STUDIO QUALITY HI-RES ALBUM DOWNLOADSKen Whiteley
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 instrument. www.kenwhiteley.com
Ken Whiteley is one of Canada’s most respected “roots” musicians. Drawing on his incredibly rich background in blues, gospel and folk styles, this 7 time Juno award nominee is always a wonderful addition to any festival or concert series. He has played at virtually every major folk festival in Canada and performed and recorded with such legends as Pete Seeger, John Hammond Jr., Tom Paxton, Blind John Davis, Stan Rogers, The Campbell Brothers, Guy Davis, Raffi, Linda Tillerey & the Cultural Heritage Choir and countless others. A prolific songwriter, a gifted and versatile instrumentalist and a powerful singer, Whiteley’s music communicates themes of freedom, love, spiritual aspiration and social comment. His performances are presented with particapatory humor, grace and energy.
His performing career began as a teenager in the 1960′s with brother Chris and friend Tom Evans as The Original Sloth Band. With the Sloths, Ken performed all over North America and appeared on Saturday Night Live with Leon Redbone. More recently, his collaborations with brother Chris (The Whiteley Brothers) and old friends Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington (Scarlett, Washington & Whiteley) have resulted in a wonderful collection of recordings, garnering high praise, successful tours and several awards. Whether performing solo or playing with any of his large circle of musical friends, as one critic has said, “with Ken Whiteley our enjoyment is virtually assured.”
Ken’s latest release “Another Day’s Journey” Ken takes us on a tour to the places that over the years have informed and inspired him both musically and personally.
Drawing on his incredibly rich background in blues, gospel and folk styles, this seven-time Juno award nominee communicates themes of freedom, love, spiritual aspiration and social comment. Like Ken’s live performances “Another Day’s Journey” delivers all of this with joy, honesty, grace and energy.
2005 Estelle Klein Achievement Award for his contributions to the Canadian roots music community
Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Children’s Recording
Genie Award for Best Original Song 2004
Juno Award Nominations for Bluesology” and “Where Old Friends Meet”
Winner of the Jazz Report “Blues Album of the Year” Award
“The title song on Ken Whiteley’s latest album is an infectious gospel number featuring four part vocal harmonies and the pedal steel of Chuck Campbell of the Campbell Brothers of sacred steel fame. Listening is also an apt title for the album as, track to track, Whiteley demonstrates that he has, indeed, been listening to all kinds of music and integrating the influences into his own original songs. Stylistically, these songs range from Dixieland to blues, from R&B to world beat, from gospel to jazz and folk, sometimes combining more than one style in a particular song, as in “Falling Snow,” a gentle jazz tune featuring a Celtic harp accompaniment.
Whiteley’s messages are positive throughout the album. “Bird, Mole, Flower” is a paean to personal growth that uses nature’s images of flying, digging and blooming as metaphors for perpetual self-discovery. The song has Whiteley’s mandolin and Ernie Tollar’s soprano sax soaring over Middle Eastern rhythms laid down by percussionist Ben Grossman. “Candlelight,” which ends the album, is a quiet, jazz tune that pays tribute to the continuity of a love that, at the end of the day, one knows will be there tomorrow.
The only non-original song on the album is a rousing a cappella version of “Woke Up This Morning” that kick starts the CD.”
Sing Out!
Spring 2001
| Date | City | Venue | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/29/13 http://borealisrecords.com | Ken Whiteley in New Hamburg, ON | New Hamburg Community Centre | Canada |
| 07/19/13 http://borealisrecords.com | Ken Whiteley in London, ON | Home County Folk Festival | Canada |
| 08/03/13 http://borealisrecords.com | Ken Whiteley in Clarendon, ON | Blue Skies Folk Festival | Canada |
Produced with the Assistance of the MuchFACT (A Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent) PromoFACT Award Program, Supported by the MuchMore Network.
