Getting to know: The Deep Dark Woods

Tell us a bit about yourself, how was growing up in Saskatchewan? 

I grew up in Saskatoon, SK. It’s a city of about 250,000 people. There’s not much to do in the six months of horrible cold, other than make music or whatever else you might be interested in. So it was definitely good for learning how to play the guitar and write songs. 

How did you first get into music, and what sort of stuff did you grow up listening to?

My grandparents had a little group, grandma played guitar, and my grandpa played harmonica. They played old country hymns like "In the Sweet Bye and Bye" and "Further Along", which I loved.

My dad listened to a lot of old blues, like John Lee Hooker and B.B. King. My first concert was B.B. King with my parents - that show changed me in a very big way. 

Can you tell us a bit about your new album, Broadside Ballads Vol. III?

Broadsides are old ballads, usually story songs, sold and distributed as sheet music on the streets back before recorded music. Most of the songs on the new record are well over a hundred years old. Mostly from England, Ireland, and Scotland, and a couple of American songs. They’re the songs that have influenced my writing over the years. 

Who are your main influences now, and can you give us the heads up on an album or an artist you like that you think we might not have come across and should check out?

I love 60s and 70s British, Irish, and Scottish folk revival - bands like Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Steeleye Span, Planxty, and Incredible String Band.

If you don’t know Clive’s Original Band, you should check them out. They made two records that are absolutely brilliant. Both were produced by Ralph McTell. 

What can we expect from your solo show at The Bear?

It’ll be a mix of traditional songs and original songs from my seven Deep Dark Woods records, and the three Broadside albums. 

I love playing solo, it’s less stress and I can arrange the songs in a different way from night to night. The songs take on a more laid back, sombre feel than with the full band.

I love the UK, everything about it. All my favourite music comes from there, my favourite comedy as well. It’s a wonderful country!