Info:
The Sounds of Atlantic Canada brings together, on one CD, some of eastern Canada’s most requested and best-loved folk songs as sung by many of the region’s most popular performers. From traditional favourites such as Sarah and Squid Jiggin’ Ground to more contemporary classics like Sonny’s Dream and Barrett’s Privateers, this collection serves as a great introduction to the music of Canada’s east coast.

Although most of these recordings have been previously released, some are now hard to find. One, Allister MacGillivray’s Song for the Mira, is a new recording by Denny Doherty, Halifax’s native son and a member of the legendary sixties supergroup The Mamas and the Papas.

All four Atlantic Provinces are represented. Peter Emberley, as performed by New Brunswick duo Connie and Paul, is a traditional folk song from the Miramichi region and was the basis for a Bob Dylan composition,The Ballad of Donald White. Two of Canada’s best-known folk singers, Anita Best and Ryan’s Fancy alumnus Dermot O’Reilly, offer up some Newfoundland classics and Farewell to Nova Scotia is given an interesting new treatment by Cape Breton’s Rita MacNeil.

Prince Edward Islanders Gordon Belsher and Richard Wood team up for an electrifying rendition of The Ballad of St Ann’’s Reel, a song once recorded by John Denver. Two of the region’s finest songwriters, Ron Hynes and Lennie Gallant, are featured and there are contributions from PEI’s Barachois, the Acadian group 1755, Teresa Doyle, Mildred Small, Cape Breton favourites the Barra MacNeils and the legendary Stan Rogers.