On their full length debut, we find the boys further exploring their stoner rock and folk & bluesy roots on their latest nationally acclaimed debut full length, Tracks. Again, clever wordplay, catchy melodies and sweet harmonies draw the listener into a compelling listening experience. Since its release in April, Tracks has charted on the national Earshot! Charts and peaked recently at #12. The album’s lead-off single ‘Election Day’ just reached #11 on CBC Radio Three’s R3-30 chart while the positive reviews keep coming in.

Larry Foley, sometimes front-man for the popular Newfoundland band, The Punters, presents his second solo release. This is a lovely offering of tunes that features Larry’s blend of traditional Newfoundland and country stylings. His voice is filled with experience and his vocals are honest and thoughtful.
The album is stripped down and acoustic, somewhat of a departure from the trad-rock/country of the Punters and its strength lies in Larry’s earnest delivery. “Free and Easy” features a wonderful cover of the Ron Hynes classic, Sonny’s Dream and a lovely version of Sweet Forget Me Not featuring Larry’s grandfather.

Purists Rejoice!! A collection of vintage songs from the oral tradition of Newfoundland and Labrador. Accompanying herself on guitar, Pamela Morgan presents a disc of stunning beauty. Her beguiling voice and the contribution from violinist/violist Chris Leslie communicate the simplicity of these folk songs perfectly. The liner notes add nicely to the attractiveness of this package.

A great collection “loaded” with all your favourite grog-soaked 2:00 am singalongs! Various well known Newfoundland artist perform such hits including “The Night Paddy Murphy Died”, “The Islander”, “Lukey’s Boat”, and many more.

“Towards the Sunset” is highly regarded as one of the most important and quintessentially Newfoundland albums ever written and recorded. Written and performed by brothers Pat and Joe Byrne and friend, Baxter Wareham, this album is one of the finest examples of topical, educated, poignant and socially relevant songs in all of Newfoundland music. Themes vary from the decline of the once mighty Newfoundland fishery to the governmental pressure placed upon outport communities during the mass resettlement of the 1960s. The album is sparse and to the point, featuring very little in the way of instrumentation. Nylon string guitar and accordion are the principal instruments with Pat and Joe rounding out the majority of the singing with their lived-in, charmingly weathered voices. This barebones approach to the music ensures that the messages in the songs cut through clearly. They have and continue to influence, inform and encourage new generations of Newfoundland singer-songwriters to write and sing about their home and the social and economic changes that shape our island.

“The Empress” is the second offering from Duane and Dwayne. It finely accentuates the pure skill and undeniable chemistry of two of Atlantic Canada’s finest musicians. Fiddle and gypsy-jazz guitar are the featured instruments and we favourably compare Duane and Dwayne to the masters, Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Beautifully nuanced trading of solos and masterful instrumental interplay are signature on this album of original compositions, Newfoundland fiddle tunes and classic jazz standards. Andrews and Cote are both powerful soloists who are really coming into their own as a critically noteworthy pair.

Duane Andrews is one of Canada’s most exciting and gifted musicians. Fusing the traditional music of Newfoundland with gypsy jazz styling, Duane has created a hybrid of the two genres effectively creating a new style of traditional jazz that has gained him serious national and international praise, both popularly and critically. He has gained numerous awards for his outstanding body of work including the 2011 Independent Music award for Instrumental Album, the 2011 East Coast music Award for Instrumental Album of the Year, the 2010 Music NL and Music Nova Scotia Award for Best Instrumental and jazz album respectively, 4 2008 Music NL awards including Best Album, Male Artist of the Year and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year and a whole host of nominations from the East Coast Music Association, Independent Music Awards, USA Songwriting Competition and the Canadian Folk Music Awards. His highly acclaimed third release, Raindrops, highlights Duane’s strengths as a producer and arranger. He thickens and builds upon the sound on the record significantly by marrying the gusto and nuance of his go to band, Steve Hussey on unwavering rhythm guitar, Patrick Boyle with his sublime and effortless trumpet, Dave Rowe on upright bass and Bill Brennan on vibes with the beauty and elegance of the Atlantic String Quartet. The result is a stunning union of world class musicians from two differing musical backgrounds. Five of the album tracks are original compositions of Duane’s and they are seamlessly intermingled with classics by Django Reinhardt, Charles Mingus and two legendary Newfoundland fiddlers, Rufus Guinchard and Emile Benoit. A seemingly odd pairing of tunes is, here, perfectly matched and meticulously arranged to the near point of perfection. The quartet elevates an already impressive sound with beautifully expressive string arrangements and the core band is firing on all cylinders. The music is joyful, animated and lyrical. Duane is an accomplished guitarist and the interplay between he and Pat Boyle (Trumpet) is the strength at the epicenter of the tunes. Raindrops serves to expose Duane as a vital and visionary musician on an international level. He has, in a relatively short time he has proven to be one of our most important and creative musical exports. Raindrops is a must have for traditional, folk and jazz fans alike. Django would most definitely approve.

The CBC television series Land and Sea has showcased the culture and history of Newfoundland for over 40 years and the music that has accompanied the show has become just as iconic. The opening theme, On the Beach, has been heard in living rooms across the province and beyond for many years and the man behind the music is a legend in his own rite. Sandy Morris is one of the most gifted and respected musicians in Newfoundland and his prowess and musical sensitivity are on full display on this beautifully crafted acoustic album. The music is incredibly cinematic and paints a wonderful picture of Newfoundland life and culture. This is an absolute must have recording.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a local release this significant. Pretty much a must have! A masterpiece of modern Irish/Newfoundland music.

The Serious Stuff collects 20 of Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers’ more serious and contemplative traditional tunes. Including a generous helping of reels and jigs and otherwise overlooked folk tunes, as well as now-classic songs and ballads such as “Sarah” and “Salt Water Joys”.