THE BEST SASKATCHEWAN ALBUMS OF 2016
of these musical vignettes’ stars are palpable in Shauf’s stark, poetic and at times heartbreaking lyrics, delivered in his vulnerable, delicate and distinct voice.” There’s little to be said about the album that hasn’t already been said – so just listen to it, and draw your own conclusion. Equally mesmerizing as a live performer, upcoming tour dates will see him heading back to Europe.
#4. TENILLE ARTS: Tenille Arts Singing and performing from a young age, the debut album of Weyburnite Te- nille Arts was actually a long time in the making. Gaining recognition around the country music industry in Canada over the past few years - including a spot as a top 6 finalist in the Canadian Country Music Association ‘Discovery Program’ – Tenille has performed on some of Cana- da’s biggest country stages and amassed
a substantial fan following. Tenille recently signed a Nashville pub- lishing deal and set to work co-writing with names including Adam Wheeler, Mark Narmore, Jason Massey, and Janelle Arthur. Influenced by Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood, Tenille’s self-titled effort, co-produced by Matt Rovey and Adam Wheeler, is a perfect mixture of sweetness and angst. Her songs convey the youth- ful honesty of a confident, mature 22-year-old, but the real knockout is her vocals - a blend of power, soul, and vulnerability. The self-titled album debuted at #1 on the Canadian country iTunes chart and #10 on the overall Canadian iTunes chart, and streaming service Pandora named her as one of their 2017 “Country Artists To Watch.”
Recorded at: Curb Studios and Ronnie’s Place Studios, Nashville TN. Pro- duced by: Adam Wheeler and Matt Rovey. More:
www.tenillearts.com
#5 (3-way tie)
MEGHAN BOWMAN: The Watchmen Describing herself as “a singer-songwrit- er with her piano, singing about the de- feats and victories one faces in this life,” and having put out her debut album at the age of 20, Meghan’s fourth release was sparked by an assault and the pro- cess of writing out her pain. While pursu- ing a degree in Music Therapy, she took the tools she was learning in the class- room, and began using them during the
writing process. Growing up on a farm near Guernsey, music has been an outlet for Meghan throughout her life. “Music is beautiful. This was not the first time music was offering me a place to explain myself and it will not be the last.” This 10-track acoustic folk-pop album features beautiful, plaintive and contemplative songs about love, and hope within the sorrow, at times stripped bare, and at times hypnotically catchy. Meghan’s website reveals, “Most of these songs were written with the intent of never showing a soul. I betrayed myself and released them.” Reaching #5 on our list, music fans are clearly glad she did.
Recorded at: home studio, Regina. Produced by: Darryl Kissick and Meghan Bowman. More:
www.meghanbowman.com
POOR NAMELESS BOY: Bravery His sophomore release, the 10-song “Bravery” focuses on the message of life and of hope. With Brad Prosko at the helm and talented friends includ- ing Tenille Arts, Chris Henderson and Carmelle Pretzlaw guesting, Bravery showcases Joel Henderson’s outstand- ing evolution in the folk-roots genre as a songwriter and artist. His mellow sound is personal, speaking honestly about
love, life, and our changing hearts in a busy world. Bravery is an al- bum about life transitions told through stories. Joel also comes to his craft with a family connection – the Estevan-born bard’s father and brother are also well-traveled artists. The songs have found roots with a far-reaching range of fans and critics, earning him performances at numerous prestigious festivals and showcases, where his spellbinding delivery never fails to captivate.
Recorded at: B-Rad Studios, Regina. Produced by: Brad Prosko. More:
www.poornamelessboy.com
SCOTT PETTIGREW: Alone “I picked up a 1937 Harmony Arch- top guitar and a Robert Johnson cas- sette tape at the age of nine in 2006. From that day on, my life was forever changed.” Regina’s Scott Pettigrew is a guitarist, vocalist, producer and songwriter, with influences including Charley Patton, Parliament, Willie Nel- son, Ray Charles, Fleetwood Mac, Daft Punk, Robert Johnson, Hank Williams Sr, among many others. The songs
included on his impressive debut album are ones written starting in high school, recorded live-off-the-floor, stripped-down with only vocal and guitar for the most part. He states, “I deliberately painted myself into a corner with nowhere to go and nothing to hide; showcasing the songs and my musicianship,” with assistance on the project from Bro- die Mohninger. Diving into live performances, this young and passion- ate artist is already working on his second recording.
Recorded at: Labourlove, Moose Jaw. Produced by: Brodie Mohnin- ger. More:
https://scottpettigrewmusic.com
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SASKMUSIC THE SESSION - FEBRUARY 2017, VOL 30.1
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