40 Choirs and 800 singers from coast to coast with 5 days of concerts and delegate presentations, the biennial gathering of Choral Canada hit St. John’s for the first time Canada Day weekend.

Fred’s was honoured to sponsor the Nordic Light Concert featuring the amazing Nordic Light Symphony of Eriks Esenvalds, globally-esteemed choral composer from Latvia, boisterous Swedish a capella trio, Solala, and a brilliantly costumed Indonesian choral/’movement’ youth group from Indonesia whose electrifying performance defies brief description.

The multi-media Nordic Light Symphony for 100-voice massed choirs (from Calgary) and Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra featured beautiful modern music based on cinematography of the northern lights/Aurora Borealis shot in Alaska, Greenland & Lapland, shown on a huge screen the size of the back of the Arts & Culture Centre stage.

It featured ethnographic overlays of natives of the regions telling their myths and stories relating to the Northern Lights. A stunning performance.

Eriks Esenvalds, one of the world’s leading choral composers signed autographs at Fred’s CD table after his Nordic Light Symphony concert.

The opening night gala at the Arts & Culture Centre was a 4 hour showcase of top Newfoundland choirs. All the famous choirs were joined by diverse groups including traditionally-attired Inuit choirs from Labrador, special guests The Ennis Sisters and an all-star instrumental combo led by Duane Andrews & NSO concertmaster Heather Kao. 700 singers provided an evening of moving and exceptionally polished performances.

Canada Day saw the launch of the newly formed National BoyChoir of Canada, founded and directed by MUN Music School professor, Jakub Martinec and Jennifer Martinec.

On Canada Day all the choirs sang in churches in the St. John’s area, including special concerts at the Basilica.

It was 5 days of marvellous choral concerts, community, sharing, joy and music. And wonderful people from coast to coast.

Thank you!

Fred’s choral CD table at Podium Marketplace, Sheraton Hotel – featuring Pop-up Queen, Katie Predham.

DISCOVER ERIKS ESENVALDS CHORAL MUSIC

Available now at Fred’s. On sale!

Northern Lights                    Doors of Heaven 

               St. Luke Passion            Passion and Resurrection                                  

HUGE SELECTION OF CHORAL CDs IN STORE NOW! CUTTING EDGE AND NEW RELEASES!

Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of Newfoundland’s favourite all-time sister act. This is the 10th CD (12th if you add the 2 Ennis titles) from the Ennis Sisters and like any high quality act with noatable longevity, the ladies continue to evolve and expand on their sound while crystallizing the ingredients that have been everpresent on the journey. Maureen, once again shines as principal songwriter and partners up with Mark Murphy, Perry Chafe and Alan Doyle. Produced, brightly I might add by Alan Doyle, “Keeping Time” further solidifies the Ennis Sisters importance to their generation of NL. musicians. Professional, constant and always charming. This album is dedicated to their wonderful father, John whose spirit now shines above and around them.

Is Your Rhubard Up marks the 15the album release for The Irish Descendants since 1990. Recorded in February of 2018, it is the band’s first full length studio recording in ten years. About time we say and so it is with great pride they present their latest work. The sucess and logevity of The Irish Descendants, now in their 28th year is solely the result of a very loyal fan base that has since crossed two generations and who still faithfully continue to come out to shows and support the group. 

In the process of making Is Your Rhubarb Up  they all piled into the studio/living room of Robert Moran (brother to patrick) who let them use his house and who has a great set of unbiased ears and started in. They came out two weeks later a bit worn but very satisfied with the results. They hope you all will wnjoy what they have come up with. And for the best results… Play it as ofen as possible!

Here’s Our Review:

Fortunate Ones once again turn to East Coast ‘go to guy’, Daniel Ledwell (2 time ECMA Producer Of The Year) to steer production duties on this new album. With a gust of drum, bass, keys and guitar “Hold Fast” comes on like a swollen river and runs throughout this new offering. But of course the everpresent strength and charm rests with Andrew and Catherine’s vocal harmony and likely aways will. Sophomore albums have proven most challenging for young artists, historically speaking,and attempts not to present a facsimile of ones debut,often top of mind. This album rises well above those trappings as it evolves and takes both artist and listener in new directions. Part of the reason being the contribution from co-writers. Alan Doyle (Great Big Sea) and Meg Warren (Repartee) help accentuate pop sensibilities for their part, “Somebody Like You” a perfect example of the kind of song that takes up space in your head, the kind you find yourself singing aloud while walking down the street. But it’s the numbers co-written with Tim Baker (Hey Rosetta!) that are most intriguing, “Runaway’ being one of the album’s most intriguing tracks and “If You Go” with its autumnal feel. 
Still the heart and soul of the record lies with the duo’s partnership in song. “She” is drop-dead gorgeous, one of Catherine’s finest vocal performances woven midst a gentle, lilting rhythm and underlying melody, delicate strings…pleasantly intoxicating and with the noble conclusion, “it’s better to forgive”. “Before You” follows with a similar mood, reminiscent of Buckingham/Nicks pre-Fleetwood Mac.
“Ghost” is arguably the album’s crown jewel, perhaps because it forays into unchartered territory, contemplating a journey from original spark to the present moment, the end already left on the highway shoulder in the rear-view mirror; “You wanted someone to perform with, I just wanted to be admired” and “Some bonds are made to break, some ships to sail…oh well” give us a window into the writer’s soul.
All and all, there’s more to this collection of songs than the individual works. Andrew and Catherine’s pensive ponderings on future plans with a peek over the shoulder at past whimsey serve the tastiest tunes herein. I don’t know if it’s higher-consciousness at play or simply love but one’s partner ought to long for the other to know joy in their life, for that joy is theirs, too. Like that swollen river, that realization runs through this wonderful album.

It’s here! It’s finally here — The fourth studio album by famed Newfoundland trio The Once is now in stock at Fred’s Records.
Released May 11, 2018, “Time Enough” has already become a fan favourite in the record store, and beyond, as music enthusiasts jump at the opportunity to take home one of the hottest local releases of the year.

Local singer/songwriter Amelia Curran, a friend of The Once and Fred’s Records, described the album as having “perfect vocal harmonies, thick enough to stand on.”

Fans of The Once were quick to share their love of “Time Enough” online. Check out some of these glowing reviews and compliments from The Once fans:

– “When I first heard “Departures” I thought it would be impossible to top it. I was wrong. Loving this album so very much.”
– “Omg I love you guys! This is just all kinds of perfect!”
– “The chemistry you three have shines through. Great work everyone.”

Fred’s own Tony Ploughman writes:

“The evolution of The Once continues with the release of “Time Enough.” The band’s progression is evident throughout and mindful and sensitive to the qualities that have established their sound over the past 8 plus years.
Both contemporary and rootsy, The Once achieve a spendid balance rich in vocal harmony and astute arrangements; the bookends of their artistry and consistent mark on their calling card.
Fred’s joyfully presents this new offering which excels in all its aspired intentions.”

At the time of writing, The Once are currently on tour in the United Kingdom. UK fans were highly attentive to The Once’s social media pages, tagging friends to their tour schedule, adding comments like, “You HAVE to go see this band!”

The Once is well known in Europe and beyond, especially after touring with and working closely with English musician Passenger. The Once recently collaborated with Passenger on his latest release, by providing backup vocals on the track “Hell or High Water,” the title track of his most recent album.

While the UK is lucky to get the first touring taste of “Time Enough,” Canadians will be treated to a lengthy tour this coming fall, starting in Newfoundland and working their way across the country, playing Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and of course, a five-date tour of their home province of Newfoundland.

Fred’s is proud and honoured to carry this amazing band’s amazing discography. Swing by for a listen anytime!