Nonie Crete

Nonie is a musical and storytelling force to be reckoned with. From heady blues, Irish balladry, to Cajun and French Canadian hues, Nonie seamlessly traverses genre with an execution only matched by her uncanny ability to explore equally diverse lyrical themes. Whether upbeat, sorrowful, poignant or whimsical, Nonie's songs reach into the landscape of the heart - family, community, memory, discovery, love and loss - woven together by her stunningly beautiful voice.

With such an eclectic palette, it is not surprising that Nonie lives many musical lives. As a singer-songwriter, she has released 7 albums to date and has 2 in the works with multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire, Eugene Rea. As a blues artist, Nonie is a member of the all-women blues band, Grand Ladies of the Blues, who have been creating a sensation everywhere they perform. As a Celtic performer, Nonie has crossed the pond to tour in Ireland with Clannad and Altan, and has appeared at major festivals throughout Canada. Known as the hardest working musician in her home base of Kitchener-Waterloo, she and Eugene travel extensively from the East to West coasts of Canada and are much sought after television and radio guests. Nonie's talents have also not gone unnoticed by her musical peers. Indeed, she has been invited to share the stage with Heather Bishop and Pamela Morgan, and to open for such talents as Tommy Makem, Blind Boys of Alabama, Tony McManus, Lee Aaron and recently Sylvia Tyson.

REVIEWS
"That she's a newcomer to these ears is an indication only of the wealth of independent talent in this country that rarely gets mainstream exposure, more's the pity... [her] delightful accomplished original pieces, ranging in style from melodic Anglo-American balladry to bluesy rock, gutbucket saloon songs and country folk, reveal Crete as a powerful and engaging storyteller with an extraordinarily sweet voice and
a mean harmonica".
-- Greg Quill, Toronto Star

"A fine album... a full five star rating!"
-- John Gavin, Atlantic Seabreeze, Canada

"Singer-songwriter Nonie Crete has constructed a masterpiece"
-- Tom Knapp, Rambles, USA

"The ethereal side of Joni Mitchell [meets the] deep-rooted integrity of Jean Redpath...a singer with real gravitas".
-- Dai Woosnam, Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews , UK

"Crete's voice and her singing style reminds me of Linda Ronstadt at her best. Somewhere in there can also be heard the influences of Judy Collins and perhaps Sandy Denny. What's important though, is that this is no new singer echoing her influences but an artist who has found her own unique voice."
-- Bob Mackenzie, SoundBytes, Canada

"Nonie Crete is the real deal. A skilled songwriter and performer, Nonie fuses lyric and melody with honesty, insight and passion. She writes about things familiar and then makes each song a personal message from the heart. I know I'll be both pleased and entertained when I'm able to catch a set by Nonie and musical partner Eugene Rea."
-- Steve Clarke, CHES, "Acoustic Planet"

Nonie Crete has played several times at our busy ocean front pub in Victoria. Her music was a hit - great for local patrons to many of our east coast transplants homesick for celtic favourites, solid gold ' blasts from the past " and ready, willing and able to be stirred by her many original songs. People came back every night she played!
-- Valerie Spohn, The Fin and Gill, Victoria BC

"Nonie embodies the true meaning of versatility. One moment she can soothe you with a sublime ballad, then raise the rafters with a rousing blues number - no matter the styling, it's sung with a voice that rings strong and true."
-- Arnie Ivsins, Artistic Director, Barrie Folk Society

"Whether it's full-tilt harmonica blues or quiet guitar ballads, Nonie Crete's songs and performances are always 100% compelling. She can make you shout out or make you cry; her energy is contagious, her voice just right, and on top of that she's one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet."
-- Jack Cole, Kitchener Folk Concert Series, Chequegnat Folk Festival, Old Chestnuts Song

"Nonie crete weaves captivating melodies and songs spun from her past, family roots and places that have touched her. A brilliant songwriter with a voice to match. Nonie is one of my favorite songwriters, capturing such rare honesty in her songs and music, and a voice just as pure."
-- Deb Dalziel, Fergus Scottish Festival

"The 51st Miramichi Folksong Festival Inc. was delighted to have Nonie Crete & Eugene Rea as part of the roster. Their music was one of the highlights of the week's festivities. Nonie’s powerful voice and
wonderful home grown lyrics were well received by all. Her
voice is one that commands attention along with Eugene who
is a master of many instruments."
-- Susan Butler, Director, Miramichi Folksong Festival (one of North America’s longest Standing Folk Festivals)

"If hard work and dedication were to directly trans