Joyce Saunders

Originally from Clifton, on the outskirts of Truro, NS, Joyce moved to Halifax in 2000 but remains a country girl. Rolling farmland, gravel roads, fragrant forest, and pink Fundy water make up the landscape of her youth. The youngest of seven, she watched older siblings doing interesting things - telling stories, keeping journals, playing music (classical piano, classical & folk guitar, ukelele, recorder). These elements all find their place in her music. To date, she has two recordings - Days Like These (October 2002), recorded live in concert at the Agora, and Thick Enough to Stand On (October 2005), a full-length offering doctored by Charles Austin in Halifax (Joel Plaskett, Matt Mays, Buck 65). Incorporating noteworthy instrumentalists Chuck Teed of Ermine (bass), Chris Barden (drums), Evan Kolvoord (harmonica), and Buffy Andrews (violin), the latter chronicles years of skillful song-writing and earned a 2006 Nova Scotia Music Week nomination for "Inspirational Album of the Year". In addition to her solo work, Saunders is half of The Wilderbeats, a nature-themed, kids-oriented musical duo pioneered by fellow singer-songwriter Ashley Moffat in 2001. Joyce was also a principal vocalist for Benn Ross' Fabulous Band ('05-'07) and currently lends her sought-after vocal harmonies to various artists, including Alana Yorke, Steve Gates (Caledonia), Mary Grace Koile, Heather Kelday, Buck 65, Benn Ross, and Jonny Stevens.