#AlgonquinPark. Traditional logging song, late 1880's, Ontario, Canada. Tough-minded joyfulness, love of the land, and a sense of adventure helped the shantyboys deal with adversity.

The Lumbercamp Song

Old-timey traditional song about anti-slavery activist John Brown. With vintage Vega Plectrum banjo. Brown's actions are of course still very controversial; but, in the context of their time,  can be seen as opening salvos of the then impending American Civil War fought largely around the issue of slavery.

John Brown's Body

My cover of Donovan's '60's folk-song "Catch The Wind," with plectrum banjo accompaniment. This song is often said to be about unrequited love, but it may also be about lost love. Notice, however, that despite loss etc, when all is said and done, the protagonist decides that, yes, he/she will try to 'catch the wind.'

Catch The Wind

Original song about Northern Ontario's White River, with banjo accompaniment. In the 1980's I went on a canoe trip down the White to Lake Superior and along the coast to Michipicoten. Along the White we noticed a grave at the head of one portage.

The White River

I recorded this original song, "Searching," by Cygnus, at the Smiling Budda, Toronto, Feb 22/17. I used a hand-held recorder. Features the vocals and guitar of Brant Garratt, guitar Richard Maclean, keys Chris Tufaro, bass Jake St. Jean, drums Ryan Coccimiglio.

Searching

Live recording of Cygnus covering Big Wreck's "No Fault" (Ian Thornley, 2001)at Toronto's 'Smiling Budda', Feb 22/17. Featuring the vocals and guitar of Brant Garratt, guitar Richard MacLean, keys Chris Tufaro, bass Jake St Jean, drums Ryan Coccimiligio. I used my hand-held recorder.

No Fault

Original tune about our relationship to wild nature, asking:  "is the hunter's way the only one?" Accompanied with plectrum banjo.

Hunter's Way

Original, banjo-accompanied tune about the natural environment of northern Ontario. It always seems fresh, new, as if newly discovered with each experience.

First Light

Original banjo-accompanied tune about a present moment

Sweet Summer Sunlight

Original song about importance of paying attention to elders - old people - for the wisdom they may have and the grace they can provide.

Look Into An Elder's Eyes

My version of Amazing Grace with vintage baritone and alto saxes

Amazing Grace

My take of the traditional Nova Scotia Song, The sax is a vintage Martin alto (1922), and the drum is handmade from a hollow log.

Nova Scotia Song

I have worked in the outdoor + environmental education fields for many years. Published author (Dundurn, Ontario). Home-recording and writing a lot of original songs. Most focus on the North, and wild nature, with specific interest in technological society's impacts on non-human lifeforms. Largely acoustic, with vintage Seagull guitar and, of course, voice. I do not use a capo on acoustic guitar. I'm featuring a few tracks here from almost completed compilations of songs. All songs are original, except as noted, and I play all instruments. All recording was done with simple home equipment. Thanks to all who have listened to tracks, and who have 'liked' or even shared them. Much appreciated.  I am on Twitter,  @james_e_garratt. Thanks again for listening. All photos taken by myself, including some that are large format 4x5 hand-coloured prints.

James E Garratt

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