Ontario - Kathleen Edwards

I'm back. Between soccer 6 days a week and recently trying to flip a house I have not had the time or energy to write a post until my little brother http://mikesbloggityblog.com/ sent me a picture of him and Jill Barber. If I have a celebrity crush it would be her. I remember last time I saw her live on tour with Stuart MacLean and Matt Anderson (who I am seeing tomorrow night, holla) and I also remember thinking to myself, If she played soccer I would be in love.

Kathleen Edwards is an amazing singer song writer from Ottawa and to my huge disappointment I have not seen her live yet. As I am writing this I am trying to think about the first time I heard her and its not coming to me but as is usually the case for me and music,  I do remember what song did it for me:



Her last two albums are two of my favorites. They have maintained their spot on my little 8g Ipod since I got it. She hasn't had much new material lately and I cannot wait to here here 2012 release, Voyageur. When I was considering going to Toronto to see Bon Iver I noticed she is actually opening for him. If you don't know him, please check him out. As he doesn't quite fit into the blog yet I'll let you pick a song. Back to Kathleen. For my final two videos I want to give you songs from her earlier two albums. Three songs from three different albums. Sounds like a plan to me

Probably my favorite song of hers:


Not the best version but truly Canadian song at one of my favorite venues in Canada:

Ontario - Matthew Barber

Welcome to Ontario. Canada's most populated province.  I have lived in places like Ottawa and Toronto and for everything I disliked about these cities one thing they do have is some great music. Not only are there some great acts but also some great venues big and small. Places like Massey Hall and the Amphitheatre are amazing venues. I've seen probably my 3 favorite concerts of all time at Massey: Damien Rice, Neil Young and David Gray. Being a huge live music fan living in a city like Toronto is awesome.  You can catch live music every night of the week. Some of my favorite pubs in Toronto (and I've been to allot of them) are just so because of the live music they have. I strongly suggest you check out places like The Local, Dakota Tavern and the legendary Rex. Now that we are in Ontario there is someone I'd like to introduce you to, Matthew Barber. He is probably my favorite solo artist out there right now. His 2008 CD Ghost Notes is amazing. I cannot stop listening to it. It's one of those albums that is amazing from start to finish which I don't say very often. If I can convince you to get any album please get this one. It's only $5.99 on his website: http://matthewbarber.com/discography/  While you there please pick up his 2 newest ones as well. I haven't got his new CD yet since I still buy the actual physical CD and have been waiting for it to come in the mail. One thing you might recognize is his last name. He is the older brother of one of my other favorite artist, Jill Barber. If you don't know her(first off where have you been) and be patient because I will be posting her once we get to British Colombia. He doesn't have the best presence on youtube and hopefully he will be touring soon to support his new a;bum but in the mean time please enjoy and send me a note to tell me yours thoughts.

I cannot find a live version of this song but you need to listen to this song: http://youtu.be/qxpmGaLv6j0
Amazing Song and Video:

If you don't like that then you don't like good music

Great Song:

(Available in HD)

Another great one:

(Available in HD)

 

Quebec Wrap Up - Lanois / Cohen

Hello / Bonjour. I really hoped you enjoyed those three artists because I enjoyed finding the videos for you.  When deciding to do this blog I wanted to focus on more independent smaller artists that I really like that maybe you haven't heard before which is why when I came to Quebec I didn't speak about Daniel Lanois.  I heard of Daniel for the first time through my friend Kegger. I think its his favorite artist and when Lanois came out with his album Shine he couldn't get enough.  His latest album is almost reggae and shows a different side of him.  Lanois is also a famous producer who a number of U2's album including the famous Joshua Tree and most recently Neil Young's latest album, Le Noise. You might even know a Daniel Lanois song and you don't even know its him.  On Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds latest album he covered 2 lanois songs, The Maker and Still Water.   Although I am not in the point that I want to put cover songs on here (that time will come) I wanted you to compare the two versions and tell me which one you like more:

Dave's:


Lanois':


Or heck, how about Lanois, Nelson and EmmyLou Harris:



Here's another song you might not have known was Lanois' but it is a great song and great version (your welcome)

(Available in HD)



I guess while we are on the topic of Iconic musicians from Montreal I should mention perhaps the grandfather of the Montreal music scene, Mr Leonard Cohen. I am not going to talk too much about him because he is a legend and I would really insult anything he has done with my ramblings but all I am going to say is you should have his Live in London CD is your catalog and this is one of my favorite all time songs by any artist:



Ok I guess I was naive when I thought I could only put one Cohen song on this blog. Here is one of my favorite songs (yes I say that alot) but it has been covered by everyone from KD Lang, Damien Rice, Rufus Wainright, Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow and my favorite (and one of the first)versions by Jeff Buckley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOoEYxt0PPA

Here's the original:

(Sorry for the ads but the version is too good to miss)

Ok I was going to write about a couple of other Montreal artists but how do you follow up those songs..You can't. Enjoy

Quebec - Arcade Fire

Ok well now I know everyone by now has heard of them but nevertheless they are the best band out of Quebec right now so they make the list. I have never seen the live but I remember the first time I saw them on TV and heard their music. One of my favorite shows back then (and still now if I got the channel) is Austin City Limits. Here is the exact show that introduced me to them http://video.pbs.org/video/1350236975/  They were so different, using instruments I still don't know what they are called and producing some amazing sounds and lyrics.Austin City Limits is a great show that features 1 or 2 relatively new bands each week. It can be found found sometimes on PBS. I was introduced to allot of my now favorite artists on that show including Amos Lee (DVD from his show available). Like I mentioned they don't need much of an introduction anymore. They have one every single award they were up for. They will also be opening up for U2 at the big Moncton show coming up and to be honest as much as U2 would put on a good show I am pretty sure Arcade Fire is going to steal it. That being said I still wanted to give you my 3 favorite video's. Please crank and enjoy.

One of the most unique video's out there:


A great find of my favorite song:


The song that made them "popular"

(Available in HD)

Quebec - United Steel Workers of Montreal

Hello Everyone. We are going to stay in Montreal and I want to tell you about the band, United Steel Workers of Montreal. They are a 6 piece band from Montreal and their music is a micture of blues, country, folk jazz. This mixture first caught my ear online at CBC Concerts on Demand. Unfortunately that particular concert is not online anymore which means simply you are going to have to see them live. They are one of the bands that their albums do not do their songs justice. They put on an amazing show. You'll find yourself dancing around, foot stomping and singing along in no time. I've mentioned this in previous posts but some bands really need to develop a series of better quality videos on you tube or their website. This band is a prime example. There is not much out there of high quality but I was able to find you three of my favorite songs so please enjoy and make sure you check them out if they are ever near you. I really enjoy how the songs take such a different sound depending on which of the 3 different singer are singing. Such unique and different voices. Gern especially offers something that is not out there in any band I know.

One of my favorite songs


An amazing song about their favorite diner


A little harder for sure

Quebec - Basia Bulat

Bienvenue au Province du Quebec. I have great memories from this vast province. My cottage is here, my grandmother lived here until recently, my first time at a bar, my first time at the "ballet" and my first arena concert, Dave Matthews Band circa 1997. So I am not sure how many new people I've introduced you too at this point but if any this artist might be one. Her name is Basia Bulat and she is awesome. She is originally from Toronto bu now lives in Montreal. I have never seen her live as our schedules never seem to work out but I cannot wait until they do. I think the first thing that attracted me to her music was her main choice of instrument, the auto harp. She is the only person I know (personally or making a go of it) that plays one. She is super talented. I think it takes a certain something from a person to try to make it as an artist playing an instrument such as the auto. Same can be said of Old Man Luedekye and his banjo. The other thing she does by mixing it up and keeping it fresh is playing the same song with different instruments. She interchanges the auto harp, guitar, mandolin and piano seamlessly it is amazing. Here's a taste of what I am talking about. Her song, Gold Rush,done 2 ways:

Auto Harp:


Solo Acoustic Guitar (start at 50 seconds)

(HD Available)

Now that you got a taste of Basia, I really hope you like her and keep looking for other songs online. She has allot of great videos out there and she is headed to Newfoundland and Ontario soon so if you get a chance please go see her. Here's a couple more of my favourite songs

The Shore

(Available in HD)

Heart of my own

New Brunswick / Fredericton Rap up.

There are so many great artists in New Brunswick and even more specifically the most beautiful city in Canada, Fredericton. Freddy beach as its more affectionately known to locals has a great music scene which culminates in the great music fest in Atlantic Canada, Harvest Jazz and Blues. I want to introduce you to three more Freddy artists that all deserve to be heard. The band Oh No Theodore (kick ass name) is a young group that has a folkie roots thing going for them. To be honest I have yet had the opportunity to see them live but as I have recently moved back home I hope to see them soon. I just checked and they are playing tonight at the Charlotte Street Arts Center, solid. Another young Fredericton band that I saw for the first time at Harvest last year and that has been getting allot of local press is Andy Brown. He has a great voice and puts on a great show. He was been doing well for himself lately with a number of awards and honourable mentions in sing writing contests. Go out and see him if you can. I promise you will not be disappointed. The final person I want to introduce you too is a former member of another solid Freddy Band, Hot Toddy. His name is Thom Swift. He has now branched out on his own and can be seen mostly around Halifax. He has also been doing well for himself. Winning the right to represent NB in the most recent CBC Song Quest competition. His song about the beautiful drive along the St John river can be seen here: http://goo.gl/WdJKl He is back on tour both solo and with his backup band this summer. Be sure to check out both formats if possible because they are quite different and great in their own right.

Oh No Theodore:


Andy Brown:

(Available in HD)

Thom Swift

(I love this guitar)

New Brunswick - Olympic Symphonium

I am back. Sorry for the delay but I have been trying to who to showcase for my final NB artist and I have decided it should be The Olympic Syphonium. I mentioned them briefly last week and I haven't stopped listening to them since so they get the nod.  I previously saw them at Harvest with another blog inductee, Rose Cousins.  It was a great concert but I missed most of their act but liked the videos they were sending out when playing with Rose. You might also notice the bass player, Kyle Cunjack,  from a David Myles CD or concert. He has been touring with Dave for a couple of years now.  I like how interchangeable the band is as well. I have seen videos where each had played each other's music. This band really gets the social media aspect of a developing artist. They have some of the highest quality and video's on the web. I am looking forward to seeing them at the Dooryard Arts Festival in Woodstock, NB. Here is their lineup just announced today: http://www.rivervalleyarts.net/schedule/   You will notice Jenn Grant will be there, another artist I have introduced you too.  Its going to be a great little weekend and I am looking forward to exploring more of this province. I hope you enjoy their soothing sounds as much as I do:

Great song and video

(HD Available)

Another great video

(HD Available)

This song is nice

New Brunswick - Matt Anderson

I have seen Matt Anderson probably 15 times to date and each time I see him I am just as happy as I was the first time I saw him. I have seen him play in a small pub in old Quebec to the big stage of the NAC in Ottawa and everywhere in between. I love to share new music to people, especially Canadian Music. Matt is someone that is great on album but amazing life. If you get a chance to see him live you will be blown away. He's playing allot of acoustic shows lately which highlights his song writing and lyrical ability. His lives shows will show you one of the best guitarists around. He is playing a pretty much every music festival there is this summer so be sure to check him out.  You can find a little preview here http://goo.gl/WRkOA or better go out and buy his album Live at the Phoenix.  It has been in my  rotation since I got it. Yes I still buy Cd's. Matt is originally from a small farming community up the river from Fredericton. I cannot wait for the next time I get to see him. Here are some of my favorite songs and version. I hope you enjoy:

I love this song. From the aforementioned Live at the Phoneix CD

(Available in HD)

Why not with the orchestra?

(Available in HD)

I'd say hey can play the guitar - probably his most popular cover, you can see why.

Apology

Chris Kirby is not playing this Friday:(

Apparently I was looking at a calender from May when I was reading the first Friday of the month.

Sorry

Fredericton Stop

Hello Everyone. Sorry for the delay between posts but I have been busy out listening to some great music. So far this week I have seen Isaac and Blewett (twice), 2/3 of the members of Hot Toddy (twice) and I was supposed to see Keith Hallett and Olympic Symphonium and to finish the week off on Friday night I am going to see Chris Kirby. Pretty good week I'd say. The week started with an outdoor concert with Isaac and Blewett. It was a descent concert but what I was later to find out it was simply a venue issue. Later that night with some good friends I went to see them play at the Capital Complex with the remaining Fredericton based members of Hot Toddy including Geoff Arseneault and Joel Leblanc. Up on stage were some of the best musicians in Atlantic Canada playing most of the same songs I heard earlier in the day but this time I was in love with what they were putting together. Isaac on his cello was probably the highlight for me. I don't think I have ever seen a cello in that environment. He was doing loops, wawa pedal and allot of things that I didn't even know what to call it. The next night I went downtown again to see Keith Hallett live. Keith is a good old Freddy boy that has been cranking out the blues for quite along time relative to his age. Unfortunately he was unable to make the show and so I then went back to the Capital and too my delight the members of Hot Toddy were playing on their own this time. I am never good and labelling bands but I would say Jazz/ Blues and it was good. Tonight was another outdoor show but due to the weather it was cancelled. It was featuring the Olympic Symphonium, another Fredericton group. I think they are one of my new favorite groups which is why I am disappointed I did not get to see them tonight. To finish off the week I am going to see Chris Kirby at...you guessed it , the Capital. Chris is a Newfie that I first caught...you guessed it, Harvest. I have his solo acoustic CD but I am looking forward to hearing him with his full band (The Marquee) this weekend. Please check out some more music and videos of these great NB artists (and Kirby)and I promise you will not be disappointed.

Some pretty cool things going on with that Cello

(Available in HD - Sorry for the brief video)

A little bit of blues for you from Mr Keith Hallett


Great find if I do say so myself - Olympic Symphonium

(Available in HD)

Chris Kirby

It is going to be a fun Friday night. You want to come?

New Brunswick - David Myles

We are here. My home province. I love New Brunswick. I love the people, the beer and most importantly for this blog, the music. There is some great music coming from NB these days and I am going to talk about my favourite 3 artists. I am going to start with David Myles. I am sure that he does not need much introduction to people these days. He seems to be everywhere. He has recently been on the road with Stuart MacLean and the Vinyl Cafe, on the radio or doing a TV ad for Tourism NB. I have liked Dave since his first album Together and Alone. In fact in still may be my favourite. I am seen him every chance I can whether it is in Toronto at the Cameron House or U of T and the Black Sheep Inn or of course at his hometown festival, Harvest. He is a great story teller and funny guy. Unfortunately for me I have seen him so many times that I have heard each joke a couple of times but I laugh anyway in case the person beside me has not. Dave has been winning countless of music awards over the albums including 2 recent ECMAs. I also think Dave is doing it right to promote himself with social media. Something that I think independent artists really need to do. He has tons of great videos on YouTube, a good website and of course constantly touring. Looking at his website http://davidmyles.com/ I just noticed some of the artists he is playing with at the Lunnenburg Folk Festival http://www.folkharbour.com/ and there is no way I am not going. Pretty much everyone I have blogged about so far and in the future will be there. Who wants to come with me? OK enough talk. Who wants some music?

I have been listening to this song for years hoping I could do the same and I have finally moved back to NB and pretty stoked about it:


I love this little ditty:


Great video and song from his latest album:

(Available in HD)

Heck, one more. This tasty track is for you Jeff :

PEI Wrap Up - Rose Cousins

It was really hard to keep Rose out of the top 3 but being completely honest I did not like her second album all that much. I guess my expectations were just too high since her "If you were for me album" is one of my favorites. I have seen her quite a few times over the years including the famous Black Sheep Inn and the Free Times Cafe. She puts on a great show and I cannot wait for her new album to come out. As previously mentioned on the blog she can be found singing backup through out Joel Plaskett award winning album Three.

Here is my favorite song from her new album and I love the mandolin version:


Great song, ok version:

PEI - Two Hours Traffic

Hello again. Two is one day. Aren't you lucky? Having the day off today meant allot of you tubeing for me. I have decided to go against an earlier province for three women from PEI. Everyone I talk to about my blog and when I told them I am on PEI the first band that is always brought up is Two Hours Traffic. I have heard of them before but never had an album so I never really listened to them until this weekend. I now see/ hear what all of the fuss is about. They are good. Their past two albums have been produced by no one other than Mr Joel Plaskett so its not a surprise that I like them. They are currently not on tour, nor have I seen them but based upon videos alone it looks like a good time so if you get a chance to see them before I do, please let me know how they are live. I have been listening to this concert as I try to broaden my Two Hours Traffic Knowledge: http://goo.gl/wgfoP It is quite different than the youtube video's I am going to show you but either way I think you'll be happy.

Probably my favourite song


Great version (They kinda sound like Weezer in this song eh?)


To get a feeling of the full band

PEI - Catherine MacLellan

Another PEI songstress. I've only had the chance to see her perform once and I caught the end of her set but I was hooked with her lyrics and soothing voice. Very good person to chill too. I don't really like comparing artists but too me she is like a female Paul Simon. Her guitar playing won't blow you away, she lets lets the lyrics rule the day. She has a new album coming out (her 4th or 5th I think) and I am really looking forward to some new songs from her. Prepare to be satisfied and relaxed. This is my favorite Catherine MacLellan song but there are no good videos so just sit back and enjoy http://goo.gl/CipsF

Who doesn't like a song about potatoes (Appropriate PEI topic):


Fun little ditty

(HD Available)

I am not sure how dudes could leave someone that plays as well as she does?

PEI - Jenn Grant

Hello again. We have now taken the ferry across to beautiful Prince Edward Island. The island is a great place to be in the summer. The beaches (girls), the golf and the down home hospitality. There are 3 women from the island I'd like to show/tell you about and the first one is Jenn Grant. Jenn now lives in Halifax. As I previously mentioned, most artists in the maritimes (especially PEI) have to go to the big city if they want to make a go of it and that's when I saw here for the first time. My friend Chaffic asked me to go to a concert of someone I never heard of before. At that time I thought he was crazy but I am glad he did. He changed the way I was open to new music and probably my first independent artist too. Thanks Chaf. She is now with Six Shooter Records (My favorite Label) and has been putting out quite a few solid albums. All of which I recommend. Her new one is good and here is a great little concert with allot of new songs for you to get a taste before you buy it: http://goo.gl/3LUOb  Her voice is so unique and amazing. I could keep talking about her (she's pretty cute) but I think its best for you to see and hear her. Some of my favorites:

Great Version. Kinley Dowling (Violinist) is often seen with Hey Rosetta.


(Available in HD)

Good voice maybe?


From her first EP

(Available in HD)

Nova Scotia Wrap Up - Matt Mays

Nova Scotia was really hard to limit to only 3 artists. Why? Halifax is one of the best places in Canada and has a great music scene. Allot of the east coast musicians I love got their start here (and even some I didn't). The maritimes is too spread out for most musicians to try to make it on their own so most move to Halifax to try to make a go of it. Jill Barber for one now lives in BC, grew up in Ontario but made a name of herself in Halifax. There are plenty of more examples and I will talk about them shortly once I gross the ferry into PEI and then back across the bridge to NB. However there is still one more Nova Scotian I want to talk about,  Matt Mays and yes the first time I saw him was at Harvest. He is a good east coaster that loves it here and talks allot about it in his music. I've seen him quite a few times and have never been dissapointed. If you get a chance to see him play I am sure you won't be either. He plays some pretty heavy rock but also recently plays allot of his tunes acoustic as can be bought and previewed here: http://goo.gl/LpnOp  I strongly recommend downloading it. I just did and it is deadly. Check out this version of Cocaine Cowgirl and compare the two: http://goo.gl/pQuo8  Which one do you like better? There's a good chance that he'll be playing the latter version when he opens up for Metallica in July !! Thanks for stopping by and I will leave you with this little ditty.

Nova Scotia - Ian Janes

I'm back from a little trip away and anxious to get back to introducing you to some new stuff.  Being someone that listens to music every second I am awake it is not often I am introduced to new artists, especially east coast artists, especially someone that sounds so good as Ian.  But alas my previously mentioned friend Jeff Sadler did just that a couple of years ago. Its fair to say Ian is one of Jeff's favorite artists and its easy too see/hear why. I has a smooth voice and some tasty rifts.  I am not sure what you call his type of music. I think its a cross between jazz, blues and folk. Whatever it is I like it. Great quality videos can be found here but you have to deal with commercials : http://www.cbc.ca/atlanticairwaves/2010/05/studio-h-sessions.html

Be sure to get his latest CD, Piece of Mine and if your in the Halifax Area he has a permanent home at the Red Stag Tavern on Friday nights. Ian please come to Harvest this year







Thanks Jeff. Roadie to see Ian in Halifax soon?

Fred Rock Festival

Hello Friends. I am going to stop our cross Canada tour for a concert announcement. Fred Rock Festival http://www.fredrockfest.com/ announced their 2011 line up yesterday and I am quite happy about it. This years one day festival will be headlined by the Sam Roberts Band, the Joel Plaskett Emergency, Classified, Serena Ryder and the Beauties and Carmen Townsend. A pretty solid line up of Canadian talent indeed. Having just moved home I have never been able to attend the festival but past artists include the Black Crowes, Live and Our Lady Peace to name a few of the more popular ones. I have already blogged about my strong liking of Joel Plaskett and I was hoping to be able to blog about Serena Ryder but it was going to be hard to get her into the top 3 of Ontario since there are so many. I just had an epiphany on how I could do it, Top 3 Males, Top 3 Females and Top 3 Bands? Initial thought, me likey. Based upon this revelation I will give you just a taste of my favorite song by these artists. The concert goes August 13th at the Fredericton Loyalist Rugby Grounds.

Great Tune:

(Available in HD)

A couple of killer songs by Serena

Nova Scotia - Old Man Luedecke

A Banjo player. Yes, I am going to blog about a banjo player. The one man band of Chris Luedecke, Old Man Luedecke. I have liked him since I saw him on the east coast sessions website and in case you missed it earlier its here: http://www.cbc.ca/eastcoastsessions/  The first time I saw him live was, any guessesÉ, Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. If you ever get to see him live please do some because he is one funny guy. Due in part that teh banjo is not the quickest instrument to tune he has to fill the tuning time with stories of his songs and how he came up with them. They are usually quite witty and funny. You can find a great full concert here: http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20100430luede  You should also go to his website. He is giving away his first ep for FREE. You can download that here: http://oldmanluedecke.ca/mole.html After you listen to the CBC concert and download his ep make sure you go out and buy his most recent CD, My Hands Are On Fire and Other Love Songs. Its great. Here's some of his best stuff on the tube:

He does a much better job of introducing him then I can:

(ps I love the intro music, it is a good cape bretoner Ashley MacIsaac)

Pretty funny if you ask me:

(Make sure you change to HD)

My favorite song off his new album, again pretty witty lyrics

(HD Available)

Nova Scotia - Joel Plaskett

Joel is awesome. I figure I can call him by his first name since I've listened to him for so long. I have been trying to remember today the first time I saw him. It was either, as usual, at the Harvest Jazz and Blues or opening for the Hip. I have seen him at different venues all across Canada and anytime he's playing within a couple of hundred kilometers of me I am there. I was at this concert with my good friends Andrew and Christine: http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20090424plask  He used to play with "the emergency" but most his shows now are acoustic, sometimes even with his dad by his side. My favorite series of shows I have seen him was at the Horsehoe Tavern in Toronto. He played 6 nights in a row and played with a different special guest each night and played a different album cover to cover. The first night I saw him with Gord Downie from The Hip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG-r1Jhqtn0&feature=related  Amazing concert, amazing venue and just good times. His is certainly one of my favorite artists currently out there and I cannot wait to see him next.

My favorite song (I love the 12 string)

Here's the studio version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkLB5-TiLxQ&feature=artist  just because I really want you to listen to this song.

From his album Three:

You'll notice Rose Cousins singing backup. We'll talk more about her once I get to PEI

Best find (probably ever)

Cape Breton - The Rankins

A short 6 or 13hr ferry ride from Newfoundland you will land on the island of Cape Breton. Before anyone comments, yes I am aware that Cape Breton is not its own province but I have been there many times and it certainly feels like one so its getting some time here. For those who have never been, what are you waiting for? There is the Cabot trail (most beautiful drive in Canada), the Celtic colours festival and of course its home to the Rankin Family.  The east coasts most famous family (of musicians). I was going to do 2 separate posts, one for the Rankins earlier "Family" music and one for Jimmy Rankins solo work unfortunately there is not enough high quality stuff out there to share with you. I grew up with the Rankin Family. I can still picture my mom cooking and baking in the kitchen with the Rankin Family blaring and me always asking if "This a mom coke or can I have some?"  They're niece has also started out on her own. I saw her once. She's great too. Her youtube is also lacking and CBC took off her little concert on demand but her song sunset on the Rankins reunion tour is awesome. If you can find a good live version of this please let me know. Her website is here where you can listen to a couple of her songs http://www.mollyrankin.com/ . Jimmy Rankin on his own is amazing. Its a great combination of Celtic, rock and folk. I think he's one of the best singer songwriters out there. I cannot wait for his show at the Charlotte Street arts center here at the end of may. His website is here: http://jimmyrankin.com/ . His new album is GOOD.  See title song below. You tube certainly doesn't do any of these three projects justice but after 3 days of looking the blog must go on. Please check out this song. Its my favorite Family song but they won't let me add it normally: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKkbeI8hPeA&feature=related

Great song by Jimmy


Whole Family:


New title track

Newfoundland - Wrap up

I have been struggling with a format to follow for my blog. How many bands per province? How many videos per artist? Should I included those you tube video's that are just recordings with only the lyrics?  So far I have stuck with 3 video's per artist and I think its best in the interest of not spending most of the blog on the East Coast and Ontario. It is going to be really hard (that's what she said) to limit it to the 3 and 3 rule but sometimes things in life are hard (yes you can use, that's what she said here too). I will in turn provide smaller posts to wrap up a province and included simply 1 link to my favorite song by the artists that I did not include in my top 3. Deal? So how can I talk about NL without talking about Great Big Sea and Ron Hynes. Circa 1997-2005 GBS were one of my favorite bands (next to The Hip). I remember it being the only good concert I have ever been to at the Aitken center here in Freddy. I have seen them 6 or 7 times along the way. Their new stuff isn't the greatest which is why they didn't make the cut but here is one of my favorite songs by them : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IITf_ZwBVo0&feature=related  . Its amazing how hard it is to find good quality youtube video's for some of these people. Ron is also known of the man of a thousand songs, this is probably his most popular: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byQBsH-iQQs  Folk music in NL would not exist without him.

Newfoundland - The Once

I love the east coast, the people, the scenery, the beer and the music. This band is one of the few bands that are playing traditional maritime music. I grew up in a house that always had the Rankin Family playing (more on them later) so I had the traditional tunes from an early age. Once (pardon the pun) I got to University every Thursday night me and my friends would go down to Dolans to listen to some more east coast music. Gradually they started bringing in different bands that the closest they got to east coast/ irish tunes is brown eyed girl by Van Morrison. Therefore when I first heard The Once for the first time,I fell in love. The first time I heard of them was through my last artist Amelia Curran. The Once is often her background band, so then I looked into them more and found this concert on one of my  favorite websites http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20090903tonce  Please have a listen and you'll realize why they are on this blog.  Shortly after I also heard them on the Vinyl Cafe, my favorite radio program. Some of the songs have some real grit, some with beautiful harmonies and some even done  acapella. They have recently won group of the year at the east coast music awards which usually means Canada will soon be seeing allot of them. You can find out more about them here and listen to a few of their songs in full http://theonce.ca/site/music/ . Listen and then go buy the CD. Unfortunately for the sake of this blog the you tube video's available aren't the typical quality I'd like to provide so have a look and then listen to the CBC concert.

My favorite song:


The crowd quiets down pretty quickly with that beautiful voice:


Leonard Cohen cover

Newfoundland - Amelia Curran

Amelia is an amazing singer song writer from Newfounland who has been having a great couple of years including her super fantastic album Hunter Hunter, countless awards and signing with my favorite record label Six Shooter records. Six shooter currently boats some of my favorite artists including Luke Doucet, Justin Rutledge and Jenn Grant (both of whom I am seeing tomorrow night at the Capital in Freddy Beach).  The first time I heard of Amelia was from this cbc site http://www.cbc.ca/eastcoastsessions/  This amazing concert series has allot of my favorite artists all in one spot. The first time I saw Amelia was at the six shooter showcase in Ottawa, probably the best single concert I have ever been too. I will include some video's from that concert  for some of the Ontario artists. Find out more about her here http://216123216456.info/amelia/  Amelia's songs are deep, thoughtful and I am usually listening to them in front of the fire with a glass of red.Here are some of my favorite video's:

My initial favorite for her Hunter Hunter album:


The song that got me:


Not the best visual quality but sure sounds great:

Newfoundland - Hey Rosetta

Here we go on our musical journey (horrible band) across Canada and we going to start in one of the most beautiful provinces, Newfoundland. I won't talk about my first trip there, mostly because I was left there, but I will talk about the great music that comes from "The Rock". The first "Newfie" band I want to share with you is probably my favorite band in Canada, Hey Rosetta. They kick a**.  Much like my first artist I introduced you too,the first time I saw Hey Rosetta was at Harvest. I have seen them in Moncton avec mon ami Eddie, Lee's palace with Doerr, Harvest again with some peeps and one show that I'll discuss with my good friend Jeff Sadler. Jeff is the reason I am doing this blog. Me and Jeff worked together in Moncton a couple of years ago in Moncton and we would have you tube Friday afternoons where we would share our favorite musical artists. We both love Hey Rosetta.  The best show I have seen Hey Rosetta was with Jeff in Sackville in a small dingy pub. It was fantastic. Pretty much a private show for me and Jeff's friends. I cannot talk enough about why I like this band but as this is my first blog I have been told to keep it brief. Here are my top 3 Hey Rosetta you tube videos. Make sure you check the band out asap http://www.heyrosetta.com/tour.html  Enjoy

I wish I was there, so should you:


Probably the best video on the web:


A new one for you. I remember rocking it out with Door live at Lee's Palace:

Harvest Lineup Announced

Hello Everyone

Thanks for stopping by; hopefully you'll do so often. This blog will be about first and foremost music. I know there are a lot of music blogs out there but mine will focus on the Canadian Music Scene and its artists. I will talk about the artists, the venues and the people who helped me discover them. I will start on the east coast and work my way across the country sharing my favorite artists geographically. Before we start our journey across this beautiful country I am going to start in my own backyard. The reason: The 2011 Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival lineup came out today. Check it out here: http://www.harvestjazzandblues.com/

Harvest, as its known by locals, is my favorite thing to do every year and I may be biased but the best music festival in Canada (and I have been to most). Come September I will explain this bold statement further but for today and the risk of my first post being too long I'd prefer to show you starting with one of my favorite Canadian artists who I first saw at Harvest, Ladies and Gentleman, Mr. Matt Anderson.