Bluegrass

Canadiana / Americana best describes the music of Canadian singer-songwriter, Barry James Payne.

Well worn by the rumble of the road, Canadian singer-songwriter Barry James Payne and his “North” Americana band, String Bone, bring his true life narratives close to the ear with tender arrangements and gruff sincerity. With a mix of folk, blues, country, rock, and other contemporary and traditional elements, his sound is both fluid and solid, thus true to its name.

His last record, ’Love & Highways' (2016) drives through darkness, betrayal and remorse towards love, light, escape, and freedom on the road ahead, with Payne at the wheel. Born in London, Ontario, surrounded by tobacco and corn farms and some of the richest fields in the world, Payne had to get out of Dodge at an early age. Beginning at age 17, he hitchhiked and travelled West across Canada from his hometown a half dozen times to Canada’s West Coast - back and forth for about 4 years. Eventually he settled there and further travelled down the West Coast of the US as far as LA and to 15 other states, and has travelled or toured England, France, Spain, Greece, Holland & Germany.

Payne's dedication to music sparked his 10-year running concert series 'String Bone Presents!' Producing over 100 shows, bringing the best of Canadian and US folk-roots to the stage at various venues in his hometown of Stratford, ON. Artists such as Danny Michel, Mary Gauthier, Fred Eaglesmith, Madison Violet, Luke Doucet, Eliza Gilkyson, Lynn Miles, and Romi Mayes among many others took the stage at this highly anticipated, annual performance series.

In 2018, Payne along with bluesman, Rick Taylor, co-produced a series of shows across Southern Ontario & Toronto as a tribute to Canadian Folk legend, Payne’s song-writing idol and Taylor’s long-time good friend, Willie P. Bennett. Guests included Russell deCarle, Tannis Slimmon, Linda McRae, Deni Gauthier, Paul Langille, Lynne Hanson, and many more.

His first full length CD 'nadir' was called as diverse as Lucinda Williams, Jay Farrar, Wilco, Dylan, Steve Earle, Nick Lowe, and Elvis Costello by reviewers. From that same record, String Bone's song 'Midnight Train' was in regular rotation on ABC Country - The Australia Broadcasting Corporation's national country station for several months. He cites Willie P. Bennett as a major influence along with Dylan, Young, Costello, and Cohen. Payne also performs and records with other musical projects including Celtic powerhouse 'Rant Maggie Rant’ and with roots duo ‘Payne & Taylor,’ alongside Rick Taylor (Willie P. Bennett, Stan Rogers, Colleen Peterson).

Special Thanks to: Victor Rose Photography. https://www.victorrosephoto.com/ 

WELCOME TO THE AEOLIAN PHOENIX SESSIONS

The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions take centre stage… in the comfort of your own home. Every month we premier at least four productions recorded at Aeolian’s studios or in the artist’s home. The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions are intended to provide patrons with a cross-section of the music going experience. From classical to jazz, rock to country, and bluegrass to folk, the Sessions aim to bring music back into your home and heart. Interested in one show only? Trust us: you’ll like what you see. Try the Phoenix Sessions all month and experience a few productions that you might never have seen in person. Our goal was to reignite live music and get artists on stage, technicians behind the soundboard and our patrons on their feet listening to extraordinary talent in extraordinary times.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Membership to the Phoenix Sessions is $20 per month (automatically recurring) and you select the productions you wish to enjoy. Though membership renews automatically, patrons must validate their membership number every month to receive an access code for each new set of productions by email. This process is not automatic. Patrons will receive their first access code immediately upon registration. An access code is only good for one calendar month. Validation instructions are contained in the Membership tab on this page, in our weekly newsletter and in the monthly rollover announcement sent by the Aeolian Box Office. We do not have a multi-viewer pass. If you plan to safely watch with friends or family, please consider donating to further offset the costs associated with these productions. Tickets to individual productions are not available. If you do not intend to subscribe for longer than one month, refunds will not be provided to patrons who forget to cancel their membership or who have not read the terms and conditions: membership renewal is automatic every 30 days. This information is noted on every ticketing page, on event pages and marketing, on event posters and in our weekly newsletter. It is important to read information carefully before joining so as to not misunderstand how membership works. Upon registration and after monthly validation, you will receive a confirmation email including a link that you will use each time you wish to view a performance. Save that link… or follow instructions at www.aeolianhall.ca/phoenix to receive it again. Shows will be available on the date and time specified on Aeolian’s website.

The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions take centre stage... in the comfort of your own home. Each month we premier at least four artists' recordings from the Aeolian stage. Membership to the Phoenix Sessions is $20 per month (recurring) and you select the productions you want to watch.

Aeolian’s Phoenix Sessions are proud to produce four outstanding performances in March. For just $20 you have access to all four digitally streamed productions anytime, anywhere. One new show will be released every Friday including: Marty Kolls, Andrew Collins, Luke McMaster, and Fraser Teeple. Subscribe once, enjoy live music all month long!

You will receive a confirmation email including a link that you will use each time you wish to view a March performance. Save that link… or follow instructions at www.aeolianhall.ca/phoenix.

Fraser Teeple has slowly built a catalogue of musical work that stands as an underground gem in the Canadian music scene. His economy and sensitivity as a songwriter evoke a young northern Springsteen, with a textured voice that can cut through an east end dive bar or soulfully creak out a heart-breaker to a still concert hall. Fraser approaches his songwriting craft like a tradesman: he respects the strong tradition he stands within, and works carefully and with dedication to master the simple skills of telling a story, creating an image, or crafting a melody. He has apprenticed in bars, coffee shops, and concert halls across Canada and Europe — and has become a soundtrack for driving down a dirt road, renovating a house, and burning driftwood on a northern beach.

Do you like traditional Country, Swing, Jazz and Blues? Then you're going to love Western Swing!

The Western Swing Authority is Canada's most recognized and awarded authentic Western Swing group. Made up of a collection of some of the country's finest touring and studio musicians, they came together to play the timeless style of music they love. Seamlessly combining stellar musicianship and vocals with traditional country and jazz standards and their own “new vintage” originals, they have created a sound that is truly their own.  

WSA have been recognized with awards and nominations in both Canada and the United States and are reintroducing the Western Swing sound to an entire new generation of music lovers with every performance. Their live show has been described as “all killer, no filler” by Cashbox Canada Magazine.

Their 4th studio album, “BIG DEAL”, includes guest appearances by 9x Grammy winner Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, Grammy nominated Jazz sensation Jane Monheit, Canadian Country Stars George Canyon and Jason McCoy, along with many more amazing artists who have added their support and talent to the project.  Over their almost 12 years together they have captured the attention of two of the music industry's most legendary icons, receiving an invitation to play a private party in Nashville in March of 2018 for none other than Garth Brooks and his manager Bob Doyle.

Though individual members’ touring and recording credits are impressive, including names like Gordon Lightfoot and Dean Brody, it is the sum of the parts that is garnering attention and recognition worldwide.

The Western Swing Authority is Shane Guse (fiddle, vocals), Stacey Lee Guse (vocals), Ed “Pee Wee Charles” Ringwald (steel guitar), Dan Howlett (fiddle, vocals), Paul “Chappy” Chapman (guitar and vocals), Matthew Lima (stand up bass) and Jimmy Boudreau (drums). 

“Love the WSA.  Great accomplished players who play Western Swing like it should be played!” - Ray Benson/Asleep at the Wheel 

“The Western Swing Authority is taking our music into the new millennium.  With exceptional musicianship and knock your socks off vocals, they’re everything a swing band should be!” - Carolyn Martin/Western Swing Hall of Fame inductee

“As Merle Haggard brought the music of Bob Wills and Western Swing to a new generation of listeners, The Western Swing Authority is paying it forward not only by recording and performing these classics, but also writing new material proudly carrying on the style of traditional Western Swing music.” - Scott Wikle – My Kind of Country

“It’s impossible to listen to this record and not feel happy afterwards.” -Country Perspective

“A retro treat” - New Canadian Music

“Lush and fabulous. ” - Robert Oermann, Music Row Magazine

“Perhaps the finest album I have heard for some time” - Russell Hill Maverick Magazine

Awards and Nominations

2020 CMA Ontario – Nominated – Roots Artist of the Year

2019 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated – Best Western Swing Group

2019 Ameripolitan Music Awards - Nominated-Female Western Swing, Stacey Lee

2019 CMA Ontario – Nominated – Roots Artist of the Year 

2018 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated – Western Swing Female (Stacey Lee)

2017 CCMA Awards – WINNER – Fiddle Player of the Year (Shane's 5th time to win so he is now retired from the category and inducted into the CCMA Musicians Hall of Honour

2017 Ameripolitan Music Awards - Nominated-Female Western Swing, Stacey Lee

2016 Academy of Western Artists – WINNER - Best Western Swing Female, Stacey Lee

2016 CCMA All Star Band Award – WINNER - Ed Ringwald, Steel player of the year (Ed's 5th time to win so he is now retired from the category and inducted into the CCMA Musicians Hall of Honour)

2016 CCMA All Star Band Award – WINNER - Shane Guse, Fiddle player of the year

2016 Academy of Western Artists – Nominated – Best Western Swing Album (Now Playing)

2016 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated – Best Western Swing Group

2016 Ameripolitan Music Awards - Nominated-Female Western Swing, Stacey Lee

2015 CCMA Awards – Nominated – Roots Artist of the Year

2015 Country Music Association of Ontario – WINNER – Group of the Year

2015, 2014 Country Music Association of Ontario – WINNER – Roots Artist

2015 Academy of Western Artists – WINNER – Best Western Swing Group

2015 Academy of Western Artists – Nominated – Western Swing Female, Stacey Lee

2015 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated-Best Western Swing Group

2015 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated-Female Western Swing, Stacey Lee

2014 CCMA Awards – Nominated – Group of the Year

2014 CCMA Awards – Nominated - Roots Artist of the Year

2014, 2011, 2010 CCMA All Star Band Award – WINNER - Shane Guse, Fiddle player of the year

2015, 2014, 2013, 2011 CCMA All Star Band Award – WINNER - Ed Ringwald, Steel player of the year

2014 Country Music Association of Ontario – Nominated – Group or Duo

2014 Academy of Western Artists – Nominated – Best Western Swing Group

2014 Academy of Western Artists – Nominated – Female Vocalist (Western Swing)

2014 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated – Best Western Swing Group

2013 Independent Music Award – WINNER - Best Americana Song “I've Got A Feelin'”

2013 IMA Vox Populi Award – WINNER - Best Americana Song “I've Got A Feelin'”

2013 Country Music Association of Ontario – Nominated – Best Group

2013 Country Music Association of Ontario – Nominated – Songwriter of the Year “All Dolled Up”

Welcome to the Aeolian Phoenix Sessions

The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions take centre stage... in the comfort of your own home. Every month we premier at least four productions recorded at Aeolian's studios or in the artist's home. The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions are intended to provide patrons with a cross-section of the music going experience. From classical to jazz, rock to country, and bluegrass to folk, the Sessions aim to bring music back into your home and heart. Interested in one show only? Trust us: you'll like what you see. Try the Phoenix Sessions all month and experience a few productions that you might never have seen in person. Our goal was to reignite live music and get artists on stage, technicians behind the soundboard and our patrons on their feet listening to extraordinary talent in extraordinary times.

Terms and Conditions

Membership to the Phoenix Sessions is $20 per month (automatically recurring) and you select the productions you wish to enjoy. Cancel anytime by contacting boxoffice@aeolianhall.ca. We do not have a multi-viewer pass. If you plan to safely watch with friends or family, please consider donating to further offset the costs associatedwith these productions. Tickets to individual productions are not available. Upon registration and after monthly validation, you will receive a confirmation email including a link that youx will use each time you wish to view aperformance. Save that link… But we are always here to help. Contact us at boxoffice@aeolianhall.ca if you lose your pass. Shows will be available on the date and time specified on Aeolian's website. Payment is final. No refunds will be offered.

The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions take centre stage... in the comfort of your own home. Every month we premier at least four productions recorded at Aeolian's studios or in the artist's home. The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions are intended to provide patrons with a cross-section of the music going experience. From classical to jazz, rock to country, and bluegrass to folk, the Sessions aim to bring music back into your home and heart. Interested in one show only? Trust us: you'll like what you see. Try the Phoenix Sessions all month and experience a few productions that you might never have seen in person. Our goal was to reignite live music and get artists on stage, technicians behind the soundboard and our patrons on their feet listening to extraordinary talent in extraordinary times.

Terms and Conditions

Membership to the Phoenix Sessions is $20 per month (automatically recurring) and you select the productions you wish to enjoy. Though membership renews automatically, patrons must validate their membership number every month to receive an access code for each new set of productions by email. This process is not automatic. Patrons will receive their first access code immediately upon registration. An access code is only good for one calendar month. Validation instructions are contained in the Membership tab on this page, in our weekly newsletter and in the monthly rollover announcement sent by the Aeolian Box Office. We do not have a multi-viewer pass. If you plan to safely watch with friends or family, please consider donating to further offset the costs associated with these productions. Tickets to individual productions are not available. If you do not intend to subscribe for longer than one month, refunds will not be provided to patrons who forget to cancel their membership or who have not read the terms and conditions: membership renewal is automatic every 30 days. This information is noted on every ticketing page, on event pages and marketing, on event posters and in our weekly newsletter. It is important to read information carefully before joining so as to not misunderstand how membership works. Upon registration and after monthly validation, you will receive a confirmation email including a link that you will use each time you wish to view a performance. Save that link… or follow instructions at www.aeolianhall.ca/phoenix to receive it again. Shows will be available on the date and time specified on Aeolian's website. PRODUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR A MAXIMUM OF TWO WEEKS AFTER PREMIER. IF YOU ARE PURCHASING MORE THAN 30 DAYS BEFORE THE MONTH BEGINS, YOU WILL BE BILLED EVERY 30 DAYS AS A RECURRING MEMBER. IF YOU ARE SPECIFICALLY INTERESTED IN AN INDIVIDUAL MONTH, PLEASE PURCHASE  YOUR PASS ON FIRST OF THE MONTH. Payment is final. No refunds will be offered.

London’s own Heartaches Stringband make a joyful ruckus. The band features the close harmony singing by husband and wife duo Amanda Lynn Stubley and Martin Horak, joined by London’s reigning master of the mandolin, James Cummins. Horak’s driving fiddle is occasionally switched up for cello, and when the time is right, Stubley puts down her guitar and digs deep to her roots with clawhammer banjo.

Friends in life, pros on the stage, the Heartaches romp their way through lost Canadian classics, bluegrass instrumentals, and songs of love and regret, combining rarely heard oldtime gems and inspired original tunes.  You'd be crying in your beer if your toes weren't tapping!

The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions take centre stage... in the comfort of your own home. Each month we premier at least four artists' recordings from the Aeolian stage. Membership to the Phoenix Sessions is $20 per month (recurring) and you select the productions you want to watch.

Aeolian’s Phoenix Sessions are proud to produce four outstanding performances in February. For just $20 you have access to all four digitally streamed productions anytime, anywhere. One new show will be released every Friday including: Lewington & Downie (of Enter the Haggis), Colin Linden... Live from Nashville, Jully Black... Live from Toronto, and Nocturne Romantique featuring Clark Bryan, pianist.

Subscribe once, enjoy live music all month long!

You will receive a confirmation email including a link that you will use each time you wish to view a February performance. Save that link… or follow instructions at www.aeolianhall.ca/phoenix.

For more information, please scroll down to the ticketing information below. Read the

This performance is part of the Aeolian’s Phoenix Sessions. To view, purchase the FEBRUARY pass or become a recurring monthly member.

Colin Linden is a genuine renaissance man of roots music. He’s a member of the highly successful trio, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, a singer and songwriter, an in-demand and prolific record producer, musical director on the hit TV show Nashville and sideman to the stars as guitarist for the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Cockburn, Emmylou Harris, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

Of how many artists can it be said that they’re getting better, 33 years into their recording career? Colin Linden can certainly be considered a member of that select club based on From The Water, the 11th solo album in a storied career that has also featured his work on literally hundreds of other records. At last count, the total of albums on which he has played stood at over 300, while at least 70 albums bear the ‘Produced by Colin Linden’ credit.

Linden is a genuine renaissance man of roots music. He’s a singer and songwriter of great skill, an in-demand and prolific record producer ( Bruce Cockburn, Tom Wilson, Colin James), a sideman to the stars as guitarist for the likes of Bruce Cockburn, Emmylou Harris, and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and, for the past decade, a member of the highly successful trio, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.

Colin’s songs have been covered by The Band, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Keb’ Mo’, and Colin James, and his well-stocked trophy case includes seven Juno, multiple Maple Blues Awards, and a Toronto Arts Award. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for the star-studded A Tribute to Howlin’ Wolf CD, and was involved in the ground-breaking O Brother Where Art Thou phenomenon. Linden has a well-deserved reputation as a slide guitar virtuoso of real originality, and his riveting slide work can be heard both on albums from such artists as Cassandra Wilson, The Rankin Family and Whitey Johnson and on his own sizeable solo catalogue.

The Slocan Ramblers (2019 Juno Award Nominees) are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have become a leading light of today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass and everywhere in between.

On their much-anticipated new album Queen City Jubilee (2019 Juno Award Nominee for Traditional Roots Album of the Year), The Slocans showcase their unique blend of bluegrass, old-time and folk with deep song-writing, lightning fast instrumentals and sawdust-thick vocals. With their trademark raucous energy, this new album presents The Slocan Ramblers at the top of their game – writing and playing tunes to keep you up all night. This is roots music without pretension, music intended to make you feel something – say hello to your new favourite band.

The Slocans are:
Frank Evans: Banjo
Adrian Gross: Mandolin
Darryl Poulsen: Guitar
Alastair Whitehead: Bass

PRESS

“I love it – smokin’ bluegrass!”\
– BBC Radio

“If you’ve grown tired of the same old sounds, here’s a band who reinvents a genre.
– Bluegrass Unlimited

“Riveting"
– Bluegrass Today

“Contemporary bluegrass at its very best. […] Their third album, Queen City Jubilee, could be the one that propels them to the forefront of the acoustic roots scene.”
– Songlines Magazine (UK)

“The Slocan Ramblers put on one of the most vibrant shows of acoustic music I’ve seen in some time. It’s rare for Canadians (especially young Canadians) to play this music with such authority, passion and yet ability for experimentation. Chops galore, and a handsome bunch of fellas”
– Tom Power – Host of CBC’s “q”

“Traditional Album of the Year Nominee”
– Canadian Folk Music Awards (2016)

“Emerging Artist Award”
– Edmonton Folk Fest (2015)

“This is a tight-knit ensemble with a lot of drive, yet with something of a tantalizing “rough edge” to their sound.”
– Sing Out! Magazine

“Effortlessly pushing bluegrass back to its earlier roots in Appalachian traditions, while steering old sounds in fascinating new directions.”
– No Depression

“Top Discoveries From Folk Alliance 2014”
– The Bluegrass Situation

“Top class bluegrass”
– fRoots Magazine (UK)

“They play so fast, so together that there ought to be a warning sign near the stage: “Professional musicians, do not attempt.”
– Saskatoon Star Phoenix

The original Allen Family reunion was formed in 1980 with Jane, Joe, Julie and John P. Allen. They brought their family sound of beautiful bluegrass music to many festivals in the early ’80s. Today, the band has reunited blending three of the original members with their children: John’s daughter Beverly, and Julie’s son Paul — the sixth generation of Allens on the family farm west of London, Ontario.

John P. Allen is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame group Prairie Oyster, and has played with a long list of Canadian music icons over the past 40 years. John plays fiddle and mandolin. His brother Joe is a red-hot banjo player and has performed for many years across North America as an outstanding trumpet player. Joe’s twin sister Julie plays the stand-up bass and is an integral part of the vocal harmonies. Beverly plays the autoharp and shares the lead vocals with her cousin Paul on rhythm guitar. This family band is sure to leave you with a smile and a sweet sound in your ear.

The mercurial, 5x JUNO-nominated/7x Canadian Folk Music Award winning mando maestro Andrew Collins finds himself – through no actual fault of his own – at the epicentre of Canada’s burgeoning acoustic/roots music scene. He didn’t invent it – but he's certainly a major contributor, having co-founded seriously noteworthy Canadian bands like the Creaking String Quartet, the Foggy Hogtown Boys and, more recently, the Andrew Collins Trio.
As Collins gathers up innumerable awards and nominations by these various ensembles, Collins, who’s comfortable on mandolin, fiddle, guitar, mandola and mandocello – is zeroing in on the work he does with his beloved trio: fellow string guru Mike Mezzatesta, whose versatility and mastery shine through on guitar, mandolin, fiddle and mandola, and in-the-pocket James McEleney, holding it down on the bass, mandocello and vocals.

Showcasing a popular collision of folk, trailblazing roots, bluegrass, and jazz, not to mention a dizzying number and energetic interplay of instruments on stage, Collins and Co. appear to live by the old adage, “idle hands are the devil’s workshop” likely keeping them just ahead of his grasp. Their dynamic genre hopping show is further propelled by Andrew’s captivating lead vocals and James’ soaring harmonies.

Andrew's career as a solo artist is no less impressive. The Central Canada Bluegrass Association nominated him five times as Mandolin Player of the Year, which he secured in 2005.  His debut solo album, Little Widgets (2005), is a self-produced collection of genre-bending originals that earned him a Canadian Folk Music Award for Pushing the Boundaries in 2006. In 2007, Andrew took a different track and collaborated with world-renowned Celtic musician, Brian Taheney, to release Mando Lore, an all-traditional, all-mandolin-family compilation of Celtic and Old Time gems.  His next solo album, Cats and Dogs (2011), continued to build his catalogue of feisty originals, garnering a JUNO and CFMA.

Taking musical cues from David Grisman, Andrew, now joined by Mike and James, have ventured even further down the path of Trailblazing Roots and beyond – melding multiple genres while tastefully showcasing each of their boundaries – all towards extrapolating brave new musical worlds. Nothing less will do.

Light of touch, fast of wit, copiously imaginative, and a musical scholar of the highest distinction, Toronto mandolin virtuoso pulls out all the stops”
Toronto Star

“To call Andrew Collins a master of the mandolin would be putting it mildly.... artfully arranged string music perhaps best described as 'chambergrass' shines through – 4/5 stars"
Exclaim! Magazine

“Boundaries? What boundaries? Mandolinist Andrew Collins ignores them all!”
Penguin Eggs

The Slocan Ramblers are Canada’s young bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in the tradition, fearlessly creative, and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans (2015 Edmonton Folk Fest Emerging Artist Award recipients), have quickly become a leading light of Canada’s roots music scene, built on their reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and their uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan.

On their new album, Coffee Creek (2015) The Slocan Ramblers blend lightning fast and devilishly intricate instrumentals with the sawdust-thick vocals of singer Frank Evans, who takes lead on songs ranging from rowdy old-time numbers like “Groundhog,” to a Dustbowl classic like Woody Guthrie’s “Pastures of Plenty.” “Toronto audiences don’t respond to a clean, polished Nashville sound,” tune composer and mandolinist Adrian Gross explains. “They dig a lot of energy in their music, a rowdy bar vibe. They’re hard to win over.” But The Slocan Ramblers have won them over, moving from a young ensemble of bluegrass pickers to one of the best known Canadian roots bands. They’ve done this by staying true to the roots of the music, not seeking to revive anything but rather to tap the rough and rowdy heart of the music.

Coffee Creek was produced by the band’s friend and mentor Chris Coole (The Foggy Hogtown Boys), a well-known banjo player and community leader in Toronto’s bluegrass and old-time scenes. Like Coole, The Slocan Ramblers bring the live, collaboratory aspects of the music to the fore, and they understand that if you polish up the music too much, you lose the raw excitement that makes it so vibrant. In the liner notes, Coole breaks it down: “What really impressed me while we were working on this album, was that, while they can pull off the precision and virtuosity that is at the backbone of bluegrass, they understand the power of the fragile moment in music. The fragile moment used to be a big part of what made an album cool–Monroe singing just beyond the edge of his voice, the moment right before you realize Vassar isn’t lost–the moment on and beyond the edge.” Listen to Evans’ worn vocals and you’ll hear some of the edge that great singers like Keith Whitley brought to the music. Or try Gross’ powerfully discordant and innovative mandolin solo on “Groundhog,” or Darryl Poulsen’s counterpoint Lester-Flatt-runs towards the end of the title track, or the rumbling beats of Alastair Whitehead’s acoustic bass on “Call Me Long Gone” (or Whitehead’s beautiful, world-weary original songs like “Elk River” or “Angeline”) to get a feel for how The Slocan Ramblers are pushing the envelope.

This is roots music without pretension, music intended to make you feel something, music to get you moving in a crowded bar. The Slocan Ramblers recorded Coffee Creek the same way they perform on stage: standing up, leaning into the music, and pushing harder and harder for that edge just beyond.

The Slocans are:

Frank Evans: Banjo

Adrian Gross: Mandolin

Darryl Poulsen: Guitar

Alastair Whitehead: Bass

Long recognized and praised as a creative force in acoustic music, Claire Lynch is a pioneer who continually pushes the boundaries of the bluegrass genre. Her career has been decorated with many accolades including two GRAMMY nominations, six International Bluegrass Music Association awards and the prestigious United States Artists Walker Fellowship.

Dolly Parton credits Claire with "one of the sweetest, purest and best lead voices in the music business today." Her harmonies have graced the recordings of many stellar musicians. Equally gifted as a writer, her songs have been recorded by The Seldom Scene, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea, Cherryholmes, The Whites and others.

Blazing her own trail in the mid 70's when there were few role models for young women in the genre, Claire Lynch made history when she led the Front Porch String Band which evolved in the 80’s and 90’s into “one of the sharpest and most exciting post-modern bluegrass bands on the circuit.” She formed her own Claire Lynch Band in 2005 and has since consistently been a top pick of prestigious publications, critics and audiences across the U.S. and beyond.

Claire grew up in Kingston, New York until the age of 12 when her family moved to Huntsville, Alabama. There she began her education in country music and got caught up in the Bluegrass revival of the 1970's, joining a band called Hickory Wind. Later, the band changed its name to the Front Porch String Band with Claire’s vocals as its centerpiece.

In 1981, after their first nationally released recording, the group retired from the road and Claire pursued dual careers in addition to raising a family, spending seven years as a staff writer at two of the most prestigious publishing houses on Music Row in Nashville. At the same time, she became a much-sought-after session vocalist.

In 1991, the Front Porch String Band was resurrected with the album Lines and Traces on Rebel Records - a move that ultimately led to the launching of Claire’s solo career in earnest. Friends for a Lifetime was released on Rounder Records in 1993 followed by Moonlighter in 1995 (Claire’s first GRAMMY nomination) and Silver and Gold in 1997 (also nominated for GRAMMY glory). She was named the IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 1997 and enjoyed many chart successes. The band kicked off the new millennium with the album Love Light in 2000. At that time Claire took what she thought would be a full-fledged break from music, stepping away from the grind of daily touring. She wasn't sure when - or if - she would return. “I hadn’t planned to come back… One day I opened my catalog of songs and realized that I'd written my life,” she said.

Little by little, the lure of music worked its way back. She sang harmony on The Grass is Blue and Little Sparrow which led to promotional touring as backup vocalist for Dolly Parton. She graced albums by other artists with her background vocals including Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Pam Tillis, Alison Brown, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea and Ralph Stanley. Today, the impressive list of other guest appearances continues including spots on albums by Donna the Buffalo, Sara Watkins, The Infamous Stringdusters, the Gibson Brothers, Jonathan Edwards, Jesse Winchester, The Special Consensus and Kristin Scott Benson.

In 2005, Lynch struck out on her own, forming the Claire Lynch Band and releasing the aptly named New Day CD. It was a hit on the bluegrass charts and earned her IBMA nominations for “Song of the Year” and “Female Vocalist of the Year.” In 2007, Rounder Records featured a brilliant catalog of music from her previous five albums and titled the anthology collection, Crowd Favorites. More IBMA nominations followed as well as an induction into the Alabama Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

Whatcha Gonna Do, Claire’s next release (2009), was called “a stripped-down production with sumptuous acoustic atmospheres showcasing…the instrumental brilliance of her four-piece band.“ After a busy touring schedule in 2010, she received three IBMA nominations including “Song of the Year” and “Recorded Event of the Year,” and won the 2010 trophy for Female Vocalist.

Ms. Lynch’s 2012 USA Walker Fellowship Award ($50,000.) was one of 50 salutes given from United States Artists (USA). The USA Fellows represent the most innovative and influential artists in their fields - including cutting-edge thinkers and traditional practitioners from the fields of architecture and design, crafts and traditional arts, dance, literature, media, music, theater arts, and visual arts.

In January 2013, after a long successful stint with Rounder Records, Claire signed a recording agreement with esteemed Nashville roots label Compass Records, called by Billboard Magazine, “...one of the greatest independent labels of the last decade.” With their co-founder Garry West producing, she released the ninth solo recording of her career titled Dear Sister. The title track – a tear-inducing masterpiece co-written by Claire with Southerner Louisa Branscomb - is an intimate farewell letter shared between a brother and sister, their lives ravaged by the destruction of the Civil War, and delivered with all the tenderness Lynch is known for.

By Summer 2013, and over a period of almost two years, the album reached the #1 position seven times on the Roots Music Reports Top 50 Bluegrass Chart. It received an “Album of the Year” nomination at the 2013 IBMA Awards and twelve months later in October 2014, Claire and Louisa were aptly awarded IBMA’s “Song of the Year” trophy for their brilliant piece, Dear Sister.

Meanwhile, Claire and her band also released a seasonal project on her own label, Thrill Hill Records’ Holiday! (Sept 2014). The recording, a USA Today Season pick described as “a charmer” they “couldn’t help but love”, included her unusual take on some old chestnuts, a couple originals (Claire Lynch/Steven Sheehan's Heaven's Light and Henry Hipkens' Snow Day) and even a rendition of In the Window, a traditional Chanukah song.

That same year, DigitalJournal.com listed Claire as “One of the 10 Best Angelic Voices of Our Time”. She shared that honor with such luminaries as Judy Collins, Alison Krauss, Sarah McLachlan, Martina McBride, Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris.

In September 2016, Claire released North By South – a tribute to America’s northern neighbor. Produced by Compass Records’ co-founder Alison Brown, the recording pays homage to some of her favorite Canadian songwriters, interpreting tracks from greats above the Great Lakes like Gordon Lightfoot and Ron Sexsmith. Backed by the CLB alumni and some of the world’s finest acoustic heavyweights (Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, David Grier), Lynch infuses the collection with her signature Bluegrass treatment producing an elegant blend of foreign songs and domestic artistry.

Lynch’s Canadian leanings all started when a fan’s email suggested places for her to play in Toronto. When she emailed back, it sparked a long correspondence about Canada’s culture, history and diverse art scene. She eventually did score a gig in Toronto and what’s better, she fell in love with her pen pal leading to their marriage in 2014. North By South is the product of a growing love for Canada that is now one of the centerpieces of Lynch’s life.

The current Claire Lynch Band is a powerful juggernaut, a quartet that has the innate ability to perfectly interpret the beauty, subtlety and genre-defying sophistication of Claire’s music. The group features like-minded musicians blending tradition and innovation – two-time IBMA-winning bassist/clawhammer banjo player/dancer/percussionist Mark Schatz, soulful mandolinist/guitarist Jarrod Walker and young string wizard Bryan McDowell who, at age 18, won an unprecedented triple win at the Winfield, Kansas National Flatpicking Championship.

As one observer writes, “Listening to Claire Lynch sing is not something to be undertaken casually. Her songs and stage presence demand the listener’s rapt attention. She’s an intensely soulful singer, whose distinctive voice resonates with power and strength, yet retains an engaging innocence and crystalline purity. She’s also a songwriter of extraordinary ability who can bring listeners to their feet with her buoyant rhythms or to their knees with her sometimes almost unbearably poignant and insightful lyrics.” (Dave Higgs-WPLN Nashville)