Former front woman for folk/jazz blues group Shy Mary, Tanya Alexander has been performing for nearly two decades. Known primarily for the musical styling of Shy Mary, Tanya decided to get back to the classic country music that influenced her during her youth growing up in Stephenville. “Into Your Kiss” combines country tunes spanning the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s and original tunes written by Tanya and husband/Juno winning musician, Wade Pinhorn. Tanya chooses her cover songs well with tunes written and originally performed by legends, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard and Hank Snow. She performs them with sincerity and authenticity and her backing band, consisting of some of Newfoundland’s finest musicians, delivers in a big way on this record. Her original tunes are sweet and heartfelt and are well-performed. This is a great record for fans of classic country with a Newfoundland musical touch.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a huge market for Soul, funk and RnB music in Newfoundland. Fortunately, the individuals who are making it are doing it well. Shawn Beresford is one of those individuals. “Call My Name” is a lush record filled with funky horns, groovy bass lines and tasty guitar chops. Produced by the master of St. John’s soul, Chris Kirby and backed by some impressive guests, including the Billy and the Bruisers horn section. Shawn is given a killer background for his melodic and expressive vocal. He croons of love and loss and does so in a danceable, funky way. The album is full of fantastic backing vocals and the band really cooks. The album garnered Shawn nominations for the Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year for his tune, “A Sweeter Thing” at the 2011 Music Newfoundland and Labrador Awards. This is a groove-laden record. Spin it and throw on your dancing shoes!

David left Newfoundland for Toronto some years back and has been honing his craft in the big city since then. Drawing from experiences in a densely populated urban city has certainly given him a unique perspective having come from such a relatively small city like St. John’s. David Picco is a fantastic songwriter. He is unashamedly autobiographical and has an ability to paint beautifully vivid portraits of everyday life and the relationships that happen within it. Themes of love, loss and grief are prevalent but there is a stark and lovely sadness to the record that creates a charm and warmth. Stylistically, this self-titled record is steeped in the traditions of roots-rock, folk, alt-country and Americana. His sound could be likened to a stripped down, acoustic, Wilco a la “Mermaid Avenue”. The album is incredibly heart-on-sleeve and the openness and sincerity of David’s performance is brimming throughout. The album was recorded, for the most part, while home attending his mother’s funeral. Tracked in three days at the Lab of Chaos by Krisjan Leslie and performed by David, brother Chris Picco, bassist, Matthew Hender, Jimmy Rose and drummer, George Morgan, the record teems with emotion and a vulnerability that may or may not have been circumstantial. Regardless of the situations it arose from, the beauty of the record is undeniable.

Barry Canning is regarded as one of Newfoundland’s finest songwriters. He has a seemingly innate ability to write well-crafted lyrics and then elevate them with equally well-constructed melodies. “Light of a Setting Sun” is Barry’s first record since his critically acclaimed release, “Last Man Standing” and was produced by another ex-pat musical heavyweight, Corey Tetford. The album is very well produced and performed beautifully. Melodic, catchy and fleshed out pop-rock, alt-country tunes are accentuated by the tasteful Hammond organ playing of Paul Kinsman and the sweet, shimmering and understated pedal steel of Chris Ledrew. Barry and Corey round out the acoustic and electric guitars and blend their tonally similar vocals together with great ease. It’s been some time between records but “Light of a Setting Sun” is a formidable follow up to his last. This is an example of an exceptionally strong selection of thoughtful and memorable pop songs. It was also a nominee for the 2011 Music Newfoundland and Labrador Award for Best Pop/Rock Recording. Barry is a true master.

Patrick received a Music Newfoundland and Labrador Full Length Recording Grant to produce “Who Will Listen”. Aptly titled, WWL is Molloy’s poignant and pointed look at the world, its state and what he thinks should be done to change it. There is a political thread throughout and he is quite passionate about the themes he gets behind on the record. Hammering home the point with beefy, thick-riffed guitars, dirty keys, thumping bass and pounding drums, Molloy sermonizes through a wash of heavy, to the point alternative rock. Vocally, his powerful tenor voice could be likened, at times, to the legendary Geddy Lee of super trio, Rush. This quality of voice helps to emphasize the lyrical points of dissatisfaction and desire for change. Produced by Krisjan Leslie (Three Days Grace, Limblifter), this is a high energy, kicker of a record. Patrick has something meaningful to say. We hope you listen!

Karla’s debut solo record garnered her Country Artist of the Year honours at the 2009 Music Newfoundland and Labrador Awards and gained her a 2010 East Coast Music Award Nomination for Country Recording of the Year. It was a powerful debut that exhibited Karla’s substantial vocal prowess and confidence as a solo performer. She is backed by an impressive band that includes Newfoundland heavyweights, Paul “Boomer” Stamp, Paul Kinsman, Sandy Morris, Craig Young and Chris Ledrew. The band offers up a fine dose of expertly performed down home country tunes. A mix of danceable country-rock plays nicely against heartfelt ballads, both of which Karla masters effortlessly. She has a very broad vocal range and the acrobatics she exhibits are definitely a strong point on the album. She is a thoughtful singer, holding back when necessary and launching into confident barn burning moments when called upon to do so. She is also a gifted acoustic guitar player exhibiting rock steady rhythm guitar that chugs confidently along throughout the ballads and rockers. “I’ll Think of You” is a modern country record, slick and well-produced with some elemental throwbacks to the classic country that has influenced Karla from an early age. It is a confident, feel good debut and is an excellent example of new Newfoundland country music.

Formed in 2008, Beauwater have proven themselves to be a no frills, straight-ahead, powerful rock band. Their debut, “Movin’ On” received multiple Music Newfoundland and Labrador Music Awards at the 2011 conference in St. John’s including Rising Star, Album of the Year and Alternative Artist/Group of the Year. They blur the lines of heavy, riff rock and rhythm and blues to create a gritty, groove-laden sound that has gained them a devoted following in the city. Lead singer/guitarist Jonathan Reid is a skilled guitarist and a self-assured vocalist and that confidence is amplified by the strength of bandmates Curtis Harding (keys, bass, vocals), Greg Newhook (bass, guitar, vocals) and Michael Maddox (drums, vocals). This is a formidable debut and a unique, in-your-face rock and roll record on Newfoundland’s musical map.

Catcher is a powerhouse alternative rock band that has been offering up thought-provoking, melodic, and heavy-riffed rock and roll since 2006. “May You Live in Interesting Times” is the third release from this critically acclaimed group. The band’s cornerstone is well-executed, thoughtfully arranged songs that revolve around the soaring and classically trained vocals of lead singer, Trevor Bennett. He is the quintessential lead singer, confident, commanding and engaging. Bennett sites influences ranging from Nine Inch Nails to A Perfect Circle but Catcher provide a slightly more radio-friendly and accessible sound while maintaining the edge that has made their influences popular. One might picture Catcher opening for a band like the Foo Fighters.

Released in January of 2012, “This Time Last Year” is a reflective, self-analyzing and contemplative record filled with thoughtful and honestly delivered lyrics of moving past the fallout of dissolved relationships and moving forward as an individual through the hurt of holding on to something no longer yours to hold. Stark and beautifully straightforward arrangements heighten the sense of longing present in many of the narratives. The album, produced by local St. John’s musicians, Jerry Stamp and Ian Foster, is acoustic based with flares of piano and electric guitar, providing a quietly beautiful colour and tone to the songs. The musical arrangements are anchored to Hare’s conviction as a vocalist and storyteller and attempt to capture the energy and magnetism of his live shows. There is a lovely sense of space in the songs that serves to elevate the emotion and conviction in Matthew’s voice. This is exceptionally accessible music, catchy and memorable and above all, heartfelt and sincere.

Absolute Newfoundland musical icons, Jim Payne and Fergus O’Byrne have been performing, writing and recording music together for many years. Jim is highly regarded as one of the province’s finest songwriters and Fergus is synonymous with helping to popularize the Irish and Newfoundland musical connections as one third of the legendary group, Ryan’s Fancy. This record is the duo’s first foray into the realm of Holiday music and it is a lovely tribute to the season. As one might expect, the performance on the album is fantastic. Both musicians are accomplished at their respective instruments and have found an authentic synergy that really brings these tunes to life. Acoustic guitar, banjo, accordion and concertina make up the core sound giving the record the traditional folk sound that Jim and Fergus have become well known for. As with previous releases, one of the true strengths of the duo is the power, conviction and wonderful blending of these two timeless voices. Whether singing a familiar holiday standard or a Jim Payne original, the voices rise, rousing and proud. This album was wildly popular during its first holiday season and it is sure to become a Newfoundland holiday classic