Edwards, Cliff - Singer of Songs

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	Singer of Songs	02:46
	2	Cowboys & Daddies	02:54
	3	You're the One	02:53
	4	Less than a Song	03:09
	5	(There's a) Fire Burning Still	03:09

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	I'm in the Middle	02:44
	2	Song for Wendy	02:28
	3	Never Thought You'd Make It	02:45
	4	Can I Have My Money Back?	02:39
	5	Hey Jenny	03:09
	6	Goodtime Song	02:09

Photos

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Information/Write-up

By the mid-1970s, Cliff Edwards had fully transitioned from pop stardom with The Bells into the role of an introspective, roots-influenced singer-songwriter. Singer of Songs, released in 1975 on A&M Records, captures this artistic evolution with maturity, warmth, and a depth of musicianship that reflects the calibre of his collaborators. While Carpenter of Wood leaned heavily into folk and country, Singer of Songs adds richer textures of soft rock, classic country, and even touches of early Nashville crossover polish—an ambitious studio album grounded by both heartfelt songwriting and top-tier session talent.

The album opens with the title track “Singer of Songs,” penned by Peter Morris, setting the tone for an LP devoted to storytelling, craftsmanship, and identity. Edwards explores themes of fatherhood, disillusionment, and quiet perseverance across a varied set of originals and covers—anchored by a cast of musicians deeply embedded in Canada’s professional music circles.

Mike Francis, who handles guitar duties throughout, would go on to become one of Canada’s most in-demand session guitarists, playing on dozens of records through the 1980s and ’90s. Charlie Clark, another key guitarist and background vocalist, had long been active on the Toronto studio circuit and brings a crisp rhythmic sensitivity that balances Edwards’ more acoustic leanings.

The rhythm section is equally formidable. Brian Edwards, Cliff’s brother and longtime collaborator from The Bells, holds down the bass with expressive subtlety. He’s joined by Mike Boyer, who would later become a staple in East Coast session work. The drum work is shared between Wayne Stone (of Motherlode, Dr. Music, and Grant Smith & The Power), Skip Layton (later a mainstay in Eastern Ontario blues and bar bands), and Mike Bistster, a solid studio drummer whose presence adds precision and nuance.

Dennis Will handles both piano and B3 organ, while also lending background vocals. His rich, understated keyboard textures subtly elevate many of the album’s tracks. Will would later contribute to records by Bruce Cockburn and others in the Canadian folk-rock sphere. John Capek, another standout on organ, was then rising as an arranger and producer—eventually writing for artists like Rod Stewart and Cher.

The inclusion of Ron Dann on steel guitar helps root several tracks in classic country, evoking a Prairie flavor reminiscent of Ian Tyson or Ray Griff. Meanwhile, Dennis Donnelly adds occasional banjo flourishes, and twin fiddlers Terry King and Ian Guenther (both of whom played with Prairie Oyster and the Toronto Symphony, respectively) round out the record’s most country-flavored moments.

Highlights include Edwards’ own compositions like “(There’s a) Fire Burning Still,” a passionate declaration of resilience, and “Never Thought You’d Make It,” co-written with Mike Waye, which blends storytelling with pop structure. The album also covers songs by Gerry Rafferty (“Can I Have My Money Back?”), Bob Sherman, and Hoyt Axton, reinforcing Edwards' deep respect for fellow songwriters and his role as a conduit for emotionally grounded material.

Production-wise, Singer of Songs is sharp but never slick. Engineered by Peter Houston, Terry Brown (who would later produce Rush), and Hayward Parrott, the soundscape is clean, warm, and dynamic—perfect for an album rooted in both the intimacy of singer-songwriter tradition and the polish of mid-’70s studio pop.

Ultimately, Singer of Songs represents a fully realized chapter in Cliff Edwards’ post-Bells career—an artist fully in control of his voice and his vision, supported by a dream team of Canadian session players at the height of their powers. It’s a record that rewards both casual listening and close attention, offering gentle revelations with each play.
-Robert Williston

Cliff Edwards: vocals, acoustic guitar
Mike Francis: guitars
Charlie Clark: guitars, background vocals
Ron Dann: steel guitar
Brian Edwards: bass, background vocals
Mike Boyer: bass
Wayne Stone: drums
Skip Layton: drums
Mike Bistster: drums
Dennis Will: piano, B3 organ, background vocals
John Capek: organ
Dennis Donnelly: banjo
Terry King: fiddle
Ian Guenther: fiddle
Ann Edwards: background vocals

Produced by Cliff Edwards
Engineered by Peter Houston, Terry Brown, and Hayward Parrott
Recorded at Sound Canada Studios and RCA Canada
Mastered at J.A.M.F.

Cover photo by Fred Phipps
Album design by John Hanna for Slic Bros.

Sound files and images by Canadian Cult Classics

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