Random Friday ∞ Canadian Catch Up

So there are a TON of good releases coming out of the Great White North these days.  Here are a few that have impressed me.

Joey Wright’s album “Hatch” came out last November.  And when Sarah Harmer says: “Joey Wright doesn’t need a bio. You just hear about him. A rumour, a sound. Musical charisma enveloping a career of cinematic guitars, slides of blues and bluegrass. An inspired force of beauty and bravado, danger and charm.”  I listen.

Listen:
Joey Wright ∞ Genius

The Olympic Symphonium impressed me with their last album, 2008’s “More In Sorrow Than In Anger”. They have a kind of laidback dream-folk sound.  Their 2011 release has an intriguing title: “The City Won’t Have Time To Fight”.

Listen:
The Olympic Symphonium ∞ Settle Down

Katie Moore has a unique voice that might remind you a little of Karen Peris from The Innocence Mission.  Although, musically Katie’s sound is more alt-country than Karen’s.  Moore’s 2011 release is called “Montebello”.

Listen:
Katie Moore ∞ Wake Up Like This

My favorite accordion-wielding Klezmer Geoff Berner has a new album coming in March – “Victory Party”.  He’s taken his sound, which he worked on during his “Whiskey Rabbi” trilogy, and pushed it further.

Listen:
Geoff Berner ∞ Wealthy Poet

Harlan Pepper is a great band name, especially for a band playing old-fashion country and western.  Their 2011 album is astutely title “Young and Old”.

Listen:
Harlan Pepper ∞ Great Lakes