Catherine Lawrence

ECMA nominated (2003, 2006, 2007 & 2010) Catherine Lawrence is no stranger to the music industry, especially throughout Atlantic Canada. The release in 2002 of Close The Door Lightly solidified her commitment to sharing bluegrass music with an ever-growing audience while showcasing Catherine's strong vocals. A compilation of some of the finest Atlantic Canadian musicians complement her interpretation of a range of bluegrass songs, including many beloved standards, to make for a truly memorable listening experience.

A native of Newfoundland and Labrador, Catherine's roots are in country music where she sang lead vocals and played electric bass for the popular Country Ducats. For four years she vocalized with band member and Juno award winner Eddie Eastman during which time the band was named Favorite Newfoundland Act as well as Country Act of the Year. The Newfoundland Herald said of the group, "Perhaps one of the finest country groups in Canada is the Country Ducats."

Over the years Catherine has built a reputation as a serious musician and a distinctive vocalist. "She is a beautiful addition to your top notch act," said John Murphy of the Colonial Broadcasting System Limited.

Catherine has appeared on a number of CBC television specials and variety shows including one hosted by the Country Ducats during which her vocal talent was highlighted. Having guested on CBC radio programs, Catherine has also performed in several concerts at the Arts and Culture Centre in addition to her numerous appearances at nightclubs, private parties and benefit concerts.

A bass guitar, rhythm guitar and mandolin player, Catherine has been a studio musician throughout her career. As a session bass player alone, she has 14 recordings to her credit under the Audit Records label including the original recording for the multiple award winning artist, the late Minnie White.

A member of the Country Ducats when they opened for Juno award winner Murray MacLauchlan, Catherine has also played on occasion for such renowned artists as Dallas Arms, Orval Prophet and Gary Buck.

Since moving to Nova Scotia in 1994, she has devoted her energies and musical talents to bluegrass. A frequent performer at Bluegrass Camp-outs throughout Atlantic Canada, she has also appeared on a local television show, once again promoting bluegrass music; and she produced and co-engineered four CD’s with her husband, dobro and steel guitar player, Fred. Together they own Magnum-Opus Recording.
Catherine has performed her brand of bluegrass at various benefits, gospel concerts, and coffee houses since 1994.

In 2003, she was excited to be nominated for Bluegrass Artist of the Year as well as chosen for the Bluegrass Stage Performance by the East Coast Music Association. Her next CD, I See God Everywhere, a November 2004 release that is a compilation of heart-warming gospel songs, also received a 2005 ECMA nomination for Bluegrass Recording of the Year. Her next project, Stories from my Heart, was released in December 2006 and is a compilation of storytelling songs. As Catherine says in her liner notes, “It is my hope that, as you listen to the lyrics with their twists and turns, you too will be drawn in by these great stories.” This again earned an ECMA (2007) for Bluegrass Recording of the Year.

Her latest release, Sweet Memories (2008), reflects Catherine’s belief that the true gift of a song is the way its lyric can instantly transport you back to a special place and moment in time and conjure up a full range of memories.

Seven winters ago, Catherine and Fred joined forces with great musician friends in Zephyrhills, Florida. The result was Catherine Lawrence and Gator Creek with the group entertaining at a range of functions from regular ice-cream socials to dances, concerts and special events.