Ken
Whiteley is one of Canada’s pre-eminent performing artists. He’s been called
a “playing encyclopaedia” for his vast repertoire, command of a wide variety
of styles (including blues, gospel, swing, folk and his own compositions),
and his prodigious ability on over a dozen instruments . His songs have
been covered by half a dozen artists and his walls are adorned with a dozen
gold and multiple platinum records, but it is the immense joy that communicates
from all his musical endeavours that make his work so unique.
His performing career began in 1965 with a jugband that eventually became the Original Sloth Band. With the “Sloths,” Ken performed all over North America, recorded three albums (now collector’s items) and appeared on Saturday Night Live with Leon Redbone.
In the seventies his instrumental skill began to be employed in the recording studio on many albums and soon he began to occupy the producer’s chair. His groundbreaking work bringing the world of “roots” music to children’s recording has seen his productions sell five million copies and lead him to be called “the godfather of children’s music.”
He has also produced recordings by people such as blues star John Hammond, Tom Paxton, and a host of others. Two recent releases have both been nominated for Juno awards- “Where Old Friends Meet” with Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington; and his collaboration with brother Chris, “Bluesology” which was a 1994 Juno nominee and winner of the Jazz Report “Blues Album of the Year” award.
Ken’s latest recorded work is called “Acoustic Eclectic” which is part of a 3-CD box set, “Three by Three: Old Friends Meet Again.” As the title suggests, more than half a dozen styles are represented. There are some great performances by Ken and a wonderful cast of musical friends including Jerry Douglas, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, and many others. He also wrote eleven of the sixteen songs. Whether on a recording or live, it is always a special pleasure to share with him something done with such love and skill. As the Toronto Sun has said, “With Whiteley our enjoyment is assured.”
released 1995, Borealis
Acoustic Eclectic
CD $18.00 ON SALE AGAIN SEPTEMEBER 8, 2003
1. Let Me Fly
2. You Can Depend On Me
3. Family Tree
4. Bright Morning Star
5. As Nighttime Falls
6. Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand
7. Powerful Love
8. Stardust
9. Friends and Ancestors
10. Light of Love
11. Try to Shine
12. Don’t Burn the Candle at Both Ends
13. Here With Me
14. Open Up
15. My Dear Love
16. Sing With Me