by Douglas McLean | Canoe FM
Music and Musician Interviews
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/9/2022
Email Addresses
1 available
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March 6, 2025
<p>STEPHEN FEARING - THE EMPATHIST A legendary musical force in the Canadian music world, Stephen is well known for his numerous solo and spirited collaborations, including his membership in the much beloved band, Blackie and Rodeo Kings, Fearing joined me in a remarkable conversation, November 2024, to discuss his newest album and how he came to discover his inspiring ways of approaching songs and creative activities. </p> <p>“In early 2022,” says Fearing, “as the pandemic's lockdown grip was loosening, I got a phone call from Ken Coomer, who'd heard my version of Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘Early Morning Rain’ and asked if I wanted to record with him. Not recognizing the name, I dug in and discovered that Coomer was in Uncle Tupelo and a founding member of Wilco, playing on their first four albums, and now is a producer/drummer who's worked with everybody from Al Green to Steve Earle to Sheryl Crow to Emmylou Harris, and many more.”</p> <p>Which is how Fearing came to record THE EMPATHIST at Coomer's studio, Cartoon Moon Recording in Nashville, alongside producer Coomer, doubling on drums; his Blackie and The Rodeo Kings bandmate John Dymond, on bass; and masterful multi-instrumentalist Jim Hoke, on almost everything else. They also wrangled accomplished guest performers Colin Linden, Sue Foley, Dala, and Kelly Prescott. Inspired by such creative colleagues, Fearing recorded stellar versions of songs written at the peak of his storytelling skills.</p> <p>“Being called a storyteller is one of the best compliments I've ever received,” he says. “I love telling stories, but it wasn’t until I realized that my story is just a small part of ‘The Story’ that I found my true voice as a songwriter. Writing songs means opening to the emotions and experiences of others, as well as my own. That’s what inspired the album title – these songs are my stories, written through the lens of all the truths I’ve seen and felt around me.”</p>
February 27, 2025
<p>With the possibility of 25% tariffs being levied by new U.S. President Donald Trump on all Canadian goods as early as February 1st, the Cooper Brothers are re-releasing their song "That's What Makes Us Great".</p> <p>The 51tst State? Take off, eh! The Cooper Brothers are back with a song that’s as Canadian as a double-double, a frozen pond, and a game-winning goal in overtime.</p> <p>“That’s What Makes Us Great!” is a love letter to the True North, strong and free, celebrating the spirit, resilience, and unshakable pride that defines this country.</p> <p>Inspired by a chance encounter with young soldiers returning from Afghanistan, Richard Cooper channeled their passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in making a difference into lyrics that remind us of what it means to be Canadian. “We never seem to toot our own horn,” Cooper reflects, “but we have so much to be thankful for.”</p> <p>From universal healthcare to Tim Horton’s, from beavertails and poutine to the coldest beer and the hottest women, “That’s What Makes Us Great!” captures the essence of a country that doesn’t brag—but has every reason to.</p> <p>Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Colin Linden, this track is infused with the classic Cooper Brothers sound: heartfelt storytelling, undeniable energy, and a chorus made for singing at the top of your lungs—whether you’re in a packed hockey arena or a campfire up north.</p> <p>The Cooper Brothers first gained international attention when they signed with Capricorn Records (famous for producing several of the most popular southern-rock acts of the time including The Allman Brothers and Marshall Tucker) in Macon, Georgia. Over the next few years, the Cooper Brothers released two albums under the Capricorn label, the eponymous Cooper Brothers and Pitfalls of the Ballroom. Subsequent singles “The Dream Never Dies”, "Rock and Roll Cowboys" and “I’ll Know Her When I See Her” all charted on The Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.</p>
February 11, 2025
<p>Sandy Bell’s album,Break of Day: Songs for Colin, was born out of heart-wrenching grief, after losing her only son Colin Bell in a tragic train accident. He died at age 20 while walking home one night, listening to music on his headphones, in Brantford, Ontario. Says Bell: "Colin sparked joy wherever he went. He was caring, kind, wise, and fun. Everyone loved Colin – especially the girls, old people, and children, but none more so than his parents. His heart was wide open –- he’d always say “peace out” when leaving –- and he had a calm demeanor that put everyone at ease, a quick wit, and an enduring sense of justice that we should all do the right thing by ourselves and others. He's an inspiration to us all."<br> Sandy Bell is best known for her fight to protect her natural garden in The Beaches, Toronto, and her precedent-setting court victory under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, that equated freedom of expression with religious freedom for the first time. She worked for several decades in Toronto’s music industry (for Arraymusic, The Esprit Orchestra, and the Jeff Healey Band), promoting and producing other artists’ concerts, and developing the groundbreaking Array Space in 2013. Bell co-founded the country-roots Toronto band The Wanted, and was co-lead singer of the group for 10 years. They enjoyed a residency at The Cameron House, and appeared regularly at The Gladstone Hotel, Moonshine Café, country fairs, corporate events, and performed at Hugh’s Room. The Wanted recorded and released five of Bell’s songs in 2020, on their self-titled album The Wanted. But it was only when she retired and moved to Nova Scotia that Bell was finally able to release her own solo album. As a girl, she studied voice and sang in choirs, later played in different bands, and worked with various writing partners over the years, but she’s always been a “naïve songwriter” who ekes out notes on a guitar, creates melodies in her head, and sings into a recorder to add lyrics.</p>
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