Two Ontario-based groups — Jaron Freeman-Fox & The Opposite of Everything and the Good Lovelies — led the winners at the 2013 Canadian Folk Music Awards that were presented in Calgary, Alberta on Sunday evening, Nov. 10.
Winners were named in 17 categories, while recipients also were honored with special Innovator and Unsung Hero awards during a gala event at the University of Calgary Theatre that was hosted by CBC Radio’s Shelagh Rogers and the always entertaining, genial and witty Benoit Bourque of La Bottine Souriante. The gala event capped a weekend of public events that included an intimate songwriters circle, workshops and showcases featuring CFMA nominees.
Jaron Freeman-Fox & The Opposite of Everything was named Instrumental Group of the Year and also received the Pushing the Boundaries award. Described as “Tom Waits playing the fiddle, backed by the Mahavishnu Orchestra,” the eclectic genre-bending group led by Jaron Freeman-Fox on five-string violin and features Charles James, Dan Stadnicki, John Williams, and Robbie Grunwald. David Travers-Smith also received the Producer of the Year award for his work on both their eponymous–titled album and his efforts on Winnipeg singer-songwriter Ruth Moody’s These Wilder Things.
The Good Lovelies, an all-female trio with beautiful vocal harmonies who have been touring extensively, was named Ensemble of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year for its latest album, Live at Revolution. Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Sue Passmore were captured in performance during an intimate showcase at a downtown Toronto recording studio.
In a Nov. 11 post on their website, the Good Lovelies, who couldn’t be in Calgary to personally accept their awards, wrote:
Good Lovelies
“We are so honoured to be recognized among this amazing group of musicians. It’s humbling to see all the talent coming out of Canada. This is made very clear to us when we’re in the UK, the USA or Australia, where people can’t stop talking about Canadian folk musicians and their love of them.
It’s been seven years since we started making music together, and without a doubt, leaving our day jobs behind was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We are very happy band-wives!”
The Unsung Hero Award, recognizing exceptional contribution s to the promotion, preservation and presentation of Canadian folk, roots and world music, was presented to Manitoba-based music industry stalwart Mitch Podolak. Folk Music Canada’s Innovator Award was presented to Victoria, BC’s Daniel Lapp for his work as a teacher, leader and song collector. Established last year, the Innovator Award is dedicated to recognizing a new and innovative approach that has had a significant impact on Canadian folk music.
A complete list of Canadian Folk Music Award winners follows:
Traditional Album of the Year
Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac – Seinn
Contemporary Album of the Year
Justin Rutledge – Valleyheart
Children’s Album of the Year
Helen Austin – Always Be a Unicorn
Traditional Singer of the Year
Pharis Romero of Pharis and Jason Romero – Long Gone Out West Blues
Contemporary Singer of the Year
Ian Sherwood – Live At The Hive
Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year
Chrissy Crowley – Last Night’s Fun
Instrumental Group of the Year
Jaron Freeman-Fox & The Opposite of Everything – Jaron Freeman-Fox & The Opposite of Everything
English Songwriter of the Year
David Francey – So Say We All
French Songwriter of the Year
Dany Placard – Demon vert
Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year
Nancy Mike of The Jerry Cans – Nunavuttitut
Vocal Group of the Year
Good Lovelies – Live at Revolution
Ensemble of the Year
Good Lovelies – Live at Revolution
Solo Artist of the Year
Lynn Miles – Downpour
World Solo Artist of the Year
Jorge Miguel – Guitarra Flamenca/Flamenco Guitar
World Group of the Year
Jaffa Road – Where The Light Gets In
New/Emerging Artist of the Year
Mo Kenny – Mo Kenny
Producer of the Year
David Travers Smith – These Wilder Things-Ruth Moody and Jaron Freeman-Fox & The Opposite of Everything
Pushing The Boundaries
Jaron Freeman-Fox & The Opposite of Everything – Jaron Freeman-Fox & The Opposite of Everything
Young Performer of the Year
Kierah – Stonemason’s Daughter
Established in 2005, the Canadian Folk Music Awards celebrates and promotes the breadth and depth of folk music in Canada. In 2014, the awards will be presented in Ottawa.
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