I love making records. I learned early on in my career that the recording process is less about capturing notes and words, and much more about capturing magic. Often that magic happens when I play with other musicians for the first time. As a sideman I have been blessed with the opportunity of meeting a plethora of fantastic players. I love putting together shows that introduce these players to each other. The energy is electric. Everyone is on their toes, their ears wide open, The performance is charged with creativity. As I have rarely been disappointed many of my recordings are the result of these first meetings.
COTTAGE BELL PEACE NOW
2024
listen from many places
Many years ago, a good friend of mine gifted me with a barely functioning pump organ. My hometown of Guelph Ontario Canada was home to William Bell and Company, one of the pre-eminent organ manufacturers of the 19th and early 20th century, consequently there is a plethora of broken-down instruments in the area. You can’t give them away (apparently that’s not true). If they work at all they are mere shadows of their original selves. Happily, I discovered Schmidt Piano and Organ Services who restored it to its original sonic glory.
The result
A creaking, squeaking, thumping collection of reeds, levers, pedals and flaps.
Roiling, seething, billowing clouds of harmonic wonder.
21st century music for a 19th century instrument
2024
listen from many places
Many years ago, a good friend of mine gifted me with a barely functioning pump organ. My hometown of Guelph Ontario Canada was home to William Bell and Company, one of the pre-eminent organ manufacturers of the 19th and early 20th century, consequently there is a plethora of broken-down instruments in the area. You can’t give them away (apparently that’s not true). If they work at all they are mere shadows of their original selves. Happily, I discovered Schmidt Piano and Organ Services who restored it to its original sonic glory.
The result
A creaking, squeaking, thumping collection of reeds, levers, pedals and flaps.
Roiling, seething, billowing clouds of harmonic wonder.
21st century music for a 19th century instrument
FELIX ANIMA
2016
For over 30 years I have been possessed by the glorious music of Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). Yes thats right, she was around over 800 years ago. All great music is timeless. I have experimented with her music on earlier recordings but finally decided to devote a whole album to her work.
Hildegard first and foremost is a song writer. The phrasing and rhythm of her music is naturally guided by the words and the breath of the singer. Playing the harmonica and the shruti box at the same time allowed me to tap into those rhythms. The harmonica is all about breathing. The pumping of the shruti box bellows has it's own inherent breath. The vibration of the harmonica in my head and the thrumming of the shruti box against my chest combined with Hildegard's sublime melodies is truly a mind altering experience. Through these instrumental interpretations I am able to explore her music in a more abstract way using her phrases and lines as source material for extended improvisations.
This took me deep into her musical universe.
I am joined by the magical piano of Witek Grabowiecki.
2016
For over 30 years I have been possessed by the glorious music of Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). Yes thats right, she was around over 800 years ago. All great music is timeless. I have experimented with her music on earlier recordings but finally decided to devote a whole album to her work.
Hildegard first and foremost is a song writer. The phrasing and rhythm of her music is naturally guided by the words and the breath of the singer. Playing the harmonica and the shruti box at the same time allowed me to tap into those rhythms. The harmonica is all about breathing. The pumping of the shruti box bellows has it's own inherent breath. The vibration of the harmonica in my head and the thrumming of the shruti box against my chest combined with Hildegard's sublime melodies is truly a mind altering experience. Through these instrumental interpretations I am able to explore her music in a more abstract way using her phrases and lines as source material for extended improvisations.
This took me deep into her musical universe.
I am joined by the magical piano of Witek Grabowiecki.
RHYTHM and ENTERTAINMENT
2014
Some years back I had the pleasure of travelling to Cincinnati and working with a fabulous band called Over the Rhine. While we were waiting in a dressing room of that city’s Coney Island Amusement Park, I noticed that the walls were covered with memorabilia from the park’s long and colourful history. In particular, there was a letter that pitched a new up-and-coming singer, a guy named Perry Como. The pitch suggested that Mr. Como would be a good fit for the venue as his show offered both "Rhythm and Entertainment." I am honoured to offer the same
Here is my 30 year retrospective of folk, jazz, rock, world, electronic, psychedelic, ambient and meditative magic.
Something for the whole family
2014
Some years back I had the pleasure of travelling to Cincinnati and working with a fabulous band called Over the Rhine. While we were waiting in a dressing room of that city’s Coney Island Amusement Park, I noticed that the walls were covered with memorabilia from the park’s long and colourful history. In particular, there was a letter that pitched a new up-and-coming singer, a guy named Perry Como. The pitch suggested that Mr. Como would be a good fit for the venue as his show offered both "Rhythm and Entertainment." I am honoured to offer the same
Here is my 30 year retrospective of folk, jazz, rock, world, electronic, psychedelic, ambient and meditative magic.
Something for the whole family
ZENZEN
2012
I have always been fascinated by the Japanese sense of style. The food the art and design and of course the music. The shakuhachi is the flute of choice.
This seemingly simple bamboo tube with a sharpened edge is capable of the most incredible range of sounds and emotions. Luckily I have just been reunited with Jeff Cairns, a long lost high school buddy who happens to have been living in Japan for the last 30 years or so. And even better he happens to be one of the finest shakuhachi players around. We were able to get together for two sessions over the last 4 years. We recorded some traditional Japanese works (with our own personal twists) as well as some of our own musings.
JEFF BIRD mandolin, octave mandolin, double bass, ashbory bass, tamborin melodique, riq, hulusi.
JEFF CAIRNS shakuhachi (1.6, 1.8, 2.4) percussion.
recorded and mixed by JEFF BIRD at TY TYRFU Guelph, Canada.
2012
I have always been fascinated by the Japanese sense of style. The food the art and design and of course the music. The shakuhachi is the flute of choice.
This seemingly simple bamboo tube with a sharpened edge is capable of the most incredible range of sounds and emotions. Luckily I have just been reunited with Jeff Cairns, a long lost high school buddy who happens to have been living in Japan for the last 30 years or so. And even better he happens to be one of the finest shakuhachi players around. We were able to get together for two sessions over the last 4 years. We recorded some traditional Japanese works (with our own personal twists) as well as some of our own musings.
JEFF BIRD mandolin, octave mandolin, double bass, ashbory bass, tamborin melodique, riq, hulusi.
JEFF CAIRNS shakuhachi (1.6, 1.8, 2.4) percussion.
recorded and mixed by JEFF BIRD at TY TYRFU Guelph, Canada.
THE POTION KINGS- LEGION
2011
This unhinged release was born of three mad nights of unbridled improvisation. Dug up deep from the band's collective rock/ jazz/blues upbringing and artfully distilled down to 48 ferocious minutes of glorious psychedelia and coolness.
THE POTION KINGS are Jeff Bird on bass and harmonica, Kevin Breit on guitar, mandolin and vocals, Randall Coryell on drums and Howie Southwood on percussion.
with Gwen Swick on guest vocals
recorded live at the Elora Legion branch 229 elora Ontario, Canada by Nik Tjelios, assisted by Evan Nightingale. Edited by JEFF BIRD at TY TYRFU Guelph, Canada. mixed and mastered by JEFF WOLPERT at DESERT FISH Toronto Canada
2011
This unhinged release was born of three mad nights of unbridled improvisation. Dug up deep from the band's collective rock/ jazz/blues upbringing and artfully distilled down to 48 ferocious minutes of glorious psychedelia and coolness.
THE POTION KINGS are Jeff Bird on bass and harmonica, Kevin Breit on guitar, mandolin and vocals, Randall Coryell on drums and Howie Southwood on percussion.
with Gwen Swick on guest vocals
recorded live at the Elora Legion branch 229 elora Ontario, Canada by Nik Tjelios, assisted by Evan Nightingale. Edited by JEFF BIRD at TY TYRFU Guelph, Canada. mixed and mastered by JEFF WOLPERT at DESERT FISH Toronto Canada
BOREALIS
2010
This is a recording of a live show that took place at the RiverRun Center in Guelph Canada. I was asked to put together something for the Borealis series that runs every season. My first thought was "well I don't really have show but by God I can make one." I have always wantd to do live music with some of my video work so this was the prime opportunity to try it out. The material was drawn from the DEEP BREATHING and RINK catalogue with some new works added as well. The music was improvised following very minimal musical and visual guidelines. Of course I brought in some of my favorite players who delivered a stellar performance.
Randall Coryell: drums, percussion.
Witek Grabowiecki: piano, accordion.
Jaro Czerwinec: accordion.
Harri Palm: samples
Jeff Bird: double bass, octave mandolin, harmonica, melodica, piano.
2010
This is a recording of a live show that took place at the RiverRun Center in Guelph Canada. I was asked to put together something for the Borealis series that runs every season. My first thought was "well I don't really have show but by God I can make one." I have always wantd to do live music with some of my video work so this was the prime opportunity to try it out. The material was drawn from the DEEP BREATHING and RINK catalogue with some new works added as well. The music was improvised following very minimal musical and visual guidelines. Of course I brought in some of my favorite players who delivered a stellar performance.
Randall Coryell: drums, percussion.
Witek Grabowiecki: piano, accordion.
Jaro Czerwinec: accordion.
Harri Palm: samples
Jeff Bird: double bass, octave mandolin, harmonica, melodica, piano.
TONY JEFF and HANK
2008
Back in the last century, in the 1990's, I had the good fortune of a house gig that lasted for nine years. It was run by a fabulous singer, DOREEN SMITH and included a truly masterful jazz guitarist, TONY QUARRINGTON. Tony used to stay at my house every week and we often found ourselves in my little recording studio. Tony had the kooky notion of doing a duet album of HANK WILLIAMS songs performed on just bass and guitar. Almost every week we would sit down and lay down a few Hank tunes. One of them, RAMBLIN MAN, found it's way onto my record EVERYTHING IS COMING CLEAR AND PLAIN TO MY UNDERSTANDING. The rest lay fallow, until now. 14 years later but definitely not too late we present to you these playful and quirky renditions of some of Hank's biggest hits performed by two players at the top of their game.
JEFF BIRD double bass, percussion, lap steel
TONY QUARRINGTON electric guitar, lap steel, vocals
2008
Back in the last century, in the 1990's, I had the good fortune of a house gig that lasted for nine years. It was run by a fabulous singer, DOREEN SMITH and included a truly masterful jazz guitarist, TONY QUARRINGTON. Tony used to stay at my house every week and we often found ourselves in my little recording studio. Tony had the kooky notion of doing a duet album of HANK WILLIAMS songs performed on just bass and guitar. Almost every week we would sit down and lay down a few Hank tunes. One of them, RAMBLIN MAN, found it's way onto my record EVERYTHING IS COMING CLEAR AND PLAIN TO MY UNDERSTANDING. The rest lay fallow, until now. 14 years later but definitely not too late we present to you these playful and quirky renditions of some of Hank's biggest hits performed by two players at the top of their game.
JEFF BIRD double bass, percussion, lap steel
TONY QUARRINGTON electric guitar, lap steel, vocals
DUST STORM
2007
This is a live recording of an ensemble that was put together for a show at Folkway Music in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
TONY QUARRINGTON is a brilliant jazz guitarist i have had the pleasure of working with for the last 25 yrs or so. (We were part of a house gig in Waterloo Ontario for nine years.) We know each others playing intimately. KEVIN BREIT is a fiery virtuoso who I had just recently gotten to know. Another long lost brother methinks, and, of course, my first call drummer for such dangerous outings, RANDALL CORYELL. No rehearsal, just show up and bring a couple of tunes each as a launching pad.
This is why i keep playing music. I love it !!! I think you will too.
JEFF BIRD ashbory bass, electric bass
KEVIN BREIT electric guitar, mandolin
RANDALL CORYELL drums
TONY QUARRINGTON electric guitar
2007
This is a live recording of an ensemble that was put together for a show at Folkway Music in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
TONY QUARRINGTON is a brilliant jazz guitarist i have had the pleasure of working with for the last 25 yrs or so. (We were part of a house gig in Waterloo Ontario for nine years.) We know each others playing intimately. KEVIN BREIT is a fiery virtuoso who I had just recently gotten to know. Another long lost brother methinks, and, of course, my first call drummer for such dangerous outings, RANDALL CORYELL. No rehearsal, just show up and bring a couple of tunes each as a launching pad.
This is why i keep playing music. I love it !!! I think you will too.
JEFF BIRD ashbory bass, electric bass
KEVIN BREIT electric guitar, mandolin
RANDALL CORYELL drums
TONY QUARRINGTON electric guitar
RINK the original motion picture soundtrack
2007
This is the soundtrack to my short film RINK. It was realized with the beautiful and mystical talents of WITEK GRABOWIECKI on piano and accordion, JARO CZERWINEC on accordion and myself on double bass, harmonica, marimba and melodica. The music is from a rehearsal session for the Deep Breathing show. Our first time playing together. I put the recording away and forgot about it. I was looking for music for my little cinematic epic about my neighbourhood skating rink when i dug out this session. It seems we had created perfect winter music in the middle of june . Must be our northern blood. If you are a fan of the Deep Breathing recording I know you will like this playful and mesmerizing album.
2007
This is the soundtrack to my short film RINK. It was realized with the beautiful and mystical talents of WITEK GRABOWIECKI on piano and accordion, JARO CZERWINEC on accordion and myself on double bass, harmonica, marimba and melodica. The music is from a rehearsal session for the Deep Breathing show. Our first time playing together. I put the recording away and forgot about it. I was looking for music for my little cinematic epic about my neighbourhood skating rink when i dug out this session. It seems we had created perfect winter music in the middle of june . Must be our northern blood. If you are a fan of the Deep Breathing recording I know you will like this playful and mesmerizing album.
BLACK MUSTARD
2005
The guelph jazz festival is an amazing venue for improvised music. Every September for more than 12 years it has attracted a dedicated and enthusiastic audience from all over the world. They gather every year to be taken to the edge of the musical landscape, with a good look over the edge as well.
To help offset the cost of this courageous event the organizers stage a series of fundraising concerts in the spring of each year. They are called "Three Tuesdays". Arni Mikelsons, a member of the board, approached me to put something together for one of the shows. I had recently met the harmonica virtuso Mike Stevens. He had been working in the world of bluegrass for years, hanging with the likes of Jim and Jesse Mc Reynolds and performing regularily at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Mike was looking for something different to cut his awsome harmonica chops on and had always expressed interest in stretching out a bit. So far so good. Trios being my favorite size of group for improvised music a third was needed. The fearless fiery drummer Randall Coryell was my first choice. He brings years of rock experience to the mix guaranteeing to keep fires well lit under our butts.
Mike, Randall and myself are very excited about this live recording and now release it to the public at large. Enjoy the ride.
JEFF BIRD- double bass, eight string bass, electric mandolin, percussion
RANDALL CORYELL- drums
MIKE STEVENS- harmonica
DEEP BREATHING
1999
I first met JARO CZERWINEC at the recording of COWBOY JUNKIES' legendary TRINITY SESSION album. We finished playing the first take of Misguided Angel and Jaro ran over to me, very excited. "Who are you man? It's like your my long lost brother"
I had a house gig in a hotel in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, for about nine years. It is a very functional gig, led by a fabulous singer named Doreen Smith. Many great players performed there, and this was one of its attractions for me. One evening WITOLD GRABOWIECKI showed up as the piano player. At the end of evening when we were saying goodbye he laughed and called me "his brother."
I am always looking for excuses to bring all my long lost brothers and sisters together so when the Guelph Arts Festival approached me to see if I wanted to put together a performance, I naturally thought of a family reunion. I knew that Witold was very much into meditation; he attends week-long retreats of silence in Brooklin, New York. And when I spoke to Jaro he said, "that he really liked droning on his accordian these days."
For the performance we decided to use long deep breaths as our guiding rhythmic principle, and then adopt very simple harmonic ideas upon which we would improvise. These four pieces are the result. pure magic!!!
ONE. uses the five note scale D, F#, G, A, C#.
TWO. is A minor.
THREE. is based on the F lydian scale.
ON A GROUND. features Jaro and Witold improvising over a constantly repeated bass line adapted from the music of the 13th Century mystic, Hildegard von Bingen.
Recorded live in Chalmer's United Church by Nik Tjelios
JEFF BIRD octave mandolin, double bass, melodica, harmonica,
JARO CZERWINEC accordion
WITOLD GRABOWIECKI piano
I SCARE MYSELF
1999
This is the live version of DARK MONKEY
After the success of THE DARK MONKEY IS LAUGHING, RIKI and I were joined by RANDALL CORYELL on drums and TONY QUARRINGTON on guitar
A collection of songs by Riki, myself as well as covers by
OVER THE RHINE and DAN HICKS
Still laughing.
Monkey
Very intelligent and able to influence people.
Good politician.
Thirsty for knowledge.
Talented and inventive but easily discouraged.
1999
This is the live version of DARK MONKEY
After the success of THE DARK MONKEY IS LAUGHING, RIKI and I were joined by RANDALL CORYELL on drums and TONY QUARRINGTON on guitar
A collection of songs by Riki, myself as well as covers by
OVER THE RHINE and DAN HICKS
Still laughing.
Monkey
Very intelligent and able to influence people.
Good politician.
Thirsty for knowledge.
Talented and inventive but easily discouraged.
LIVE AT THE OASIS LOUNGE
1998
I like to bring together musicians that I have worked with but who have not played together before. It is always gratifying and always interesting and
sometimes frightening.
Case in point.
Witek Grabowiecki-piano. Randall Coryell-Drums. Jeff Bird-double bass playing together for the first time.
thankfully I decided to bring my tape recorder
good idea!!!
Pure joy and enthusiasm leap from this live recording of jazz standards.
recorded by JEFF BIRD at the Oasis Lounge, Waterloo Ontario, Canada
1998
I like to bring together musicians that I have worked with but who have not played together before. It is always gratifying and always interesting and
sometimes frightening.
Case in point.
Witek Grabowiecki-piano. Randall Coryell-Drums. Jeff Bird-double bass playing together for the first time.
thankfully I decided to bring my tape recorder
good idea!!!
Pure joy and enthusiasm leap from this live recording of jazz standards.
recorded by JEFF BIRD at the Oasis Lounge, Waterloo Ontario, Canada
EVERYTHING IS COMING CLEAR AND PLAIN TO MY UNDERSTANDING
1997
My second album is perhaps a kinder gentler work, A collection of originals and covers including some instrumental pieces.
Included is the use of some spoken word and dreams as told by the dreamer.
A very curious record.
The critics
"...sometimes eerie, sometimes dazzling, always fascinating . . . "
Patrick Marsolais, Words and Music
"...a kind of densely textured musical dream scape, if you will
is as diverse as the music, spanning 12th century mystic Hildegarde von
Bingen and 20th century visionary Hank Williams."
Robert Reid, The Record
"Every Thing is Coming Clear and Plain to My Understanding is a beautiful
record."
James Keast, Exclaim
Note! This recording features Micheal Timmins of Cowboy Junkies, debut as a guest artist on a recording.
1997
My second album is perhaps a kinder gentler work, A collection of originals and covers including some instrumental pieces.
Included is the use of some spoken word and dreams as told by the dreamer.
A very curious record.
The critics
"...sometimes eerie, sometimes dazzling, always fascinating . . . "
Patrick Marsolais, Words and Music
"...a kind of densely textured musical dream scape, if you will
is as diverse as the music, spanning 12th century mystic Hildegarde von
Bingen and 20th century visionary Hank Williams."
Robert Reid, The Record
"Every Thing is Coming Clear and Plain to My Understanding is a beautiful
record."
James Keast, Exclaim
Note! This recording features Micheal Timmins of Cowboy Junkies, debut as a guest artist on a recording.
JEFF BIRD
1995
This is my first solo recording a fat and scrappy maniacal mix of original tunes with covers by Leonard Cohen and Randall Hylton with words by Dylan Thomas and others. Sometimes described as "Industrial Folk" many of the pieces started as jams with myself and the fiery drummer Randall Coryell. Songs were written over top of these grooves often adding dense layers of sound. When I listen to this recording now, I sometimes think that this is what happens when you are left alone with a microphone and a tape recorder for too long.
Produced by Jeff Bird. Co-produced by Jeff Wolpert. Recorded at Ty Tyrfu Engineered by Jeff Bird . Mixed at McClear Pathe by Jeff Wolpert assisted by Denis Tougas Mastered at Musiclane by Ted Carson
Jeff Bird (vocals, acoustic guitar, 8 string bass, keyboards, mandolin, percussion, fiddle, harmonica, melodica, tarka),
Randall Coryell- drums
Tony Quarrington- electric guitar
Riki Gee- fiddle
Ken Myhr- electric guitar
Gwen Swick- vocals
Jack O’Reilly- vocals
Jude Vadala- vocals
Sue Smith- vocals
Murray Ritchie- vocals
Doreen Smith- vocals
"...beautifully, gracefully twisted . . . the recordings are infused with a kind of musical intelligence that transcends music itself . . . " Robert McLean, The Ontarion "...reveals the gifted instrumentalist as an off the wall vocalist with a wild and woolly musical imagination. Uncompromisingly experimental, Jeff Bird offers musical musings for the adventurous and brave at heart." Robert Reid- The Record.
1995
This is my first solo recording a fat and scrappy maniacal mix of original tunes with covers by Leonard Cohen and Randall Hylton with words by Dylan Thomas and others. Sometimes described as "Industrial Folk" many of the pieces started as jams with myself and the fiery drummer Randall Coryell. Songs were written over top of these grooves often adding dense layers of sound. When I listen to this recording now, I sometimes think that this is what happens when you are left alone with a microphone and a tape recorder for too long.
Produced by Jeff Bird. Co-produced by Jeff Wolpert. Recorded at Ty Tyrfu Engineered by Jeff Bird . Mixed at McClear Pathe by Jeff Wolpert assisted by Denis Tougas Mastered at Musiclane by Ted Carson
Jeff Bird (vocals, acoustic guitar, 8 string bass, keyboards, mandolin, percussion, fiddle, harmonica, melodica, tarka),
Randall Coryell- drums
Tony Quarrington- electric guitar
Riki Gee- fiddle
Ken Myhr- electric guitar
Gwen Swick- vocals
Jack O’Reilly- vocals
Jude Vadala- vocals
Sue Smith- vocals
Murray Ritchie- vocals
Doreen Smith- vocals
"...beautifully, gracefully twisted . . . the recordings are infused with a kind of musical intelligence that transcends music itself . . . " Robert McLean, The Ontarion "...reveals the gifted instrumentalist as an off the wall vocalist with a wild and woolly musical imagination. Uncompromisingly experimental, Jeff Bird offers musical musings for the adventurous and brave at heart." Robert Reid- The Record.
THE DARK MONKEY IS LAUGHING
1992
In 1992 Riki Gee came over to my house, ostensibly to play fiddles together. Riki soon got out his guitar and started playing a bunch of songs he had written back in the 70's. He said he wanted to write songs that didn't sound like any other songs ever written. I think he succeeded. I got out my trusty four track and the result was the cult classic “The Dark Monkey is Laughing”:
"...the effect is not much like anything I could name, unless it were a
David Lindley/ William Burroughs/Philip Glass/Brian Eno album."
"There is some remarkable poetry and some wonderful music here: it is highly recommendable for those with a taste for the out of the ordinary."
“Dirty Linen”
recorded and mixed by JEFF BIRD at TY TYRFU 1992 the year of the Monkey by two Monkeys
JEFF BIRD, 8 string bass, double bass, mandolin, fiddle, percussion, vocals, tarka, bombarde, keyboards,
RIKI GEE, vocals, guitar, fiddle
1992
In 1992 Riki Gee came over to my house, ostensibly to play fiddles together. Riki soon got out his guitar and started playing a bunch of songs he had written back in the 70's. He said he wanted to write songs that didn't sound like any other songs ever written. I think he succeeded. I got out my trusty four track and the result was the cult classic “The Dark Monkey is Laughing”:
"...the effect is not much like anything I could name, unless it were a
David Lindley/ William Burroughs/Philip Glass/Brian Eno album."
"There is some remarkable poetry and some wonderful music here: it is highly recommendable for those with a taste for the out of the ordinary."
“Dirty Linen”
recorded and mixed by JEFF BIRD at TY TYRFU 1992 the year of the Monkey by two Monkeys
JEFF BIRD, 8 string bass, double bass, mandolin, fiddle, percussion, vocals, tarka, bombarde, keyboards,
RIKI GEE, vocals, guitar, fiddle
TAMARACK
A PLEASANT GALE
1983
Tamrack's second record was recorded ELORA SOUND in the capable hands of BILL MATHER. This is the studio RUSH did a lot of recording in. One day we came in to find a floppy disc nailed to a post for not behaving in a RUSH like manner.
More death and destruction at sea and on land.
"transcribed from glorious vinyl"
a side note, this is the recording that introduced yours truly to COWBOY JUNKIES. The next they say is history. A good part of mine indeed.
JEFF BIRD- vocals, fiddle, mandolin, double bass, harmonica, tin whistle, percussion,
JAMES GORDON- vocals, guitar, banjo, tin whistle, percussion
RANDY SUTHERLAND- vocals, guitar, mandolin
recorded and mixed at ELORA SOUND by BILL MATHER
mastered by GEORGE GRAVES at the LAQUER CHANNEL
cover design ELAINE BIRD cover design.
A PLEASANT GALE
1983
Tamrack's second record was recorded ELORA SOUND in the capable hands of BILL MATHER. This is the studio RUSH did a lot of recording in. One day we came in to find a floppy disc nailed to a post for not behaving in a RUSH like manner.
More death and destruction at sea and on land.
"transcribed from glorious vinyl"
a side note, this is the recording that introduced yours truly to COWBOY JUNKIES. The next they say is history. A good part of mine indeed.
JEFF BIRD- vocals, fiddle, mandolin, double bass, harmonica, tin whistle, percussion,
JAMES GORDON- vocals, guitar, banjo, tin whistle, percussion
RANDY SUTHERLAND- vocals, guitar, mandolin
recorded and mixed at ELORA SOUND by BILL MATHER
mastered by GEORGE GRAVES at the LAQUER CHANNEL
cover design ELAINE BIRD cover design.
TAMARACK
1981
Back in the late 1970's James Gordon, Randy Sutherland and myself started a little band called TAMARACK. We played the traditional music of Canada's European Imperalists. Mostly celtic based, from Ireland, Scotland, England and France. We spent many years criss crossing our great nation, usually in the dead of winter, entertaining the good people. We also became part of a Canadain folk music review called MAPLE SUGAR. It gave us the great privelage and honour to perform with the cream of the crop of traditional players. GRAHAM and ELEANOR TOWNSEND, the king and queen of the Canadian fiddle, PHILLIPE BRUNEAU master of quebec button accordion. GILLES LOSIER piano, bass and fiddle from montreal and the MCGARRIGLE SISTERS camp, along with a whole host of step dancers and players. Side one of this recording was made in the Hamilton studio of DANIEL LANOIS and side two is a live recording of the MAPLE SUGAR troupe with DAWSON GIRDWOOD on fiddle and GILLES LOSIER on piano, fiddle and bass.
"to me whack fall the laddio"
"transcribed from glorious vinyl"
JEFF BIRD fiddle, bass, harmonica, mandolin, vocals, percussion
JAMES GORDON vocals, banjo, guitar,winds ,percussion,
RANDY SUTHERLAND vocals, guitar, mandolin,
GILLE LOSIER fiddle, piano, bass
DAWSON GIRDWOOD fiddle
1981
Back in the late 1970's James Gordon, Randy Sutherland and myself started a little band called TAMARACK. We played the traditional music of Canada's European Imperalists. Mostly celtic based, from Ireland, Scotland, England and France. We spent many years criss crossing our great nation, usually in the dead of winter, entertaining the good people. We also became part of a Canadain folk music review called MAPLE SUGAR. It gave us the great privelage and honour to perform with the cream of the crop of traditional players. GRAHAM and ELEANOR TOWNSEND, the king and queen of the Canadian fiddle, PHILLIPE BRUNEAU master of quebec button accordion. GILLES LOSIER piano, bass and fiddle from montreal and the MCGARRIGLE SISTERS camp, along with a whole host of step dancers and players. Side one of this recording was made in the Hamilton studio of DANIEL LANOIS and side two is a live recording of the MAPLE SUGAR troupe with DAWSON GIRDWOOD on fiddle and GILLES LOSIER on piano, fiddle and bass.
"to me whack fall the laddio"
"transcribed from glorious vinyl"
JEFF BIRD fiddle, bass, harmonica, mandolin, vocals, percussion
JAMES GORDON vocals, banjo, guitar,winds ,percussion,
RANDY SUTHERLAND vocals, guitar, mandolin,
GILLE LOSIER fiddle, piano, bass
DAWSON GIRDWOOD fiddle