Eric Angus Whyte
Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada | SELF
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“So this life does not fit into the box
Built for my dreams
But filled with far more grace
Than I thought I could ever need
The maker of my own destiny
What a lie that was
I’m a misfit caught in redemption’s schemes
To find what was lost!”
From Landscapes by Eric Angus Whyte
This verse jumped out at me and caught the imagination of my reflective soul at a concert in Fitzroy last week. It is a new song by young Cape Breton folk singer Eric Angus Whyte, who we have the privilege of having around our community just now. The song is called Landscapes and is a real soul search doing what I believe all great songs should, being objective to all humanity in the intimate detail of its subjectivity. To a sweet guitar motif this meditative little song asks and gives clues to big questions and answers. Recording and release to come... - Steve Stockman
It was a busy weekend for music and I took in quite a bit of it, even a surprise event.
Friday evening I was at Glace Bay's Savoy Theatre for the release of Eric Angus Whyte's second CD, "A Little Rough Around The Edges". The show was held in the studio space and it was standing room only.
At times throughout the evening Eric Angus performed solo, but mainly he was backed by different combinations of musicians. They included his long-time friend Stephen MacEachern, as well as members of both Life Support and Lyrics and Laughter. Whatever the combination and whatever the song, his natural humour and stage presence made for a good interaction with his audience, leading to a very entertaining evening.
"A Little Rough Around The Edges" was recorded in studios across Cape Breton and in Halifax, with bits and pieces added in places like Toronto and Los Angeles. For the most part, each number was done as one piece off the floor, giving it a very live feel and an overall relaxed and comfortable sound.
The CD has 11 cuts, some very serious and thoughtful, some melancholy and plaintive, some just down-to-earth and humourous. Eric Angus may not have been gifted with a great voice but he writes to his limitations and stays within them. This comes through strongly in the CD as is shows a marked progression and maturity over his previous recording.
He also surrounds himself with top-line musicians, getting musical assistance from Gordie Sampson, J.P. Cormier and members of Mir. He even has Blue Rodeo's Greg Keeler doing some background vocals. How that came about is a story in itself.
Overall, "A Little Rough Around The Edges" is a very pleasing CD, mostly laid back in it's presentation and served up with large chunks of overriding humour that are just quirky enough to hide from you, unless you are determined enough to dig for them. Consider Kensal Simmons (done as a recitation) as a perfect example. Look for this recording. I think you'll enjoy it.
*** - Dan MacDonald at The Cape Breton Post
Discography
"Always Home" - Released in 2004 and nominated for 'Folk Album of the Year' at the East Coast Music Awards. Produced by Fred Lavery.
"A Little Rough Around The Edges" - Released in 2008. Produced by Mike Snow. Featuring Blue Rodeo's Greg Keelor.
"Lost In This Song" - Single covered by Giveway - Released in 2009 and produced by Phil Cunningham.
"Luddite Sons" - To be released August 2011. Produced by Iain Archer (Snow Patrol, Tired Pony).
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Bio
Eric Angus Whyte is a folk musician and storyteller. His sound is unashamedly maritime, yet eclectic enough to reveal influences such as Bruce Cockburn and T-Bone Burnett. He has been fortunate to have worked with some of Canada's best musicians including Blue Rodeo's Greg Keelor, Joel Plaskett, JP Cormier and the Barra MacNeils.
In 2004, he released his first album called Always Home. The disc picked up airplay on CBC right across Canada and earned him an ECMA nomination for Folk Album of the Year.
A short time later, he began touring eastern Canada, playing notable events like the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Celtic Colours International Festival and North By Northeast in Toronto.
In 2007, he was nominated for the Roots Traditonal Album of the Year at the ECMAs, for his participation in a group recording with Cape Breton Lyrics & Laughter.
In 2009, Edinburgh celtic group, Giveway, recorded one of EAW's songs as the title track for their new album. The disc was produced by Phil Cunningham and received significant airplay throughout the UK and parts of western Europe.
Since that time, EAW has been performing for audiences throughout Canada and, more recently, Ireland and the UK. Prisons, churches, pubs, theatres, resorts and junior-high schools, have all served as venues for his compelling yet down-to-earth performances.
In August 2011, he will release a new project called "Luddite Sons". The album, produced by Iain Archer (Snow Patrol), was written in Ireland over the past two years. The songs are a unique blend of celtic-inspired folk, drawing on many historical tales for plots. The disc also features the hammered dulcimer, which is becoming a regular highlight in his live performances.
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