Ken Whiteley:
Ken Whiteley is one of Canada's most respected "roots" musicians. Drawing
on his incredibly rich background in blues, gospel and folk styles, this
six time Juno award nominee would be a wonderful addition to any festival
or concert series. He has played at virtually every major folk festival in
Canada and performed and recorded with such legends as Pete Seeger, John
Hammond Jr., Tom Paxton, Blind John Davis, The Campbell Brothers, Stan
Rogers, Guy Davis, Raffi, Linda Tillerey & the Cultural Heritage Choir and
countless others. A prolific songwriter, a gifted and versatile
instrumentalist and a powerful singer, Whiteley's music communicates themes
of freedom, love, spiritual aspiration and social comment. His
performances are presented with particapatory humor, grace and energy.
Ken's productions have:
• Sold over 6,000,000 copies
• 9 Gold Records (Can.)
• 4 Gold Records (U.S.)
• 2 Juno awards
• 2 Grammy nominations
• Juno nominations every year for the past 8 years
• 3 Producer of the Year nominations, Maple Blues Awards
• Other awards include Parent's Choice Awards, A.L.A. Notable Children's
Recording, Our Choice Awards, Communication Gold Award, Jazz Report Blues
Album of the Year Award
Labels Worked With Include:
Sony Music, Rounder, Flying Fish, A&M, Troubadour, Oak St., Klutz Press,
Children's Group, Attic, Boot, Stony Plain, Silo/Alcazar, Borealis, plus
many independent and artist run labels
Ken's Recording Philosophy:
• It is the artist's recording. My job is to help them realise their
artistic vision.
• Try and be involved as early possible to participate in the planning,
song selection, choice of studio, musicians, scheduling, budgeting, etc.
• Do what it takes to make it happen. Play or don't play, lay back or give
direction, be picky or accept what "feels" good. All situations are unique
and it is my job to adapt and keep the big picture in mind.
• Be organised. Be flexible. Have a plan and be willing to change it.
• Make it sound great.
• Actively work with all the people involved, from significant others to
the record company.
"I was captured by the magic of recording music at an early age and it
never ceases to be a wonderful, exciting process for me and the people I
work with."
Artists Produced Include:
• Songwriters - Tom Paxton, Eileen McGann, Linda Morrison, Penny Lang,
Grit Laskin
• Blues Artists - John Hammond Jr., Blind John Davis, Sonny Fournier & Paul
Dunn, B.C. Read, Paul James, Jackie Washington
• Children's Artists - Raffi, Fred Penner, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Nancy
Cassidy, Al Simmons, Sandy Byer, Kim & Jerry Brodey
• World Music - Lenka Lichtenberg, Helder Pereira, Jani Lauzon
• Gospel - Youth Outreach Choir, The Richardsons, Toronto Mass Choir,
Alphanso Burke
• Celtic - Friends of Fiddlers Green, Ian Robb, Tom Lewis
• Country/Bluegrass - Don Osburn, Chris Whiteley & Caitlin Hanford
• R&B - Paradise Revue, David Wall
Ken Whiteley, Bio:
His performing career began as a teenager in the 1960's with the Original
Sloth Band. With the Sloths, Ken performed all over North America and
appeared on Saturday Night Live with Leon Redbone. More recently, his
collaborations with brother Chris (the Whiteley Brothers) and old friends
Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington (Scarlett, Washington & Whiteley) have
resulted in a wonderful collection of recordings, garnering high praise,
successful tours and several awards. Whether performing solo or playing
with any of his large circle of musical friends, as one critic has said,
"with Ken Whiteley our enjoyment is virtually assured."
The Toronto Star has called his newest CD, "Listening", a "remarkable solo
effort". It is a vocal-rich collection of Whiteley originals, reflecting an
artist who can draw from the deep wells of many traditions and create
something fresh and whole.
Ken Whiteley is a busy musician who is always involved in a number of
projects. He is an active record producer, having worked on more than
eighty albums. His productions have resulted in 11 Gold or Platinum
albums, 18 Juno nominations, 2 Juno winners and 2 Grammy nominations, with
total sales in excess of 6 million copies. He has written the music for a
number of films and television programs. Whatever he does, it reflects his
"briliant musicianship and high test passion". In the words of Sing Out!
magazine, "Ken Whiteley is one of the best."