“Newfoundland musician and visual artist Scott Goudie has played guitar since the mid-60s when he took an interest in blues and jazz.  While studying fine art in Vancouver in the early 1970s, he met Mississippi Delta Blues man Johnny Shines, a contemporary blues legend of Robert Johnson.  Goudie then moved to Alabama and studied and played with Johnny Shines, specializing in acoustic slide guitar.  He later met and played with John Hammond Jr., Muddy Waters and Albert Collins to name a few.

In St. John’s, Scott met fellow blues musician Denis Parker and started playing with him over thrity years ago, during the early 1970s.  Scott’s recent CD, Scott W. Goudie: Acoustic Live collects remarkable live concert performances into a finely recorded and designed package.”

– http://www.rowdyblues.com/scottgoudie.html

Patrick Moran (from The Punters) and Chris Andrews (the leader of the band Shanneyganock) have collaborated to bring a selection of old songs that have rarely been recorded and many that have never been previously recorded.   Being that Patrick and Chris are both from the Logy Bay and Torbay area, this selection of songs was mostly gleaned from people in the area.   Patrick and Chris are very talented in that they play a variety of instruments between them and both are excellent vocalists.  Pat Casey’s Song “The Hillsides of Torbay” features the outstanding vocals of a young up-and-coming musician, Allan Ricketts from Torbay.   A great friend of Chris Andrews, Ed Caddigan, wrote the song “Treasures”, which will evoke much emotion from everyone that hears it.  As is the case in Newfoundland, there are fun songs that we can all relate to (“The Berries” and “Phil Grace’s Truck”) as well as songs of tragedy (“The Water Witch”) and accomplishment (“9:13”).  A few of the selections from this CD are destined to become Newfoundland classics.

The debut recording from Forgotten Bouzouki was purely a labour of love for singer/guitarist George Miminis. Having rediscovered an old Greek bouzouki that had been literally forgotten about in his basement for ten years, George was inspired to record the music from his home. He assembled a diverse and talented group of St. John’s musicians to help him do so and this debut is a result of their work together. It is a heartfelt tribute played with care and great diligence. The string work on the album is quite impressive with contributions from Darren “Boobie” Browne and Dave Panting on Bouzouki, Tzouras, Lute and Banjo and Violin, Viola and Baglamas by Allison Corbett and Heather Wright. This is a unique view into the interpretation of Greek music by a band made up primarily of born and raised Newfoundlanders. With George at the helm, they have done a fine job indeed.

2011 Music Newfoundland and Labrador Group of the Year nominees, Ashelin have been singing together for most of their lives. Formerly known by their stage name, The Palmer Sisters, Cassy, Joesie, Kaliyan, Shaelin, and Thea have had music as an integral part of their family and the fruit of their musical pursuits culminates on this lovely record. Defined by precise, buoyant and multi-harmonized vocals the album is exceptionally performed with a cadence and togetherness reflective of their closeness as sisters. There is a belief that musical families tend to have a synergy that can be deeper than non-relative performers. This is certainly true on this record. Pristine vocal arrangements are the signature of this young group. “The Road Not Taken” was produced by Grammy Award winning producer/engineer George Massenburg and ECMA award winning producer/engineer Al Strickland, and features performances by some of the East Coast’s finest musical talent including bassist Jamie Gatti, multi-instrumentalist J.P. Cormier, and bluesman John Campbelljohn. This all-star cast performs beautifully and provides a beautiful backdrop for the sisters to colour with their charming voices.

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.

Bud is one half of the legendary Newfoundland traditional duo, Simani. “Back to the Bay” is a collection of mid tempo ballads and waltzes set in the Newfoundland, folk-country style that made Simani so famous on the island. Bud’s voice is weathered and warm and his performance sincere. Instrumentally, the album features traditional elements of button accordion, fiddle and acoustic guitar backed by drums and electric bass giving it charming country feel that has also been a staple genre in the province for many years.

This is one of the Best Selling Great Big Sea albums of all time! Winner of a few key ECMA awards and featuring 2 Huge National Hits! Traditional folk married perfectly with pop rock. This is an excellent album.

‘A quiet masterpiece” – Sing Out Magazine, USA
– ”One of the most haunting and beautiful Canadian folk albums ever recorded.” – Northern Journey: A Guide to Canadian Folk Music

The Colour of Amber is, arguably one of our finest examples of the modern approach to traditional folk music. It is ethereal, almost other-worldly and demonstrates the haunting beauty of two of our most talented and esteemed singers and folk music purveyors. It has received international praise and still stands as one of the most important recordings in Newfoundland.

A career defined by thought provoking, introspective lyrics, beautiful melodies and unique instrumentation, highlighted by the superb soulful singing of Pamela Morgan, is captured here on Figgy Duff’s career best of compilation.

“Beautiful Lyrics, beautifully sung and arranged.” – Canadian Composer

“A superbly seductive piece of work – a fresh and thoroughly contemporary feel.” – Sound Can, Canada

Figgy Duff burst onto the National scene in 1976, playing Celtic rock like nobody had ever heard it before or since. Six piece, brazen and daring, they drew rave reviews from both sides of the border, and comparisons with the Chieftans, Stivell, and Planxty.

Tracks:

1. Galway Girl
2. Close Your Eyes
3. Flatrockin’
4. Heavy Away
5. No Other baby
6. Young Thing
7. Brown Eyed Handsome Man
8. Fisherman’s Blues
9. I Had But 50 Cents
10. Sandymorrisette
11. She Ain’t You
12. All You Ever Do
13. Banks of Newfoundland
14. Big Bow Wow

If you’ve ever been on a ship’s deck with the salt spray in your face or half-tanked in a pub, glass held high and your arm around a stranger, chances are you know a few of these anthemic tunes. This album is a collection of some of the most popular songs in the deep Newfoundland catalogue done by many of the most popular artists in the province including: The Irish Descendants, Ron Hynes, Celtic Connection, The Punters, Shanneyganock, The Fables, Jim Payne and Fergus O’Byrne; all legendary Newfoundland performers.

Joanna is one of the newest and most promising young voices in the province. In roughly one year, she has performed live extensively, written an album worth of songs and released her debut album to both critical and popular acclaim. She is a thoughtful lyricist who tackles a number of themes throughout the album. She speaks eloquently of love, loss and her feelings on a dark and real side of our nation’s history. She does so with confidence and great poise. She is a confident lyricist whose voice is smoky and warm. It is airy and light, flowing and seemingly effortless. Fans of Natalie Merchant and Nick Drake will absolutely love this acoustic, folk record. The sound is rounded out nicely by Iliya Nicoll on violin, Jake Nicoll on drums, Ben Rigby on banjo, Dave Bridger on upright bass and Joanna on acoustic guitar. It is a wistful album perfect for early mornings or late nights. A formidable debut to be sure.

“The Evening Light” is the newest release from local singer/songwriter, Ian Foster. Tracks one through six progress with a smooth, rich and confident flow. Ian has a great sense of musical space and he knows when to play and when not to. The album is filled with lovely instrumentation including an appearance by legendary traditional music icon, Fergus O’Byrne (Banjo on track two) and airy Violin and cello by Janis Campbell and Adam Press respectively. Tracks six through eleven take a slightly more subdued tone while maintaining Ian’s strength for metaphor and colourful imagery. He is one of our province’s finest songwriters.

Latest album from NL musician, Colleen Power!

Debut album from local NL band, Tomorrow’s Hangover! Tomorrow’s Hangover’s sound is as eclectic as its members, playing a mix of originals and covers, that are sure to bring a crowd to the dance floor for a scuff and a singalong. 

Debut album from local Irish/NL group called “The Islanders” based out of Bay Roberts. A great mix of originals and popular Irish/Traditional tunes.

New album from the Fine Lads!

I first met Dave Picco around 2004/2005 before his CD debut. We had periodic delightful conversations in some of St. John’s bohemian watering holes as he enthusiastically shared with me his love of Ron Hynes and other singer/songwriters. He sought my feedback on everything from the local music scene to his own thought process and intentions in the field. It was evident from the get go that he was sincere and at the ready to make his mark.

LIVE IT DOWN drops today at Fred’s Records, Picco’s fifth CD since 2005. He tells me directly that these songs were quickly written and quickly recorded, an approach honoured by many great artists with the intention of capturing immediacy and the fruits it bears. The opening track, “Up In The Air” exudes warmth and compares well to the recent solo offerings of Jeff Tweedy while “Still Love Ya” reveals his rock n’ roll barroom side, a jaunty ditty to get the listener swaying. On tracks 5 and 6 Picco seems to be channelling his ‘inner John Prine’ (hey, every singer-songwriter has one), the latter, “Top Shelf” featuring local legend Roger Howse on second guitar and old-timey fiddle part from Carole Bestvater helping to warm up the track with superbly sympathetic accompaniment.

“In The Fall”, hands down is the album’s finest number and as perfect a song as Picco has ever written. It possesses a degree of poignancy that evokes a deeper exploration of human emotion and in a simple snapshot allows us plenty to ponder and read between the lines. Whether it’s by intention or merely a directive of the subconscious, this song is an ideal example of the ‘less is more’ philosophy and hits the nail on the head, by virtue making it a piece of beauty.

The album closes with two lilting mid-tempo tunes. Contemplative without sinking into darkness, Picco always seems to be floating on a breeze even when hinting at sadness. Melancholy/blue moods agree with his acumen in his work. Dave Picco is not a wordy lyricist in the common usage we apply to songwriters. In fact he’s a gifted melody-man who arranges his thoughtful lyrics in a neat and simple fashion, relatable and always enjoyable.

The album features contributions from Mark Feener, Paddy Byrne, Chris Donnelly, Christina Bougie, Chris Picco, Janet Cull, Andrea Monro, Sherry Ryan, Sean Murray, Ryan Kennedy and Lexi Hicks as well as the aforementioned Roger Howse and Carole Bestvater.

ON SALE NOW AT FRED’S: $14.98 plus tax.

Latest album from local recitation group, From Stage to Stage! Featuring the charm and foolishness of Hubert Furey, Harry Ingram, Dave Paddon, and Dave Penny.

Fred’s has Natasha’s wonderful new CD, “Easeback” for sale right now. This fantastic new release featuring a popourri of musical styles built on jazz/folk foundations with splendid pop sensibilities. You will hear sax, flute, clarinet, accordion, pedal-steel, harp, cello, double-bass, violin and much more in alliance with a stellar band that includes Andrew “Dicky” Strickland on guitars, organ and percussion, Ryan Kennedy on piano, keys and backu vocals, Paddy Byrne on bass and Chris Donnelly on drums. 

Compilation CD created by Jim Payne, Megan Forsyth of Mun’s Mmap centre, and the NL Federation of Labour. This set contains 28 historical NL sings that have not been widely heard or recorded which relate to work in all forms. Comes in a 2-disc set with a large, very informative booklet!

Latest from the local jazz maestro, Florian Hoefner and his trio! Contains originals, traditional songs and arrangments of Newfoundland songs.

Florian Hoefner: Piano, Andrew Downing: Bass, Nick Fraser: Drums.

New album from Newfoundland’s own opera singer, Tonia Evans Cianciulli!

2019 release from one of NL’s best Jazz singers, Heather Bambrick!

Latest album from The Celtic Fiddlers, a local trad powerhouse!

Latest Album from local country artist, Caroline East. 

The long standing co-led German quintet with Florian Hoefner on piano released their 5th jazz album, “Moose Blues” on Laika Records. Order yours today!

Sophmore album from Newfoundland singer/songwriter, Steve Best!

Latest album from local blues legend and a crucial part of Newfoundland’s music scene for the past 50 years, Denis Parker!

Sophomore album from local rock/heavy metal band, Sea Dogs!

Sea Dogs are:

Latest album from local modern rock band, Waterfront Fire!

Juno Award–nominee Kellie Loder releases her long-awaited 3rd album, Benefit of the Doubt .

The latest album from local duo, Rube & Rake (Andrew Laite & Josh Sandu)

In a world where most artists tend to expand their arrangements, sometimes overcooking the results, this St. John’s based duo concentrates on the basics-the pure. Featuring acoustic guitars and banjo, these troubadour tales are delivered in a quilt of sterling close vocal harmony. The artistry and craft applied to their songs is the result of true musical fellowship. One can imagine the magic of the folk music heyday when a young Gordon Lightfoot emerged on the nations landscape. He would have been in the coffee house or tavern taking in the entire set by this duo and their thought-provoking numbers reflecting the hearts and eyes of road tested travelers. The best folk/roots music reveals our connectedness to each other and Rube & Rake hit in on the head with this acoustic/harmony delight.

St. John’s-based indie rock band Newspaper Fashion Show’s second release!
The band: Jacob Quinton (vocals), Jeremy Gillam (guitar and vocals), John Purchase (guitar), Aaron Beswick (bass), Zakk Sullivan (drums)

Joey Smallwood’s super cool wacky fun time recording of Like Ya Wood (Kelly’s Dream) and Like Ya Would (Instrumental). Such a great time.

Thirteen of Baxter’s favorite and most requested recitations to a background of haunting melodies and cheerful tunes.

Lazar, the new album from the St. John’s based band, London Above, is an upbeat pop/rock album, with something new to discover musically on each listen. London Above consists of Chris Morrison (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Harry Parsons (drums), and Fred’s Records own Elliott Butt (vocals, bass).

Montreal-based guitarist Steve Cowan has firmly established himself within the guitar and new music circles of North America. Top prizes in several competitions have led him to concert appearances throughout Canada and the United States, where he has been praised for his powerful sound, insightful interpretations, and unique repertoire choice. His desire to present lesser-known music has recently materialized into his debut album, which was funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and McGill University. ‘Pour Guitare’ includes pieces by exclusively Canadian composers, many of which are premiere recordings or new commissions.

In addition to solo repertoire, the album includes works for guitar duo, and guitar with electronics. Important contributions include recording premieres of guitar pieces by both Claude Vivier and Jaques Hetu; arguably two of Canada’s most performed and celebrated composers. Other highlights include the darkly humorous ‘Danse Burlesque’ by Daniel Mehdizadeh, and riveting and panic-inducing ‘Dreaded Sea Voyage’ by Andrew Staniland, and the innovative and mysterious harmonic textures of Jason Noble’s ‘Shadow Prism’.

Thisisclassicalguitar.com claims: ‘With fantastic playing, great repertoire, and a wealth of musical ideas to back it up, ‘Pour Guitare’ is both an important contribution to the guitar scene and an engaging listen’. Throughout 2016 and 2017, Steve Cowan will be promoting ‘Pour Guitare’ at concert engagements in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Jim Bragg’s debut album! With Dave Fitzpatrick producing and backing Bragg on drums, bass mandolin, harmonica and guitar. This is a great traditional album with lots of energy and spirit.

Dave is a versatile musician and a pioneer of the Newfoundland folk music revival. He has been performing, composing and recording for over 30 years with groups such as Figgy Duff, Rawlins Cross and the Panting Brothers.

On this new album, he has brought together some of Newfoundland’s finest musicians to create a topnotch album of trad music. Musicians include: Geoff Panting, Emilia Bartellas, Aaron Collis, Elliot Dicks, Andrew McCarthy, Ian McKinnon, Simon Miminis, Dan Rubin, Christina Smith, Gerry Strong and Gayle Tapper.

Cabbages and Kings are a Newfoundland based rock band.

Members include: Michael Kirby, Brandon Hopkins, and Josh Noble.

This is their second release!

Brand new CD from world renowned chamber group, Duo Concertante. Nancy Dahn (violin) and Timothy Steeves (Piano) complete their 6th album of the complete Sonatas for violin and keyboard by J. S. Bach.

Album of gospel songs from Newfoundland’s Francie Barrett.

‘My Father, Joseph Kinsella and uncle, Leo Kinsella grew up in Tilting, Fogo Island in the thirties and forties. Over the years they wrote many lyrics, songs and poems inspired by their hometown. Some of the songs on this album were written more than fifty years ago, only to be now paired with melodies, recorded and shared. Each and every one tells a special story. Each is inspired by life in Tilting.

Sophomore album from Newfoundland’s country musician, Ryan Jacobs.

New Christmas album from award-winning country group, The Secrets.

Latest album from local rock n’ roller Mick Davis. Just out November 5th!

Theresa Sokyrka, Saskatchewan native- is a Canadian singer-songwriter. On the second season of Canadian Idol, she was the final runner-up to winner Kalan Porter. This is her fifth album release.

Long awaited album from The Monday Nights’ self-titled debut.

The Monday Nights are:
Kalem Mahoney
Elliot Dicks
Grant King
Mark Neary
Brad Power

Second album from former At Ship’s End frontman, Dave Whitty.

A tribute in song and video to the people and places along the Baccalieu Trail.

Songs by Damian Follett
Music production by Rick Hollett
Cinematography by Gerry Boland

Debut album from local singer/songwriter, Amy Wilson

Latest local compilation, including legendary Newfoundland songs from Shanneyganock, Larry Foley, and D’Arcy Broderick.

Thrashy Black Metal from Newfoundland!

Timothy Steeves (piano) and Nancy Dahn (violin) are Duo Concertante. This is their latest release Of Mendelssohn and Macdonald Double Concertos. They are performed with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Marc David.

Second release from Mick Davis

A recently released Traditional and Contemporary Folk CD. Mostly instrumental work, but features three songs with guest vocalists including his brother Bob and Sylvia Fudge of Corner Brook.

Traditional music from Ireland to Newfoundland. Featuring Newfoundland musicians Colin Carrigan, Graham Wells, Billy Sutton, and Jason Mackey, as well as Irish musicians Seamus Creagh, Aidan Coffey and Mick Daly.

Seven song disc is the CD introduction/debut from Chris Ryan. This singer/songwriter has enlisted the help from several veteran heavyweights, and young versatile talent alike on the collection of songs that will have mass appeal much like Barry Canning has for many years. Imagine a raspy voiced Jim Cuddy and nods to classic pop with country injections. A talent to watch …and hear.