| Latest News from Ken... I'm looking forward to a busy summer of festivals. I'll be at Mariposa Folk Festival (this weekend), Dawson Music Festival, Chilliwack Gospel & Blues, Blue Skies, Kitchener Blues, Eaglewood, Ashkenaz and the Southside Shuffle. In typical fashion, no two festival appearances will be exactly like any others. Check my calendar for details. I've been busy in the studio with children's singer Theo Heras, bluesman Aaron Griggs and I'm just starting with songwriter Arthur Renwick. This is after already completing wonderful projects with My Sweet Patootie, Deborah Van Kleef and Chris McKhool's Fiddlefire. On another note, email if you think that you'd might be interested in being able to download unreleased tracks from this site. (June 15th, 2008 2:12pm) |
Blues, gospel, swing and folk created with “deep knowledge, infectious passion and virtuoso musicianship”. (R.Reid/Kitchener Waterloo Record)
Ken Whiteley is one of Canada’s finest musical statesman. He has worked with blues and folk legends from Pete Seeger to Lonnie Johnson. He has performed at countless festivals in the United States and Canada including Philadelphia Folk Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver Folk Festivals to name a few. He has been called a “playing encyclopedia” for his depth and range of styles, covering everything from blues and gospel to children’s music. Now Magazine said his most recent CD of mostly original material, “Gospel Music Makes Me Feel Alright!”, “triumphs with impeccable arrangements and spot on delivery”.
Drawing from the deep wells of many traditions, Whiteley creates something fresh that communicates themes of freedom, love, spiritual aspiration and social comment. 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.”