Description

A couple of years back, three of Newfoundland’s most gifted musicians were set to go on tour together and decided to record an album to help fund their travels. It was originally set to be a limited run of one-hundred or so albums. Once they were sold that would be it. What they failed to anticipate was that the album would catch on and demand for it would continue well after the tour had ended. They needed to record the album quickly before the tour so they set out for Gander, set up a microphone in a shed (SHED No Tears) and recorded the album live, together in full takes (no editing) using only one microphone. This type of recording requires serious skill as musicians and a keen awareness of what each musician is playing at all times. The beauty of this album is the togetherness and incredible execution of the music by three artists who are so strong as soloists that it is hard to imagine them not stepping on each others toes throughout the tunes. They do not. Not even for a second. They are so sympathetic to each others’ playing that the result is a cohesive, fluid and authentic representation of incredible traditional music. Daniel takes on fiddle duties, flute and accordion, Aaron plays accordion and mandolin and Matthew splits his time between vocals, octave mandolin and guitar. The album is a varied mix of fast-paced dance-up tunes interspersed with some ballads that would eventually make it onto Matthew’s solo debut, Ballads (I.e.: The Banks of Newfoundland). “Shed No Tears” also features original compositions by Daniel (Selma Barkhams’s Waltz and Stephanie’s Birthday) and Aaron (Aaron’s Reel). The record is a shining example of the vitality and joy inherent in keeping this traditional genre alive. These three men are ambassadors for the music of Newfoundland. We couldn’t ask for finer representation. This is an incredible, genuine and honest album that will live on well beyond those original one hundred records.