About the Artist
Ken Whiteley is one of Canada's pre-eminent performing artists. He's been called a "playing encyclopaedia" for his vast repertoire, command of a wide variety of styles (including blues, gospel, swing, folk and his own compositions), and his prodigious ability on over a dozen instruments. He is a six-time Juno nominee, both with his brother Chris Whiteley (as "The Whiteley Brothers") and with musical friends Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington (as "Scarlett, Washington, and Whiteley"). His songs have been covered by half a dozen artists and his walls are adorned with a dozen gold and multiple platinum records, but it is the immense joy that communicates from all his musical endeavours that make his work so unique.
His performing career began in 1965 with a jugband that eventually became the Original Sloth Band. With the "Sloths," Ken performed all over North America, recorded three albums (now collector's items) and appeared on Saturday Night Live with Leon Redbone. In the seventies his instrumental skill began to be employed in the recording studio on many albums and soon he began to occupy the producer's chair. His groundbreaking work bringing the world of "roots" music to children's recording has seen his productions sell five million copies and lead him to be called "the godfather of children's music." He has also produced recordings by people such as blues star John Hammond, Tom Paxton, and a host of others.
Ken has recorded two albums with The Whiteley Brothers (both nominated for Juno awards), three albums with Scarlett, Washington, and Whiteley (including two Juno nominees), and several solo albums.
Ken's latest album is a solo project called "Listening." Filled almost entirely with his original material, "Listening" shows the breadth and depth of Ken's songwriting abilities, and shows Ken is an artist who is still absorbing new influences while he continues his mastery of the roots music he has become known for. Whether on a recording or live, it is always a special pleasure to share with him something done with such love and skill. As the Toronto Sun has said, "With Whiteley our enjoyment is assured."
Product Description
After more than three decades of performing, writing, and producing music, Ken Whiteley just keeps getting bettter. Although he s already been nominated for six Juno awards, his new album Listening is perhaps his most realized work to date. Ken is a one-time member of the legendary Original Sloth Band and a current member of The Whiteley Brothers (with brother Chris) and Scarlett, Washington, and Whiteley (with Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington). But he is also a respected solo musician who is equally versed in folk, blues, gospel, swing, and many other styles. His dynamic performances have won audiences over at clubs, festivals and theatres all across North America, whether he s moaning the blues, shouting the gospel, inviting his audiences to sing along, or wowing them with his instrumental abilities. With his new album Listening, Ken continues his ever-increasing mastery of the roots music he draws from while at the same time expanding his artistic palette. Listening contains 11 Ken Whiteley from-the-heart originals about listening to ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Ranging from the gospel quartet-style of Listening to the middle-eastern tinged Bird, Mole, Flower to the jazz stylings of Falling Snow to the bluesy guitar-driven sound of All I Need, this album will pull you in with its beautiful sounds and songs. And through it all is the positive, uplifting spirit that Ken brings to all his music. The album features outstanding vocal performances by Ken, Rebecca Campbell, David Wall, Pat Patrick, and Fathead s John Mays. Ken is also assisted by George Koller on bass, and by special guest, sacred steel player Chuck Campbell of The Campbell Brothers. Other guest musicians include Chris Whiteley, Ernie Tollar, Bucky Berger, Sharlene Wallace, Colleen Allen, Ben Grossman, Oliver Schroer, William Carn, and John T. Davis.
