqammamma (Alaku, Annie;Sivuarapik, Sarah); (Takuginai); Taanisirutialuk (Qumarluk, Rebecca); Ukiurtatummiugujugut (Iqaluk, Charlie); Inu Tuuvunga (Kinguvaat); The Hunt (Brassard, André); Inngiluttaasunga (Takatak, Charlie;Arragutainaq, Mina); Pulaariannguaka (Ningiuk, Charlie) 38:38_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### The Orchard Sessions 93: A Canadian Bluegrass Sampler
> 
> _Bluegrass_
> 
> _The Orchard Sessions_ is a little-known CD that has become almost a cult classic among bluegrass fans. A thoroughly excellent compilation of contemporary Canadian bluegrass bands, it was released as a sampler and hasn't had widespread distribution outside bluegrass circles. For anyone who loves bluegrass, or would like an intro CD, this one is a delight. Recommended.
>
>> **The Orchard Sessions 93: A Canadian Bluegrass Sampler**  
>  1993 Jordy Sharp (BGC-103)  
>  _Talking to the Moon (Streets & Hills); Normans Ride (Blue Mule); Nobody Loves You Like Me (McDonald Bluegrass); Fallin' Again (Grassworks); Lily Hoskins (Shin Van Every); New Mexico (Bluegrass Connection); High Run (Emory Lester Set); Steelrail Companion (Streets & Hills); Running Wild (Blueridge); The Devil's in Her Heart (McDonald Bluegrass); Long Time Gone (Blue Mule); I Haven't Seen Mary in Years (Acoustical Strings); Blue in the Blue Ridge (Bluegrass Connection); Pale Rider (Emory Lester Set); Just One Memory (Blueridge); Candle in the Window (Grassworks); Don't Let Smokey Mountain Smoke Get in Your Eyes (Shin Van Every); To Be with You (Acoustical Strings) 55:12_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Our Labrador
> 
> _Traditional; First Nations_
> 
> _Our Labrador_ is extraordinary for its ordinariness. Few albums today have the ingenuousness of the old-style country songs in this collection—songs that celebrate, in simple words with simple chord progressions, a disappearing lifestyle in which settlers, innu, and inuit all relied heavily on the land as a means of subsistence. These songs, sung in English, Innu-Aimun, and Inuktitut, are a treasure.
>
>> **Our Labrador**  
>  1995 Butter and Snow (RDRCD-722)  
>  _The Grand River Song (Montague, Shirley); Old Mokami (Mitchell, Gerald); Nainimut (Metcalfe, Margaret); Take Me to the Country (Martin, Harry); We Sons of Labrador (Mitchell, Gerald); Atatab Kilangmitub (Metcalfe, Margaret); Shanty Town (Martin, Harry); Nantem Minuataman (Penashue, Gregory); Woman of Labrador (Montague, Shirley); Pearl River (Mitchell, Gerald); Labrador Rose (Gardiner, Dick); Inutokaunerme (Metcalfe, Margaret); The Ode to Labrador 44:11_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Singers and Songs of Canada / Canada Chanteurs et Chansons
> 
> _Traditional; French-Canadian; Canadian History_
> 
> _Singers and Songs of Canada_ is a compilation box of three CD's offers more from the Samuel Gesser collection—Canadian folk music collected originally for Folkways Records. This collection is part of the _Folksong Portrait of Canada_ series and is a more listenable collection than the original box set. The selections are from popular Canadian recording artists of the 50's and 60's: singers such as Alan Mills, Hélène Baillargeon, Wade Hemsworth, Jacques Labrecque, Tom Kines, Karen James and Stanley G. Triggs. Given that these recordings have long been out of print, this is an important release for anyone amassing a good Canadian folk collection that includes historical material. Highly recommended.
>
>> **Singers and Songs of Canada / Canada Chanteurs et Chansons**  
>  1996 Mercury (769 748 001-2)  
>  _**CD1:** She's Like the Swallow (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); Mary-Anne (James, Karen); The Bride's Lament (Hemsworth, Wade); Au chant de l'alouette (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); Down by the Fair River (Kines, Tom); Little Maggie (Hall, Barry); À la claire fontaine (Labrecque, Jacques); But Black is the Colour (James, Karen; Weldon, Peter); Brown Eyes (Triggs, Stanley G.); Peggy Gordon (Mills, Alan); Monday Morning (James, Karen); Pretty Polly Perkins of Paddington Green (Lamb, Derek); The Gypsy Laddie (James, Karen); Marie-Madeleine (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); Aidal O'Boys (Hemsworth, Wade); Foolish Old Man (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); Captain Wedderburn's Courtship (James, Karen); Lady Margaret (Hall, Barry); Citadel Hill (Mills, Alan); En revenant des noces (Labrecque, Jacques); The Ghost Lover (James, Karen); The Banks of Roses (Kines, Tom); Sur la route de Dijon (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); The Morning Dew (James, Karen); Mushana Fol the Day (Kines, Tom); J'entends le moulin (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); Lady Isabel (Mills, Alan) 68:50_
>
>> _**CD2:** Botany Bay (Lamb, Derek); The Golden Vanity (Mills, Alan;Fleming, Gordon); Le Roy Loys (Labrecque, Jacques); Tenaouich' Tenaga, Ouich'ka (Mills, Alan); Barsted King of England (Lamb, Derek;Weldon, Peter;Nissenson, Jack); Sir Stagamore (Samuels, Art;Montréal Youth Singers); Lady Gay (Hall, Barry); Sweeny Todd the Barber (Lamb, Derek;Weldon, Peter;Nissenson, Jack); The Old Baby Farmer (Lamb, Derek); La prisonnière à la tour (Labrecque, Jacques); Boney Was a Warrior (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert;Shanty Men); Daniel O'Connell (Kines, Tom); Do It No More (Lamb, Derek); À Saint-Malo, beau port de mer (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); Brave Wolfe (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); The Ryans and the Pitmans (James, Karen;Weldon, Peter;Nissenson, Jack); The Chesapeake and the Shannon (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert;Shanty Men); The Battle of Queenston Heights (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); Peter Emberly (Hemsworth, Wade); The Ballad of Alan Rose (James, Karen); The Jam at Gerry's Rock (Hemsworth, Wade); Santy Anna (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert;Shanty Men); It's the Same All Over (Samuels, Art;Montréal Youth Singers); Battle Hymn of the Republicans—1960 (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); The Maple Leaf Forever (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert) 64:43_
>> 
>> _**CD3:** Taking Gair in the Night (James, Karen;Weldon, Peter); Partons! La mer est belle! (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); The Grand Hotel (Triggs, Stanley G.); Ye Girls of Old Ontario (Hemsworth, Wade); Lots o' Fish in Bonavist' Harbour (Mills, Alan;Carignan, Jean;Lacombe, Gilbert); The Home Sick Trapper (Triggs, Stanley G.); Molly Malone (James, Karen); Monsieur le Curé (Labrecque, Jacques); Où vas-tu, mon petit garçon? (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom (Lamb, Derek;Weldon, Peter;Nissenson, Jack); Brennan on the Moor (Kines, Tom); The House of the Rising Sun (James, Karen;Weldon, Peter); Kettle Valley Line (Triggs, Stanley G.); Avoins (Labrecque, Jacques); Cod Liver Oil (Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); Oh Doctor (Samuels, Art); Tim Finnegan's Wake (Kines, Tom); The Money Rolls In (Lamb, Derek;Weldon, Peter;Nissenson, Jack); Wing-Tra-La (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan); Nous vid'rons la bouteille (Labrecque, Jacques); Harrah, Lie! (James, Karen;Weldon, Peter;Nissenson, Jack); The Carrion Crow (James, Karen); J'ai tant dansé! (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); The Wild Irishman (Kines, Tom); La plume qui s'envole au vent (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); Road to Grand'mère (Samuels, Art;Montréal Youth Singers); Au bois du rossignolet (Labrecque, Jacques); I Went to the Market (Baillargeon, Hélène;Mills, Alan;Lacombe, Gilbert); Roll-Tiddly-Ole (Lamb, Derek;Weldon, Peter;Nissenson, Jack) 61:32_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Songs of the Sea
> 
> _Traditional; Contemporary_
> 
> _Songs of the Sea_ is a good, if less than inspired, collection of sea songs by some outstanding Maritimes performers. While pleasant, it omits some of the best sea songs in the repertoire.
>
>> **Songs of the Sea**  
>  [no date] Stephen MacDonald Productions (SMPCD1006)  
>  _Silver Sea (Garrison Brothers); Fisherman's Song (Rankin Family); Bay of St. Ann's (MacDonald, Max); Black Rock (MacNeil, Rita); Let Me Fish off Cape St. Mary's (Ryan, Denis); Rollin' On the Sea (Brakin' Tradition); Flow Time (Barra MacNeils); Atlantic Blue (Hynes, Ron); Sea People (Burke, Richard); Believing in Better (Gallant, Lennie); Make And Break Harbour (Rogers, Stan); Atlantic Queen (Leadbetter, Tom) 44:10_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### The Sounds of Nova Scotia
> 
> _Traditional; Contemporary_
> 
> _the Sounds of Nova Scotia_ is an example of what the locals call "tourist albums"—albums made for people who travel through the region and want to take home a musical memoir. While the album has some good cuts on it, it also has some rough ones.
>
>> **The Sounds of Nova Scotia**  
>  [no date] Stephen MacDonald Productions (SMPCD-1001)  
>  _Good Times (Cameron, John Allan); Song for the Mira (Garrison Brothers); Atlantic Chorus (Rankin, Heather); She's Called Nova Scotia (MacNeil, Rita); Skye Boat Song (MacDonald, Howie); Rise Again (Rankin, Raylene); The Bluenose (Miller's Jug); Long Way from Texas (Minglewood, Matt); Jigging Medley (Rankin Family); Bienvenue En Clare (Tymeux De La Baie, Les); Seabird's Cry (Cracie, John); Coaltown Road (Barra MacNeils); Farewell to Nova Scotia (MacKinnon, Catherine) 43:30_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Stuck on a Cold Steel Pole
> 
> _Contemporary; Christmas; Singer-Songwriter_
> 
> _Stuck on a Cold Steel Pole_ (1995) is an eclectic mix of contemporary, mainly Toronto, artists you would never expect to see on the same album. The subtitle—"A Collection of Songs About Winter & Some That Aren't"—sets the slightly whimsical tone. The cuts range from fiddle compositions to electric, tongue-in-cheek arrangements of traditional Christmas songs, with everything in between. The album, conceived and produced by Michael Wrycraft, is a delightful compilation with highlight after highlight. Recommended.
>
>> **Stuck on a Cold Steel Pole**  
>  1995 Duke Street (DSRSD31097)  
>  _Beneath the Ice, They Heard Bells (Schroer, Oliver); Lila (Snider, Bob); O Little Town of Bethlehem (Strong, Philip); The Coventry Carol (Koziol, Andrea;Moore, Jennifer); Jingle Bells (del Junco, Carlos;Greenspoon, Rich); Rita (Wheatley, Katherine); Psalms (Stochansky, Andy); Cracked Hymn (Lynch, Barbara); Cheer My Baby Up for Christmas (Taxi Chain); Winterrise (Sokol, Casey); Round Winter (Thomas Handy Trio); Lady of the Streets (Browne, October); Bourresque (Keenan, Catherine); 6 Feet of Silence (Hille, Veda); Auld Lang Syne (Quinn, Christopher;One Horse Town); My Garden Lies Empty 'til Spring (Woodhead, David); Song for this Child (MacDonald, Laurel); Rezerection (Lauzon, Jani); Toques, Tincans & Ballantines (Coppins, Grier); The Balfa Waltz (Swamperella) 72:46_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### A Taste of Atlantic Canada
> 
> _Traditional; Contemporary_
> 
> _A Taste of Atlantic Canada: the Music of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador_ , produced by Brian Doherty, of Evans & Doherty, is a Maritimes collection that works better than many similar anthologies. the difference is that the album contains some of the better works of some of the better Maritime performers. With the exception of the energetic fiddle set by Natalie MacMaster, however, the recording is a bit too middle-of-the-road and subdued. A little more energy would have made it a better CD.
>
>> **A Taste of Atlantic Canada**  
>  [no date] Ground Swell (GSR-59)  
>  _Wild Mountain Thyme (Evans & Doherty); How Many Bridges (Gallant, Lennie); MacPherson's Lament (Rawlins Cross); Headin' for Halifax (Brakin' Tradition); When You And I Were Young, Maggie (Morrissey, Phyllis); As Long As there Is A Sail (McGinty); High Germany (Quigley Ensemble); Coal By the Sea (Men of the Deeps); Come By the Hills (Sons of Erin); Bonnie Annie Anderson/the Devil's Elbow/the Waterfall (MacIsaac, Dave); The Shearing (Doyle, Teresa); Calling Me Home (MacNeil, Kenzie); To Daun't On Me/Cameron Chisholm's/Haughs of Cromdale/Johnny Wilmot's Fiddle/Mrs. Kennedy of Greenan/Down the Broom (MacMaster, Natalie); Fiddler's Green (Cricklewood) 49:47_
> 
> * * *
> 
> ### Thank You Lord!
> 
> _Gospel_
> 
> _Thank You Lord!_ is a collection of gospel tunes performed by some of the outstanding gospel artists located in Toronto. Produced by Ken Whiteley, the album was recorded in three studios and two different churches. "Although at one time Toronto might not have been considered a hot bed for this kind of music, the diverse group on this recording is in many ways just the tip of the iceberg for what is a vibrant and growing musical community"—Ken Whiteley, liner notes.
>
>> **Thank You Lord!**  
>  1994 Pyramid (PD 009)  
>  _If We Ever Needed the Lord Before (Richardsons); Never Alone (Burke Jr., Alphanso); The Love of God (Wall, David); Child of God (Whiteley, Ken); Over & Over (Youth Outreach Mass Choir); There Is No Way (Youth Outreach Mass Choir); Everything You Touch (Richardsons); I'm Gonna Wait On the Lord (Toronto Mass Choir); Jesus Is All the World to Me (Toronto Mass Choir); Golden (Whiteley, Ken;Youth Outreach Mass Choir;Richardson, Jackie); Who Made It So (Burke Jr., Alphanso); Greatest Is Your Love (Davis, John T.;Richardsons) 60:41_
> 
> * * *

# About the Author

Gene Wilburn is a Canadian writer, photographer, and computer specialist residing in Port Credit, Ontario, near Toronto. His work has appeared in _Small Print Magazine, PC Week, Shutterbug, Infoworld, InfoAge, Toronto Star, Computing Canada, Computer Paper, Access, Here's How!_ and _Photo Life_.

He is the author of _Northern Journey: A Guide to Canadian Folk Music on CD_ , Recreational Writing, and Markdown for Writers He is a co-author of Red Hat Linux System Administration Unleashed, and he wrote the popular _Linux for Newbies_ and _Linux Inside_ columns for _The Computer Paper (Canada)._ His website is genewilburn.com
