Gordon, James

Websites:  https://jamesgordon.ca/home
Origin: Guelph, Ontario
Biography:

One of the more recognizable faces in Canadian folk music, Ontario-based singer/songwriter James Gordon is, nonetheless, more easily identified by most North American audiences as the founder of the seminal folk trio Tamarack. Although an active member until sitting out for their 2000 release of Spirit and Stone, Gordon would go on to focus solely on his multitude of personal musical pursuits. Actually having cut his teeth with folk-rockers Maple Sugar, Gordon had always split time between active duty with Tamarack (with whom he toured the world, released some 14 albums, and made numerous television and radio appearances) and pursuing his solo career. In the process, he recorded over 15 solo albums, from children's releases to his more straightforward, socially conscious modern folk, proving himself to be an incredibly prolific songwriter and arranger who has been covered by artists as diverse as the Cowboy Junkies and Al Simmons.
-AMG

James Gordon has been there. He’s done that. He has had a remarkably diverse and resilient career in the Canadian cultural sector. As a solo singer-songwriter and with the ground-breaking trio Tamarack, he’s recorded 40 albums and toured relentlessly around the world. He’s written for symphony orchestras, musical theatre and dance works, scored films, and for more than ten years was heard on CBC radio as songwriter-in-residence for the ’Basic Black’ and ‘Ontario Morning’ programs. Between tours, James is a record producer, playwright, community activist, theatre director and currently has a part-time ‘side hustle’ as a Guelph City Councillor. These days he’s perhaps known as the composer of the viral internet hit “Crybabies Caravan”, about the so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’ in Ottawa. It’s received more than 300,000 views and stimulated a lot of inspiring discussion.

His songwriting-in-the-schools program “Rhyme Capsules” has brought him all over the world, creating songs with students of all ages, and it earned him a place of honour on the “Wall of Fame” in Guelph’s Youth Music Centre.

His song ’Mining For Gold’ was featured in the John Sayles film ‘Silver City’, and was included on the classic Cowboy Junkies album ‘The Trinity Sessions’. Gordon’s iconic ‘Frobisher Bay’ has been recorded by more than 100 different acts world-wide, has become a standard in choirs everywhere, and is in ‘Rise Again’, the sequel to the legendary ‘Rise Up Singing’ songbook. Well known for his songs about social justice, heritage and environmental issues, he recently concluded a covid-safe virtual tour of his 6th full-length play ‘James Gordon’s Emergency Climate Musical’.

His last album, ‘The Heritage Hall Sessions’ on Borealis Records charted internationally in the roots, singer-songwriter, and Americana categories. His newest album “When I Stayed Home” is just out, as is his unique ‘musical novel’ “The Ark Of The Oven Mitt” which includes a downloadable recording of 36 original songs that move the plot along. The book is a finalist in the Stephen Leacock Humour Medal competition, with the winner chosen in September.Jamesgordon.ca james@jamesgordon.ca