Main Act: Naomi Bristow with Steve Piticco
Opening Act: Ken Yates
Desboro Music Hall 2017 Concert Series
All Ages
Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: Advance: $20 ($17.70 +HST), Regular: $25 ($22.12 +HST)
*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)
Naomi Bristow
Naomi is a young artist that hails from a small farm in Ontario, Canada. Her family was involved in the rodeo life which led her down the path of country, western and gospel music. At a young age, Naomi has made some impressive contributions to the industry which include opening for Gene Watson, Johnny Reid, David Frizzell, Moe Bandy, Ronda Vincent, Charlie Daniels, Marty Stuart, Jim Ed Brown, George Canyon, Bobby Bare, Dean Brody and many others. Among the many accolades received in the past, Naomi cherishes the “Fans Choice Award” from the Havelock Jamboree, the “Rising Star Award” from the BC Cowboy Heritage Festival and the Western Music Association two time winner, “Youth Yodeler of the Year”. Naomi has received awards from the Municipal, Provincial and Federal Governments for her outstanding achievement in music. Naomi was honored to be a two time nominee for the Western Music Association Crescendo Award and the Ontario Country Music Award Rising Star. She has also been featured in the United States for the third season of Shotgun Red Variety Show and she is a regular on the Midwest Country Show both on the RFD television network. Naomi has recorded 7 CD’s that demonstrate her incredible singing and yodeling talents earning her “Best Traditional Yodel Album of the Year 2010”. Naomi has had the absolute honor of recording in Nashville featuring Grand Ole Opry stars, Jim Ed Brown, Richard Sterban, Whispering Bill Anderson and recently recording a gospel album with Vince Gill. Naomi was also featured on Canada’s Got Talent in the 2012 season. Naomi will capture your heart and she will be sure to please any audience.
Albums
2007 Cowboy Sweetheart
2008 The Yodelin’ Cowgirl
2009 Ridin’ High
2010 Lookin’ Back with Jim Ed Brown
2011 Lovin’ the Ride with Jim Ed Brown and Richard Sterban
2012 Blessed Trails with Vince Gill
2013 The Heart of the Cowgirl DVD
2014 Stayin’ on Track
2015 Yodelin’ Christmas with Whispering Bill Anderson
· Recorded with Jim Ed Brown 2010/11
· Recorded with Richard Sterban 2011
· Recorded with Vince Gill 2012
· Recorded with Whispering Bill Anderson 2015
· Opened for Gene Watson
· Opened for Charlie Daniels
· Opened for Helen Cornellus
· Opened Jim Ed Brown
· Opened for Marty Stuart (Kipawa, Canada)
· Opened for The Good Brothers
· Opened for The Quebe Sisters
· Opened for David Church
· Opened for Bobby Bare
· Opened for Moe Bandy
· Opened for Gary Fjellgaard
· Opened for George Canyon
· Opened for Gordie Tapp
· Duet with Dean Brody on Arena Tour
· Headliner at the Hank Snow Festival
· Featured on the top list of Canada’s Got Talent
· 3 Seasons of Shotgun Red Variety Show
· Monthly featured for the 4th year on Midwest Country RFD TV
· Fans Choice Award for the Havelock Country Jamboree
· Rising Star Award from the BC Cowboy Heritage Society
· Western Music Association two-time Youth Yodeler of the Year and 2 nominations for Crescendo Award
· Municipal, Provincial and Federal awards for outstanding achievement in music
Naomi Bristow Website
Naomi Bristow Facebook
Naomi Bristow YouTube
Steve Piticco
STEVE PITICCO; born in Toronto, Ontario on July 6th/1961, started playing guitar at age eleven.
At the age of fifteen years he purchased his Telecaster and has since then, performed professionally with that specific guitar.
Subsequently, he has toured and recorded with countless Top Canadian Country acts, who utilize him for his distinctive Tele sound.
Ken Yates
Since first planting roots within the Canadian music scene in 2011, Ken Yates has steadily grown a reputation as one of the country’s brightest singer/songwriters. His sound offers the complete package—unforgettable melodies, emotionally charged storytelling, and top-notch guitar chops—all gloriously displayed on Yates’ new album, Huntsville. Produced by Jim Bryson (Weakerthans, Kathleen Edwards), Yates’ second full-length effort is a major stylistic step forward, with its 11 tracks capturing his artistic evolution amid extensive touring over the past three years. “Keep Your Head Down,” with its subtle, driving groove, opens the album like a train pulling out at dawn, with vast, open vistas lying ahead. Those come into focus on other key tracks such as “Once More To The Lake,” “Roll Me On Home” and “The Best Part Of Leaving.” Yet, everywhere on the album, echoes of the Canadian songwriting tradition, from Gordon Lightfoot to Bruce Cockburn to Ron Sexsmith, are apparent, proving that with Huntsville, Ken Yates is ready to join that exalted company. A native of London, Ontario (a few hours’ drive south of the actual Huntsville), Yates studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. His first release, The Backseat EP, came out in 2011, followed by his full-length debut, twenty-three in 2013. One track on that album caught the ear of fellow Berklee alum John Mayer, who commented in a lengthy blog post, “Ken Yates wrote a song called ‘I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love.’ This song moved me when I first heard it, and it still does today.”
Ken Yates Website
Ken Yates Facebook
Ken Yates Twitter
Ken Yates Instagram
Opening Act: Benjamin Dakota Rogers
Desboro Music Hall 2017 Concert Series
All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: Advance: $20 ($17.70 +HST), Regular: $25 ($22.12 +HST)
*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)
Honey Brothers
Drew McIvor
If music be romance, then Drew McIvor’s music just might be the first date: playful, chatty, honestly yearning to connect. With his trusty six-string, this charismatic crooner performs with a masterful simplicity inviting audiences not only to listen, but truly share the musical experience. His deep affection for his craft is apparent at every turn; you can feel his heart is in the music, and it is contagious.
Jayden Grahlman
Being around Jayden when he has a guitar in his hand and a song on his lips is being around a good thing. There’s nothing to figure out, it’s just musical joy. Combining effervescent, capable song writing with truly staggering guitar chops, he delivers performances that not only say “man can this guy play” but more over, “isn’t music wonderful!”
On their own these two Georgian Bay gems shine. Combined, they sparkle, offering up a beautifully melodic palette of folk, americana, gypsy swing, and acoustic soul in sweet skillful harmony.
Drew McIvor Website
Drew McIvor Facebook
Jayden Grahlman Facebook
Jayden Grahlman Soundcloud
Benjamin Dakota Rogers
Benjamin Dakota Rogers is a multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter and composer. Using his captivating voice, explosive fiddle and guitar he is creating music that draws you in with stories and poetry. His fiddle work has been described as hard driving, powerful folk with a contemporary edge. Benjamin has brought his love of music to audiences of all ages with his musicality and engaging performance. He is accompanied by Chris Rait on stand-up bass, guitar and warm harmonies. Accolades include Two Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, three Hamilton music award nominations and winner of two International Songwriting competitions. He is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Benjamin was excited to learn Folk Roots Radio placed his third CD Whisky and Pine at #6 in the top 10 albums of 2016!
Benjamin Dakota Rogers Website
Benjamin Dakota Rogers Facebook
Benjamin Dakota Rogers Twitter
Opening Act: Madison Galloway
Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series
**Please note this is a Friday concert (Friday April 20)**
All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: Limited Advance: $20, Regular: $25
*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)
THE O’PEARS
The O’Pears are a Toronto-based contemporary folk trio made up of Lydia Persaud, Jill Harris and Meg Contini, three songwriters who weave stories that stir the spirit and capture the timeless character of folk music. Like Those Nights, their debut album, captures soaring harmonies and a seamless blend, evoking the profound intimacy of Nick Drake, the sister-like blend of The Staves and the dynamic harmony of Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Live performances turn the loudest bar into the warmest house concert, with their endearing, unabashed personalities balancing the intimate sincerity of the songs. They recently performed to high acclaim at festivals such as Summerfolk, Great Heart Festival, Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, garnered radio play across Canada, including CBC, and have been featured live with Royal Wood, Good Lovelies, Michelle Willis, and Coco Love Alcorn. Each band member a distinctly talented musician with a stand-alone voice, style, and stage presence, when these three come together it is breathtaking. A striking mix of tight a cappella and rootsy instrumentation, Like Those Nights explores lessons learned about love and loss through the eyes and hearts of young Canadian storytellers. The O’Pears continue to bring a strong, honest voice to the modern female perspective.
The O’Pears Website
The O’Pears Facebook
The O’Pears Instagram
The O’Pears Twitter
MADISON GALLOWAY
Born and raised in small town Fergus, Ontario, 18-year old Madison Galloway is a driven and dynamic musician and singer-songwriter with a unique approach to her blend of folk, rock, and blues.
At 15, Madison set out to translate her youthfulness and energy into fresh hooks and appealing melodies with her debut EP “Who Knows Where” featuring five of her original songs that flirt with country influences, while retaining Madison’s signature style and direct attitude.
Madison takes the stage with guitar, harmonica, and ukulele performing solo, as part of the duo Fork n’ Harp, or accompanied by her band, The Mud Guppies. She has over 160 shows under her belt, having shared the stage with renowned Canadian artists such as 54-40, The Sadies, Alysha Brilla, and Coco Love Alcorn. She captures the ears and hearts of her audience with a performance that is riveting for its energy; imagine Janis Joplin jamming with Neil Young while Joni Mitchell looks over proudly.
Madison Galloway Website
Madison Galloway Facebook
Madison Galloway Instagram
Madison Galloway Twitter
Madison Galloway YouTube
Opening Act: The Kelly Song Collective
Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series
All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: Limited Advance: $20, Regular: $25
*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)
ZACHARY LUCKY
Zachary Lucky is unapologetically old-school country, armed with a husky, baritone voice – He often receives comparisons to songwriters such as Gordon Lightfoot and Kris Kristofferson. He sings of Canadian places and people as knowingly as he might Townes Van Zandt or the Rio Grande. It’s a relatable show on many levels, and conjures universal feelings that have passed through our collective timelines. Already hailed as a master storyteller by outlets ranging from No Depression to The Globe and Mail, and recently nominated best solo artist of the year at the 2017 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Lucky’s Everywhere A Man Can Be is his most powerful statement to date.
Zachary Lucky Website
Zachary Lucky Facebook
Zachary Lucky Instagram
Zachary Lucky Twitter
THE KELLY SONG COLLECTIVE
The Kelly Song Collective have been together for half a century. Brothers John and Joe Kelly played air guitar to the Beatles in their bedroom, before being set loose on the Toronto bar scene; apprenticeship for the song writing and playing that defines the record.
“There’s a melancholy and rawness to the Kellys’ music that’s hard to deny. They clearly appreciate the power of words and understand how to weave them together.” Karl Magi, Hub Pages Music
Call it acoustic, folk, singer songwriter or whatever pigeon hole is trending these days, the goal is writing great songs. Maybe you’ll hear of echoes of Townes and Bob, and like Leonard and Stan, the muse remains life, love and this country.
“The Kelly Song Collective’s Unless and Until is a collection of gritty, deeply felt roots-folk songs, filled with resonant imagery, unexpected lyrical twists & turns, and a heart-on-sleeve authenticity that grabs you from the get-go.” Grant Stovel, CKUA Radio
The Kelly Song Collective Website
The Kelly Song Collective Facebook
The Kelly Song Collective Instagram
The Kelly Song Collective Twitter
Opening Act: Doris Folkens
Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series
**Please note this is a Friday concert (Friday June 1)**
All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: Limited Advance: $20, Regular: $25
*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)
OVER THE MOON
Canadian roots/swing duo Over The Moon‘s Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell are awarding multi-instrumentalists/vocalists that met, fell in love, got married and discovered their voices blend so well together that people often tear up upon hearing them sing.
Living on a ranch in the foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, it’s inevitable there will be a strong sense of place- and the rhythms of the land when you start to make music. When the couple released their debut album, the resonances were there for all to hear. reflecting the pulse of life, lived in a territory that is both dirt-hard rugged and beautiful.
Their music is a wild ride from 40’s sounding western swing and Appalachian old-time, to cowboy blues. Simple and sweet, all of their material has a common thread that speaks of the Canadian west and on their UK release, reviews were glowing. American Roots UK saying it was “Exceptional” and Country Music People adding “There’s so much to enjoy here.” The editor of Maverick Magazine told readers “You will love this” Elmore Magazine, New York “We knew we were on to something special”
Over the Moon Website
Over the Moon Facebook
Over the Moon Twitter
Over the Moon YouTube
DORIS FOLKENS
Born in Burlington, Ontario, Doris Folkens grew up playing a piano which survived the bombing of her grandmother’s house in Hamburg during WW2. She began playing guitar- a more portable instrument- during university. After graduating and settling into a health care career, she went on to study songwriting with Berklee College of Music, where she strengthened her skills at writing songs about family and community.
Her debut, old-time inspired album is produced by Toronto’s 7x Canadian Folk Music Award winning mandolinist, Andrew Collins, and arrives Spring 2018. Her music is already receiving recognition from the Ontario music scene- she’s the 2017 recipient of Folk Music Ontario’s “Songs from the Heart- Humorous” Award. A rare singer/songwriter, the vibrant narratives of her folk songs will evoke nostalgia for who you are and where you came from.
Doris Folkens Website
Doris Folkens Facebook
Doris Folkens Instagram
Doris Folkens YouTube
Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series
All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: Limited Advance: $20, Regular: $25
*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)
PIPER HAYES
Piper Hayes is a Canadian folk pop singer-songwriter and social activist based in Hamilton, Ontario. She has toured her original music extensively across North America, Europe, the U.K., and Nepal. She teaches workshops on mental health, vocal empowerment, and songwriting all over the world. She often teams up with the Canadian Mental Health Association, using contact education to reduce stigma around mental illness. She has released two EPs, a live album and most recently a full-length album to much critical acclaim. She is a two time nominee of the Ontario Arts Council’s Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award in 2016 and 2017. Nowadays she performs, tours and writes with her partner Carson Ritcey-Thorpe. On December 8, 2017 Piper released her debut full-length album ‘Piper & Carson’, which is designed to be listened to start to finish. It is a compilation of intentioned tracks; a reflection of the couple’s last few years; and a moment in time. Recorded live off the floor at Thorpe’s Organics and produced by Chris Bartos.
Piper Hayes Website
Piper Hayes Facebook
Piper Hayes Instagram
Piper Hayes Twitter
PAT MALONEY
A true red and white travelling songwriter, Pat Maloney has performed a thousand times in the last few years all over Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. He’s a casual strummer who sings in a rich baritone, stomping away and whistling like no other. Three full length albums deep, Pat’s catalogue is diverse in character & feel. A committed genre hopper, his music is inclusive and free of pretension. The one thing his songs have in common is that they all tell stories. Real stories, with real heart and a healthy sense of humour. His favourite bartender once said his voice makes her want to sip a nice bourbon and fall in love. He told her he would add that to his next bio.
Pat Maloney Website
Pat Maloney Facebook
Pat Maloney Instagram
Pat Maloney Twitter
JESSICA PEARSON & THE EAST WIND
After their first international tour of Ireland, release of their Debut EP ‘Grave and Garden Songs’ in July 2017 and summer tour across Ontario, Jessica Pearson and the East Wind show no sign of slowing down. This Folk Canadiana Trio from Ottawa have since taken the stage at JunoFest, RBC’s Bluesfest and Manitoulin Country Festival as well as played with Hillsburn, the East Pointers, Murder Murder and Ten Strings and a Goat Skin! Jessica Pearson and the East wind’s music infuses Americana and Celtic sounds into their folk roots story telling.
Recently signed with Willow Sound Records, Jessica Pearson and the East Wind’s dynamic live shows take you on a journey with heartwarming melodies, spirited story telling and haunting three part harmonies! The band is known for its strong audience engagement during shows and magnetic personality.
Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Website
Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Facebook
Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Instagram
Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Twitter
Opening Act: Dana Sipos
Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series
All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: Limited Advance: $20, Regular: $25
*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)
DURHAM COUNTY POETS
The Durham County Poets are a lively and soulful group, who write and perform an eclectic blend of blues, folk and rock, with tinges of country, gospel and swing tossed in for good measure.
They are five seasoned musicians, all of whom are songwriters, who work together individually and collaboratively in composing their music. Delving into a variety of styles and genres, their musical influences include a broad range of artists. From The Band to Dire Straits, Leon Redbone to James Taylor and Neil Young, they have managed to put it all together to create their own musical style. The obvious joie de vivre expressed while performing together is reflected in the good-time feel that the band creates, which has been captivating their audiences consistently since their inception 6 years ago.
Fronted by Kevin Harvey, a self proclaimed blues crooner on lead vocals, The Durham County Poets also feature David Whyte on electric and acoustic guitars and vocals, Neil Elsmore on acoustic guitar and vocals, Carl Rufh on double bass and vocals and Rob Couture (formerly of The Echo Hunters) on drums and percussion.
Popular at music festivals and venues across eastern Canada, the band is branching more and more into the U.S. market, with more bookings up-coming in 2018.
DANA SIPOS
Dana Sipos inhabited the far north before going nomad and her captivatingly nuanced songs are filled with surrealism and a wild wind. She tours by bicycle, tall ship, canoe and train. Her last album, Roll Up the Night Sky, received critical acclaim and was nominated for a 2015 Canadian Folk Music Award in the Pushing the Boundaries category. Recorded with experimental Toronto producer Sandro Perri, she’ll release a new album, Trick of the Light, in early 2018.
Dana Sipos Website
Dana Sipos Facebook
Dana Sipos Instagram
Dana Sipos Twitter
Opening Act: Graham Nicholas
Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series
All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: Limited Advance: $20, Regular: $25
*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)
LONESOME ACE STRINGBAND
The Lonesome Ace Stringband brings grit, skill and abandon to old-time, Appalachian folk songs and fiddle/banjo tunes. The members are Chris Coole on banjo, John Showman on fiddle and Max Heineman on bass. Together they bring a deep respect for the roots of the music, a keen sense of innovation to the performance and material, and a passion for the sound that transcends both. 2018 will see the band release it’s 3rd album “When the Sun Comes Up”, which takes a step away from the traditional repertoire of the first two recordings and features the songwriting of all three members. Since they’re inception in 2008, LAS have developed the kind of instinctual rapport, that only comes from seasoned musicians logging many hundreds of playing hours together. This is old-time music for today’s old soul.
Lonesome Ace Stringband Website
GRAHAM NICHOLAS
With the release of his new album, Dial Tones and Pretty Notes, Graham Nicholas has created an emotionally resonant world inhabited by troubled and love-hungry characters. Never alienated for their insecurities, his characters are instead respected by the empathetic voice of an honest songwriter. The album finds Nicholas honing in on his concise form of storytelling and refining his irreverent sense of humour. Coupling the narratives with a backing band that harkens back to the likes of The Heartbreakers, Travelling Wilburys and The Byrds, Nicholas’ songs have found the right balance of warmth and grit. It was recorded and produced by Graham’s longtime collaborator Aaron Comeau (Skydiggers, Al Tuck) at his studio The Trailer. Not only has Graham Nicholas maintained an extensive and country crossing touring schedule, he has also shared the stage with the like of Ron Hynes, Catherine Maclellan, Old man Luedecke, Del Barber and Daniel Romano.
Opening Act: My Father’s Son
Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series
All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: Limited Advance: $20, Regular: $25
*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)
ROB SZABO
Rob Szabo is an award winning Singer-Songwriter, Producer & Musician. Rob has produced and co-written songs and recordings that have garnered: a 2013 Juno Award, 2017 & 2015 Juno Nominations, Producer of the Year Award at The 2012 Canadian Folk Music Awards, multiple Maple Blues Awards & multiple East Coast Music Award nominations. Rob’s tracks & co-writes have appeared in numerous films and TV series and been heard widely in Canada on CBC Radio. Rob has played thousands of shows in Canada and the US at festivals, theatres, clubs, house concerts and everything in between.
Rob Szabo Website
Rob Szabo Facebook
Rob Szabo Instagram
Rob Szabo Twitter
MY FATHER’S SON
My Father’s Son, an indie folk group with roots in London, ON and Montreal, QC, melds together intricate lyrics with the richness of simplified, acoustic sound. Singer/songwriter Mark Kulmala is joined by Paul Meadows on the recording of their first full length album ‘Heart of Wood’. Having played in varying bands, in a variety of genres, over the years this endeavour sees a paired down amalgamation of lived experiences, both personal and musical, poetically creating emotionally complex but subdued, reflective songs. An air of storytelling colours the music with sentimental and wholly relatable verses that immerse the audience in the beauty of shared experiences. My Father’s Son is currently recording their sophomore album in Mono Center, ON with Paul Pfisterer (The Beauties).
Opening Act: The Crew
Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series
All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets:Regular: $25
THE YOUNG NOVELISTS
When they first met, Graydon James and Laura Spink had no idea that they would be married one day — much less touring the world together as The Young Novelists. Since the band’s inception in 2009, they’ve played stages across the U.S. and Canada, released three full-length albums, won numerous awards and continuous praise for their unmatched, effortless harmonies. But for their new album in city & country, the Toronto-based band decided to travel out of the city and in to small-town Ontario in order to connect the two places. After years of firsthand experience combined with historical research, James and Spink wrote over 30 songs inspired by a dozen Canadian towns. From that set, in city & country was born — a collection of ten songs that tell the universal stories of both parallels while highlighting the differences, similarities, and everything in-between.
They both grew up in Ontario; Spink in Peterborough, James in Verona, a small eastern town with a population of a mere 1,800. They both moved to Waterloo for university, where they met via community theatre; but it wasn’t until James decided to refocus his career from drummer to frontman that they combined their talent musically. “I had written a bunch of songs and recorded them in my basement, mostly for posterity,” says James, “I asked Laura to sing harmony on some of the songs and it instantly had this magical vibe.” Shortly after James released his solo album Goodnight, Young Novelist (2009), he realized that in order to perform live, he needed to assemble a band to match the record’s full sound. After recruiting some musicians he had met over the years and touring the east coast as a six-piece, the band decided to stay together, becoming Graydon James & The Young Novelists. Between 2011 and 2012, they released two albums: live at dublin st. church (2011), and in the year you were born (2012). However, it became clear that Spink was taking on more lead vocal duties. By the time they recorded their next album, made us strangers (2015), it made the most sense to simply shorten their name to The Young Novelists.
While their upcoming album in city & country will technically be their fourth album, it is their third studio album and second under the current moniker. Their last record made us strangers landed them a Canadian Folk Music Award for New/Emerging Artist, a Vocal Group of the Year nomination, and reached top 20 on !earshot’s and Stingray Music’s (formerly Galaxie) folk charts. The same year, the band won the Grassy Hill Connecticut Folk Songwriting competition and James received the Ontario Art Council’s prestigious Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award. But 2016 was an even bigger year for the two — Spink quit her job as a scientist, they packed their things (and their five year old son Simon), and went on a massive North American tour. After over 100 shows, including a 10-week stint on the road, the pair returned to Toronto to start working on in city & country, drawing inspiration from their travels.
Set for release on May 4, 2018, The Young Novelists recorded in city & country with the help of JUNO-winning producer Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Leonard Cohen, The Wooden Sky). Recorded at Bilerman’s Hotel2Tango studios in Montreal, the duo returns with their classic him-and-her vocals, with James playing acoustic guitar and Spink on percussion and vibraphone. For the album’s fullness, they enlisted the help of bassist Derrick Brady, drummer Rory Calexico, and guitarist John Law.
“It was a new experience – being away from home and recording,” Spink says, adding, “It was magical to be in a beautiful, new (to us) city, spending our time and creative energy in a great studio, working with fun and fantastic people who were equal parts talented and devoted to the project.”
The album opens with “Two Of A Kind” a sentimental ballad inspired by the town of Goderich; keyboardist Jeffrey Louch shines on the almost-love song that tells the tale of a woman trying to choose between two men. The album continues with the delicate, mellow “Back To The Hard Times,” but this time, focusing on Spink’s vocals, perfectly complemented by violinist Lana Tomlin (noted for her work with Canadian band Stars). The song is inspired by Ridgeway, a town on the shores of Lake Erie, and compares two very different kinds of sadness: the failure of an old amusement park and a friend’s relationship ending. “This sort of thing happens in lots of small towns – an industry is built up and torn down. We tried to combine aspects of the grandiose industrialist dreamer who started the Crystal Beach Amusement Park, and the small-town kids who tried their best and got their hearts broken there.” The album takes a leap on track 5 with the upbeat, energy-packed “Come Round Again”. Written about a Bonnie & Clyde-style heist in Halton Hills, the song’s adrenaline draws from a guitar-heavy intro and super catchy hook — it’s a challenge to not airdrum along to this one.
The title track, “City & Country”, ties the album together in more ways than one; listening wise, the track brings together the entire studio band (including cellist Justin Wright). Inspired by Toronto, Waterloo, and his hometown of Verona, James’ reminisces on crucial times and places in his life. “This is really a song about my experiences living in a major city and a small town, and the fact that I think there are more similarities than differences.” No matter where you’ve lived, the dichotomy that exists on in city & country is universal; it’s not just a memoir of the duo’s experiences or the histories of small towns, it’s about appreciating where you’ve been and where you’re at — and finding the good and bad that lies within both
The Young Novelists Website
The Young Novelists Facebook
The Young Novelists Twitter
The Young Novelists Instagram
THE CREW
The Crew is a folk/trad band from Ontario. Made up of multi-instrumentalists, this brother-sister group writes and performs songs full of heart and rhythm, the kind you can’t sit still to. They braid flavours of the east coast, power-house vocals, and a pulsing folk drive seamlessly to make their signature Crew sound.