Coeur de Pirate, Veda Hille, Library Voices and more this week at Canada Live

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

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Monday, March 15, 2010
concert 1: James Keelaghan
recorded on the Grassy Knoll at the 2009 Vancouver Island MusicFest
Juno award winning folk singer-songwriter James Keelaghan is at home in front of a microphone, guitar in hand. Born in Calgary, awhile in Vancouver, and really at home in Winnipeg, James Keelaghan is one of Canada's richest musical treasures. His songs tell great stories about ordinary people, living and dead. Canada Live caught up with him on the Grassy Knoll at the Vancouver Island MusicFest in Courtenay, B.C. late on a sunny Saturday afternoon. One of Canada's great folkies, James treated the crowd to new tunes from his latest CD "House of Cards" and he threw in a few of his favourites for good measure.
concert 2: Bow Djangos
recorded at the Ironwood Grill in Calgary
The Bow Djangos are Calgary's ambassadors of gypsy jazz or "manouche.” It's a sound that developed in France in the 1930s with the instrumentation of violin, two guitars and double bass. The Bow Djangos describe themselves as a motley yet noble band of characters with at least a drop of gypsy blood and a colourful past. The show includes music by Django Reinhardt - from whom they take their name and some gypsy favourites.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
concert 1: Coeur de Pirate
recorded at the Theatre Petit Champlain in Quebec City
Coeur de Pirate is the pseudonym of 20-year-old Quebec-based musician Béatrice Martin. Since 2007 she's been composing and performing personal songs that have now found their way onto her debut self-titled album. There is a surprising musical maturity and intensity mainly due to the combination of Béatrice Martin's enchanting voice, and her virtuoso piano playing. Her new CD has been described as both refreshing and fragile. She performs at the beautiful-sounding Theatre Petit Champlain in Quebec City with a band featuring guitarists Renaud Bastien and Emmanuel Ethier with Julie Brunet on keyboards, Joseph Perreault on drums and Alex Gautier on bass.
concert 2: Veda Hille at Vancouver's East Cultch
recorded at the Cultch, aka the Vancouver East Cultural Centre
Veda Hille takes a look back at 17 years of writing great songs, plunders the vault and pulls out some new tunes as well. Veda's joined onstage by some of Vancouver's finest musicians. It's an evening of pure Hille -- the old sounds new again in the hands of Veda and her band. Recorded at the newly re-opened Vancouver East Cultural Centre, otherwise known as "the Cultch."

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 (St. Patrick's Day)
concert 1: Great Big Sea
recorded at Mile One Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland
It was St. Paddy's Day weekend 2009 in St. John's when hometown heroes Great Big Sea hit the stage at Mile One Centre. They were nearing the end of their seven-month international tour in support of their latest CD release, Fortune's Favour. The place went wild as Alan Doyle, Sean McCann, Bob Hallett and a supporting cast of several thousand crazed Newfoundland republicans ramped up for the best kitchen party on the planet.

Thursday, March 18, 2010
concert 1: Downchild
recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto
The Downchild Blues band started its career in 1969. 40 years later, the band has played thousands of gigs and inspired hundreds of other Canadian blues bands, as well as being known as the band that inspired Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi to form The Blues Brothers. On their 40th Anniversary Downchild pulled out all the stops for a national tour. Canada Live caught up with them at their sold out performance at Massey Hall. The concert features Master of Ceremonies Dan Aykroyd and musical guests Colin Linden, Colin James, Jonas, and the blues legend James Cotton.

Friday, March 19, 2010 - Next! A ten-week series featuring Canada's up-and-coming musicians
concert 1: Library Voices
recorded at The Exchange in Regina
How many pop bands can boast inspiration from sources as eclectic as Tom Waits, Franz Kafka, Milan Kundera and Kurt Vonnegut? Regina's aptly named Library Voices can. The musicians in this 8-piece pop collective are a literary bunch, and their music makes this instantly clear. This doesn't mean it isn't full of great pop hooks, though. You'll be singing along almost instantly to their catchy and clever tunes that are full of great harmonies and rich synthesized sounds. The band formed in 2008 and they've been going full steam ahead since then. SPIN describes them as an "undiscovered band you NEED to hear now, leaning on well-edited art school essentials, from restrained flourishes of unadorned guitars to playful keyboards and cutesy boy-girl vocals." They have also been featured in The New Yorker and won a CBC Radio 3 "Bucky" Award.
concert 2: Alejandra Ribera
This concert is young Toronto singer/songwriter Alejandra Ribera's first big step on the road to the big time. Soon after wrapping up a year's residency at the fabled Cameron House and stealing the show at The Art Of Time's Abbey Road tribute concert, Alejandra sold out two nights at Hugh's Room. That's amazing for a first-timer and tangible proof of the big following she has built among hard-to-please Torontonians. Prepare to be knocked out by Alejandra's multi-coloured voice and powerful songs sizzling with opening-night energy.

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, March 19, 2010 on CBC Radio 1
Concert 1: Downchild
recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto
The Downchild Blues band started its career in 1969. 40 years later, the band has played thousands of gigs and inspired hundreds of other Canadian blues bands, as well as being known as the band that inspired Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi to form The Blues Brothers. On their 40th Anniversary Downchild pulled out all the stops for a national tour. Canada Live caught up with them at their sold out performance at Massey Hall. The concert features Master of Ceremonies Dan Aykroyd and musical guests Colin Linden, Colin James, Jonas, and the blues legend James Cotton.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, March 19, on the Canada Live podcast
Sarah Slean
recorded at the CBC Regina Galleria
Sarah Slean is one of Canada's great creative visionaries. She's been nominated for two Juno awards and two Gemini awards and is a true Renaissance woman in her artistic expression. Trained as a classical pianist, Sarah's performances continue to be informed by that musical sensibility, especially in her collaborations with many of Canada's finest classical orchestras and ensembles. A gifted songwriter, Sarah is also a poet, and books of her poetry have even accompanied album releases. She's also a visual artist. Given her diverse forms of creative expression, it's not surprising her list of influences is equally eclectic including Glenn Gould, Tom Waits, PJ Harvey and even Irving Berlin. This private concert was put together by the Regina Folk Festival as a special thank you to their volunteers in celebration of the organization's 40th anniversary.

This Week on Canada Live (CBC Radio 2)

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

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Monday, March 8, 2010
concert 1: ECMA special, with guest host Tom Power
recorded in Sydney, Nova Scotia
Tonight , a special edition of Canada Live from Sydney, Nova Scotia - home of this year's East Coast Music Awards. The ECMAs are more than just an awards show -- they're an entire weekend of music, running from March 4 to 7. Join guest host Tom Power for highlights from the weekend, featuring some of Atlantic Canada's best musicians in concert: Joel Plaskett, Rose Cousins, David Myles, The Cottars, Madison Violet and more.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
concert 1: Healing Garden Music Fest w/ Missy Burgess, Katherine Wheatley, and Finest Kind
recorded at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec
This traveling fundraiser concert series began with Boston music producer Terry Eagan's dream to fulfil his dying wife's wish for him to build a garden for cancer patients in the Boston hospital that treated her. He extended her wish to include gardens across the north-eastern United States & Ontario. These fundraising shows consist of the accompanying backing band and the singers playing five songs, with some jumping in and out on each other's songs for a kitchen-party vibe. This Healing Garden concert features Katherine Wheatley (Parry Sound folk story-teller w/ brand-new album), Finest Kind (Ottawa Valley trio of pitch-perfect, impeccably-voiced folksters who sing traditionally styled, though mostly original, tunes), & Missy Burgess (Ottawa late-blooming folk singing psychiatric nurse), accompanied by David Woodhead (bass), James Stephens (fiddle), Keith Glass (guitars), plus special guests Annie Gallup and Lynn Miles.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010
concert 1: Lisa Brokop
recorded at the Surrey Arts Centre in Surrey, BC
Lisa Brokop proudly hails Surrey as her hometown - and why not! It was there she hit it big while still in her teens. Fast-forward 20 years or so to this homecoming concert that brilliantly showcases her talented songwriting. At the peak of her game, Lisa sounds comfortable and confident with where she is at this point in her life, musically and personally. This milestone concert wrapped up her Beautiful Tragedy CD tour, a celebration of her 7th disc. Join the rapturous audience at the Surrey Arts Centre..
concert 2: Michael Jerome Browne and The Twin Rivers Stringband
recorded at La Salla Rossa in Montreal
Guitarist and vocalist Michael Jerome Browne has a reputation as one this country's best blues and roots performers, and he has a trunk full of awards to prove it! In this concert at La Salla Rosa in Montreal, Michael is joined by acoustic trio The Twin Rivers String Band ,made up of Ottawa natives Jody Benjamin on guitar and Cajun triangle and Michael Ball on the fiddle. Michael plays an assortment of guitars along with a fiddle and sings like no one else. The room is quiet because Michael insists on having just one microphone - but that's just the way the roots audience likes it!

Thursday, March 11, 2010
concert 1: Canada Raves On Love Songs
recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto
Love is a universal subject in songwriting and music. To celebrate this enduring theme, Canada Live brings together four of Canada's top jazz vocalists to sing some of the greatest love songs of all time. Canada Raves on Love Songs and Musical Director Michael Shand welcome Matt Dusk, Sophie Milman, DK Ibomeka and Kellylee Evans to Glenn Gould Studio for this special concert on a topic close to all of their hearts.

Friday, March 12, 2010 - Next! A ten-week series featuring Canada's up-and-coming musicians
concert 1: The Once
recorded at Holy Heart Theatre in St. John's, NL
When The Once took the stage at the Holy Heart Theatre in St. John's, the audience gave them a thunderous hero-like welcome. You could feel the love! With shimmering harmonies and understated arrangements of traditional and contemporary repertoire, this folk trio of Geraldine Hollett, Phil Churchill and Andrew Dale has fast become a real "buzz" band in the East Coast Music scene. Beautiful voices with tasty bouzouki, guitar and bodhran accompaniment.
concert 2: Lyra Brown, James Clarke, Paul Cresey
recorded at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton
The Albert Government has declared the third week of September to be Alberta Arts Days. Theatre, dance, visual arts and music events happening across the province showcase the breadth and depth of the talent coming out of Alberta. U22 is a collective of aspiring musicians under the age of 22, and this concert includes 3 of the 10 artists showcased at that show. Lyra Brown is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter who combines her sincere vocals with intriguing melodies. James Clarke is also 18, and is a classically-trained pianist who's recently found his passion in jazz. And Paul Cresey is an 18-year-old folk artist who backs his witty lyrics with clever fingerpicking and strumming techniques.

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, March 12, 2010 on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Canada Raves On Love Songs
recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto
Love is a universal subject in songwriting and music. To celebrate this enduring theme, Canada Live brings together four of Canada's top jazz vocalists to sing some of the greatest love songs of all time. Canada Raves on Love Songs and Musical Director Michael Shand welcome Matt Dusk, Sophie Milman, DK Ibomeka and Kellylee Evans to Glenn Gould Studio for this special concert on a topic close to all of their hearts.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, March 12, on the Canada Live podcast
Canada Raves On Love Songs
recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto
Love is a universal subject in songwriting and music. To celebrate this enduring theme, Canada Live brings together four of Canada's top jazz vocalists to sing some of the greatest love songs of all time. Canada Raves on Love Songs and Musical Director Michael Shand welcome Matt Dusk, Sophie Milman, DK Ibomeka and Kellylee Evans to Glenn Gould Studio for this special concert on a topic close to all of their hearts.

Stephen Page, Blue Rodeo and More this week on Canada Live

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

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Monday, March 1, 2010
concert 1: Canada Raves on Motown
recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto
It was 50 years ago when an upstart songwriter named Berry Gordy borrowed $800 for his family to start what he called "The Sound of Young America, Motown Records". Come join musical director Lou Pomanti, his band, and some of Canada's best R&B singers including Denzel Sinclaire, Jarvis Church, Dione Taylor and Lori Nuic as they celebrate this great musical legacy.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010
concert 1: Diouf
recorded at The Lion D'or in Montreal
The Diouf brothers, Karim and El Hadji , came to Quebec from Senegal about a dozen years ago. Talented percussionists who also sing in Wolof and French, they first made their mark playing with Les Colocs. They then went on to collaborate on numerous artistic projects, exploring diverse musical genres. Wherever they play, the Diouf brothers wow audiences with the compelling energy of their "Quebegalese" music. Since 2005, the two brothers have traveled the world with Cirque du Soleil's show Delirium. For this concert, the Dioufs have invited special guest Monica Freire for an evening filled to the brim with new sounds and textures.
concert 2: Emilie-Claire Barlow
recorded at the RBC Theatre in the Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, Ontario
Emilie-Claire Barlow's singing style could be described as having a youthful, girlish sweetness to it. But make no mistake; Emilie-Claire is a seasoned professional vocalist, having honed her skills singing on commercials since the age of seven. As a busy studio singer and voice actor, Emilie-Claire's performances have been featured in movies and in television series. Emilie-Claire has also released several successful CDs and in March 2009, her most recent album, "Haven't We Met," was released. Canada Live was on hand to capture Emilie-Claire Barlow performing songs from that album at the RBC Theatre in Mississauga's Living Arts Centre.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010
concert 1: Steven Page
recorded at the 2009 Winnipeg Folk Festival
After 20 years as the lead singer of the Barenaked Ladies, Steven Page, one of Canada's top performers, brings his new solo project to the main stage of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. With only a cello (played by Kevin Fox) to back him up, this concert left him exposed in a new way. The audience welcomed some of his most famous Ladies songs in this new guise as well as some brand new compositions.
concert 1: Kellylee Evans
recorded at Saint Brigid's Cultural Centre, Ottawa
Ottawa's most powerful set of crooning pipes since Paul Anka left town, Kellylee Evans writes incredibly uplifting songs that are sure to be future classics. At this pre-CD release concert held in the deconsecrated cathedral Saint Brigid's, Kellylee previewed all the songs from her upcoming CD , finally released in 2010! This concert features her great band: Kevin Barrett - guitar, Henry Heilig - bass, Dave Thompson - guitar, and Adam Bowman - drums.

Thursday, March 4, 2010
concert 1: Blue Rodeo
recorded at the Eric Harvey Theatre at the Banff Centre
Blue Rodeo is currently on tour singing songs from their new album "The Things We Left Behind" as well as hits from their other 11 studio recordings. CBC Radio 2 caught up with them in one of their favorite venues - the Eric Harvey Theatre at the Banff Centre. As Jim Cuddy said at the show, "it's about the most perfect place to play - great hall - but for a slight thinness of the air." The high altitude certainly didn't affect the energy of the crowd or the band.

Friday, March 5, 2010 - Next! A ten-week series featuring Canada's up-and-coming musicians
concert 1 Sherman Downey
recorded at a house concert in St. John's, Newfoundland
On a cold snowy January morning Sherman Downey and his band, the Ambiguous Case, packed their instruments into a van and set out from Corner Brook to make the 8 hour trek cross the icy Newfoundland highway to St. John's. The reason - to celebrate the release of his first solo recording "Honey For Bees". After a successful bar gig on Friday night Sherman and the band performed again on Saturday at a jam packed house concert before an adoring crowd of family and friends. Canada Live was there to capture the music and the party atmosphere these intimate performances are all about. A born storyteller, Sherman Downey brings a unique voice to his music. His songs are driven by infectious rhythms adding bass and drums to an acoustic roots/bluegrass sensibility.
concert 2: Sierra Noble
recorded at The Louisbourg Playhouse, Louisbourg NS, as part of the 2009 Celtic Colours Festival
Sierra Noble is a young Manitoban whose musical identity is firmly rooted in two worlds. As a traditional fiddler, she is more than comfortable with the Celtic, bluegrass, Metis and old-time traditions as well as crossing into jazz and world music with ease. With a vocal EP to her credit, aptly named "Possibilities," Sierra's journey into the world of the singer-songwriter is off to an outstanding start. This concert, recorded in Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island at the 2009 Celtic Colours International Festival, put Sierra Noble at the geographic heart of fiddle music in North America and showed some of the best examples of both her worlds.

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, March 5, 2010 on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Blue Rodeo
recorded at the Eric Harvey Theatre at the Banff Centre
Blue Rodeo is currently on tour singing songs from their new album "The Things We Left Behind" as well as hits from their other 11 studio recordings. CBC Radio 2 caught up with them in one of their favorite venues - the Eric Harvey Theatre at the Banff Centre. As Jim Cuddy said at the show, "it's about the most perfect place to play - great hall - but for a slight thinness of the air." The high altitude certainly didn't affect the energy of the crowd or the band.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, March 5, on the Canada Live podcast
C.R. Avery and The Legal Tender String Quartet
recorded at CBC Vancouver Studio 40, as part of the Toque Sessions
C.R. Avery is a poet, pianist and composer who has received accolades from the likes of American music icon Tom Waits, who said "...[he's] blowin' my mind"... Never one to take the beaten path, C.R. Avery brought a band that prominently features a classically trained string quartet! This is the first of the concert series "Toque Sessions" presented by CBC Radio. Avery brings his acclaimed new show with the Legal Tender String Quartet to spacious CBC Vancouver Studio 40 and wows the audience.

Jill Barber on the Canada Live Podcast

The CBC Radio 2 Canada Live podcast this week features Jill Barber, one of the few artists who can legitimately claim ties to Ontario, Halifax and Vancouver - recorded live at CBC Vancouver's studio 40 as part of the Toque Sessions. Download the MP3 here or press play

Download Live recordings from Wooden Sky, Leif Vollebekk and CBC Radio 2

For some reason the CBC Radio 2 Canada Live podcast isn't updating properly on RSS or iTunes - but the podcasts are still being made.

Download: Wooden Sky recorded in front of a packed house at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec.

Grab the the mp3 or Press Play:


Download Leif Vollebekk also recorded at the Black Sheep Inn

Grab the mp3 or Press Play:

Jill Barber, Jill Zmud, Sarah Slean and more this week on Canada Live

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

Among the many hi-lights this week:Jill Barber live in Vancouver, Jill Zmud live in front of a hometown crowd in Ottawa, Sarah Slean live in Regina plus C.R. Avery, Oh My Darling and More:

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Monday, February 22, 2010
concert 1: Sarah Slean
recorded at the CBC Regina Galleria
Sarah Slean is one of Canada's great creative visionaries. She's been nominated for two Juno awards and two Gemini awards and is a true Renaissance woman in her artistic expression. Trained as a classical pianist, Sarah's performances continue to be informed by that musical sensibility, especially in her collaborations with many of Canada's finest classical orchestras and ensembles. A gifted songwriter, Sarah is also a poet, and books of her poetry have even accompanied album releases. She's also a visual artist. Given her diverse forms of creative expression, it's not surprising her list of influences is equally eclectic including Glenn Gould, Tom Waits, PJ Harvey and even Irving Berlin. This private concert was put together by the Regina Folk Festival as a special thank you to their volunteers in celebration of the organization's 40th anniversary.
concert 2: Sagapool
recorded at La Maison de la culture - Frontenac in Montreal
Sagapool is a virtuosic world music sextet that has been exciting audiences around the world for the last decade. This Montreal-based group fuses gypsy, klezmer, polka , jazz and Quebecois traditional music into their show. Led by the husband and wife team of Alexis and Zoe Dumais the group had released their CD, Épisode Trois just months before Canada Live caught up with them at La Maison de la culture Frontenac in Montreal.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
concert 1: The Breakmen
recorded at St. James Hall in Vancouver
Bluegrass and roots music is alive and well in Canada these days and The Breakmen are amongst the best. You may not associate Vancouver with bluegrass, but The Breakmen will change your mind. Their closing song in this concert also shows their willingness to stretch the bluegrass sound with its tongue-in-cheek reference to hip hop. CBC caught up with them at the end of a western Canadian tour. They were back in Vancouver playing for the hometown fans at St. James Hall, a favourite spot for this kind of music -- the kind that'll set your foot to tappin' and your heart to singin'.
concert 2: Harrison Kennedy
recorded at Koerner Hall in Toronto, ON
Formerly with the band "Chairmen Of The Board" in the 1970's, Harrison Kennedy hails from Hamilton, Ontario. He's now released four solo CDs; which have earned him three Juno nominations and numerous Maple Blues Award nominations. He won the Blues Album of the Year at the Hamilton Music Awards for his discs "Sweet Taste", "Voice/Story" and "High Country Blues". In early 2009, Harrison released his latest record, One Dog Barkin', and music from that CD is featured in this concert, recorded at Koerner Hall in Toronto.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
concert 1: Alpha Thiam
recorded at the Église St-Joseph in Rivière des Prairies, Montreal
Originally from Guinea and Mali, Alpha Thiam is from a noble family of African griots. As a guitarist and singer-songwriter, he is a great exponent of West African music and culture. A resident of Montreal since 2005, Alpha Thiam is multicultural and multilingual; he sings in mandingue and susu. His music is also influenced by cultural soundings from Senegal, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Fasso, as well as American blues and jazz. For this concert, part of the Conseil des Arts de Montréal touring programme, Alpha Thiam is joined by veteran kora player Nathalie Cora, as well as Cédric Dind-Lavoie, bass and Moïse Matey, percussion, with special guest Francis Vancoppenolle, violin.
Concert 2: The Yardbird Suite All-Stars play Count Basie
recorded at the Yardbird Suite in Edmonton
In 2007, the Edmonton Jazz Society presented an evening of music from the Duke Ellington songbook, performed by the best players in town, the Yardbird Suite All-Stars. The event was an instant sell-out, and the response generated from the Radio 2 Canada Live broadcast was very positive. When the EJS decided to present another exciting night of timeless jazz, this time featuring the music of Count Basie, CBC Radio was instantly on board. The Edmonton-based All-Stars are an ensemble comprised of the city's best instrumentalists. With Senator Tommy Banks leading the way on piano in the role of Basie, each band member sat in a "musical chair" representing a famous player from the Basie orchestras.

Thursday, February 25, 2010
concert 1: Jill Barber
recorded at CBC Vancouver Studio 40, as part of the Toque Sessions
Jill Barber shatters the myth that "they don't write songs like they used to". This Canadian chanteuse picks up the musical torch and brings an ageless sensibility to her original songs. Canada Live host Andrew Craig welcomes this double-Juno nominee and multiple East Coast Music Award winner and her band to CBC Vancouver's Studio 40 for a "Toque Session" concert before a sold out, live and enthusiastic audience. Before long, with a timeless, jazzy feel, Jill Barber transports us to a golden age when popular music was filled with love and romance. The CBC "Toque Sessions" is a series of free, live concerts at the CBC Vancouver Broadcast Centre.
concert 2: C.R. Avery and The Legal Tender String Quartet
recorded at CBC Vancouver Studio 40, as part of the Toque Sessions
C.R. Avery is a poet, pianist and composer who has received accolades from the likes of American music icon Tom Waits, who said "...[he's] blowin' my mind"... Never one to take the beaten path, C.R. Avery brought a band that prominently features a classically trained string quartet! This is the first of the concert series "Toque Sessions" presented by CBC Radio. Avery brings his acclaimed new show with the Legal Tender String Quartet to spacious CBC Vancouver Studio 40 and wows the audience.

Friday, February 26, 2010 - Next! A ten-week series featuring Canada's up-and-coming musicians
concert 1: Oh My Darling
recorded at the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg
Currently the "darlings" of Winnipeg, this fiery young female quartet is delighting audiences both at home in Winnipeg and across Canada. Their roots are country and old time, blended with the sounds of Appalachia, a bit Southern twang, and some funk inspired bass lines. Their infectious mix is now increasingly enhanced by their original tunes. With Vanessa Kuzina on guitar, Alison de Groot on banjo, Rosalyn Dennett on violin and Marie-Josee Dandeneau on bass, they'll get your hips swaying and your toes tapping.
concert 2: Jill Zmud
recorded at the Irving Greenberg Theatre, Ottawa as part of the Ottawa Folk Festival's Acoustic Waves Series
Jill Zmud is a transplanted prairie lily who's been doing her best to put down roots in Ottawa the last few years. Her path to music followed an unusual course compared to most singer-songwriters: she left her parents in Saskatoon to attend the National Ballet School in Toronto through high school. She returned to Saskatoon to do her undergrad at the University of Saskatchewan, at which time her brother gave her a guitar to replace her pointe shoes, which were now gathering dust. She then did a masters degree in International Affairs in Ottawa. Then this gentle soul dabbled in the military before settling into the public service in Ottawa. In addition to all that she was born with the kind of singing voice that slides into your ears to tie a ribbon around your brain that leads right to your heart, and tugs on it. That voice is finally available in full-length record form on as we quietly drive by. The roots-folk-tinged-with-gospel album "resonates with a twangy ache worthy of Patsy Cline," according to the Ottawa Citizen's Lynn Saxberg, and got 4 stars from the Citizen critic. "[Jill] has much more going for her than a pretty voice. Her CD shows she is also a fine songwriter, gifted lyricist, strong guitarist and an inventive piano player. Zmud is definitely one artist to keep an eye on in 2010. "


CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, February 26, 2010 on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Jill Barber
recorded at CBC Vancouver Studio 40, as part of the Toque Sessions
Jill Barber shatters the myth that "they don't write songs like they used to". This Canadian chanteuse picks up the musical torch and brings an ageless sensibility to her original songs. Canada Live host Andrew Craig welcomes this double-Juno nominee and multiple East Coast Music Award winner and her band to CBC Vancouver's Studio 40 for a "Toque Session" concert before a sold out, live and enthusiastic audience. Before long, with a timeless, jazzy feel, Jill Barber transports us to a golden age when popular music was filled with love and romance. The CBC "Toque Sessions" is a series of free, live concerts at the CBC Vancouver Broadcast Centre.
concert 2: C.R. Avery and The Legal Tender String Quartet
recorded at CBC Vancouver Studio 40, as part of the Toque Sessions
C.R. Avery is a poet, pianist and composer who has received accolades from the likes of American music icon Tom Waits, who said "...[he's] blowin' my mind"... Never one to take the beaten path, C.R. Avery brought a band that prominently features a classically trained string quartet! This is the first of the concert series "Toque Sessions" presented by CBC Radio. Avery brings his acclaimed new show with the Legal Tender String Quartet to spacious CBC Vancouver Studio 40 and wows the audience.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, February 26, on the Canada Live podcast
Jill Barber
recorded at CBC Vancouver Studio 40, as part of the Toque Sessions
Jill Barber shatters the myth that "they don't write songs like they used to". This Canadian chanteuse picks up the musical torch and brings an ageless sensibility to her original songs. Canada Live host Andrew Craig welcomes this double-Juno nominee and multiple East Coast Music Award winner and her band to CBC Vancouver's Studio 40 for a "Toque Session" concert before a sold out, live and enthusiastic audience. Before long, with a timeless, jazzy feel, Jill Barber transports us to a golden age when popular music was filled with love and romance. The CBC "Toque Sessions" is a series of free, live concerts at the CBC Vancouver Broadcast Centre.

the Wooden Sky, Chris Kirby and more this week on Canada Live

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

Canada Live this week will feature the Wooden Sky, recorded live at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield Quebec, Chris Kirby recorded at the Bella Vista Club in St. John's, Newfoundland and more:

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Monday, February 15, 2010
concert 1: Amanda Martinez
recorded at Koerner Hall in Toronto
Singer Amanda Martinez has been a vital part of Toronto's bursting Latin music scene for a number of years. But now, the release of her lovely second CD, "Amor" means her star is rising rapidly both in in the rest of Canada and in the US, with several recent performances in New York City. This concert, at Toronto's beautiful new Koerner Hall, was part of Amanda's CD release tour. In addition to Amanda's fantastic band, it features appearances by guest accordionist Tom Szczesniak and a string quartet added especially for this performance. There are no strings on "Amor" - other than violinist Osvaldo Rodriguez - but the string quartet figures prominently in this set, adding a new sweetness and drive to several album tunes.
concert 2: Small World Project
recorded in Steward Hall at The Pointe-Claire Cultural Centre, Quebec
There's no doubt about it -- it's a small world - especially with the Small World Project, a trio of big personalities playing small-scale instruments: charango, ukulele, cajonito, kanjira, udu, carillon and other diminutive devices. Drawing its inspiration from the four corners of the globe, Small World Project vibrates with Brazilian samba beats, Chilean folklore, flamenco Andalou, Hawaiian Island melodies, and the musical strains of Morocco, Senegal, India - with some good old American bluegrass in the mix. Joining SWP for this musical feast from Stewart Hall, Pointe-Claire, Quebec is Solorazaf, a guitar genius from Madagascar. You won't hear this kind of crossover anywhere else!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
concert 1: The Wooden Sky
recorded at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec
The Wooden Sky have really thundered with critical attention for their latest album, If I Don't Come Home, You'll Know I'm Gone. This concert is primarily tunes from it with a couple of picks from their debut full-length, When Lost At Sea (2007). Although they're now based in Toronto, lead singer/writer Gavin Gardiner hails from Morden, Manitoba, and the other members from Cobourg & Scorborough, Ontario. At the time of this concert they just finished over two months of almost continuous touring, and their live show was tightly honed and practiced. The Black Sheep crowd reacted to the jubilance of some songs with dancing and the heartbreak of some others with quiet respect. This was an outstanding night of music in front of a packed house.
concert 2: David Gogo
recorded at the Duncan Garage Showroom in Duncan, BC
David Gogo plays for a packed house at the intimate, rollicking and freely abstinent Duncan Garage Showroom in the Beautiful Cowichan Valley. It's solo Gogo, creating acoustic magic with his old National and Gibson guitars. Hear songs in the flavour of the blues recorded at Vancouver Island's greatest little music venue.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010
concert 1: Le Vent du Nord
recorded at the Place de Arts, Cheticamp NS, during the 2009 Celtic Colours International Festival
Le Vent du Nord has become one of the most recognizable and esteemed bands of the Quebec traditional music world. Each year the Celtic Colours International Festival draws performers from countries around the world, including artists from Canada that share a common Celtic heritage. This performance from Le Vent du Nord in the Acadian village of Cheticamp was the perfect opportunity to connect the group's interpretations of their Celtic and Breton based music with their Acadian cousins who share a common heritage.
concert 2: Cam Penner
recorded at the Epcor Centre's Engineered Air Theatre in Calgary part of the TransCanada Alberta Music Series
Singer-songwriter Cam Penner was born in a small Mennonite town in Southern Manitoba and now he makes his home in Calgary. In between he's traveled the world, run a soup kitchen in Chicago and worked at a homeless shelter in Calgary. All these experiences make rich fodder for his direct and honest songs.

Thursday, February 18, 2010
concert 1: The Rankins
recorded at The Halifax Metro Center, Halifax, NS
It was in 1989 that five siblings from the village of Mabou on Cape Breton Island released their first recording and became known to the world as the Rankin Family. Over the next ten years they released six more recordings and were honoured with 15 East Coast Music Awards, 6 Juno Awards, 4 SOCAN Awards and 3 Canadian Country Music Awards. In February 2009 The Rankin Family wrapped up a 20 concert re-union tour of Canada at the Metro Center in Halifax, NS celebrating the release of their new CD "These Are The Moments". They were at their very best at the end of a tour in front of a hometown crowd of over 5,000. One of the best nights ever to record a group that has been one of Cape Breton's most popular exports for over 20 years.

Friday, February 19, 2010
concert 1: Chris Kirby
recorded at the Bella Vista Club in St. John's, NF
With the release of his sophomore CD "Vampire Hotel" Chris Kirby has emerged as one hot artist to watch in Eastern Canada. The 26-year-old Newfoundlander mixes R&B, soul and blues and delivers it rock solid and saucy. On stage Kirby tears it up each night with his groove busting bandmates Craig Follett (bass) and Mark Marshall (drums). For this concert Chris Kirby and The Marquee are joined by the "Horns of Justice".
concert 2 : Elisapie Isaac
recorded at the Segal Centre in Montreal
Elisapie Isaac was born of an Inuk mother and a Newfoundland father. She was adopted at birth by an Inuit family and was raised in the isolated community of Salluit, Nunavik - the Great North. She is now based in Montreal and creating a stir! Her previous band Taima won a Juno in 2005 for Best Aboriginal recording - she now has gone solo and has recently released a CD called "There Will be Stars." For Elisapie, the north is not at the top of the world, it's at the center of her world. "My grandfather used to say that to avoid getting lost", Isaac says, "you always have to look where you've come from. " "There Will be Stars" is a record that looks to where this artist has come from… here and now. This Routes_Montreal concert was her first as a solo artist!

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, February 19, 2010 on CBC Radio 1
concert: The Rankins
recorded at The Halifax Metro Center, Halifax, NS
It was in 1989 that five siblings from the village of Mabou on Cape Breton Island released their first recording and became known to the world as the Rankin Family. Over the next ten years they released six more recordings and would be honoured with 15 East Coast Music Awards, 6 Juno Awards, 4 SOCAN Awards and 3 Canadian Country Music Awards. On February 28th, 2009 The Rankin Family wrapped up a 20 concert re-union tour of Canada at the Metro Center in Halifax, NS celebrating the release of their new CD "These Are The Moments". They were at their very best at the end of a tour in front of a hometown crowd of over 5,000. One of the best nights ever to record a group that has been one of Cape Breton's most popular exports for over 20 years.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, February 19, on the Canada Live podcast
The Wooden Sky
recorded at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec
The Wooden Sky have really thundered with critical attention for their latest album, If I Don't Come Home, You'll Know I'm Gone. This concert is primarily tunes from it with a couple of picks from their debut full-length, When Lost At Sea (2007). Although they're now based in Toronto, lead singer/writer Gavin Gardiner hails from Morden, Manitoba, and the other members from Cobourg & Scorborough, Ontario. At the time of this concert they just finished over two months of almost continuous touring, and their live show was tightly honed and practiced. The Black Sheep crowd reacted to the jubilance of some songs with dancing and the heartbreak of some others with quiet respect. This was an outstanding night of music in front of a packed house.

Justin Rutledge, Ron Sexsmith, Lieff Vollebekk and more this week on CBC Radio 2 Canada Live

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

Coming up this week: Justin Rutledge at the Calgary Folk Music Festival, Ron Sexmith at Massey Hall, a Martin Luther King tribute concert recorded in Halifax, Leif Vollebekk recorded live at the Black Sheep in and more. The full list goes...

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Monday, February 8, 2010
concert 1: Justin Rutledge
recorded at the Calgary Folk Music Festival
Justin Rutledge charmed the crowd with his opening night set at the Calgary Folk Music Festival. The Toronto country-tinged singer performed songs from his 3 CDs with a top notch band including Bazil Donovan from Blue Rodeo on bass, Carroll Burke on pedal steel, Blake Manning on drums and David Baxter on guitar.
concert 2: Carrie Catherine
recorded at the Hayloft in Saskatoon
Carrie Catherine is one of Saskatchewan's most talented songwriters. In fact, last year Carrie was named a 2009 Kerrville New Folk winner. She also showcased at the International Folk Alliance in Memphis. This concert took place in a very unique venue. A few years back Carrie and her architect husband bought an old Safeway in a residential neighbourhood in Saskatoon. They've converted the store into a living and performance space they call 'The Hayloft', the perfect environment for this intimate house concert. Carrie was joined by four talented Saskatoon musicians: flute and mandolin player Sam Mitchell; Karrnell on fiddle; bass player Soren Nissen; and Juno award winning percussionist Hal Shrenk.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010
concert 1: The Duhks
recorded at the Park Theatre in Winnipeg
After a huge American tour, The Duhks returned to their hometown to give a concert for their adoring fans. They played selections from their newest CD, "Fast Paced World", which was nominated for a Juno and a Western Canadian Music Award, plus some arrangements of some old favourites. The band's newest members are the brother-sister team of Sarah and Christian Dugas, and they add a special new sound to the mix.
concert 2: Zal Idrissa Sissokho
recorded at The Lion D'or in Montreal
Born in Dakar, Senegal, Zal Idrissa Sissokho descends from a long line of griots, musicians and storytellers who are the keepers of the oral tradition. When he was still a child he learned to play the kora (a traditional African 21 stringed harp), a skill passed down from generation to generation. As part of CBC Radio's Mundo Montreal series, Sissokho brings together Quebecois vocalists Carole Facal and Charles Dubé along with flautist Guy Pelletier, and percussionist Mohamed N'Diaye in a performance which blends Western melodies with African beats - all before a sell out crowd at The Lion D'or.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
concert 1: Ron Sexsmith
recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto
They say "the third time's a charm" and Ron Sexsmith proves this to be true. On his third career appearance headlining Massey Hall, Ron Sexsmith performs a great show. Gone are the first time jitters and the sophomore jinx. Ron is in control of the stage and in top form. He's backed by a stellar band that includes long time Ron Sexsmith band members - Don Kerr, Jason Mercer, Tim Bovaconti and Dave Matheson - who are backed in turn by a string and horn sextet that offers exciting new arrangements of some of Ron's favourites.

Thursday, February 11, 2010
concert 1: Martin Luther King Tribute Concert
recorded at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax
The Nova Scotia Mass Choir has been together since 1992. This multiracial/multicultural group performed at the 30th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's March on Washington in Washington, D.C., and at the Southern Christian Leadership Convention in Dallas, Texas. So, who could be a better fit to lead a musical tribute to Dr. King's memory? The choir has been presenting a concert marking Dr. King's birthday for several years and this year CBC co-produced the show, which features some of the best gospel and R&B artists in Eastern Canada, as well as a fabulous band. The Nova Scotia Mass Choir have won two East Coast Music Awards and had two seasons on national television with the show 'Hallelujah'. Many of the guests on this show are award winners as well, and actress/vocalist Jackie Richardson is the host. Internationally acclaimed arranger, conductor, and pianist Woody Woods is the musical director for the show. So, join us for a sensational concert at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax and shout "Hallelujah!"

Friday, February 12, 2010 – part 2 of Next! – a ten-week series featuring Canada's up-and-coming musicians
concert 1: Trio Bembe, featuring Amber Epp
recorded at the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg
Trio Bembe heats up the stage with Latin rhythms of Cuba, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Colombia and Spain. As well they include a few originals penned by Amber Epp. Amber is one of the most exciting Latin/jazz vocalists in Winnipeg today. Only 22, she is a recent graduate of the University of Manitoba Jazz Program. But her talent belies her age. She's a seasoned perfomer with incredible vocal range and power. Joining her in Trio Bembe are Rodrigo Munoz on guitar and Scott Senior on percussion. As a trio, they make scintillating, graceful, danceable and infectious Latin magic. Amber is energetic, fearless, confident and takes the audience with her.
concert 2: Terra Hazelton
recorded at The Rex in Toronto
Toronto-based Terra Hazelton is truly an up-and-coming performer to watch. After years as the female singer in Jeff Healey's Jazz Wizards, she is now stepping out on her own with a great new CD called "Gimme Whatcha Got." It's a unique blend of old time pop tunes, jazz standards, Western swing and blues done up beautifully with Terra's trademark sound of sweet 1930s crooner mixed with raunchy blues belter. But on top of her great vocal talent she's also got the bubbly personality of a born entertainer. We hear all hear that plus her great band in this live set recorded at The Rex in Toronto as part of her CD release party. If Terra Hazelton doesn't become a star pretty soon, we'll eat our fedoras.

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, February 12, 2010 on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Martin Luther King Tribute Concert
recorded at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax
The Nova Scotia Mass Choir has been together since 1992. This multiracial/multicultural group performed at the 30th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's March on Washington in Washington, D.C., and at the Southern Christian Leadership Convention in Dallas, Texas. So, who could be a better fit to lead a musical tribute to Dr. King's memory? The choir has been presenting a concert marking Dr. King's birthday for several years and this year CBC co-produced the show, which features some of the best gospel and R&B artists in Eastern Canada, as well as a fabulous band. The Nova Scotia Mass Choir have won two East Coast Music Awards and had two seasons on national television with the show 'Hallelujah'. Many of the guests on this show are award winners as well, and actress/vocalist Jackie Richardson is the host. Internationally acclaimed arranger, conductor, and pianist Woody Woods is the musical director for the show. So, join us for a sensational concert at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax and shout "Hallelujah!"

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, February 12, on the Canada Live podcast
Leif Vollebekk
recorded at The Black Sheep Inn (Le Mouton Noir), Wakefield, Quebec
Here's what Leif Vollebekk wrote when we asked what set-up he would have on the 29th: "At present, it is just me at the Black Sheep: electric guitar, violin, acoustic guitar and piano. I'm still most comfortable playing solo and I've almost always done so at the Sheep and the sound has been superb each time. So I think solo would be the best way to go anyhow...think Neil Young, Live at Massey Hall 1971. I think we can get it to sound that good." If it were someone else we would be saying, "Bwah!" but Leif's name is on everyone's lips around Ottawa. He's a charming talent with a voice like Patrick Watson, style like early Bob Dylan, and lyrics like Leonard Cohen. He re-released is debut full-length album, Inland (independent, 2009), on Nevado Records in January 2010.

Corb Lund on the CBC Radio 2 Canada Live Podcast

Corb Lund and the Hurtin Albertans bring their unique brand of unpolished country to the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg Manitoba and play songs from their latest offering "Losing Lately Gambler"

Great Week on Canada Live: Joel Plaskett, Corb Lund, the Great Canadian Song Quest, Leif Vollebekk, and a tribute to Neil Young

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

This week you can hear Part 2 of the Great Canadian Song Quest as well as shows by Joel Plaskett, Corb Lund, Leif Vollebekk, and a tribute to Neil Young

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February 1 to 4, Canada Live presents Idols and Inspirations -- concerts featuring mentors, protégés, and musical heroes.

Monday, February 1, 2010
concert 1: Fathers & Sons
recorded at Capilano University in North Vancouver
Mentor and Protégé. In most cases, these roles are clear. But when you bring together Jim Byrnes, Doug Cox, Steve Dawson and Amos Garret as Fathers & Sons, the roles get blurred. These four musicians set the standard for folk and blues and yet seem to pick up fresh ideas from one another along the way. Hear them exchange ideas tonight on Canada Live and discover why they command so much respect.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
concert 1: Eval Manigat
recorded at the 2009 Festival international de Jazz de Montréal on July 6, 2009
A concert tribute to the late Eval Manigat. In the '70s, before la belle province knew what world beat was, Eval Manigat came from Haiti to open ears to a new kind of sound. Celebrating the immortal legacy of this world music giant, sadly lost to us in August of 2008, is an all-star lineup of musicians he collaborated with: Jean Vanasse, vibraphone; Jean-Pierre Zanella, saxophone, song-stylist Karen Young, pianist Tim Jackson, and a expanded brass and rhythm section led by saxophonist Yvan Belleau and guitarist Martial Méroné.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
concert 1: Corb Lund
recorded at the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg
Country-roots musician Corb Lund is the product of four generations of Canadian ranchers and cowboys. He grew up in rural southern Alberta riding horseback, chasing cattle, and rodeoing. His songs tell stories about those formative years, while also drawing inspiration from the lives of both his ancestors and modern-day ranchers. "Losing Lately Gambler" is Corb Lund's latest release, which also features his rock-solid -- and rockin' -- band, the Hurtin' Albertans. The crowd at this concert showed its appreciation for the new songs, hooting and hollering and crowding the stage of the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg.
concert 2: Ian Tyson
recorded at Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove, Alberta
He is one of the greatest songwriters in Canadian music history. In the 1960's Ian and Sylvia were the king and queen of the folk scene in Canada. In the 70's formed the band "Great Speckled Bird", which helped define the country rock genre. Ian quit the music biz in the late '70's to become a rancher and rodeo rider but, lucky for us, came back to the music in the 80's. Though he continued to ranch and breed cutting horses, his return to music saw a natural focus on the loosely defined 'Cowboy music'; reflections on the lifestyle both historically and from a modern perspective. In the fall of 2008 Ian turned 75, and despite an injury and illness that has forever changed the sound of his voice, he wrote and recorded a new album: "Yellowhead to Yellowstone and other love stories". The new songs have an intimacy and urgency beyond most of Ian's previous work, and the old songs have an emotional resonance due to his vocal sound and his 5 decades as a writer and performer.

Thursday, February 4, 2010
concert 1: Neil Young Tribute
recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto
Relive a milestone in Canadian music history. On January 19, 1971, legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young gave a solo concert at Toronto's Massey Hall. Audiences there heard for the first time several of the iconic songs that would later appear on his albums, including his best-selling LP Harvest -- yet the live concert recording itself wasn't released until 2007. As part of last year's Luminato Festival in Toronto, a new generation of musicians led by Juno Award-winning music director Kevin Breit, recreate that landmark concert, performing their own distinctive arrangements of the album's classic songs. Tune in for highlights from this unforgettable concert.

Friday, February 5, 2010
Canada Live kicks off Next! – a ten-week series featuring Canada's up-and-coming musicians
concert 1: Ali Milner
recorded at the Telus Theatre, Vancouver, October 1, 2009
Ali Milner's a young one, just 19 years old but surprises with her skills both as a performer and songwriter. Naturally comparisons are being made - Joni Mitchell for one, a female Sam Cooke for another. Sam Cooke? No, really - check out "I Dare You." Ali brought her band plus some quality string players to round things out for this concert at the Telus Theatre on the campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She will play several concerts soon in her hometown of Whistler during the Olympics. Find out now about this talented young woman, Ali Milner.
concert 2: Leif Vollebekk
recorded at The Black Sheep Inn (Le Mouton Noir), Wakefield, Quebec
Here's what Leif Vollebekk wrote when we asked what set-up he would have on the 29th: "At present, it is just me at the Black Sheep: electric guitar, violin, acoustic guitar and piano. I'm still most comfortable playing solo and I've almost always done so at the Sheep and the sound has been superb each time. So I think solo would be the best way to go anyhow...think Neil Young, Live at Massey Hall 1971. I think we can get it to sound that good." If it were someone else we would be saying, "Bwah!" but Leif's name is on everyone's lips around Ottawa. He's a charming talent with a voice like Patrick Watson, style like early Bob Dylan, and lyrics like Leonard Cohen. He re-released is debut full-length album, Inland (independent, 2009), on Nevado Records in January 2010.

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, February 5, 2010 on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Great Canadian Song Quest - PART 2
recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto
Last fall, CBC Radio 2 brought Canadians the chance to share their passion, and nominate their favourite locations in the country to be celebrated in song through The Great Canadian Song Quest. Canadians also got the deciding vote on who would write and perform the songs. The result is an incredible cross-country playlist, with 13 brand-new, original songs. Canada Live presents the final step of the process -- the musicians gather together at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto to perform their brand new songs in front of a live audience.
concert 2: Joel Plaskett
recorded at The Capitol Theater in Moncton, NB
Joel Plaskett wears many hats as a songwriter and touring artist. When he is fronting his band 'The Emergency' his shows are pure high-energy pop / rock. But Joel has another side - that of the solo, unplugged performer, and as witnessed on his most recent recording 'Three' -- aptly titled as it is a triple CD release in one package -- he is quite comfortable writing with the solo, more acoustic performance in mind. But, with whatever performance style he has in mind, the one thing Joel does is write good songs - songs with strong lyrics and melodies that can stand on their own, whatever the instrumentation

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, February 5, on the Canada Live podcast
Corb Lund
recorded at the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg
Country-roots musician Corb Lund is the product of four generations of Canadian ranchers and cowboys. He grew up in rural southern Alberta riding horseback, chasing cattle, and rodeoing. His songs tell stories about those formative years, while also drawing inspiration from the lives of both his ancestors and modern-day ranchers. "Losing Lately Gambler" is Corb Lund's latest release, which also features his rock-solid -- and rockin' -- band, the Hurtin' Albertans. The crowd at this concert showed its appreciation for the new songs, hooting and hollering and crowding the stage of the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg.

Great Canadian Song Quest concert on Canada Live this week

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

In addition to the many other great concerts this week you will get a chance to hear Part 1 of the Great Canadian Song Quest concert. I was lucky enough to be at this show when it was recorded. It features ALL of the Song Quest artists peforming the songs they wrote about favorite Canadian places - in many cases it is the first time the songs have been performed in front of an audience. Listen Thursday on CBC Radio 2 or Friday on CBC Radio 1.

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Monday, January 18, 2010
concert 1: Lhasa De Sela
Montreal-based singer Lhasa De Sela -- usually known simply as Lhasa -- was easily one of Canada's most important and loved world music artists. Her unique vision and beautiful sound world won her devoted fans all over the planet. Her 1997 debut disc "La Llorona" (The Weeping Woman) sold half a million copies worldwide and her second, "The Living Road," won her the world music equivalent of a Grammy -- a BBC 3 World Music Award -- in 2005. So people everywhere were saddened to learn of Lhasa's tragic death, on January 1, of breast cancer at the terribly young age of 37. As a memorial to her, we rebroadcast this fantastic concert, recorded at CBC Montreal soon after the release of "The Living Road."

Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A special episode of Canada Live, featuring concerts by two Maple Blues Awards winners. The awards will be handed out at Koerner Hall in Toronto on January 18.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010
concert 1: Caracol
recorded at Club Soda in Montreal
Carole Facal, also known as Caracol, was a member of the female duo Dobacaracol, a world beat group that sold more than 100 000 records worldwide and performed over 400 shows in 16 countries. Recently, Caracol has become a solo artist. Her style fuses American folk, soul and reggae. In this Canada Live taping she brings along a cracker jack band to the Club Soda in Montreal.
concert 2: Carl Bray Trio
recorded in the CBC Regina Galleria
It's always a delight to showcase a talented group of young musicians - and the Carl Bray Trio is a perfect example of this. These three young men are some of the hottest performers in Toronto's Humber College Jazz program. Pianist Carl Bray grew up in Regina, but it's in the years since moving to Toronto that he's started to make a name for himself outside the province. He's won several awards, notably among them CBC Galaxie Rising Star award. His band mates are young bright lights, too - Toronto bass player Liam Morin and drummer Will Fisher, who hails from Birch Hill, Nova Scotia. This is truly a cross-Canada trio. They delighted the full house of jazz enthusiasts at the CBC Regina Galleria with some Carl Bray originals along with a couple of jazz standards.

Thursday, January 21, 2010
special start time of 18:30
concert 1: Great Canadian Song Quest
recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto
Last fall, CBC Radio 2 brought Canadians the chance to share their passion, and nominate their favourite locations in the country to be celebrated in song through The Great Canadian Song Quest. Canadians also got the deciding vote on who would write and perform the songs. The result is an incredible cross-country playlist, with 13 brand-new, original songs. Canada Live presents the final step of the process -- the musicians gather together at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto to perform their brand new songs in front of a live audience.

Friday, January 22, 2010
concert 1: The Duhks
recorded at the Park Theatre in Winnipeg
After a huge American tour, The Duhks return to their hometown to give a concert for their adoring fans. They play selections from their newest CD, "Fast Paced World", which was nominated for a Juno and a Western Canadian Music Award, plus some arrangements of some old favourites. The band's newest members are the brother-sister team of Sarah and Christian Dugas, and they add a special new sound to the mix.
concert 2: Zal Idrissa Sissokho
recorded at The Lion D'or in Montreal
Born in Dakar, Senegal, Zal Idrissa Sissokho descends from a long line of griots, musicians and storytellers who are the keepers of the oral tradition. When he was still a child he learned to play the kora (a traditional African 21 stringed harp), a skill passed down from generation to generation. As part of CBC Radio's Mundo Montreal series, Sissokho brings together Quebecois vocalists Carole Facal and Charles Dubé, along with flautist Guy Pelletier and percussionist Mohamed N'Diaye in a performance which blends Western melodies with African beats - all before a sold-out crowd at The Lion D'or.

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, January 22, 2010 on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Great Canadian Song Quest - PART 1
recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto
Last fall, CBC Radio 2 brought Canadians the chance to share their passion, and nominate their favourite locations in the country to be celebrated in song through The Great Canadian Song Quest. Canadians also got the deciding vote on who would write and perform the songs. The result is an incredible cross-country playlist, with 13 brand-new, original songs. Canada Live presents the final step of the process -- the musicians gather together at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto to perform their brand new songs in front of a live audience.

note that Part 2 will air on Friday January 29.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, January 22, 2010 on the Canada Live podcast
TBA

Annabel Chvostek on the Canada Live Podcast

This week on the CBC Radio 2 Canada Live Podcast it's Annabel Chvostek (ex Wailin' Jennys) recorded at the Segal Centre for Routes Montreal in October of 2009. Annabelle is joined for a few songs by her friends Lake of Stew.

Download it here or Press Play:

Podcast: Rose Cousins on Canada Live

I should have posted this earlier, but I didn't - It was the holidays and stuff happened, but in case you haven't already heard: Last Friday's CBC Radio 2 Canada Live podcast features Rose Cousins recorded live at the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Download the MP3 Here or Press Play

Next Week on Canada Live: Old Man Luedecke, Rose Cousins and the Canadian Tenors

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

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Monday, December 28, 2009
concert 1: The Canadian Tenors "Voices for Bulembu"
recorded at The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in Vancouver
The Canadian Tenors are this country's hottest classical crossover band. They take great melodies from a variety of sources, including opera, baroque, folk and pop, and craft arrangements that have a powerful impact on their audience. They have performed in venues as diverse as the Tel Aviv Opera House and Mandalay Bay Coliseum in Las Vegas. Television viewers will recognize them from appearances on the 2009 Grey Cup broadcast and on CBC Television's "Holiday Festival on Ice". This concert was a fund raiser for "Voices for Bulembu," an organization based in Vancouver that is helping rebuild a village in Swaziland ravaged by reckless mining practices and AIDS. The Canadian Tenors have traveled to Bulembu to help raise funds and to meet the aid recipients.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009
concert 1: Old Man Luedecke with Symphony Nova Scotia
recorded at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax
Old Man Luedecke is a musician of such hopeful goodness, poetic sense, and true melodic taste that it is hard to pin him down to one simple description. In the tradition of solo banjo men and women of days gone by, Old Man Luedecke usually sings his songs accompanied only by his loving five string, foot stomps and the occasional yodel, so on this night it was quite an event to see him up there on stage backed up by a forty-piece symphony orchestra. The magic didn't stop there, the night also featured a brand new piece for banjo, voice and orchestra that was written by the Old Man himself with Jesse Zubot.
concert 2: Melanie Doane and The Art Of Time
recorded at the Enwave Theatre at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto
Pianist Andrew Burashko's decade-long campaign to bridge the pop-classical divide yields another intriguing collaboration in this Art of Time concert called "Canadian Songbook 3." Melanie Doane - Juno winner for Best New Artist in 1999 - joins the Art of Time players to perform new arrangements of songs by fellow Maritimers Myles Goodwin of April Wine, Joel Plaskett, Stan Rogers and Gene McLellan.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009
concert 1: Chic Gamine
recorded at the Regina Folk Festival
Despite the fact Chic Gamine only formed in 2007, they need little introduction. They are the 2009 Juno winners for the Roots and Traditional Album of the Year. Over the years, the band's members have been a part of many other projects. Their wonderful vocal harmonies are supported by a solo percussionist in this project. In the relatively short time since they formed the band, Chic Gamine has performed all over North America. Highlights include The Winnipeg Folk Festival, The California Strawberry Festival, The California World Fest and opening for the legendary Smokey Robinson at The Festival at Sandpoint, Idaho. In this concert we caught up with them at the 40th Anniversary of the Regina Folk Festival, where they charmed the audience with their vibrant energy and beautiful voices on the final night of the festival.
concert 2: Florence K
recorded at The Casino de Montréal
Jazz-pop chanteuse Florence K was born in Montreal in 1983 to guitarist/composer Hany Khoriaty and opera singer Natalie Choquette. She made her television debut at six. At 16 she toured behind her mother as a pianist and a year later played her first solo gig. She loves to travel and has performed everywhere from Atlantic City to Casablanca to Hanoi. In 2005, Florence K issued her debut Live au Lion d'Or on her own "Red Blues" label. Bossa Blue followed in mid-2006. On November 4 2008, Florence K released her critically acclaimed and most recent album, La Historia de Lola. Her live concerts are enchanting musical celebrations that mix jazz, bossa, blues, and plenty of Cuban salsa. Tonight's concert at the Casino de Montreal features tunes in Spanish and French. The band was hot and made the sold out crowd forget that it was February in Montreal.

Thursday, December 31, 2009
concert 1: Canada Raves on Motown
recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto
It was 50 years ago when an upstart songwriter named Berry Gordy borrowed $800 for his family to start what he called "The Sound of Young America, Motown Records". Come join musical director Lou Pomanti, his band, and some of Canada's best R&B singers including Denzel Sinclaire, Jarvis Church, Dione Taylor and Lori Nuic as they celebrate this great musical legacy.

Friday, January 1, 2010
concert 1: Downchild Blues Band
recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto
The Downchild Blues band started its career in 1969. 40 years later and the band has played thousands of gigs and inspired hundreds of others Canadian blues bands as well as being known as the band that inspired Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi to form The Blues Brothers. On their 40th anniversary, Downchild pulled out all the stops for a national tour. Canada Live caught up with them at their sold out performance at Massey Hall. The concert features Master of Ceremonies Dan Aykroyd and musical guests Colin Linden, Colin James, Jonas, and the blues legend James Cotton.

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, January 1, 2010 on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Canada Raves on Motown
recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto
It was 50 years ago when an upstart songwriter named Berry Gordy borrowed $800 for his family to start what he called "The Sound of Young America, Motown Records". Come join musical director Lou Pomanti, his band, and some of Canada's best R&B singers including Denzel Sinclaire, Jarvis Church, Dione Taylor and Lori Nuic as they celebrate this great musical legacy.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, January 1, 2010 on the Canada Live podcast
concert 1: Rose Cousins
recorded at the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Rose Cousins' voice and lyrics seem to resonate with everyone who has an opportunity to hear her. They are honest ,emotional and full of conviction. Following the success of her first recording If You Were For Me, Rose has recently released her sophomore CD, The Send Off. This concert, recorded at the intimate Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, was the beginning of a cross-Canada tour to promote the new project.

Holiday Concerts Galore Next Week on Canada Live

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you. There are only three days of concerts next week because thursday and friday are pre-empted for the holiday but if you feel like going to a Christmas concert while still staying in where it's warm, Canada Live has you covered.

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December 21 to 23, Canada Live celebrates the season with six special holiday concerts

Monday, December 21, 2009
concert 1: MIR with Symphony Nova Scotia
recorded at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax
A wonderful Christmas concert by this sophisticated pop group. MIR has always fused innovation with solid pop lyrics, textures and vocals. In this concert they combine forces with Symphony Nova Scotia in a series of compositions and arrangements by the band's leader Asif Illyas. Asif and his brother Shehab were born in Sri Lanka and their songs are catchy, sweet, sad, simple and complex -- but always fresh and interesting. This concert, called "A Soldier's Carol," is based on their recent EP Christmas release of the same name. Among other things, it traces the thoughts, feelings, and travels of a soldier a long way from home at Christmas.
concert 2: The Canadian Christmas Canon
recorded at the Queen Alexandra Hall in Edmonton
Bruce Cockburn, Joni Mitchell, Ron Sexsmith, Lynn Miles, Stan Rogers, and many others have penned songs expressing their personal sense of the Christmas season. For many, these are the songs of The Canadian Christmas Canon. Edmonton singer-songwriter Bob Jahrig and sisters group The Ambers perform some of their favourites for one magical night.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009
concert 1: The Good Lovelies
recorded at Le Petit Campus in Montreal
The Good Lovelies are Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Sue Passmore, all of them best friends and refugees from solo careers. Described as "flirty-bluegrass" and "the mischievous Andrews Sisters" the Toronto-based trio rely on unerring three-part vocal harmonies, clever songs and, onstage, convulsively funny repartee. The trio formed only two years ago. Since then, they have quit their jobs, played countless clubs and coffee houses and half a dozen folk festivals, completed over 130 dates this year ( from Montreal to Vancouver Island and back ), won the New Emerging Artist Award at this year's Canadian Folk Awards, and just released a brand new Christmas CD called 'Under The Mistletoe'. Tonight's Canada Live taping finds them in friendly company at Le Petit Campus in Montreal. Although there was a storm raging outside the Good Lovelies did everything right and made the crowd forget the weather and focus on having an absolutely lovely time!
concert 2: Tom Jackson's Singing for Supper
recorded at St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Calgary
Tom Jackson tours the country with his Christmas show "Singing for Supper", raising money for Canada's less fortunate. He is joined by guest musicians Shannon Gaye and Pear. This Calgary show is a real home-coming for the musicians before they continue on the rest of their tour to the Northwest Territories. Tom will perform his signature tune "The Huron Carole" along with other traditional and non-traditional holiday favourites. There's also a sneak peek of Tom's soon-to-be-released single, The Gift. Singing for Supper benefits food banks and food programs across Canada. This evening with Tom Jackson and friends is a great way to spend a cold December night with holiday tunes, all for a great cause.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
concert 1: Outport Christmas in Ferryland - John Curran
recorded at the Holy Trinity Church, Ferryland, Newfoundland
John Curran returns to his home community of Ferryland to release his debut solo CD "Christmas - May Your Days Be Merry And Bright." Perched on its grassy bank, the Holy Trinity Church stands in a commanding position overlooking the rugged and rocky shoreline that welcomed some of the earliest settlers to Newfoundland. The church has been a sanctuary and meeting place for this southern shore community since it was built in 1865 and provides an iconic venue within earshot of the foaming waves. As a boy, John sang here with the choir at Christmas and he returns tonight to welcome an over-capacity crowd of family, friends and fans who jam into the pews to celebrate the season with one of their favourite sons.
concert 2: Quartette Christmas
recorded at the Capitol Theatre in Moncton, NB
The group Quartette is made up of four of Canada's finest singer/songwriters ... Sylvia Tyson, Cindy Church, Caitlin Hanford and Gwen Swick. Their rich harmonies, good humour and love for the music guarantees a concert to remember. This Christmas concert combines old favourites and new collaborations between the members with musical influences ranging from jazz, blues, country, gospel and pop.

Thursday, December 24, 2009
pre-empted

Friday, December 25, 2009
pre-empted

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, December 25, 2009, on CBC Radio 1
pre-empted

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, December 25, 2009 on the Canada Live podcast
concert 1: Amelia Curran
recorded at the Holy Heart Theatre in St. John's, Newfoundland
The St. John's fall concert season kicked off with the long promised and highly anticipated CD release of Six Shooter Records starlet Amelia Curran. The depth and power of her writing and performance is beautifully captured in front of 800 adoring hometown fans. Amelia was joined by the musicians who helped create her new sound, including Sandy Morris, Geoff Panting, Andrew Dale, Matt Hender and Jon Lane. The CD, Hunter Hunter, features the backing vocals of Newfoundland's hottest new alt folk group The Once - Geraldine Hollett, Phil Churchill, Andrew Dale. They joined Amelia on stage to help celebrate the release.

Next Week on Canada Live: Tributes to Haydain Neale and Oscar Peterson plus Rose Cousins, the Good Lovlies & More

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

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Monday, December 14, 2009
concert 1: De Temps Antan
recorded at the Lion D'or in Montreal as part of the Mundo Montreal world music series
Join in a foot-stomping evening of Quebec traditional music with De Temps Antan. This extraordinary trio features singers and multi-instrumentalists Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis. And for this show, they've invited special guests Juan Sebastian Larobina on guitar and flute, Patrick Graham on percussion and Shuni Tsou on flute. Together, these musicians offer a new take on Quebec folk music, with their own special touch. As part of the Mundo Montreal series, this was an evening of traditional music with nothing old-fashioned about it!
concert 2: Plaid Tongued Devils
recorded at the Ironwood Stage and Grill in Calgary
The Plaid Tongued Devils have been entertaining Calgarians since 1990 with their blend of rock, klezmer, and ska. They've released 5 albums and a DVD, and collaborated on a few theatre projects. Last year they added a second violin player to the band, or as the Devils put it, "added the double violin assault to become a 7 piece gypsy rock army." They've toured Canada and Europe and can always count on a boisterous crowd at home at the Ironwood in Calgary.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
concert 1: The Bottle & The Truth Reunion House Concert
recorded at a house off Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Ridley Bent, Cameron Latimer and Dustin Bentall have been close friends and musical partners for a long time now. Each has his own career path to follow, but when they can, they take the opportunity to reunite as The Bottle and the Truth. It's a dream come true for fans of alt-country music. This reunion concert took place in a funky old house in Vancouver's Commercial Drive area. The playing was amazing and the atmosphere down home. Their band knows how to kick it too. Drink this one till the bottle's dry 'cause there's some love in every one of these songs.
concert 2 : Rose Cousins
recorded at the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Rose Cousins' voice and lyrics seem to resonate with everyone who has an opportunity to hear her. They are honest ,emotional and full of conviction. Following the success of her first recording If You Were For Me, Rose has recently released her sophomore CD, The Send Off. This concert, recorded at the intimate Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, was the beginning of a cross-Canada tour to promote the new project.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009
concert 1: Eric Bibb
recorded at the Vancouver Island MusicFest in Courtenay, BC
Get ready to be uplifted and energized with the music of New York native Eric Bibb. Son of Vancouver based folk singer Leon Bibb, Eric's musical roots run deep. He grew up surrounded by legendary performers, but he has a style that is true to himself. His soulful and gospel infused folk-blues sound melds a traditional rootsy American style with a subtle contemporary sensibility. Canada Live caught up with Eric Bibb on the Woodland Stage in a shady meadow filled with fans and converts.
concert 2: Oscar Peterson Tribute
recorded at Westminster United Church in Winnipeg
In December of 2007, the jazz world lost one of its bona fide greats, and Canada lost a musical ambassador when Oscar Peterson passed away at the age of 82. Oscar Peterson was the most outstanding jazz pianist of his generation - his remarkable dexterity and sense of swing ensured a huge international following. To commemorate the life and music of this beloved jazz legend, Winnipeg pianist and band leader Ron Paley assembled a trio consisting of two former members of Oscar Peterson's group: bassist Dave Young and drummer Terry Clarke.

Thursday, December 17, 2009
concert 1: Haydain Neale Tribute
recorded at the Phoenix Concert Hall in Toronto
On Monday, December 7, 2009, the life and music of Jacksoul vocalist Haydain Neale was celebrated by his friends and peers. Artists such as Divine Brown, K-os, Jim Cuddy, Keshia Chante, Justin Nozuka and many others joined forces to pay tribute to Haydain and the musical legacy he left with his passing. Join Canada Live as we bring you this special concert dedicated to the talents of Haydain Neale - a sold out event recorded at the Phoenix Concert Theatre.

Friday, December 18, 2009
concert 1: John Carroll
recorded at the Chateau Lafayette in Ottawa
Storytelling folk singer John Carroll plays a weekly gig at the Chateau Lafayette in the Byward Market. The Laff, as it's known to downtowners, is a lovely little blue-collar drinking establishment (and former rooming house) that comes alive with music of a local flavour many nights. John's fine country-tinged acoustic six-string folk and lap steel guitar is rounded out with some of Ottawa's finest session players. It's in a night where country meets Christmas carols for an evening of almost entirely original seasonal tunes at the local watering hole!
concert 2: Michelle Wright Christmas
recorded at the Kiwanis Theatre in Chatham, Ontario
Michelle Wright is one of Canada's most widely recognized and awarded female country singers. Michelle released a Christmas album a couple of years ago and she returns to her hometown area to perform a special Christmas concert.

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, December 18, 2009, on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Haydain Neale Tribute
recorded at the Phoenix Concert Hall in Toronto
On Monday, December 7, 2009, the life and music of Jacksoul vocalist Haydain Neale was celebrated by his friends and peers. Artists such as Divine Brown, K-os, Jim Cuddy, Keshia Chante, Justin Nozuka and many others joined forces to pay tribute to Haydain and the musical legacy he left with his passing. Join Canada Live as we bring you this special concert dedicated to the talents of Haydain Neale - a sold out event recorded at the Phoenix Concert Theatre.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, December 18, 2009 on the Canada Live podcast
concert 1: The Good Lovelies
recorded at Le Petit Campus in Montreal
The Good Lovelies are Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough [OH] and Sue Passmore, all of them best friends and refugees from solo careers. Described as "flirty-bluegrass" and "the mischievous Andrews Sisters" the Toronto-based trio rely on unerring three-part vocal harmonies, clever songs and, onstage, convulsively funny repartee. The trio formed only two years ago. Since then, they have quit their jobs, played countless clubs and coffee houses and half a dozen folk festivals, completed over 130 dates this year (from Montreal to Vancouver Island and back), won the New Emerging Artist Award at this year's Canadian Folk Awards, and just released a brand new Christmas CD called 'Under The Mistletoe'. Tonight's Canada Live taping finds them in friendly company at Le Petit Campus in Montreal. Although there was a storm raging outside the Good Lovelies did everything right and made the crowd forget the weather and focus on having an absolutely lovely time!

Lake of Stew on the Canada Live Podcast

On this weeks CBC Radio 2 Canada Live podcast it's Montreal's Lake of Stew recorded at The Segal Centre in Montreal performing their unique brand of alt-bluegrass-quasi-country-folkish tunes about life in Montreal.

Download the MP3 or Press Play!

Blue Rodeo, Coco Love Alcorn, Lake of Stew & More next week on Canada Live

This is the weekly thing where I tell you what's coming up on Canada Live, or rather I pass it along. Every weeknight Canada Live on CBC Radio 2 brings you live concerts recorded all over Canada. Someone at Radio 2 passes the list on to me, and I pass it on to you.

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Monday, December 7, 2009
concert 1: Women In The Round
recorded on the Grassy Knoll stage at the Vancouver Island MusicFest 2009
Joanna Chapman-Smith, Kate Reid and Sarah MacDougall are all strong, individual, Canadian singer-songwriters. Together as Women in the Round, they are a dynamic stage presence. Joanna Chapman-Smith is a multi-instrumentalist who has roots in New Zealand, Italy and Brazil. Her songs are as eclectic as her upbringing, with beautiful lyrics delivered with a rare, emotionally-infused style that melts the hardest of hearts. Kate Reid is a whip-smart wordsmith armed with a guitar, a cache of harmonicas and a knack for candid story-telling and songwriting that is charged with humour and sociopolitical commentary. Swedish-born songwriter Sarah MacDougall is a storyteller, entertainer and minstrel with a Euro-Folk Americana style, a haunting voice and songs to match. With intelligent lyrics and stellar guitar-playing coming from the Grassy Knoll stage, the audience soon embraced the warm vibes of these three Women In The Round.
concert 2: Maria Dunn
recorded at the Cochrane Ranch in Cochrane, Alberta
A JUNO-nominated folk artist, Edmonton's Maria Dunn has the ability to write songs that sound like they landed on our shores with the first immigrants from Great Britain. But the stories they tell are of the love, hardship and heroism that are found within a distinctly Canadian narrative. This show was part of Maria's CD release concert tour for her latest disc, The Peddler. It took place at the beautiful and rustic Cochrane Ranch 20 minutes outside of Calgary. The ranch is perched on a hill overlooking the town of Cochrane, where the foothills fold into the Rocky Mountains. On stage, Maria was joined by her longtime musical partners, The McDades. The audience was treated to rousing Celtic tunes and soft folk ballads, all from the pen of Maria Dunn.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009
concert 1: Jorge Martinez
recorded at La maison de la culture Côte des neiges in Montreal.
Argentine's child prodigy Jorge Martinez is a guitar phenomenon. The music is saturated with his cultural roots: Latin American folk, flamenco and Middle Eastern music, and draws heavily from the jazz concept of improvisation. His technical prowess is nothing short of amazing -- on stage he leaves his audience in disbelief. Jorge has dedicated his life not to playing guitar but in perfecting his skill of communicating through his instrument. Since arriving in Montreal 10 years ago, he has brought his talent and these musical traditions to bars and concert halls across Quebec and Canada. Tonight he was recorded at La maison de la culture Côte des neiges in Montreal, for a very appreciative and loud crowd.
concert 2: Coco Love Alcorn
recorded at the Rio Theatre in Vancouver
Vancouver native Coco Love Alcorn chose the Rio Theatre just off of Commercial Drive as the setting for the launch of her latest CD, Joyful. The title perfectly sums up the stylings of this quirky, fun-loving and super talented singer. This concert stays true to the album title. It's a fun, funky and thoughtful show. Coco's joined by some of Vancouver's finest including Chris Gestrin on keys, Sam Cartwright on drums and the vocal stylings of Rebecca Shoichet and Coco's cousin Lindsay Alcorn.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009
concert 1: Amelia Curran
recorded at the Holy Heart Theatre in St. John's, Newfoundland
The St. John's fall concert season kicked off with the long promised and highly anticipated CD release of Six Shooter Records starlet Amelia Curran. The depth and power of her writing and performance is beautifully captured in front of 800 adoring hometown fans. Amelia was joined by the musicians who helped create her new sound, including Sandy Morris, Geoff Panting, Andrew Dale, Matt Hender and Jon Lane. The CD, Hunter Hunter, features the backing vocals of Newfoundland's hottest new alt folk group The Once - Geraldine Hollett, Phil Churchill, Andrew Dale. They joined Amelia on stage to help celebrate the release.
concert 2: David Martel and The Friendship
recorded for Routes_Montreal in Studio 12 at CBC Montreal
A couple of years ago David Martel appeared as a fresh-faced kid in the deeply talented pool of new Canadian singer/songwriters. Essentially unknown to the general public, Martel experienced a kind of fairy tale beginning to his career. Working hard in his basement studio, David emerged in 2008 with his sophomore release, "I Hardly Knew Me." It quickly became a hit with radio programmers in Montreal. An interview on CBC Radio's Q added media momentum and helped to secure a gig at the prestigious South by SouthWest festival in Austin, Texas. These days David and the band are attracting a growing and faithful fan base throughout Canada. In this performance, David and The Friend Ship treated the Routes crowd to a wonderful evening of well crafted and polished songs. Tonight you'll hear David Martel on guitars and vocals along with Natasha Landry on vocals; Jean-Micael Pothier on bass; Kristina Koropecski on cello; Yanik Frenette on drums; and Karine Pacquette on synth and accordion.

Thursday, December 10, 2009
concert 1: Blue Rodeo
recorded at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec
This was the first time in Blue Rodeo's 25 years as a band (!) that Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy did a duo tour -- and they only did five dates. Wakefield's was extra-special because they brought a few accompanists and special guests, including hometown sweetheart Kathleen Edwards, Anne Lindsay on fiddle, Julie Fader on flute, and cellist Julian Armour. Playing all-new material from their November release All The Things We Left Behind, it was a magical night of music for the 200 people in the Inn.

Friday, December 11, 2009 -- a special Hanukah concert
concert 1: Flory Jagoda
recorded at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto
Now in her 80's and living in Washington, DC, Flory Jagoda has - for the last six decades! - made it her personal mission to keep alive the rich Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) musical tradition of Bosnia's Jews, earning her worldwide recognition as "the Keeper of the Flame." Though in danger of extinction, Ladino music has recently experienced a minor revival, in no small part due to Flory Jagoda's stewardship. For this Glenn Gould Studio concert Flory is joined by her longtime accompanist Howard Bass (guitar), her apprentice Susan Gaeta (guitar, vocals), and Toronto musicians Milos Popovic (accordion), Aleksander Gajic(violin) and Eric Stein (mandolin). Flory performs some Hanukah music, including her "Ocho Kendelikos" (Eight Candles), which has become well-known worldwide as the Ladino Hanukah song - most appropriate since this broadcast marks the first night of Hanukah.

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, December 11, 2009, on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Blue Rodeo
recorded at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec
This was the first time in Blue Rodeo's 25 years as a band (!) that Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy did a duo tour -- and they only did five dates. Wakefield's was extra-special because they brought a few accompanists and special guests, including hometown sweetheart Kathleen Edwards, Anne Lindsay on fiddle, Julie Fader on flute, and cellist Julian Armour. Playing all-new material from their November release All The Things We Left Behind, it was a magical night of music for the 200 people in the Inn.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, December 11, 2009 on the Canada Live podcast
concert 1: Lake of Stew and Annabelle Chvostek
recorded for The Routes_Montrealseries at The Segal Centre in Montreal
Take one cup of urban bluegrass, mix in a few tablespoons of nouveau country and folk, and you'll have a great evening of music. Lake of Stew began as a friendly get-together of musical friends in a Montreal apartment. Their songs deal with the trials and tribulations of living in a city where buses are always late and where winters always come too early. Their new CD, Sweet as Pie, was released hours before this performance, and was produced by Canadian folk legend Ken Whiteley.
Annabelle Chvostek mixes it up with The Stew in the second half - but before she does you'll hear why she's regarded as one of Canada's most passionate and intelligent singer-songwriters. Even before her involvement with The Wailin' Jennys a couple of years ago, Chvostek was a Montreal favourite wherever she performed. Tonight Lake of Stew and Annabelle Chvostek deliver an intimate and fun evening, as you might expect from two old friends.