ABOUT
Samways performs acoustic music with lyrics drawn from early Canadian poetry. Original folk inspired jazz, the music is composed and accompanied by guitarist Nathan Hiltz. The group features Toronto singers Shannon Butcher, Jessica Lalonde and Melissa Lauren – all successful musicians in their own rights, and a magical blend of textures together. The addition of Neil Macintosh on drums, Chris Banks on bass, and Mark Fewer on violin makes the live show irresistibly toe-tapping in its percussive and grooving nature.
Agnes Maule Machar (1837-1927) was born in Kingston, ON was a Feminist, advocate for the poor, and a prohibitionist. Homeschooled by her dad, she was studying latin and greek by age 10, and learned French and italian as a teen. She wrote that Christians should accept evolutionary theory as part of an adapting and fuller understanding of God’s word. She also wrote a lot about the experience of immigrating to Canada and the local experience. Her novel Katie Johnstone’s Cross introduced a classic Machar figure to Canadian literature: the girl or young woman whose faith, moral standards, and good works inspire errant males to turn from wrongdoing or recover their Christian belief.
Samways’ first single is based on Agnes’ poem ‘Untrodden Ways’. It is a splendid retelling of ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’ sung in three part harmony. Available on all platforms Feb 26 2021.
PERSONNEL
Nathan Hiltz • Guitar
Shannon Butcher • Vocals
Jessica Lalonde • Vocals
Melissa Lauren • Vocals
Mark Fewer • Violin
Chris Banks • Bass