Month: April 2014

This song is a real gem. Meaghan Blanchard’s “Watchin’ The Dandelions Grow” is a testament to her most excellent songwriting. Bringing home Country Recording of the Year this year at ECMW 2014 should only be the start of her award wins and a very long career. She is super special, and I implore you to keep your eyes out for her and GO SEE A SHOW if she’s near you.

I caught her live for her CD release show late last year and it was simply stunning. Her stage presence, her stories, her grace and charm (and wit!), how she handles a huge full band standing front and centre, a short (sorry, Meaghan!) red haired cutie with a pretty dress, a big guitar and cowboy boots. Let’s not forget the voice.  A little bit Dolly Parton and a little bit PEI tradition.

I’ve posted a live / somewhat solo clip below, but do head on over to her website to listen to the recorded version (and maybe the rest of the record while you’re there). Our country sweetheart, that Miss Blanchard.

Watching the Dandelions Grow from Anne Janelle on Vimeo.

OK – Me again. I HAD to also post this from 2010. Gives a good sense of her live act. Also – I love this song 🙂

KIM HARRIS – THE WEIGHT OF IT ALL

April 17th, 2014 – Also known in some circles around here as “Kim Harris CD Release Show Day”. This may be one of the most anticipated CD release shows around here in some years. Taking place at Spatz Theatre tonight, I am pretty damn sure that Kim will more than rise to the occasion. Her show at East Coast Music Week brought the house (or, rather, the ballroom) down. Her honest delivery, that voice, her charm, her band… she really did have it ALL, including a glowing chandelier hanging above the stage. And that was just a 20 minute set. Tonight is poised to be SUPER special.

In honour of KHCRSD, and the release of Kim’s new album, Only The Mighty, I am making this week’s Thursday Track a video. Recorded live in the street, with (SPOILER ALERT) a surprise cast of background singers at the end, this shows off Kim’s vulnerability in her songwriting, as well as her strength, having risen above tragedy. Listen to the lyrics, feel the vibe. Then get your ass to a show.

You might have noticed the lack of song last week. I apologize. I was in Charlottetown for East Coast Music Week. A gathering of the east coast’s musicians, industry pros, fans and international delegates – OR, in other words… a big east coast party. I think we wore out some of the international delegates, but that’s the fun part.

Anyway, I struggled with which song to post as the Thursday Track, as I got to see many of my clients, and have a renewed joy for their offerings. There are new albums on the way from Gabrielle Papillon, Ria Mae, The Fortunate Ones, and more (yay!), but you can’t hear that yet.  So, after careful consideration, I decided to present for you, my girl Kim Wempe.

With a raspy voice, she delivers her bluesy songs with an effortless passion. Reminiscent of Joan Osborne and sometimes Sheryl Crow, this album had my attention from the day it landed in my inbox. Ladies and gents – Kim Wempe’s “Never Promised You Nothing”.  “You never gave me no lovin’, so don’t you give me no lip. I never promised you nothin’. Don’t you say I did.”.  Take that, jerk! 🙂

“Kim Wempe has one of those strong, raspy voices that’s only made better by whisky and more emotive by a sad song. She embodies the storytelling nature of the country genre, that slow burning hurt we know to be true of the blues, and these soulful gospel melodies that recall something almost spiritual.” 
-Alan Cross-Rock and Roll Journalist

“Kim Wempe sings directly from the soul, and the result is incredibly powerful. She instantly draws you in with her voice, and holds you there with the strength of her performance and her songs.” 
– Jill Barber