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John Borra

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:34:00 GMT

biography

Toronto area singer/songwriter/musician John Borra has remained a fixture on the Toronto music scene for over twenty-five years since he first broke onto the Toronto music scene as bassist for the seminal punk band A Neon Rome in 1984. Despite branching out into bluegrass referenced rootsy singing and songwriting, John has played and continues to play bass in a number of critically acclaimed Toronto bands such as Groovy Religion , Change of Heart and Glenn Milchem's side-project The Swallows as well as local punk band The Screwed.

John's arena of musical ventures continues to span the punk, alt, country, rock and bluegrass genres and he currently fronts both The John Borra Band and Rattlesnake Choir on vocals, acoustic guitar and harmonica. The roots/country/alt John Borra Band and punk band The Screwed, both feature Steve Koch on electric guitar and Blue Rodeo's first drummer Cleave Anderson. Derrick Bradey (also of Hawksley Workman and Dodge Fiasco) rounds out the John Borra Band on bass and Steve Saint leads the vocals with The Screwed.

The fictionalized rockumentary - the cult classic Roadkill - directed by Bruce McDonald , was based on a planned tour of northern Ontario by A Neon Rome, an early punk band from Toronto with whom John played bass. Tour plans had to be abandoned when the group parted ways due to artistic differences. This ensuing underground hit which was inspired by A Neon Rome, won Toronto's Festival of Festival's best picture award in 1989 after the group disbanded. Most recently, A Neon Rome has reunited for one or two well-attended gigs in the Toronto area.

John's talents as a fluent, percussive and melodic bassist are well-recognized on the Toronto live music scene - his resume includes stints with Ron Sexsmith, The Cash Brothers, Serena Ryder, Bob Egan and Greg Keelor who employed John 's bass mastery on the western tour of his first solo album release Gone. John's association with Blue Rodeo began shortly after joining Toronto band Change of Heart when they opened a number of shows for Blue Rodeo. At that time , Glenn Milchem had left Change of Heart to join Blue Rodeo. John's musical partnership in Groovy Religion (another Glenn Milchem collaboration), began circa 1989. John's participation in a musical side-project of Bazil Donovan's in the mid-nineties, and his stint on bass for Greg's initial solo release tour, continued the one-degree relationship .

John's vocals and songwriting have been likened to Hank Williams for their roots, country/alt style favourably showcased on the three albums released by the John Borra Band. Lyrically and musically, the Rattlesnake Choir's premier CD also features a county/alt flavour with definite Canadiana and bluegrass influences aided by Tony Benettar on upright acoustic bass and dobro, Miranda Mulholland on fiddle/vocals and Sam Ferrara on cheese grater, saw, spoons and various other percussive household implements! Blue Rodeo's current keyboardist Michael Boguski handles the keys for the Rattlesnake Choir which plays a weekly Monday night residency at The Dakota Tavern in Toronto. The Rattlesnake Choir has opened for Blue Rodeo, most recently in Brantford in 2008.

Sources: Special thanks to ann for compiling this information.

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Relationship

1984 - 1989: John plays bass with A Neon Rome. Greg has stated that the song Diamond Mine was inspired by the band
1989 - John joins Groovy Religion. Glenn is the drummer. They still play occasional gigs around Toronto to this day.
1993 - 1995 - John plays bass in Change of Heart, the band Glenn Milchem left to join Blue Rodeo. The group opens for Blue Rodeo on several shows and tours.
1996 - John records a song for "Pine Ridge an Open Letter To Alan Rock - Songs For Leonard Peltier" along with several other Canadian artists. The record is put together by Greg Keelor and Blue Rodeo.
1997 - John goes on tour with Greg for his first solo release Gone as opening act and bass player for Greg's band.
1997 - Cleave Anderson (Blue Rodeo's original drummer) and John form the John Borra Band. They record two records and continue to play together today.
2000 - John joins Glenn's band The Swallows. They have released a few records and continue to play together.
2008 - John's band Rattlesnake Choir opens for Blue Rodeo in Brantford ON.

John Borra Website
John Borra MySpace
Rattlesnake Choir MySpace

Kirsten Jones

Mon, 17 May 2010 15:07:00 GMT

Biography

After years of walking the line between country and folk, Kirsten knows exactly who she is now. The talented singer-songwriter is now busy winning the hearts of fans and breaking genres with her unique style of alt-country that she sings with heartfelt sincerity and catchy hooks.

When she decided it was time to move to a big city to pursue a career in music, Kirsten left her hometown in Virginia and headed to Toronto, where her father was living at the time. For the next few years Jones did the usual rounds of coffee houses and open stages before taking a job in sales at Universal Music. It was there that she learned a lot about the business side of music. But after an influential meeting with Sheryl Crow, she decided to make the commitment to music full time.

Since that life changing decision, the singer-songwriter has been bestowed with many career accolades such as the coveted FACTOR award for over $20,000 toward the making of her new album, The Mad Mile (release date TBA).

The Mad Mile features Blue Rodeo's own pedal steel player extraordinaire Bob Egan and lead singer Jim Cuddy who both joined Kirsten for her collaborative recording sessions. Jim sings a duet on the barn-burner, "Hold Me Closer" and Blue Rodeo One Degree artist Oh Susannah joins Kirsten on the closing "Bittersweet Grand Canyon".

Kirsten Jones has toured across the US and Canada, including dates with the Jim Cuddy Band, Oh Susanna, Corb Lund, Hayes Carll, Minnie Driver and numerous others.

Sources: The Official Kirsten Jones Website, No Depression Article, MySpace Page, Beach Metro Article- Bill MacLean, Spinner Mag Article.

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Relationship

Kirsten sings a duet with Jim Cuddy, "Hold Me Closer," on her new album The Mad Mile. Bob Egan also has contributed the pedal steel instrumentals on The Mad Mile.
Kirsten has played tour dates with Jim Cuddy throughout her career since her debut in 2005.

Quotes

"Just under the wire, Jim Cuddy swooped in and added his extremely cool touch to my song 'Hold Me Closer' - turning it into a duet! Being the pro that he is, he nailed it very quickly and kept us laughing in the process." - Kirsten Jones

Kirsten Jones' Website

Kirsten Jones' MySpace Page

Molly Johnson

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:56:00 GMT

biography

Molly Johnson has earned her reputation as one of Canada's greatest voices. She has rocked standing-room only audiences in nightclubs and bars from coast-to-coast as a pop artist, and seduced the patrons of salons and lounges with her luscious interpretations of jazz and blues standards.

She has regaled royalty during a private command performance aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia before the Prince and late Princess of Wales, as well as having performed for Nelson Mandela and Quincy Jones. She made history at the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival, becoming the first Canadian female vocalist in the festival's 17-year-history to sell out a show on the mainstage.

Molly started the Kumbaya Foundation and Festival, raising awareness and funds for people living with HIV/AIDS, and she continues to work with countless other charitable organizations every year. In 2008 she was honoured with becoming an Officer of The Order Of Canada.

On November 11th, 2008 Molly released her fourth full length album; a long awaited record of standards entitled LUCKY via Universal Music Canada & Universal Music France. LUCKY won the 2009 JUNO for Best Vocal Jazz Album. Molly also received the 2009 National Jazz Award for Best Female Vocalist.

Sources: Official Molly Johnson website.

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Relationship

Molly interviewed Jim Cuddy and the rest of Blue Rodeo many times on her CBC Radio 2 weekend morning show.
Molly has frequently shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, including during the 1992 Juno Awards for a tribute to Ian and Sylvia Tyson.

Molly Johnson Website

Lori Yates

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:34:00 GMT

Biography

Lori Yates’ lengthy musical career dates back to Toronto’s thriving roots-rock scene in the early ‘80s, when a certain other band was getting established. Initially, Lori fronted local cult band the Rang Tango but in 1989 she released Can’t Stop the Girl, a country album that led her to tour with Dwight Yoakum, Steve Earle and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and lead to a Juno nomination for Best Female Country Vocalist.

While Lori stuck with a contemporary country sound for 1994’s Breaking Point, her third solo album, 1996’s Untogether, saw Lori collaborating with trip-hop group the Opium Concepts to create something radically different than her previous releases.

Lori returned to her country roots in 1998 with her new band, Hey Stella, which included David Baxter, Michelle Josef and our own Bazil Donovan. The band ended up released one self-titled album in 1999.

Now based in Hamilton, ON, Lori’s most recent release has been another solo album, 2007’s The Book of Minerva. A collection of acoustic tracks, it went on to win two Hamilton Music Awards, one for Songwriter of the Year and the other for Alternative Country Recording of the Year.

Sources: Wikipedia

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Relationship

Lori Yates is listed in the album credits on several of Blue Rodeo's CDs, including The Days In Between , Lost Together and Casino .
Whenever possible, Bazil joins Lori Yates/Hey Stella on stage.
On Lori Yates' 1997 album Untogether , Bazil plays bass on the song "Free Me".
Bazil, Lori Yates and Michelle Josef are featured on Penny Lang's Somebody Else CD.
Both Lori and Bazil were among several Toronto area musicians who lent a hand to The Leslie Spit Treeo on their 1994/95 CD Hells Kitchen . Joel Anderson (of The Skydiggers and Jim Cuddy Band) was a member of The Leslie Spit Treeo.
On Lori Yates' 1994 release, Breaking Point , Bazil, James Gray and Cleave Anderson (formerly of Blue Rodeo) play on a number of tracks, and Jim Cuddy sings background vocals on "Make A Liar Out Of Me" and "Blue Confession". Other friends of Blue Rodeo on this album include Colin Linden, John Whynot and Anne Bourne.
Both Blue Rodeo and Lori Yates contributed songs to the 1994 Neil Young tribute CD, Borrowed Tunes .
In 1991 and 1994, Colin Linden (who is part of Blue Rodeo's circle of musical friends) produced some tracks for Lori Yates.

Quotes

On Blue Rodeo: "I've known them for years... I've played with Bazil Donovan for about eight years." - Lori Yates

On her band members (including Bazil): "They're great musicians, and it's so comfortable. We don't rehearse! Those years of musical experience are coming in handy." - Lori Yates

Lori Yates Website

Bob Wiseman

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:10:00 GMT

Biography

This eccentric Canadian composer/singer-songwriter/filmmaker/actor is best known as the original keyboard wizard for Blue Rodeo. Bob played on their first four albums, deciding to go solo just before Lost Together dropped.

With 12 solo releases — and tens more compilations, collaborations and contributions under his belt — Bob has become a prolific Canadian icon. He is championed for his talents and range in genre, writing music that benchmarked the psychedelic world to the folk-jazz world. An accomplished musician, who plays numerous instruments including guitar and harmonica, Bob is principally a piano and accordion player. However, he does enjoy instrumental experimentation,and has been known to use elbows, beer bottles, teeth and the off-and-on switches to entice and challenge his listeners. Bob is also known for producing the likes of Ron Sexsmith, Bruce McCullough, Andrew Cash and others.

Bob’s latest solo album Actionable (2011) is a one-man-one-of-a-kind show that explores his struggles within the music industry after separating from Blue Rodeo and attempting to establish his solo career. The album has been praised by the casual listener to industry giants, like David Byrne who called the album “as real as life and death and sometimes funny, too.”

Despite his self-admitted struggles, his hard work has paid off; Bob received a lifetime achievement award from CBC Radio 3 and was nominated for the 1991 JUNO for Most Promising Artist of the Year.

Source: Bob Wiseman's Website, AllMusic.com, Wikipedia, Exclaim! Magazine

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Relationship

Bob was an original member of Blue Rodeo.
Bob met Greg and Jim through his brother, Howard, who was their roommate when they lived in New York.
One of Bob's bands, Binder Specialists, featured Randy Curnew, who now plays drums with the Swallows (Glenn Milchem's band).
He contributed to Pine Ridge: An Open Letter to Allan Rock . On this CD, Greg contributed the song "Pine Ridge" and Jim did the song "Smoking Gun", both performed by Blue Rodeo. This CD was offered as a collective prayer, a message to their Minister of Justice, whom they believed could play an important role in liberating Leonard Peltier, who was unjustly imprisoned for two consecutive life sentences.
He has been a guest performer with Wilco (Bob Egan's former band), and Ron Sexsmith (another One Degree artist).
Both Greg and Bob performed at Boys Do Girls at Hugh's Room in Toronto in January 2002.
He reunited with the original five members of Blue Rodeo for their first DVD, and performed with them at the DVD release party on November 17, 2004 held at Lee's Palace.

Quotes

"That's a Bob Wiseman show. Pure, unadulterated bliss." - Terminal City Magazine, Vancouver

"... a legendary 'difficult artist,' an instinctive genius so broadly talented he could apparently only be acknowledged in alleyway whispers." - Puncture Magazine #32, Portland

"Bobby was the younger brother of a friend of ours and we just ended up jamming with him a few times. His influences were quite different, as he was more into the improve school of music and jazz, and he brought a whole new musical avenue to what we were doing." - Greg Keelor, Blue Rodeo

Special Thanks to Ann

Bob Wiseman's Website

Wilco

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:54:00 GMT

Biography

Also known as “America’s Radiohead,” Wilco rose out of the ashes of the band Uncle Tupelo, whose members were joined by Jeff Tweedy to form the group in 1994. In 1995, Wilco issued their debut album, A.M., a collection of spry country-rock tunes. Wilco's sophomore effort, 1996's two-disc set Being There, marked a radical transformation in the group's sound, venturing into psychedelia, power-pop and soul, complete with orchestral touches and R&B horn flourishes.

Shortly after the release of Being There, Bob Egan joined Wilco and played with them until 1998 when Bob left the band and was replaced by multi-instrumentalist Leroy Bach. Wilco’s third album Summer Teeth dropped in 1999 and was praised for its rich and lush sounds.

Their fourth album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot brought their label tension to a breaking point; they refused to compromise their sound in the name of capitalism, and so left their label and purchased a studio of their own. Sticking to their guns proved positive — Yankee Hotel Foxtrot reached 13 on the Billboard 200 and was met with wide critical acclaim.

Since 2002, they have released four new albums, including their latest release The Whole Love (2011). They continue to earn respect from listeners and critics alike; Rolling Stone magazine described Wilco as "one of America's most consistently interesting bands" and "America's foremost rock impressionists."

Source: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Bob Egan (lap pedal and steel guitarist for Blue Rodeo) played with Wilco. He can be heard on various tracks, such as "Dreamer in my Dreams", "Far, Far Away", "The Unwelcome Guest", "She Came Along to Me", "One by One" and many others.
Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett of Wilco can be heard on Jim Cuddy's solo effort All in Time on "I'll Make Believe It's You".

Quotes

"Being There was definitely one of the inspirations for this album and Jeff and Jay ending up on the album was just one of those perfect coincidences. Who would have thought that these two guys, tired from a full day of promoting their own album, would allow themselves to get dragged out to a studio to record with a stranger?" - Jim Cuddy

Wilco's Website

The Whitlams

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:36:00 GMT

Biography

With poignant melodies and lyrics described as "charming cynicisms", the Whitlams are one of Australia's favourite bands. Over their decade long career, the band has released seven studio albums, toured the globe, won numerous awards, and suffered the loss of two original members. The 1996 suicide of founding member Stevie Plunder almost spelt the end of a band whose career had barely begun. Tragically, Andy Lewis, another original member, also committed suicide in 1999. Tim Freedman, who spent four years with Stevie and Andy, contemplated continuing with a new name, but decided against it.

For the last six years the line up has gone through only minor changes and currently consists of Tim Freedman (vocals, piano), Jak Housden (guitar), Warwick Hornby (bass, backing vocals), Terepai Richmond (drums), and Mike "Gubby" Gubb (keyboards).

The Whitlams won Group of the Year at the 1998 Australian Record Industry Awards, as well as Best Song and Best Independent Release for their album, Eternal Nightcap (1997). In 2006, they released Little Cloud and launched an Australia-wide tour to promote this new album.

Source: the Whitlams' official website

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Relationship

The Whitlams came to Canada and opened for a number of shows in Blue Rodeo's The Days In Between tour in January and February 2000.
Blue Rodeo opened for a number of The Whitlams gigs on their Australian tour in May of 2000.
Blue Rodeo flew back to Australia for the Olympics in September 2000 as part of the Canadian contingent and played a number of shows with The Whitlams again.

Quotes

"We get to the theatre while Blue Rodeo are sound checking. 'They're a country band,' whispers Gubby incredulously. I reassure him: 'They've got country bits Gubby, don't panic.' I've heard a few of the albums and they're more a rock band in the tradition of The Band and The Byrds - with some country bits." - Tim Freedman (the Whitlams tour diary)

"They did real well opening for us, people quite liked them. As a group of musicians they're a pretty tight act, and Tim's a good singer, very catchy tunes and so our audiences were very receptive. He's got a sort of a smart-ass sense of humour and he'd introduce the songs and get a chuckle and gave a context to the song and I think the people appreciated the lyrics." - Greg Keelor, May 16, 2000 - The Drum Media

"The two singers, Jim and Greg, play tag-team like the Whitlams did with Stevie and I the first four years." - Tim Freedman (the Whitlams' tour diary)

"Loved a ripper song of Greg's in the first encore - 'Lost Together' - which kept building longer than I thought it could." - Tim Freedman (the Whitlams' tour diary)

The Whitlams Website

Richard Underhill

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:31:00 GMT

Biography

This famous Canadian jazz saxophonist founded the group The Shuffle Demons who are notable for their fusion of hard bop and rap combined with exotic costumes and a no-holds-barred performance style. They also composed “Hockey Night in Canada” — a defining track for our entire nation!

With a 27 year musical history, and dozens of awards to his name, Richard is a highly sought after session player and sideman. He has written horn and string arrangements for many artists, including Kathleen Edwards, Blue Rodeo, Taj Mahal, and Hawksley Workman.

In 2003, Richard released his debut instrumental jazz album, Tales from the Blue Lounge, which won the Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year at the 2003 JUNO Awards. That same year, Richard was also nominated for the Grand Prix award at the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Moment in Time, Richard’s second jazz release, dropped in 2005 and features 10 hard swinging modern jazz tracks backed by some of jazz’s finest drummers and bassists. It was warmly received by listeners and critics, who referred to it as “one of the best sounding CDs of the year” (NOW Magazine). Since then Richard has released two follow-up albums full of rich, inventive, spontaneous jazz: Kensington Suite in 2007 and Free Spirit in 2010.

Currently, Richard leads several varied groups including his jazz quintet the Funk Explosion and electronic groove group Astrogroove.

Source: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Richard wrote the horn arrangements for Blue Rodeo's Palace of Gold record, and also played the alto and baritone sax.
Richard led the Bushwhack Horns for Blue Rodeo's Greatest Hits and Palace of Gold tour.
Both Richard Underhill and Blue Rodeo were nominated for Juno Awards in 2003; Richard for Contemporary Jazz Album and Blue Rodeo for Single of the Year and Group of the Year.
Richard plays the saxophone on "To Love Somebody" and the reworked version of "After the Rain" on Blue Rodeo's Greatest Hits CD.
Both Colin Cripps (of the Jim Cuddy Band) and Richard Underhill played on Stephen Fearing's That's How I Walk CD.
Richard Underhill, Colin Cripps, Richard Bell (who played on Bob Egan's The Promise), and Sarah Harmer all appear on Colin Linden's Rhythm of Love CD.
Richard wrote the horn arrangements for Blue Rodeo's Palace of Gold record, and also played the alto and baritone sax.

Quotes

"The horns have taken over ... I play half as much. I can just move into my Elvis mode, sit and sing and not worry about playing much guitar - I listen to the band and just float away. I love it." - Greg Keelor in the Daily Press on the Bushwack Horns' contribution to the Palace of Gold tour

Richard Underhill's Website

The Tragically Hip

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:38:00 GMT

Biography

Formed in Kingston, ON, in 1983, this band is fast approaching their 20-year anniversary and has the lengthy history to match. Gord Downie fronts this Canadian treasure, a band that has amassed legions of loyal fans, sold over 10 million records and received countless awards including the 2008 Governor General’s Performing Arts Award and two prestigious initiations: their 2002 induction to the Canada Walk of Fame and 2005 induction to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

The Tragically Hip have a distinct sound encompassing Gord’s unique voice and trademark raconteur spirit, thrumming guitar licks and high energy drums. Their ability to tell Canadian stories through rock and roll and slower, sweeter tracks demonstrate their musical capabilities and accomplishment.

Apart from their many musical accomplishments, The Tragically Hip are known for their charity efforts and have been associated with a number of organizations including The Waterkeeper Alliance, Almost Home, Make Poverty History, The Canadian Red Cross and the David Suzuki Foundation. Gord has also released two solo albums, Coke Machine Glow and Battle of the Nudes, as well as a book of poetry also called Coke Machine Glow.

Sources: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Gordon and Jim Cuddy both performed on "The Streets Where You Live" (2002), a song in support of the Buried Heart Society.
Jim and Gordon often play hockey together in a league full of notable Canadian musicians including Mike Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies and Dave Bidini of the Rheostatics.
Part of Blue Rodeo's The Days In Between (2000) was recorded at the Tragically Hip's recording studio, The Bathhouse, in Bath, ON.
Bob Egan of Blue Rodeo performed on The Tragically Hip's CD, Phantom Power (1998). He can be heard playing the mandolin, and steel guitar.
Both Bands are on the World Vision 30 Hour Famine CD (1998). The songs include Jim's "Everybody Cries" from his solo CD All In Time and The Tragically Hip's "Emergency", from Day For Night.
Tragically Hip's third album, Roadside Attraction (1997) had ex-Blue Rodeo keyboardist Bob Wiseman joining Wilco for their song "Outtasite (Outta Mind)".
The Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo were two of the 17 Canadian artists who contributed to the CD Pine Ridge: An Open Letter To Allan Rock (1996). On this CD, The Tragically Hip contributed their song "Flamenco" from Trouble At The Henhouse . Greg Keelor contributed the song "Pine Ridge" and Jim Cuddy did the song "Smoking Gun", both performed by Blue Rodeo. This CD was offered as a collective prayer, and as a message to the Minister of Justice, whom they believed could play an important role in liberating Leonard Peltier, who was unjustly imprisoned for two consecutive life sentences.
Both Blue Rodeo and The Tragically Hip performed at the Kumbaya Festival at Toronto's Ontario Place (1993). Blue Rodeo played "Hasn't Hit Me Yet," and "Bad Timing." The Hip performed "Hey Maria," "Fully Completely," "Thugs," "100th Meridian," "New Orleans," and "50 Mission Cap."
The Hip had Blue Rodeo as special guests at Old Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario, in 1991. The occasion was an open-air benefit concert for Almost Home, a residence for families with sick children in Kingston.
The Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo were both acts to play at the Canadian Live 8 concert in 2005.

The Tragically Hip's Website

The Skydiggers

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:27:00 GMT

Biography

Originally formed as a duo by Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson, Skydiggers became a full-fledged band with the addition of rhythm guitarist Peter Cash, drummer Wayne Stokes, and bassist Ron Macey. Less than a year after forming, Skydiggers signed to Enigma and released their self-titled LP that saw two charting singles “I Will Give You Everything” and “Monday Morning”.

The follow-up, Restless (1992), earned the boys the 1993 JUNO Award for Most Promising Group of the Year. Although the band has released seven albums since, most notably 1997's experimental Desmond's Hip City, Restless is still considered to be Skydiggers' crowning achievement. Peter Cash left the band during the mid-nineties to form the Cash Brothers, and was replaced by Paul McLeod. It was a bittersweet goodbye, but led to an acoustic collaboration album with the Cash Brothers in 2006 aptly titled Skydiggers/Cash Brothers.

In addition to releasing music, the band also formed and launched MapleMusic Recordings as a record label and a web commerce portal for the promotion of independent Canadian music.

Sources: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

On March 22, 2007, the Skydiggers performed with Cash Brothers and original Blue Rodeo keyboardist Bob Wiseman, at an NDP charity fundraiser in Toronto.
Josh and Andy shared the stage with Jim and Greg at a Radio Monday showcase on May 14th, 2001. This was the first time that Jim Cuddy played "Bulletproof" to an audience.
Jim and members of the Skydiggers have been known to show up at each other's gigs and share the mic for a couple of songs.
Andy Maize appears on Jim's solo CD All In Time , while Joel Anderson is the drummer in the Jim Cuddy band.
Jim adds piano tracks to Skydiggers' Desmond's Hip City .
At the Skydiggers' Christmas party in December 1999, Jim joined them on stage to sing "Oliver's Army" and "Blew It Again".
Both bands appear on 1994's Borrowed Tunes (a Tribute To Neil Young) and the 1996 release Pine Ridge (songs for Leonard Peltier).
In 1995, Blue Rodeo and Skydiggers sang the Diggers song, "You've Got a Lot of Nerve" at the Kumbaya Festival in Toronto.
In 1993, Andy and Josh were at Greg's farm for the making of the "On The Farm" special.
At the 1992 Juno Awards, Andy Maize, Molly Johnson and Neil Osborne joined Blue Rodeo for a tribute to Ian and Sylvia.

Quotes

"I first saw Jim and Greg play in a band called the Hi-Fi's in 1978 and they used to play at the Cabana Room. That was the first time I was at the Cabana room, was going to see them play. I thought, boy, that's great, I should try this too. It looked like a lot of fun." - Andy Maize, during the taping of On The Farm

"I remember touring with Blue Rodeo in BC in the winter of 1991. One stop, the most memorable for me was Trail BC. The gig that we did with them was in the Kominko gymnasium that held about 1,000 people and it seemed to me that the entire community of Trail was there from five years old to folks of 80 or more. It was a really great experience to be a part of and I always thought it was a great thing that Blue Rodeo always seems to get to these places." - Josh Finlayson

The Skydiggers' Website

Sarah Slean

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:12:00 GMT

Biography

This Pickering, ON, native claims her interest in music started in the womb, when her mother would play the piano during her pregnancy. It must be effective, as Sarah is known as a master of the ivories and arranges all her own music. She recorded her first EP Universe (1997) when she was 19, and closely followed up with the independently released Blue Parade in 1998.

Following the two albums, Sarah signed with Atlantic Records and co-produced Night Bugs with Hawksley Workman, which dropped in 2002 and was heavily influenced by a jazzy cabaret style. This album gained enough attention for her to be nominated for the 2003 JUNO for New Artist of the Year. Two years later Sarah released Day One after isolating herself in a cabin deep in the woods of Ontario to write the material. This album departed from her usual piano-heavy style and focused more on rhythms and guitars.

This was followed by three more albums: The Baroness (2008), Black Flowers (2009) and Land & Sea (2011). Her unique and original music earned her more nominations including the 2005 JUNO for Adult Alternative Album of the Year for Day One, the 2005 and 2006 Gemini Award for Best Performance in a Performing Arts Program or Series and the 2009 JUNO for Adult Alternative Album of the Year for The Baroness. In 2011, Sarah won the Leo Award for Best Music Video for her song “The Rose”.

Sources: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Sarah toured extensively with Blue Rodeo on their Palace of Gold tour.
Glenn Milchem has been doing double duty as Sarah's drummer during her sets on the POG tour.
Sarah shared the stage with Blue Rodeo for the 2003 TSO's Sonic Bloom concert. The concert was to help raise money for Toronto's Symphony Orchestra.
Sarah contributed vocals to the charity song "The Streets Where You Live," which features Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy, and numerous other Canadian artists including Gord Downie, Ron Sexsmith, Sarah Harmer and Colin James.
Sarah and the Jim Cuddy Band both performed at the 2002 Family Farm Benefit.
Sarah was among the "friends" to be invited to perform with Blue Rodeo during their 2000 Blue Rodeo and Friends concert.
Sarah played opening sets at Blue Rodeo's Stardust Picnics.

Quotes

"I don't quite know how that happened. I've always liked Blue Rodeo and they've been really supportive of me. They've always given me gigs like the Stardust Picnic Festival so they're good guys and they want to help out other local people." - Sarah on how she started opening for Blue Rodeo

Special Thanks to Josephine

Sarah Slean's Website

Ron Sexsmith

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:57:00 GMT

Biography

Influenced by the likes of Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, John Hiatt and Pete Seegar, these artists are now among some of Ron’s biggest champions.

Born in St. Catharines, ON, Ron is a well-known singer-songwriter who formed his first band at 14, and within a few years, earned his first regular gig at a local club. It was at this gig that Ron met and befriended former Blue Rodeo member Bob Wiseman. With the help of Bob, Ron released Grand Opera Lane in 1991. This collection of songs earned Ron a publishing deal, and eventually a record contract, with Interscope Records.

Over two decades later, Ron is a busy musician with 13 studio albums under his belt, and contributions on 11 collaborative albums. His first five albums released over ten years beginning in 1991 are noted for the melancholic pop folk feel, with elegant melodies that are accentuated by use of guitars and economical application of other instruments.

Ron’s talent has earned him a number of impressive appearances and awards.: In May 2001, Ron performed on BBC’s Later … With Jools Holland musical showcase alongside R.E.M., Orbital and India.Arie. The following year, he was recognized for his talent when he was awarded the JUNO for Songwriter of the Year for “Whatever It Takes”.

His 2011 album Long Player Late Bloomer was short-listed for the Polaris Prize and nominated for the 2012 JUNO for Adult Alternative Album of the Year. While Ron didn’t take home either awards, both nominations did help to boost his profile and turn more people on to the talent that is Ron Sexsmith.

Sources: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Ron sang "Bad Timing" with Blue Rodeo on their CMT special, "Blue Rodeo and Friends" in 2002.
Jim Cuddy cites Ron Sexsmith as one of his influences.
Ron opened for Blue Rodeo at several shows on The Days In Between tour in 2000.
Both Jim and Ron performed at the Taste of the Danforth festival in 1999.
NOW Magazine's Best Artists of 1999 list included Blue Rodeo (Best Band), James Gray and Bob Wiseman (Best Keyboard Player), Ron Sexsmith (Best Songwriter) and Jim Cuddy (Best Songwriter, Best Vocalist).
Ron and Jim both appear on 1998's 30 Hour Famine, a benefit compilation CD.
Ron played at the 1998 Stardust Picnic, Blue Rodeo's gift to summer music festivals.
Bob Egan is reported to have 'sat in' with Ron Sexsmith prior to joining Blue Rodeo.
Bob Wiseman produced Ron's 1991 Grand Opera Lane.
Ron appeared on Bob Wiseman's CD Accidentally Acquired Beliefs. Ron sings background vocals on "Love is a Rose".
Both Ron and Blue Rodeo provided "dark, bracing backing" on Neko Case's Furnace Room Lullaby. In fact, the YAHOO! music site describes this CD as including "Neko Case & Her Boyfriends ... Bob Egan and Ron Sexsmith."
Ron is also connected to Blue Rodeo through John Borra. Borra has played and recorded with Ron, and has toured across Canada with Greg Keelor as both the opening act and bass player for Greg's solo band. James Gray has a cameo appearance on John Borra's 1999 CD Band. John Borra currently plays bass with Glenn Milchem's band The Swallows.

Quotes

"Ron is brilliant songwriter. He also gives great advice." - Greg Keelor

"I've known Ron for a very long time. He's fantastic ... so musical, and a talented songwriter." - Jim Cuddy

Ron Sexsmith's Website

The Sadies

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:53:00 GMT

Biography

This Toronto-based band is led by brothers Dallas and Travis Good, who are joined by their friends Sean Dean and Mike Belitsky. The Sadies have been praised for their music, which draws on surf rock, traditional country and garage rock inspirations. Their 1998 EP Precious Moments featured Neko Case on backing vocals, which helped to earn them significant notice. Neko Case isn’t the only talent to share space with The Sadies – Greg Keelor often performs with them live, and they supported Greg’s tour to promote his 2006 solo album Aphrodite Rose.

Between 2001 and 2004, the Sadies released a studio album annually, including two records in 2004. Their 2002 album Stories Often Told was recorded at Blue Rodeo’s Woodshed Studio, and was produced by Greg. That time period also saw them appear on two tracks on Neko Case’s live album, The Tigers Have Spoken (2004), and helped to solidify their reputation as a band who are notorious for their captivating live shows and willingness to play anywhere with anyone.

August of 2006 saw the release of the Sadies much heralded In Concert Volume 1. The double disc captures the essence of the Sadies and showcases their collaborative efforts with their friends and notable peers. It has been described as a "star-studded extravaganza" akin to the Band's legendary The Last Waltz. Since 2006 they have released three more albums and show no signs of stopping.

Sources: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

The Sadies opened up for Blue Rodeo in the Maritimes during their 2000 tour.
The Sadies recorded their 2001 album Tremendous Efforts at Greg's farm in March of 2000. Greg, along with Jim Cuddy, Bazil Donovan, Bob Egan, James Grey and Glen Milchem all play on the album.
Travis Good plays guitar on "Cinema Song" from Blue Rodeo's The Days in Between .
Greg often performs with the Sadies. He typically sings Elvis' classic, "Wearing that Loved-On Look" which appears on the Tremendous Efforts album or the Bee Gees tune "To Love Somebody" which Blue Rodeo later recorded for their Greatest Hits Volume 1 CD.
The Sadies collaborated with Blue Rodeo's Bob Egan (and many other musicians) on Neko Case's album Furnace Room Lullaby .
The album Stories Often Told was recorded at Blue Rodeo's Woodshed Studio, and was produced by Greg.
Jim and Greg wrote the song "Stories Often Told" on the Sadies 2002 release of the same name. Blue Rodeo fans will be familiar with this song by its original title "Palace of Gold".
During Blue Rodeo's tour in support of the album Are You Ready, the band began performing the Sadies' version of "Palace of Gold" ("Stories Often Told") which can be found on the Live At Stratford 2006 CDs.
At Blue Rodeo's annual summer gig at Toronto's Molson Amphitheatre in 2004, Dallas Good joined Blue Rodeo on stage to perform along with Chris Christopherson.
Dallas and Travis appear with Blue Rodeo, singing around the campfire on the Juno winning DVD, Blue Rodeo: In Stereovision .
Dallas and Travis Good formed a group with Greg and Rick White called the Unintended and released a self-titled album in 2004.
The Sadies' double live album In Concert Volume 1 (2006) features performances by Greg and Jim.
Greg has said numerous times in interviews that the Sadies are "the best band in Canada".
The Sadies are co-headlining and backing Greg on this tour in support of his solo album Aphrodite Rose (2006).

Special Thanks to Stratomaster

The Sadies' Website

Justin Rutledge

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:45:00 GMT

Biography

Born in the working-class Junction neighbourhood of Toronto, this Irish-Catholic singer-songwriter dreamt of being a writer as a young boy. He entered University of Toronto to fulfill that dream by studying English Literature and Modern Poetry, but dropped out when he began to gain success as a musician.

Justin released his debut album No Never Alone in 2005, which he funded by working as a Toronto bartender. He earned extensive praise for this album, especially in the UK where the ‘zine Comes With A Smile compared him to UK indie sensation Ryan Adams. His hometown took notice, when NOW Magazine named Justin singer/songwriter of the year in 2006.

After such critical acclaim, Justin wanted to assert himself musically and say, “Hey I’m here and I’ve challenged myself and I’ve hopefully done something that I haven’t done already” and that’s exactly what he did with his sophomore album The Devil on a Bench in Stanley Park. It went on to be nominated for a JUNO for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Solo and received the Galaxie Rising Star Award at the Edmonton Folk Festival.

Justin’s second studio effort saw him work alongside some of the finest musicians in Toronto, including Bazil Donovan, David Baxter, and Burke Carroll. It also features guest appearances from Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, Tim Vesely (Rheostatics), Oh Susanna, and Melissa McClelland. Since then, Justin has released two more albums to critical and popular acclaim.

Sources: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Has toured and shared many stages with Blue Rodeo.
Opened for the Jim Cuddy Band on their 2006 tour for the The Light That Guides You Home.
Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, and Bazil Donovan have appeared on his albums.
Bazil Donovan plays bass and Bob Packwood piano/organ in Justin’s band.

Quotes

"We basically wanted to make a standard country record. As a template we had a lot of old traditional arrangements — anything you’d hear on a George Jones record or a Gram Parsons record. That’s the charm with country music — it doesn’t rely upon any gimmick — it’s all about heart. It’s all there in the old arrangements." – Justin Rutledge on the making of No Never Alone

Special Thanks to Rodney

Justin Rutledge's Website

Jimmy Rankin

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:41:00 GMT

Biography

Born into a family of 12 siblings and raised in Nova Scotia, this east-coast country and folk singer-songwriter gained notoriety through his family’s band — The Rankin Family. As a family, the Rankins released independent cassettes in 1989 and 1990 that featured a mixture of original songs and traditional jigs, reels, and Celtic folk songs.

The Rankin Family enjoyed immense success over the 1990s, winning 15 East Coast Music Awards, six Junos and four SOCANs, among other accolades. In 1999, the band announced that they would cease to record as a group and focus on solo projects. In 2000, a car accident tragically took the life of Jimmy's brother and former band mate, John Rankin. Following this tragedy, Jimmy released his debut album Solo Dog (2001) that saw three hit singles, including “Followed Her Around”, which won Single of the Year at the SOCANs.

His second album, Handmade (2003), is primarily acoustic, which creates a live and intimate feeling. It was named Album of the Year and Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards and picked up the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year award.

Jimmy has released another three albums since Handmade. He is a celebrated Canadian musician and it shows – of the 36 award nominations he’s received in his solo career, he’s only lost out on two awards. Jimmy continues to perform live and record and shows no signs of slowing down.

Sources: JimmyRankin.com, AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Jimmy's sound and song writing skills have been compared to that of Blue Rodeo's.
Greg Keelor provided backup vocals for the single "Follows Her Around" on Jimmy Rankin's Song Dog CD.
Jimmy Rankin and Blue Rodeo have shared the stage in the past including an annual outdoor-concert held in Jimmy Rankin's native Cape Breton in 2004.

Quotes

"A natural reaction listening to Song Dog is waiting for the voices of Heather, Cookie and Raylene to come in. Interestingly that baggage disappears as Jimmy's voice carries his songs, with a feel all his own. The only comparisons that are obvious are with other singer/songwriters, such as perhaps Murray McLauchlan, Chris deBurgh, or Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo." - Warren Footz of SEE Magazine, in his preview of Song Dog

Special Thanks to Rodney

Jimmy Rankin's Website

The Pollyannas

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:34:00 GMT

Biography

They were known as one of Toronto's best kept secrets. Another secret: one of its members was former Blue Rodeo member James Gray! Martin Menard, Al Beardsell and Julian Brown rounded out the line-up.

The Pollyannas' local success led them to tour Holland, Belgium, and Germany. They also performed on the side stage at Blue Rodeo's Stardust picnic and the main stage of Toronto's Taste of Danforth. Following these performances, The Pollyannas contributed to DROG Records' Food Songs compilation CD, and released their own album, Hope To Burn in 1999.

While plans for a second CD were in place, The Pollyannas broke up in 2001.

Relationship

Former Blue Rodeo member James Gray was a member of The Pollyannas.
James contributed to The Pollyannas first DROG compilation CD on a song called "Burgandy Popsicle".
The Pollyannas participated in Blue Rodeo's Stardust Picnic festival.

Quotes

James saw the Pollyannas play at the Rivoli in 1999 when Mary Harmer was on keyboard. James was impressed with the band's performance that night. "He loved us." - Martin Menard

"Slap Pollyannas' Hope To Burn on between Blue Rodeo's Diamond Mine and The Hip's Up to Here and you've got yourself a super set afternoon." - Howard Druckman, Chart Magazineaggbug

Oh Susanna

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:10:00 GMT

Biography

Oh Susanna is the stage name of Suzie Ungerleider, the Massachusetts-born, Vancouver-raised singer-songwriter. She chose to perform under a stage name as a means of keeping her private and professional lives separated. Known for her eclectic and bluesy sound, Suzie’s songs are "…inspired by historic events, love won and lost, and her own yearnings and wonderings about life. She sings hard-hitting blues, then switches to gentle, intimate melodies," says WesternWheel.com.

Suzie studied history and hosted a radio programme at Concordia University, which intensified her burgeoning interest in American roots music, a theme that plays heavily into her unique sound. Oh Susanna released her eponymous debut seven-song EP in 1997 and was invited to play at Blue Rodeo’s Stardust Picnic Festival, which inspired her to move to Toronto.

Suzie released her debut full-length album, Johnstown, in 1999 and went on tour to promote it. She gained attention for her morbid narratives and her performances at the Lilith Fair Festival. She has since released four more albums with guest artists like Bazil Donovan and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo, Luke Doucet, and members of Weeping Tile.

Sources: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Suzie is often accompanied by Bazil Donovan (of Blue Rodeo) and Joel Anderson (of the Jim Cuddy Band) while performing.
Suzie introduced Bob Egan to Blue Rodeo.
Bob Egan played on Johnstown .
Bazil has also collaborated quite extensively with Suzie and has even written a few songs with her.
Colin Cripps (of the Jim Cuddy Band) produced Sleepy Little Sailor .
Suzie has opened up for both Blue Rodeo and the Jim Cuddy Band numerous times.
Suzie contributes guest vocals on The Light that Guides You Home , Jim Cuddy's second solo album.
Both Oh Susanna and Blue Rodeo were featured in BBC Radio 2's "The Maple Music Revolution."
The Jim Cuddy Band and Oh Susuanna were the featured guests on the season premiere of CBC Radio One's "Fuse."

Quotes

"I met Bazil four years ago at the Horseshoe Tavern when I was playing in Toronto for the first time. A friend of mine dragged Bazil out to see me and had probably been talking me up quite a bit because when I met Bazil he looked quite skeptical and sullen - but knowing Bazil maybe he was just being his shy self. But I remember thinking to myself, 'These guys are weird (there were a group of them) and I can never see myself being friends with them.' Anyway I guess Bazil was impressed because he told Jim and Greg about me and suggested that I play at their Stardust Ball in Toronto that summer.

"Meanwhile I had returned to Vancouver to put together my life again because I had taken off three months earlier to see America through the windshield of a '71 Cutlass Supreme with a boy who eventually would drop me off at a bus station in Bristol, Tennessee because of our irreconcilable differences. I have not seen the boy since but I hear he is happily married to a Mormon girl in Utah.

"Anyway, I had heard from my friend who had introduced me to Bazil that Blue Rodeo was considering me for this summer gig. I told my agent Frank about it and one day while he was making a highly unusual trip out of the office in which he literally lived he bumped into Jim at the Granville Island Market. It turns out that the band was mixing their record at Mushroom Studios. 'I hear you want Oh Susanna,' Frank said. 'I'll get her press package to you at the studio tomorrow.' "So Frank called me up and said, 'Go ride your bike down to the Studio and take these guys your CD and press kit.' So I did. I walked shyly into this small room full of six or sevem men all sitting squished together on some couches eating Indian food - but Bazil, the only one somewhat familiar to me was not there. 'Um, I am Suzie - Oh Susanna - and I am here to drop off this package.'

"'Oh yes,' Jim said graciously, 'come in.' There were so many of them it was hard for me to tell who was in the band and who wasn't but this furry gray-haired mischievous guy said, 'Come here and sit down. Here, you want some Indian food?' And so I squished in beside him and he took my package and started reading it right in front of me and turning to me and just staring impishly into my eyes with our noses practically touching. I blushed and blushed but I just returned his stare with I am sure a very silly smile on my face. And that was my first introduction to Greg.

"And so that summer I came to Toronto to play what was probably my 15 gig in my life on a huge stage at Fort York opening for one of the biggest bands in Canada. I was completely aware at how lucky I was and how surreal the experience was. I kept saying out loud, 'I can't believe I am here.' I was nervous but I had a strange courage that inexperience gives you. And I realized how generous the band was to take this risk in asking a novice to share the stage with them. In fact it was that magical weekend at the Stardust Ball that made me take the plunge and move to Toronto.

"Since then there are more stories of how my life has been intertwined with and influenced by Blue Rodeo - playing and writing songs with Bazil who has been a dear friend and supporter of my music from the first day he heard it, playing some wacky gigs with Greg who decided it would be better if we played as a combo rather than as two separate acts, opening for Jim Cuddy and introducing him to Bob Egan who has now become Blue Rodeo's steel man, meeting Colin Cripps who has just produced my newest recording, meeting Alex de Cartier (at that Stardust Ball) who now works tirelessly with me.

"Blue Rodeo believes in helping people. Meeting them has been instrumental in steering the course of my life in the past four years and I am very grateful for that." - Suzie

Special Thanks to Natalie

Oh Susanna's Website

Matt Mays

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:59:00 GMT

Biography

Matt Mays is celebrated for his passionate country rock sound. This Hamilton, ON, native spent his childhood in a small Nova Scotia town where he was invited to play in a high school friend’s band The Guthries. The group released two albums together before Matt left to pursue his new project with a new band: Matt Mays & El Torpedo.

Matt Mays & El Torpedo released one album together in 2005, and received notoriety thanks to the track “Cocaine Cowgirl”. At the 2006 East Coast Music Awards, they received loads of recognition with nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Group of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year (Cocaine Cowgirl) and Radio Rock Recording of the Year – taking home all except Entertainer of the Year. The group disbanded in 2009.

Since departing from El Torpedo, Matt has released two albums: 2006’s When Angels Make Contact and 2012’s Coyote. In 2012, Matt completed a three-month tour of Canada to promote Coyote, which debuted at #7 on the Canadian Albums Chart.

Sources: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Matt Mays toured with Blue Rodeo when with The Guthries.
Matt and Jim Cuddy have played hockey together.
Matt supported Jim Cuddy Band in summer 2004.
Matt played in a benefit concert for United Way with Jim Cuddy at The Phoenix in December of 2004.
Matt Mays & El Torpedo toured with Blue Rodeo on their 2005 Are You Ready Tour.
Bob Egan plays on several tracks on Matt Mays' first album.

Quotes

"Blue Rodeo, those guys have written classics. They've written so many great hits it's insane when you think about it." - Matt on his musical influences, from Umbrella Music interview

"We arrived in Brantford on Tuesday very excited to be doing dates with Blue Rodeo....what a classy bunch of guys...the crowds have been great and the '5 Days in May' we are playing with these guys are turning into great experiences...." - Matt, taken from his tour diary

Matt Mays' Website

Sarah McLachlan

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:49:00 GMT

Biography

This Halifax native has had a life-long love affair with music. Sarah began vocal, classical guitar and piano lessons when she was a child, and fronted her first band at 17. When offered a label contract with Nettwerk, McLachlan moved to Vancouver and began recording her debut studio album Touch in 1988. She enjoyed critical and commercial success with the single “Vox”, and began work on her 1991 release Solace.

Sarah’s popularity skyrocketed in Canada with Solace, which spawned the hit singles “The Path of Thorns (Terms)” and “Into the Fire”. She followed Solace with 1993’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, which was an instant hit in Canada; and 1997’s Surfacing, her best-selling and best known album to date. Surfacing led to many award nominations and wins for Sarah, including winning the JUNO for Album of the Year and a Grammy win for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Building a Mystery”. Since the start of her career, Sarah has received over 20 JUNO nominations, eight JUNO wins, over 10 Grammy nominations and three Grammy wins.

Also in 1997, Sarah organized and launched the first Lilith Fair tour. The festival, which journeyed across North America from 1997-1999, showcased female singer/songwriters including Tracy Chapman, Shawn Colvin, Paula Cole, and the Indigo Girls. It was one of the top grossing concert draws of 1997 and, over its three year run, raised more than $7 million dollars for deserving charities.

Since the late 1990s, Sarah has released another two albums, was inducted as an Officer of the Order of Canada, continued extensive philanthropic work, was awarded an honorary degree from Simon Fraser University and even brought Lilith Fair back to tour North America in the summer of 2012.

Sources: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia, Wikipedia Nominations and Awards

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Relationship

Played the piano and added in vocals on Five Days in July's "Dark Angel" and "Tell Me Your Dream" and provided vocals on "What Is This Love" and "Know Where You Go".
On Nowhere To Here, Sarah provided the vocals on "Girl In Green", "Save Myself" and "Brown-Eyed Dog".
On Greg's Keelor's solo record Gone, Sarah contributed piano, vocals and lead guitar on "When I See You"; piano on "Redemption", "All Our Heroes", and "Star of the Show"; vocals on "White Marble Ganesh" and piano and vocals on "Heaven".
Sarah also appears on World Vision's 30 Hour Famine CD along with Jim Cuddy. Partial proceeds from this benefit compilation help the charity in its effort to end world hunger. Sarah Mclachlan's "Ice Cream" is on the album, as well as Jim Cuddy's "Everybody Cries".
On February 12, 1997, Sarah appeared at the Leonard Peltier Defense Fund Benefit concert. Blue Rodeo was the headliner for that show. The concert followed the release of Pine Ridge - An Open Letter To Allan Rock . Both were organized by Greg Keelor in the hopes of raising awareness and money to help free Leonard Peltier from jail. On the CD, Sarah sings the first track, her version of "Unchained Melody".
Along with these album collaborations, Sarah has been known to show up with the band onstage. On the Nowhere To Here tour she joined the band at GM Place and lent her voice to "Sky" as well as singing her own track, "Ice Cream." Sarah joined the band in Vancouver on their The Days In Between tour. This time she stayed out a little while longer. The band played backup to her "Building A Mystery". She paid them back by singing along to "Bad Timing", "Cynthia", "Know Where You Go/Tell Me Your Dream".

Quotes

"She's so gracious with her talent. I don't think there's anything artificial about Sarah's success. She's a really talented person and her success will blossom in many different ways." - Jim Cuddy

Sarah McLachlan's Website

Shannon Lyon

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:43:00 GMT

Biography

Shannon Lyon gained notoriety in his hometown of Kitchener, ON almost immediately after forming his first band, Strange Days, in 1989. After two releases – Buffalo White (1995) and Mods Rule in 1996 (as The Shannon Lyon Pop Explosion), Shannon opted for a solo career.

In 1999, he signed with Toronto's Square Dog Records for Summer Blonde, the first album to fully display his newly realized introspective song writing style. The album went on to become a favourite among roots rock aficionados in Canada, and Lyon (accompanied by the World Record Players) spent the next year sharing stages with everyone from Blue Rodeo to Richard Buckner to Oh Susanna.

In early 2001, Lyon made his first trip to Holland on the advice of fellow singer/songwriter Rob Lamothe. Acceptance was even more instantaneous than it had been in Canada, and by the end of the year, Lyon had signed to Dutch label Inbetweens Records, which released Dharma in Europe in March, 2002.The following year, he recorded Wandered in Holland, which attracted the attention of V2 Records back in Toronto. Lyon became the first Canadian artist to sign to V2 Records, joining the likes of The White Stripes, Paul Weller and Moby on V2's roster. More touring ensued, including Lyon's first trip to Australia, where his honest, straightforward approach instantly connected with audiences, leading to several thousand sales during his brief stay.

In 2004, Lyon helped start Canadian roots label, Busted Flat Records, and its first releases were live albums from his various worldwide tours. The first, Bound, was recorded in Holland; the second, Someday Mourning, in Germany.

2006’s release Safe Inside attracted wide acclaim, and was called “another triumph in the career of one of Canada’s most underrated songwriters” by Exclaim! Magazine.

Shannon has now relocated to Berlin (ironically, Kitchener’s original name) and has found a deal with Continental Records (Rounder Records European division). A new album, El Sol, released in May 2008 in Europe has also been released in North America through his Busted Flat Records label. He continues to tour extensively in Holland, Belgium and Germany.

During Lyon's performing career he has shared the live stage with artists such as Blue Rodeo, Bruce Cockburn, The Troggs, Eric Taylor, Oh Susanna, Bob Egan, The Sadies, Richard Buckner, Lucinda Williams, Son Volt’s Jay Farrar and Fred J. Eaglesmith.

Source: Official Shannon Lyon website, and MySpace.

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Relationship

Bob Egan, playing his pedal steel, accompanied Shannon at his Wandered CD release party at the Rivoli in Toronto on January 2, 2003.
Shannon opened a number of shows on both Blue Rodeo's The Days In Between tour and Jim Cuddy's solo tour.
Shannon has had the support of Bob Egan and Bazil Donovan playing with him, including a gig in Kitchener in April 2000.
Former Blue Rodeo member, Kim Deschamps, has performed with Shannon and played on Summer Blonde.

Quotes

" I first started touring with Blue Rodeo just after Mark French left the band [in 1992] ... and I remember being out on the road with them ... and during their soundchecks before every gig ... we would be waiting and watching and taking notes of course... and they would be hashing out this ballad ... it was 'Lost Together' it was a new one and we heard it come together that tour in the soundchecks ... it was pretty cool ... I remember thinking that it was a great song ... turned out to be a pretty big one for them. We did a few small tours with them back then ... it was very cool ... very exciting ... I think we were 22 or 23 years old." - Shannon Lyon

"I think the only choice I clearly made in this life was that I was that I was going to sing for my supper, and when I'm not singing, I'm not eating, it's pretty simple. The rest I really don't have to think about." - Shannon Lyon

"When I listen to Summer Blonde I hear the rhythms of the Midnight Cowboy, the harmonies of an earth-bound angel, the acoustic guitar that knows the pain of a heart, the steel guitar that stirs the lonely and restless lovers. But most of all I hear that voice that echoes Earle, Faraar and Buckner, a voice that haunts you like a heavy fog over a barren field on a cool October morning." - Bob Egan

Melissa McClelland

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:34:00 GMT

Biography

Born in America, but raised in Burlington, ON, Melissa is known for her timeless, beautiful voice and has been referred to as “a persona reminiscent of a female Tom Waits.” Her music style is heavily influenced by the blues and Americana, and she is known for her sense of melody and witty wordplay.

Melissa released her debut studio album; Stranded in Suburbia in 2004, and it was the first of three albums to be produced by her husband, Luke Doucet. Her second album, Thumbelina’s One Night Stand, followed closely in 2006 and drew attention for her eclectic and varying style; ranging from roots rock, country, chamber pop, folk and blues. Also on her second record was a guest appearance by Greg Keelor, who guest starred on the track "Skyway Bridge". In 2008, Melissa returned the favour and was Blue Rodeo’s only guest star on their live album Blue Road.

Since 2006, Melissa has kept busy by releasing another three studio albums, performing with her husband at the Calgary Folk Music Festival and contributing to several collaborations, including one Neil Young tribute album.

In 2011, Melissa and her husband Luke Doucet (who is another One Degree Connection) released a self-titled album under the moniker Whitehorse. This album reworked versions of McClelland's hit "Passenger 24" and Doucet's hit "Broken". Recorded in Sarah McLachlan's Vancouver home and also at the studio in McClelland and Doucet's home, this album shows that the couple who plays (music) together stays together!

Sources: Melissa's website, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Has appeared and toured with Blue Rodeo.
Greg Keelor sings backup vocals on “Skyway Bridge”.

Quotes

"Opening for Blue Rodeo across Canada has been a dream. The first night, they invited us up on stage for “Lost Together” and Greg threw the third verse my way on a whim. Luckily Luke had the lyrics scrawled across his arm. He held them up in front of me as I sang my grateful heart out." – from Melissa’s MySpace blog

Melissa McClelland's Website

Anne Lindsay

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:31:00 GMT

Biography

Praised by Richard Thornley as being, “thoroughly cosmopolitan, yet equally rooted in the traditional music of Canada,” Anne Lindsay has established herself as one of Canada’s most engaging and versatile instrumentalists. With well over a hundred recordings under her belt, this Royal Conservatory of Music-trained violinist and pianist is a musical tour-de-force.

Audiences across the country have been entranced by Anne’s innovative music, which draws from a palette of heartfelt ballads, hot club jazz, South Indian Karnatak, various root and folk styles and rocking fiddle driven grooves. In 2001, Anne released her debut record Eavesdropping, which received generous airplay nationwide on CBC and campus radio stations. Consisting of original compositions, the record combines a warm roots feel with sophisticated rhythmic and harmonic sensibilities.

Anne released one other album, News from Up the Street, in 2007. Since then, Anne has performed and toured with some of Canada’s most talented bands, including Blue Rodeo. However, her Blue Rodeo connection greatly predates both the existence of the band and her own professional career.

Anne and Jim attended junior school together where they played together in the school orchestra. Some 30-plus years later, she’s still performing with Jim. In 2006, she performed the various fiddle part's on Jim's solo album, The Light That Guides You Home and then joined him and the rest of his band on their fall 2006 cross-country tour.

Source:

Anne's website, AllMusic.com

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Relationship

Anne and Jim both attended the same junior high school in Toronto where they played together in the school orchestra. She was the concert mistress and he played the bass drum in the percussion section!
They had a musical reunion in 1993 when the Zodiac Strings joined Blue Rodeo for a killer version of "Lost Together" on CBC TV's "Benmurgui Live."
A few years later their kids started playing in the same hockey house league and Anne kept reminding Jim at the rink that she wasn't just a classical player, she played fiddle and loved to jam. When Jim was preparing to release his solo CD All In Time he gave her a call and they've been collaborating ever since.
Anne has written, recorded and performed string arrangements on Blue Rodeo's Just Like a Vacation and Greatest Hits . Her solo on "5 Days In May" has become a show stopping trademark when she's on stage with Blue Rodeo or the Jim Cuddy Band.
Anne joined Jim on a cross-country tour with his band through the fall of 2006 after recording all the fiddle on his September 2006 release The Light That Guides You Home .

Quotes

"When I got the call to play with Jim I was pretty excited. I've always loved his songwriting and thought that fiddle (especially mine! ) would be a great addition to the tunes." - Anne Lindsay

"...a powerful jolt of energy from frenetic violinist Anne Lindsay on the beautiful ballad, '5 Days In May' ... the crowd roared appreciatively and the boys rode the momentum the rest of the night." - Derek Tse, Toronto Sun

"Anne Lindsay ... cut the night air with a brilliant fiddle solo that proved to be one-third Ashley MacIsaac and two-thirds Jimi Hendrix." - Jeff Macklin, Peterborough Examiner

" Anne continues to raise the bar every time she raises her bow. " - Steve Lambert, CHCH TV

Special Thanks to ann

Anne Lindsay's Website

Chris LeDrew

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:25:00 GMT

Biography

Chris LeDrew is a dynamic singer/songwriter from St. John's, NF, who plays more than seven instruments. He names Bob Dylan is his idol, and has drawn inspiration from other such classic influences as Buffalo Springfield, Gram Parsons, The Byrds and the Beatles. If he could go back in time to meet someone, it would be the revered songwriter Townes Van Zant, Chris says "I stood next to him once in an art gallery in Ottawa, but never had the courage to say hi."

Chris released Too Commercial, his independent debut, to critical acclaim in 1997. The recording included collaborations with Blue Rodeo's Greg Keelor. Chris has also worked with noted Canadian artists Lennie Gallant, Celtic/Rock group the Punters and Ron Hynes.

In the years that followed his solo album, Chris LeDrew teamed up with his brother Andrew to form a pop/rock/roots duo called Brothers In Stereo (B.I.S.). A self-titled full-length CD was released in June 2003 and a video for the single "The Worst Crowd" followed. Brothers In Stereo feature the songwriting talents of both Chris and Andrew. The band toured extensively, the influence of which can be heard in their lyrics. B.I.S. were nominated for two awards at the ECMAs and took the Rising Star award at Newfoundland's Music Industry Association award gala in 2003, and were nominated for an EMCA again in 2004 and 2005.

In September 2005, B.I.S. got a surprise call one afternoon to open for Our Lady Peace that night in Mount Pearl (after k-os were a no-show). This concert turned out to be the biggest and best yet for B.I.S, with over 10,000 people in attendance. Lighters were burning for "Your Voice," and the crowd was singing along with the band on familiar radio songs. Chris said, "We had no time to worry about the size of the show, so we were really laid-back and able to enjoy it completely."

Brothers in Stereo's debut CD is available at www.notlame.com, a great site featuring many power pop bands from all over the world, and through which B.I.S. are enjoying a raft of attention from new fans south of the border who describe the music as reminiscent of the Odds, classic Squeeze or Tom Petty. Brothers In Stereo make power pop that is rich and textured with jangly layers of ringing guitar, and warm vocals with wistful harmonies, and Chris continues to thrive on writing/performing his own distinctive and magical brand of rock and roll, and triumphant, driven songs.

Sources: Chris' official website, Garageband.com

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Relationship

In March 1989, Newfoundland rock group The Brats opened for Blue Rodeo in St. John's. Chris happened to be lead guitarist with that band. Years passed and the friendship remained, with Chris usually meeting up with Blue Rodeo whenever they played St. John's.
In 1997, Chris was recording his debut independent CD, when he ran into Greg Keelor at a bar in Halifax. Greg was on his "birth journey" at the time. The two struck up a conversation, which eventually led to Greg agreeing to come to the studio and lend his voice to Chris' recordings. Greg showed up during a raging snowstorm to do just that, with the result being the critically acclaimed Pop/Rock album Too Commercial.
The kinship between the musicians remained and in March 2000, Chris warmed up the sold-out Blue Rodeo audience for two shows at the Delta Hotel in St. John's as an opening act.

Quotes

"Whenever Blue Rodeo were in town, I would go see them. Since they knew me from a previous opening gig and knew I was a songwriter, they'd let me hang out backstage. I'd always pester Greg to let me play his vintage guitars. They were really supportive!" - Chris LeDrew

Special Thanks to leftbrain

Chris LeDrew's Myspace

Reid Jamieson

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:21:00 GMT

Biography

Reid Jamieson is a classic Canadian heartbreaker with an incredible voice and a magical way with melodies. Born and raised in Toronto, Reid recently moved west to beautiful Vancouver, BC, to write and record a new album while performing regularly with CBC’s Vinyl Cafe.

In 2004 Reid released an alt-country gem titled The Unavoidable Truth to much critical acclaim. This disc of all original music was produced by Josh Finlayson (Gord Downie Band, Skydiggers) and featured guest appearances from Sarah Harmer and Bob Egan (Blue Rodeo, Wilco). 2007 found Reid releasing a rather unintentional 50s era tribute to Elvis entitled The Presley Sessions. Initially recorded as a gift for his long time sweetheart this tender offering highlighted Reid's powerful abilities as an interpreter of classic and cult tunes, as evidenced on free cover tracks he regularly posts to his web site.

In 2009 the finishing touches are being put on a new album of original songs produced by Byron Kent Wong (David Usher, The Crystal Method) to be released in the spring of 2010. A stripped down preview of six tracks can be heard on the October 2009 limited run EP Courting Juniper. Included are songs about gardening, trains and no less than three proposals (!) can be found in the lyrics of this unabashedly romantic collection.

On stage Reid has a way of connecting with an audience that is at once intimate and universal. Along with his compelling vocal style and impressive guitar work are songs that draw you in with cautionary tales of love and lies, causing tears and laughter by turns. You won't want to miss what he does next so please stay tuned for more from this tender troubadour.

Source: Official Reid Jamieson site, Wikipedia and MySpace.

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Relationship

In 2003, Reid joined Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, Glenn Milchem and Bob Egan in a Toronto Songwriter's Circle for the Waterfront Montessori Children's Centre Benefit.
Reid has performed as a member of Bob Egan's solo band, supplying harmonies and guitar at performances around Ontario.
Reid provided back-up vocals on "Convince Me" from The Swallows' album, The Beauty of Our Surroundings .
Glenn and Reid have supported each other on stage many times at live shows in Toronto.
Bob Egan plays pedal steel and slide guitar on Reid's upcoming full length album.

Quotes

"I felt like the fifth Beatle up there, it's enough to make a guy nervous." - Reid Jamieson on sharing the stage with members of Blue Rodeo at the Montessori benefit

Reid Jamieson's Website

Sarah Harmer

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:18:00 GMT

Biography

This Burlington, ON, native is best known as a singer-songwriter as while as an activist. She first became interested in music after attending a Tragically Hip concert with her sister . Sarah’s first serious music project was as a singer in Toronto-based band The Saddletramps. While performing with The Saddletramps she worked on her women’s studies/philosophy degree at Queen’s University, in Kingston, ON. In 1994, she left The Saddletramps to form her own band, Weeping Tile, who were active from then until 1998. While the band saw popularity on college radio and rock-club circuits, it never broke into the mainstream.

Sarah launched her solo career in 1999 and between then and 2010, she released five solo studio albums all on the label Cold Snap Records. Her work has been met with warm praise and some commercial success: All Our Names and I’m A Mountain went gold and You Were Here was certified platinum by the CRIA. Sarah’s sweet lyrical voice has contributed on the Blue Rodeo album The Days In Between, and on Jim Cuddy’s solo album All In Time. Sarah also sang a stirring rendition of “5 Days in May” for the CMT special Blue Rodeo & Friends, which aired in October 2002.

Sarah also co-founded PERL (Protecting Escarpment Rural Land) an organization that successfully campaigned to protect the Niagara Escarpment from a proposed gravel development that would have resulted in some parts of wilderness near the escarpment removed.

Source: AllMusic.com, Wikipedia

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Relationship

Sarah contributed vocals to the charity song "The Streets Where You Live," which features Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy, and numerous other Canadian artists including Gord Downie, Ron Sexsmith, Sarah Slean, Steven Page, and Colin James.
Sarah's drummer, John Obercian, was one of two drummers backing Luke Doucet in a March 2003 performance in Toronto - Blue Rodeo's Glenn Milchem was the other drummer!
Sarah sang a beautiful rendition of "5 Days in May" on the "Blue Rodeo & Friends" CMT special, which aired in October 2002.
She also sings backup vocals on "Bitter Fruit," from Blue Rodeo's CD, The Days in Between.
Sarah lends backup vocals to "Making My Way To You" on Jim Cuddy's solo CD, All in Time .
At one time, Sarah's touring band included Gavin Brown on both drums and guitar. Gavin was also the drummer on Jim's solo CD, All in Time .
Sarah, on her own as well as with Weeping Tile, has enjoyed opening slots for Blue Rodeo on the road many times. She has also participated in the Stardust Picnics.

Quotes

"Listening to somebody like that whose voice you count on for a certain amount of emotion, sing your own lyrics, I thought she brought a lot more out of that song than I did. She brought out a lot of the sadness of the song." - Jim Cuddy (on Sarah performing "5 Days in May")

Special Thanks to ann

Sarah Harmer Website