The latest album from local singer/songwriter Matthew Byrne. Ever since his debut album ‘Ballads’, Byrne has been rocking the scene with his beautiful voice and sonwriting.

Sean McCann gets physical at Fred’s.

The self-released CD, ‘Help Yourself’ from Sean McCann of Great Big Sea fame is now racked at Fred’s.

We are thrilled and privileged to be the exclusive retailer for Sean’s most recent CD featuring Joel Plaskett, Erin Costello and Dave Marsh.

Read all about the core details at:

http://www.cbc.ca/nb/mt/east-coast-music/2014/02/sean-mccann-on-quitting-drinking-quitting-great-big-sea-turning-it-into-a-great-album.html

This collection of songs chronicle Sean’s personnel story, trouble, and ultimate triumph.

This is both a beautiful and powerful record.

To praise the Ennis Sisters would be superfluous. Nearly 18 years since their hugely successful debut and 15 years since taking their first ECMA for Album of the Year on their album “Three”, followed the next year by winning roots/traditional group of the year, they continue to produce quality, always in command superb arrangements, balanced tune-selection, and of course stellar, spirited vocals – their calling card. Along with the Irish Descendants and Great Big Sea, the Ennis Sisters are one of the most dynamic and important acts of their generation in Newfoundland and east coast music.

Fred’s Staff is smitten with Fine Crowd! An impressive line-up including Fred Jorgensen of Navigators fame. This is musically impeccable loaded with Newfoundland folk song gems. Ask for a listen and get ready to Rant and/or Roar.

Shanneyganock have cemented their place as one of Newfoundland’s most respected, hardworking and beloved musical groups in decades. They have also proven to be one of our most energetic and memorable live bands. Their live show was captured in 2000 on the “Live at O’Reilly’s” album, which has gone on to be one of our biggest selling and most popular recordings. They decided, a decade later, to recapture their famous live show on this new album, “Live on George Street”. There is a palpable excitement and liveliness on this recording and the quality of sound is exceptional. Recorded at the Rock House, the record offers up some fantastic musicianship. Mark Hiscock is one of our finest accordion players and he is firing on all cylinders on this album. The music is rounded out by bassist Bob Pike, drummer Billy Sutton and boisterous ringleader/vocalist Chris Andrews. You really get a sense of the sweaty and satisfied audience as the band rips through old favourites and some newer tunes as well. This is a true crowd pleaser of an album and we’re confident that it will join the “Live at O’Reilly’s” record as one of our best sellers.

Latest album from Shanneyganock’s Mark Hiscock!

Relive the past with these never released songs from the original Harry Hibbs shows shown upalong in the 70’s. This collection of jigs and reels were never aired in Newfoundland!

Fifth solo recording from Simani’s Bud Davidge.

Energetic.
Majestic.
Melodically Explosive.
The 4th full length release from St. John’s favourite indie rockers exhibits all these qualities in their most mature and grand offering yet.

In seemingly little time, Hey Rosetta! have cemented their place as one of the most critically acclaimed and vital bands on Canada’s musical landscape. “Seeds”, the band’s third release, gave them their second Polaris Music Prize shortlist nomination and major tours with City and Colour, The Jeezebels, Hot Hot Heat and another with Gomez on the way, make them one of the country’s busiest and hard-working bands. They have literally traveled the globe from China, Australia, Europe to multiple trips across Canada and State-side. The new record is lush and incredibly thoughtful with regards to arrangement and musical scope. One pictures the band meticulously plotting out each note to the point of mental and physical implosion. The result is an anthemic, robust and daring album that stretches the bands ability into a new territory of calibre. Their growth since “Plan Your Escape” has been exponential.

One of our province’s premier traditional vocalists joins forces with our leading women’s choir. Ballads, stories presented exquisitely in a manner both folksy, charming.

Featuring arrangements for choir & strings by Duane Andrews.

A brand new collection of songs, tunes and recitations from local orator/musician Dave Penny. Guaranteed to tickle the funny bone!

Chase the Ace, #darknl and other catchy stuff.  In the words of Aaron Collis: “There’s hilarious songs, sad songs, sad songs with hilarious parts….everything.”  

With its robust pace, evocative performances and vibrant energy you will be truly engaged by this ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST recording. The visual and emotional essence of this critically-acclaimed musical are wonderfully captured on CD. A must hear, rate this one 5 stars.

Local star Cory Tetford releases his second solo album, In the Morning. His success with Crush first displayed his prowess as a performer, and this new album is no different. Co-produced by Alan Doyle, and features a slew of guest performers.

Originally released in 1993, this CD is finally back in stock! Connemara is: Tommy Nemec, Dermot O’Reilly, Glen Hiscock, Jason Whelan and Frank Mahar.

Surgeon have been around for a while, but are only now unleashing their killer brand of melodic prog Metal on the world. Featuring the rhythm section from Newfoundland’s acclaimed indie rock sensations Hey Rosetta!, although musically cut from a much rougher cloth.

Check out this video of their live show to see what we mean:

Surgeon Live

In Great Tenor Arias, his debut album, Canadian tenor David Pomeroy performs music from his most celebrated roles on the operatic stage, from French grand opera through the treasured dramatic German and Italian repertoire.

Historically and culturally, this is a truly significant Newfoundland recording.
The late public servant and broadcaster conjures up vivid imagery of a bygone era with his God-given deep resonant baritone. This is the local equivalent to Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” Not since Ted Russell’s “Tales of Pigeon Inlet” has a CD document of this prominence and nature been issued.
This item will have a special appeal for the province’s senior population. Don Jamieson’s clear and marvellous oratorical prowess will revive past magic of old-fashioned radio shows. Great listening for a long drive or for kickin’ back in your favourite chair by the fire

Powerful and present are suitable and simple descriptors for the new Amelia Curran album. There is no good, better and/or best order/line-up in assessing or reviewing an artist’s work. each offering is merely a record of a time and place. On WATERSHED, Amelia speaks to resilience, courage, lessons learned and soldiering on. It’s a simple truth that this is her most mature offering; growth being natural and her 8th album in 17 years.
Like Leonard, Joni and Neil a few generations before her, Amelia Curran continues to progress, explore and expand in sound, vision and thought.
WATERSHED features award -winning Canadian blues artist, Shakura, Drew Jurecka whose resume includes stints with Stevie Wonder, Dave Brubeck and the late Jeff Healey Jazz Wizards Band and producer/engineer, Chris Stringer(studio work with Rush, Blue Rodeo, Timber Timbre, Wooden Sky and more).

A 2016 release for the holiday season, Fortunate Ones’ “All Will Be Well” combines original and found material to create this beautifully charming album. Andrew O’Brien and Catherine Allan make a great team, and a great group of local musicians back them up here!

The debut recording from local blues duo, Nick Earle & Joe Coffin. This steady-rollin’ acoustic blues beauty will appeal to all music lovers and especially fans of classic blues masters i.e., Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, Elmore James and Muddy Waters. Not since a teenage Roger Howse arrived on the blues circuit nearly 40 years ago has there been this kind of buzz.

Brand new album from local indie rock band, Lady Brett Ashley. Evocative keyboards, sumptuous bass, atmospheric percussion and vocals that pull you in, let you go, as haunting and compelling as a St. John’s autumn gust.

Middle Tickle’s “Breaking Water” has become a modern classic on the strength of the hit “Joe Batt’s Arm Long Liners”.

Another in the Coles brothers extensive catalog. Features the hugely popular “Aunt Martha’s Sheep”. Please note that this is private press CDR release, and not a professionally manufactured CD.

“The warm glow of QVE’s richly textured harmony and blend suffuses this Christmas collection, from traditional carols to contemporary pop favourites and new a cappella compositions.”

– www.qve.ca

A live concert recorded at The Rock House, St. John’s, May 28 & 29, 2010

Amelia Curran will expand on her already massive fan base with her daring new album, ideas, philosophy, language…

Workers in song aspire to craft and create their slant, both personal and universal with these tools.  Empathy, sympathy, compassion, purpose and simple kindness permeate the themes developed in Amelia’s songs.

Known famously as the charismatic and high octane front man for Newfoundland’s own Great Big Sea, Alan Doyle has waited 20 years to release his solo debut. “Boy on a Bridge” is a collection of originally and co-written songs (Co-writers include Oscar winning Actor Russell Crowe and Grammy winner Gordie Sampson). It also features some Canadian musical heavyweights including, Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo, Hawksley Workman and Colin James. The album is somewhat of a departure from the sound and genre that has become synonymous with GBS but it still maintains the vitality and the immediately familiar voice. Doyle takes a reflective stance on his solo record. He has certainly lived an exciting life and in his first single, “I’ve Seen a Little”, he implores that he still has so much more to see and do. He is happy but not satisfied and knows there is still so much for him to accomplish. He is heartfelt and it comes through on this album. There is a definite pop rock quality to the majority of the album and it is filled with catchy choruses and tuneful hooks. It is a well-produced record that pays important attention to Alan’s voice which is, undoubtedly his strongest instrument.

Through his masterful classical guitar playing Lloyd interprets some of Newfoundland’s best known songs with a suggestive and nuanced subtlety often overlooked by many of today’s performers. The music herein is presented with the hope that the listener will find visions of peace and solitude in the gentle musical images of this rugged, timeless land. Lloyd is a wonderfully expressive guitarist and his uncommon and restrained approach on “Reflections” has made it one of our most popular titles.

Matthew Hornell and the Diamond Minds are four time Music Newfoundland and Labrador winners. They exploded onto the St. John’s music scene a few years back and completely took it by storm in a big way. Huge, sweaty and appreciative crowds have become trademark at their shows. Fans have come to expect the high octane, furious folk rock sound that has become the band’s signature. Hornell, as a writer, is an introspective observer of himself and his relationship to his natural surroundings. Like the great heart-on-sleeve songwriter’s that have preceded him, Hornell serves up incredibly poignant and honest commentaries about love, loss and longing by turning the mirror away from the world and pointing it at himself. The result is a collection of songs that speak for many from the perspective of one. This multiple Music NL award-winning album itself is steeped in the traditions of acoustic folk music. Mandolin, acoustic guitar, bass and drums represent the core of the album and give a harder edge to some of the tracks. Banjo and some lovely cello work add a great starch to the record as well (see Khaki Dodgers and Waiting for a Train). This album is an album of dynamic peaks and valleys. Raucous, wine-soaked declarations of love and loss intermingle with quiet moments of self reflection to make this one of our most talked about and positively received albums in years.

Justin Mahoney under his ideal monkier, Heavy Horses excels again in story songs featuring outlaws, angels and murderers.

Eastern Owl’s sophmore album, Qama’si!

Eastern Owl is an Indigenous led All Nations Women’s Drum group based in St John’s NL.

Latest album by local duo, Quote the Raven!

You Know I Love You” is a happy collection of songs sung by a man intent on sharing his joy directly with you. The world has changed. Today the only thing left between Séan’s music and those who wish to share it is a cellphone. Despite how small social media has made the world, and how it has included all of us into the same conversation with a simple hashtag #, the basic human quest for a connection to something real is too difficult to fit in just 140 characters. Luckily, through the years of technological advancement and subsequent social change, two universal energies remain constant— Music and Love.

Produced once again by Joel Plaskett, and with an original piece of artwork per song by singer/songwriter Meaghan Smith, Séan is trying to find a balance somewhere between analogue and Tinder in a world where the connection we all want can’t seem to keep up with technology. Love and music… maybe the hippies were on to something.

-Matt Wells

The Influence of some profound singer songwriters are tattooed on the songs from this 4 song intro to Joel Hynes.
Fred Eaglesmith, Townes Van Zandt, Nick Cave and the darker sides of Springsteen and Kristofferson permeate the character and perspectives delivered on this author/actor’s first foray in song.

The second of Snook’s irreverent, Newfoundland take on Christmas classics.

Newfoundland has given birth to a plethora of world-class guitarists over many decades. Craig Young is one of them.

This fantastic sophomore release explores the gamut of Craig’s style, from full-on country & western to folk/traditional to dixieland jazz. Not just a sizzling hot guitarist (Terri Clark’s axe-slinger for several years), Craig possesses a rich warm voice – pure country & western tonality.

Joined here by a musical cast that includes Aaron Collis (Dardanelles), Leeland Wareham, Jenee Fleener and a jewel of a track with another brilliant guitarist, Duane Andrews, Craig Young is the front-runner for Newfoundland Country & western album of the year.

If you’re a fan of Marty Stuart, Chet Atkins or Alan Jackson, you should check out this truly talented picker/singer from Newfoundland’s southwest coast.

Sophomore CD from winner of 4 MusicNL awards for his 2010 debut.  Matthew Hornell is a gifted singer/songwriter, aware that the muse often directs the master.  Ideas and emotions both personal and universal are channeled throughout this soulful folk album.  Accompanied by an amazing band of musicians, most notably Andrew Sneddon on lap steel, pedal steel, resophonic and gorgeous, soothing female backing vocals.  A record of spiritual awakening.

“Matthew Hornell deservedly won a plethora of MIANL. Awards for his CD debut.
Clearly upon a few listens to that release, you realize Hornell has the key ‘chops’ as a singer/songwriter. The lyrical content is diverse, arrangements, succinct and vocal delivery unquestionably honest.

You can usually tell when a songwriter is being clever or cute, going for a pretty shot. But Matthew Hornell wears his authenticity like a badge of honor.

The thing that hits you immediately upon watching him perform is the sheer jubilation he possesses and exudes to his audience. That unmistakable joy is absolutely genuine.” – Tony Ploughman, Manager, Fred’s Records.

“The Punters debut their CD for the festive season titled “Beautiful Star”. In their normal style The Punters with the distinct vocals of Larry Foley punctuating the recording, while Patrick Moran adds beautiful fiddle, as well as background vocals.”

– www.tidespoint.com

When Allan initially broke into the traditional music scene in St. John’s he wasn’t old enough to a have drink at the venues he played. His skill at the time was incredible for someone of such a young age. The amazing thing about him now is the rate at which he has progressed and the impression he has made on the music community in such a short time. “Rivers”, Allan’s second release, is an absolute accomplishment regardless of his age. Allan’s attention to detail and his penchant for maintaining the traditional authenticity of this collection of songs is evident on this record. He brings an obviously Irish flare to the tunes and echoes of legendary Irish acts such as Planxty, The Bothy Band, Andy Irvine and Paul Brady can be heard throughout. This tip of the hat is not a borrowing but rather a tasteful homage to influences that have governed and informed Alan’s vocal and instrumental styles. One of Allan’s most endearing qualities is his voice. He is a young man but sings with a brogue, timbre and delivery well beyond his years. His voice is the kind you earn after a lifetime of living the stories that his songs relay. It’s remarkable to hear and producer Kalem Mahoney (The Monday Nights) captures the essence and untrained and honest vitality of Allan’s vocal wonderfully on “Rivers”. Aside from his voice, Allan is also a gifted multi-instrumentalist. With an affinity for stringed instruments, Allan’s strumming and picking is very well executed and some of the triplet playing on the octave mandolin and banjo are reminiscent of some of Andy Irvine’s work. Another impressive element of the record is the who’s who of traditional musicians present on the album. From Pamela Morgan, Dave Panting, Mike Hanrahan and Duane Andrews to Fergus O’Byrne and Graham Wells, this record is loaded with our finest players. “Rivers” is simply a great album. It has a cadence and flow that is instantly pleasing. It also insures the continuance of the fine Irish tradition that has been such an integral part of Newfoundland’s musical mosaic.

Simply put, Craig is one of Canada’s most talented and decorated country guitarists. He is a four time recipient of the Canadian Country Music Award for best guitarist and has made a successful career as a side musician for some of Canada’s finest country artists. He has contributed to the work of Terri Clark, Jason McCoy, and Carolyn Dawn Johnson and countless others who have sought to better their records by employing his exceptional playing. He has spent time in western Canada and Nashville, TN, all the while honing his craft, preparing for an eventual return to his home in Newfoundland where he now performs regularly and records for people all over the world from the comfort of his home studio in paradise. “Back Home” is a labour of love and longing to document the music of his home from the perspective of someone who has spent most of his adult life away from it. The album itself is a hybrid, merging the country styling that dominated much of his career and the traditional tunes that he grew up hearing at home in Newfoundland. The two genres blend in a very natural way stylistically and the union is made stronger by Craig’s effortlessly flawless performance. Craig’s vocal quality is cut from the pages of country music. It is smooth, clear and warm. There is an intrinsic honesty and conviction in his voice. The gratitude for being able to make a record about his home, on his own terms flows through every word. One for the interesting elements of the record is hearing themes of related to Newfoundland being underscored by music with a heavy country influence. It cannot be stated enough how well performed and thoughtfully produced this record is. It is lush with mandolin and guitar, fiddle, bass and various forms of percussion. To get a true sense of Craig’s appreciation for his home, have a listen to the title track of the record. It is a nostalgic, heartfelt ballad written by Craig’s sister Francis. It is a sweet and tender tribute. “Back Home” is a must have for fans of country or traditional music, anyone with a love for fantastic guitar playing or anyone who knows what its like to spend time away from the people and places they love. We’re glad that Craig made the trip home so that his dream of recording a record on his terms could be realized. It is a gem of an album.

Simply put, Anita and Sandy are legends in our province’s music history. Their combined contribution to our culture is paramount in its significance. Anita as an educator, archivist, folklorist, broadcaster and singer of traditional songs has been catalystic in promoting Newfoundland And Labrador songs, their origins and their essence. Sandy Morris has played an immeasurable role as a musician, producer, engineer and contributor to countless radio, T.V and film projects dating back to the 1960’s. Sandy was also, of course, a founding member of The Wonderful Grand Band.

This 16 song collection includes 3 Ron Hynes (Connie Hynes) songs, 3 French songs and a cast of stellar Newfoundland musicians.

Latest album from The Split Peas, a local Twillingate singing group. The group is made up of seven women who bring the feel of a Newfoundland kitchen party to the stage at Touton House (the Orange Lodge), where they frequently perform throughout the summer. Their music has been featured in the movie “The Shipping News” and on CBC’s Land and Sea and Music Craft.

Led by their fearless front-woman Derina Harvey, this five-piece Celtic-rock group offers a fresh take on traditional tunes and intersperse that offering with their own original jigs and reels. Their infectious rhythmic undertow is layered with rock guitar, dizzying fiddle motifs, and topped by Derina’s powerful voice. These transplanted east-coasters have earned a reputation with their high-energy live show, leaving many an audience out-of-breath and hollering from the dance floor!

This is their latest album, Rove and Go.

He’s Back! The Lord of the B’ys returns and he’s up to he’s old tricks. Brenda’s gonna be pissed …

Brand new album from local singer-songwriter Kat McLevey!

Another classic Christmas album with a compilation of great local artists.

The group that spawned two very successful St. John’s bands, Matthew Hornell and the Diamond Minds and All the Wiles, Dead Language is one of the finer examples of an authentic folk band in the province. Their lone album is a strictly acoustic record featuring guitar, banjo, mandolin and violin. It is rootsy and earthy and lends itself to naturalistic images. One could hear these tunes being played in a forest, in the mountains or a wide, open field. It is a beautifully sparse recording, earnest in its delivery, youthful in its tone and timeless in its cadence. Katie Baggs is, at times, sublime in her vocal delivery. She is finding her voice on this record and in years to come it will serve as a unique look at where she began. She sings as though her voice could be carried off on a breeze. That is to say with a lightness and mild beauty that is very becoming. The album also features a great, stripped down version of Matthew Hornell’s tune, “Easy on Me”, a sing-along favourite at his shows. Johnny Bungay (mandolin) performs a stark and hauntingly striking original tune called “Creek Run Dry” and his piece, along with Matthew’s creates a lovely balance with Katie’s tunes. This is a contemplative, slow burn of a record. A must have for lovers of finely-crafted folk songs.

Graham Wells is easily one of Newfoundland’s greatest accordion players. He is a young man but has been a revered musician in the province and abroad for many years. A fixture at many of the traditional sessions here in St. John’s, many accordion players take their cues from his playing. He is an absolute purist when it comes to the instrument and an equally ardent perfectionist. The result of his approach is astounding, fine-tuned note perfect playing. His fervor for the traditional music of Newfoundland drips off of every note on this award-winning album (it took home the 2008 Music Newfoundland and Labrador award for Best Traditional Album). The album is teeming with wonderful accordion tunes and features some talented guests including Duane Andrews, award-winning gypsy jazz master and Billy Sutton of Fables fame. Aside from being a phenomenal musician Graham is also a charming vocalist. A standout performance on the record is a jaunty, rousing version of “The Wreck of the S.S. Ethie”, an ill-fated coastal steamer who’s crew had to act quickly in order to save their passengers from harm as the ship ran aground off of Martin’s Point, Newfoundland in the winter of 1919. Wells paints such a vivid picture of that day that you’d swear you were a passenger on the ship. Graham Wells is one of our finest musicians and an ambassador for the purest representation of how the tunes were originally performed. He is about as authentic as they come and we suspect that this album will become a Newfoundland classic.

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

Fifteen foggy years ago, Mark Hiscock and Chris Andrews were double booked at a small pub in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Rather than cancel one performer, the charismatic owner suggested they play together and so was born Shanneyganock. Joined by longtime bassist Bob Pike, and Billy Sutton on drums, the group has since charmed many through their stirring ballads, powerful shanties, and rib-rattling jigs and reels. This album serves to capture the band’s infectious, spirited and charismatic live show, one that has made them one of the most beloved and enjoyed bands in Newfoundland and beyond. From Chris Andrews’ booming baritone voice to Mark Hiscocks’ fierce accordion playing, this album has it all and as a result, it is one of our most popular titles.

Brand new album from Great Big Sea’s Alan Doyle.

Debut solo album from Hey Rosetta’s lead singer, Tim Baker! 

Out early next week!!

The lastest from local children’s swing band, the Swinging Belles!

“Natural Law” comes galloping out of the gate to open the new Sherry Ryan CD, “Wreckhouse”. In fact there’s a rockin’ 60’s vibe driving the engine that gives spark to this new collection of songs. As a lyricist, Sherry is a straight-shooter, nothing dolled up in symbolism or poetic ramblings. She assesses lessons learned and simplifies her realizations and synopsis in measured words; the mark of a mature artist balancing her emotions and seeking positives in the aftermath of disappointment. And Sherry can flat-out have fun on the rhythm-driven numbers.

New Christmas album from The Swinging Belles!

Brand new album from local blues due, Nick Earle and Joe Coffin! 6 original tracks fro their electric album, ‘Wood, Wire, Blood and Bone’ done acoustically.

Cordeen is a group of Button Accordion players from two sides of the Atlantic ocean, Ireland and Newfoundland. The album is a mix of traditional music and songs from both regions showcasing their strong cultural links.

New for 2016, a new Christmas album from local favourites, the Ennis Sisters. Featuring traditional carols and classic holiday tunes from Maureen, Teresa and Karen.