1. Crowd Up From the Hill
2. This Island
3. Grenfell
4. Traditional Song
5. Home, Boys!
6. Morning Glory
7. Holding Ground
8. Fine Girl Ye Are
9. Life In The Outport
10. Jack Was Every Inch a Sailor
11. Rosin the Bow
12. You Went For A Walk, Sir

Newfoundland Classics Vol. 2

The Thymes are a local rock group with an all-star line up of musicians. Members of Sonny Tripp, Catridge Family, Physical Graffiti (Zeppelin cover band), the Beach B’ys (Beach Boys cover band), The Sellouts, Dodgeband, and so on.

Give this record a solid listen, you won’t regret it. ‘Road Songs’ will be officially released at the Rockhouse, Saturday night August 30th.

Ilia’s songs are delicious melodic vignettes, compelling, ethereal and draped in a late 60’s brit-pop cinematic atmosphere, her prosey lyrics are both poignant and ponderous. But there are humorous splashes aplenty as Ilia navigates from innocence to astute observation in her debut. Part Jane Siberry, Part Petula Clark, part Sarah Harmer. A joyful listen.

Come down to Fred’s Records on Saturday July 26 at 2pm to get your copy of Ilia’s debut album, as well as the opportunity to experience her perform live, for free here in the store!

London Above is a local alt-rock band. Crystal clear guitar, pristine vocals, and quality production.
Co-lead by Fred’s own Elliott Butt, London Above is awesome.

Alex Dinn is a musician from St. John’s Newfoundland who has been playing locally for over twenty years. He has performed both as a solo artist and has also shared the stage with such musicians as Zak Chaulk from the band A2Z.
A collection of ten songs make up this project. His music is an electric mix of folk rock, alternative, and country. Every song with it’s own story to tell will have you listening to well crafted melodies all the way through. ‘All you do’ is the first track released to radio from Alex Dinn’s latest album and is already receiving some great feedback from listeners.
With award winning artist Craig Young who recorded, produced, engineered, played and even participated in a few co-writes, display a true reflection of Alex’s outstanding ability as a lyricist/guitarist.

Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and King Crimson all permeate the melodies, rhythms, licks, and grooves on Jim Fidler’s newest “concept” album.

Fictitious character, Mickey Finn travels on the quintessential journey; dreamin’ the dream, living it and back to slumber to dream again. And music as the penultimate metaphor – vehicle for life is indeed about the journey and not the destination.

Truly a musical – chameleon, Fidler constantly explores every nook and crannie of his far-reaching muse. In fact, it’s accurate to state that everything he has produced since his brilliant 1995 debut has been amazing. Whether repeated themes and influences (ie. Bob Marley) or far out ideas Fidler always brings vitality to his work.

Good Artists Borrow, Great Artists (ie. Dylan, Clapton, Zeppelin) Steal.
This is and shall remain a “Classic Album”

‘Roadblock’ is the 2006 release from Neil Conway. His taboo, wacky, and relatable lyrics, paired with his frank vocals, as well as some help from Colleen Power and Pat Boyle, make for a fun and diverse album. The best adjective to describe Neil Conway and his first record is ‘Neat-o’!

Funky Fresh local, Neil Conway’s latest release ‘Songs for Topical Use’ is a refreshing addition to local music. Diverse instruments, quirky harmonies, and wacky (yet still very well written) lyrics all create a fun sound throughout this entire alternative-folk album. His consistency and commitment to his diverse style is very tasteful and often times rare and difficult to find in music today.

Judy Brazil’s latest release of Traditional Newfoundland songs. Kevin Collins plays many supporting instruments on the album, and Ray Walsh plays the accordion on select tracks. Also includes two tracks featuring her daughter, Stephanie Brazil. Not to be missed!

First release from this new, local trio – Lady Brett Ashley. Members are: Darhen Sing, Allie Duff, and Heather Nolan. Check it out!

1. Jack was Every Inch a Sailor – Mark Hiscock
2. Newfoundland Blessing – Larry Foley
3. Little Boats of Newfoundland – Roy Payne
4. Harbour LeCou – Chris Andrews
5. Nobody’s Child – Patrick Moran
6. Saltwater Charlie – Joy Norman
7. The Orange & The Green – Arthur O’Brien
8. Fisherman’s Boy – Larry Foley
9. The Hillsides of Torbay – Allan Ricketts
10. Towards the Sunset – The Government Rams
11. The Galway Shawl – Fred Jorgensen
12. West Country Lady – Mark Hanrahan
13. Wave Over Wave – Jim Payne, Fergus O’Byrne & Janis Spence
14. My Island Too – Ron & Robert Kelly

1. Down East Boy – The Cobblestones
2. Roving Newfoundlander – Shanneyganock
3. The Rose in her Hair – Simani
4. Downtown Girl – The Irish Descendants
5. Take her in your Arms – The Punters
6. The NIght Paddy MUrphy Died – Mark Hiscock
7. The Roads of Kildare – The R.O.S.S. Ceiligh Band
8. When the Morning Comes Around – The Landsmen
9. Midnight Rover – Jim Fidler
10. UIC – Wonderful Grand Band
11. Back Home on the Island – Larry Foley
12. Paddy McGinty’s Goat – The Ennis Sisters
13. Crazy Little Guitar Man – The Fousty Toutons

Lloyd Goudie plays rustic country and folk music about a bygone time and way of life.

“Tanglecove is delightful collection of 30 original tunes, played on violin, viola, mandolin, bouzouki and guitar, accompanied by accordion, pennywhistle, bass and percussion. From traditional waltzes, jigs and reel to exotic melodies and rhythms drawn from the musical traditions of Scotland, Ireland, England, Appalachia, Eastern, Europe and Newfoundland, this is an album that will enchant you”

Newfoundland’s premier rock group of mid-60s are back on CD!

A native of Exploits River, Grand Falls, Ms. Roberts has expressed her artistic talents as an actor and singer over several years. This, her CD debut, kicks off with three rockers.

“One Night Free” is nicely spruced up with horns, sax and trombone reminiscent of Paul Simon’s, “Late in the Evening”. Roberts compares neatly with Sass Jordan and Alannah Myles when she belts ’em out, but is at her best on the more soulful, heartfelt tracks like “Ask you to Try” and “Ray of Sunlight”, which tips the hat to a classic Lionel Richie melody.

There’s also a great barroom country & western feel on “Raven Black” and “Someone Who Knows How to Lead” (remember Sue Medley), and “Don’t Look Back” swings delightfully with sweet southern touches. “Summer Rain” features a lovely backing vocal track and a classic late 1970’s rock radio vibe.

The album closes with a Pogues-like ditty with a little help from Arthur O’Brien and Fred Jorgenson of the Navigators.

Produced by Ward Pike (guitar and more) and featuring tasty, spare harmonica bits from Mark Anderson and Alan Ricketts on steel Guitar.

Newest release from Signal Hill, a profound bar circuit cover band. The first in a soon-to-be two disc Making Waves set.

Another in a series of jaw-droppingly good records from Victor Lewis. Vic’s new disc follows on from his last release under the “Hickory Switch” moniker, floating around in the classic rock and psychedelic realms without firmly setting foot in one or the other.

The songs sound at once totally new and strangely familiar; fresh and worn in.

Victor Lewis has much in common with Mark Oliver Everett, Grandaddy, Beck and Badly Drawn Boy, all of them spilling over with creative juices and dexterity.  You will never, ever grow tired of one of his records.

Seriously… never!

Victor Lewis (a.k.a. Vickee Lou, Vic Lou, etc.) is arguably Newfoundland’s most innovative and eclectic indie-pop artist.  We liken him to a young David Bowie.

A new disc of original compositions from ex-pat Newfoundlander and jazz pianist. Accompanied by Jim Vivian on bass and Michael Billard on drums.

Another in an ever-increasing series of awesome music from Newfoundland’s best kept secret. Musically this has so many nods it’s a wonder Vic’s neck isn’t permanently sore, although Bowie and 60s psych remain a strong anchor in a musical sea awash with riffs but also impressive songsmithery.

Wayne Morgan sings some Christmas classics by Wince Coles, Jim Brickman and Trevor Wagler as well as some traditional tunes and songs he composed himself.

Jeff Dyer – Vocals

Jeff Johnston – Piano

Jim Vivian – Bass

Songs of Irving Dobbs and Irving Berlin

Duets Featuring Rudy Webb and Heather Bambrick

Piano: Mark Eisenman

Bass: Steve Wallace

Drums: John Sumner

Flugelhorn: Guido Basso

Saxophone: Mike Murley

Guitar: Reg Schwage

Rajaton’s second CD. In Finnish. Sacred and Spiritual. Beautiful lyrics. Songs by Mia Makaroff, Jussi Chydenius and Jaakko Mäntyjärvi. Exquisite.

Rajaton is an exceptional vocal sextet from Finland who have made their mark in the international acapella scene. They sing in English and in Finnish. They are frequent guests of the Festival 500 International Choral Festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland where, since 2001, they have wowed audiences at their concerts and earned the admiration and friendship of visiting choirs at their workshops.
Their name Rajaton, which means “boundless”, refers to the breadth of styles of the music they perform. We think it also describes their ability, imagination and ability.

Rajaton’s first CD. In Finnish. One of our favourites. The disc that heralded the arrival of this astounding a capella sextet.

Rajaton is an exceptional vocal sextet from Finland who have made their mark in the international acapella scene. They sing in English and in Finnish. They are frequent guests of the Festival 500 International Choral Festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland where, since 2001, they have wowed audiences at their concerts and earned the admiration and friendship of visiting choirs at their workshops.
Their name Rajaton, which means “boundless”, refers to the breadth of styles of the music they perform. We think it also describes their ability, imagination and ability.

“Tarinoita” (which means “stories”) from 2010, presents new songs in Finnish and English, mostly composed by group members and frequent collaborator Finnish composer Mia Makaroff. “Glass House” was co-written by Festival 500 favourite composer Stephen Hatfield, an Elton John song and an arrangement of Christine Rossetti’s “Uphill”.

Rajaton is an exceptional vocal sextet from Finland who have made their mark in the international acapella scene. They sing in English and in Finnish. They are frequent guests of the Festival 500 International Choral Festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland where, since 2001, they have wowed audiences at their concerts and earned the admiration and friendship of visiting choirs at their workshops.
Their name Rajaton, which means “boundless”, refers to the breadth of styles of the music they perform. We think it also describes their ability, imagination and ability.

“When I heard the NSYC CD ‘Reaching for the Rock’, I was grabbed by the combination of technical prowess and freedom of sound; there was a wildness, a real smell of the seashore, a cross-grain in the vocal silk which so many choirs lose in their quest for correct notes.  They were so much in tune with what I want out of choral music that I asked if they would record a disc of my work.  This CD is one outcome of what rapidly became a very close and very rewarding relationship.”

– Stephen Hatfield (Liner Notes)

Solo piano pieces played by Bill Brennan.

All tracks are live improvisations by Curtis Andrews and Patrick Boyle.

Curtis Andrews – congas, numerous bells (fire, cow, temple), caxixi, chimes, cymbals, drumset, mechanical birds, ocarina, gungaroos, calabash water drums, bodhran, boba, udu, vocals and moth cocoon shakers.

Patrick Boyle – flugelhorn, trumpet, electric bass, Line 6 pedal, beatboxing, gajda.

All compositions by Bill Brennan except “Gone Away” (traditional).

The Newfoundland Symphony Youth Orchestra play some classical pieces under the direction of Peter Gardner.

The Early music group “La Nef” play the songs of Robert Burns with Newfoundland soprano Meredith Hall.

“This recording initially grew out of Duo Concertante’s need for a few encore-type pieces which featured both instruments in an equally prominent way.  When we approached Clifford Crawley about arranging some materials for us we suggested some of our favourite opera arias, jazz tunes, and orchestral pieces.  He, in turn, had other great ideas and for the next year created the 14 arrangements that comprise this disc.  We are indebted to his great skill, enthusiasm, and generous spirit.  The title of the disc should really be ‘It Takes Three’.”

– Liner Notes

“The program is a selection of vocal repertoire with both piano and chamber ensemble accompaniments that centers on the whimsical and lyric voice of the soprano, featuring John Greer and Clifford Crawley as compatible creative spirits in the current world of Canadian music.  On this disc, John greer performs the roles of composer, pianist and lover of contemporary Canadian music.”

– Liner Notes

Performers:

Jane Leibel – Soprano

John Greer – Piano

Vernon Regehr – Cello

Sean Rice – Clarinet

Michelle Cheramy – Flute and Piccollo

Frank Fusari – Bass

Rob Power – Percussion

“Celebrate the Christmas season with the fabulous Finnish sextet, Rajaton. The a-cappella group formed back in 1997 and has gone on to record several albums. All singers are classically trained and their voices fuse together effortlessly on their latest Christmas album, Jouluyo. Known for their eclectic mix of musical genres, Rajaton delivers a wide range of classic and traditional Christmas songs.  On this joyous Rajaton album, there is something for everyone”

– www.finnstyle.com

Rajaton is an exceptional vocal sextet from Finland who have made their mark in the international acapella scene. They sing in English and in Finnish. They are frequent guests of the Festival 500 International Choral Festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland where, since 2001, they have wowed audiences at their concerts and earned the admiration and friendship of visiting choirs at their workshops.
Their name Rajaton, which means “boundless”, refers to the breadth of styles of the music they perform. We think it also describes their ability, imagination and ability.

“Danika Drover is a world traveller. You know the type. The constant need for stimulation. Always wanting to learn about cultures and see more. So it should come as no surprise that she found herself also being the sort who would write songs. Of course, the next step is to start performing them in public. Those early gigs led Danika to not only enter, but take top prize in the 2010 O’Reilly’s open-mike challenge. Her pseudo-neo-soul stylings blend seamlessly with her smooth and sultry, yet lyrical voice and her understated positivism. Danika is the antidote to the barrage of negative music clamouring over the airwaves today. A voice which simply says “step back and relax” in a world full of “Hurry up and wait.” After winning the competition, Danika was presented with the opportunity to record a professional studio album. She enlisted the help of Jerry Stamp, local singer/songwriter/producer, to help oversee the production and rehearsing of her all-star band.”

– www.danikadrover.com

“Idlers are an eleven-piece ‘reggae circus’ from St. John’s, Newfoundland, with a unique sound that comes from a love of reggae, ska and afro-beat, and peppered with their Atlantic influences. Their sophomore release “Keep Out”, produced by Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer, takes the sound established by “Corner” and makes it tighter, heavier and highly danceable. Recorded in West Hurley, NY at the beautiful Dreamland Studios with Grammy award-winner sound engineer Phil Burnett and Pete Caigan at the controls.”

– cdbaby.com

“A group of like-minded musicians all sharing a vision for creating and performing music.  We have blended together our talents, diverse musical backgrounds and influences to create what we call our own brand of “Modern Celtic” music.  ‘The Traveler’ for us represents the journey that we are all on together; spreading the music and Celtic spirit from Newfoundland to British Columbia and beyond.  Our musical journey has only just begun.”

– Liner Notes

“Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir was founded in 1995 by its current conductor, Chad Stride.  Cantus Vocum translates as “the musical sound of voices”.  This twenty voice chamber choir has quickly been recognized and praised for its musical artistry.  Members of the CVCC are auditioned on an annual basis and currently represent professions of law, dentistry, education, engineering and information technology.  Repertoire spans from Renaissance to the Twenty-First Century.  While the choir performs mainly classical repertoire, they also include folk, spirituals, and light popular culture slections in their programming.  To the end, Cantus Vocum is continually producing innovative programming to cover a broad spectrum or musical tastes.  Cantus Vocum is also vigilant in their programming of works by Canadian Composers.”

– Liner Notes (2009)

“Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir was founded in 1995 by its current conductor, Chad Stride.  Cantus Vocum translates as “the musical sound of voices”.  This twenty voice chamber choir has quickly been recognized and praised for its musical artistry.  Members of the CVCC are auditioned on an annual basis and currently represent professions of law, dentistry, education, engineering and information technology.  Repertoire spans from Renaissance to the Twenty-First Century.  While the choir performs mainly classical repertoire, they also include folk, spirituals, and light popular culture slections in their programming.  To the end, Cantus Vocum is continually producing innovative programming to cover a broad spectrum or musical tastes.  Cantus Vocum is also vigilant in their programming of works by Canadian Composers.”

– Liner Notes (2009)

“Our second recording embraces the music of many global cultures in addition to our own Newfoundland and Canadian traditions. Released in 1998, it seeks to address the choir’s mandate of reaching out to the world through the medium of choral excellence. Reaching From the Rock received the Canadian East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Award for Best Classical Recording in 2000.”

– www. shallaway.ca

The multi-talented James Rose has made an album of completely original songs.  This singer-songwriter also plays acoustic guitar and has Dave Fitzpatrick on drums, bass, acoustic/electric guitar, mandolin, harmonica and backing vocals.  This is a very personal album, with all of the songs dedicated to his wife who passed away in 1998, and with all of the album art painted by James himself.

This 5-song EP from local young group City on the Coast is quite special.  Still in high school, this group’s sound is truly a blend of Arcade Fire meets Broken Social Scene meets Hey Rosetta!  With an immaculate performance here at Fred’s, we all agree the star is on the rise for them.