Information/Write-up
Tradition in Newfoundland music links the Old World to the New and the older to the younger generation. Much of the 400-year history that has made Newfoundlanders a distinct people can be found in our old folk songs and stories. Many songs, stories and dance tunes still performed here can be traced back to southern Ireland and southwestern Britain, Scotland and France, while others were composed locally in the old days through what we term the “Celtic fringe” of Europe. This album gathers together some of the best of Newfoundland music, whether locally composed or of European origin, performed by some of the musicians who have helped keep our traditions alive into the 1980’s. The musical idioms vary from the plain and unadorned style of the “kitchen racket” to the complex contemporary sounds of Figgy Duff, but the underlying spirit is the same. The performers are equally varied in age and background, ranging from the youthful members of the recently formed group The Blarin’ Kettle to the grand old octogenarian fiddler Rufus Guinchard, but the continuity is clear. When you hear Kelly Russell play Guinchard’s driving music, or Jim Payne sing a delightful comic song by Lem Snow, or Pamela Morgan join Emile Benoit in a duet on one of Emile’s remarkable compositions, you’ll see exactly what we mean. This record fairly represents the richness and diversity of Newfoundland’s traditional music today.
SIDE A
Lem Snow - “Newfoundlander”
One of the most gifted bards Newfoundland has produced, Lem Snow of Outer Cove (Long Pond) has immortalized Jack Livesey who, in his time, ran one of the most powerful and complex pieces of drive, rhymes and social wit. Like many others, he began his musical career at home and then graduated to the pubs of the Torbay area.
Rufus Guinchard - “Out Behind the House/Up the Southern Shore”
For his contribution to the culture of Northern Peninsula, 84-year-old Rufus Guinchard has been awarded the Heritage Award by the Newfoundland Government. He is one of the few left who can remember and play the jigs, reels and waltzes brought here by Irish and French immigrants. Rufus remains a warm personality. After raising 12 children, he can now be found playing his violin at community festivals, with his partner Jim Kelly.
Pamela Morgan - “The Southern Cross”
A fiddler singer with Figgy Duff, Grand Falls native Pamela Morgan has played an important role in the musical renaissance that has swept Newfoundland in the last decade. She has adapted the story of the Newfoundland sealing disaster of 1914, “The Southern Cross”, from the ballad written by Arthur Scammell of Change Islands and Bert Brennan of Ship Cove, Placentia Bay.
Uncle Mose - “John Cabot”
The years of the late Ted Russell, alias Uncle Mose, will live on forever in the annals of Newfoundland, indeed in the history of the province’s radio. After great popularity through the early 1950’s and 60’s on CBC’s Fishermen’s Broadcast, his one-man show continues to captivate new audiences through his tapes and records. John Cabot is but one of his many hilarious monologues.
Phyllis Noseworthy - “The Wings of An Eagle”
Phyllis Noseworthy of St. John’s, one of Newfoundland’s best known folk singers, has won six awards at Kiwanis Music Festival for her creative song-writing, and her talents have been widely recognized by her audience in St. John’s. This beautiful ballad was written by her friend Doug Young (lyrics and music). The recording was made by Kelly Russell and produced by Kelly Russell (background vocals).
Tickle Harbour - “Staten Island” Slap Maid/Cooly’s Reel”
Using a unique instrumental presentation, this St. John’s based five-man group combines old time Newfoundland melodies with contemporary harmonies. Under the direction of Jim Payne, who has also been active in the local theatre field, this work is one of their own studio creations, designed for all hands inside the Dark House on cold frosty nights. Don Walsh on guitar and bodhran, and Bob White on fiddle and other reels.
SIDE B
Jim Payne & Kelly Russell - “Sail in Along the French Shore”
You may not have seen as much of the bay as did Lem Snow, the author of this song, but it makes for great storytelling. Jim Payne & Kelly Russell form one of the province’s top duo acts, and have recorded extensively together on CBC’s Sound of Newfoundland. Payne performs many of the lead vocals on the Fishermen’s Broadcast and Kiddie show.
Emile Benoit - “Roaming Scotty/Welcome to Holiday Inn”
Emile Benoit of l’Anse-au-Clair on Newfoundland’s southern coast has become a favourite performer at concerts and festivals. A composer, he draws heavily from his own heritage of Acadian and French music, as well as from the Irish traditions of Newfoundland. His works have become standards in Newfoundland’s traditional circles, and are now being widely recorded by other performers. His solo album is a favourite of the youth movement for all time. Comes from the heart.
The Barkin’ Kettle - “The Young Doctor/Kerry Polka”
One of the newer additions to Newfoundland’s musical scene, this quartet has become quite popular with traditional audiences. Featuring Heather Kail (flute, pennywhistle), Greg Walsh (guitar), Matt Bromley (fiddle), Rick Westcott (bass), and Ivan Brinson (tin whistle) and Lindsey Hartney (bass). The freshness and ver- sity of their music is well illustrated by this selection.
Leo O’Brien - “Dickie Melbourne”
Leo O’Brien from W11 Bay (now part of L’Anse au Loup on the Labrador side of the Straits of Belle Isle) brings us this lively song of a sailor who has met his match in the North. “Dickie Melbourne” is one of the funniest songs to come out of the Straits. Leo is one of the few singer-songwriters of Newfoundland who still uses the monologue style to present his repertoire.
Figgy Duff - “The Breakwater Boys’ Breakdown”
Figgy Duff, officially formed in 1974, is now one of the best known traditional groups in Newfoundland and are starting to win favour across the country. They draw from Newfoundland’s rich musical traditions and write their own original arrangements, adding drums, electric bass and synthesizers to old songs and tunes. Their version of “The Breakwater Boys’ Breakdown” features the original group members: Pamela Morgan (lead vocals), Noel Dinn (percussion), Dave Panting (bass), and Noel Dinn (bodhran).
Pamela Morgan, Tickle Harbour, The Barkin’ Kettle and Phyllis Noseworthy were recorded in May 1983 by Jon Peckford Productions, 11 Stoneypines Street, St. John’s, Newfoundland
The selections by Jim Payne & Kelly Russell, Rufus Guinchard, Emile Benoit and Lem Snow were taken from their private albums, published by Pigeon Inlet Productions in 1982 and 1983
Uncle Mose was recorded by CBC Radio, St. John’s, during the 1950’s
Leo O’Brien was recorded in the Subregional office at Port Armour, Labrador, in 1981 by Kelly Russell and Jim Payne
Figgy Duff were recorded in Studio 306, Toronto and mixed at Phase 1, Toronto in October 1982
Produced by Kelly Russell
Technical Production by Wallace Hammond
Cover Jacket by Bob Young
Liner Notes by Neil Murray
Thanks to Kevin Noble, Steve Woodcock and CBC Radio
This album was produced with assistance from The 400th Anniversary Celebrations Committee
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