Songwriters From Here And Away

From the Stage to the Page: Brent Mason Live in Concert

This week’s episode of Songwriters From Here and Away features a live concert recording with New Brunswick songwriter Brent Mason, recorded in an intimate setting where his songs and stories really get room to breathe.

Brent has been writing, recording, and performing for more than three decades. Based in Saint John, New Brunswick, he has released over a dozen albums of original material and has built a reputation as one of the region’s most respected songwriters and live performers. Over the years he has received multiple East Coast Music Awards and Music New Brunswick awards, including Folk Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year, and he is also the youngest recipient of the Stompin’ Tom Award for his contribution to Atlantic Canadian musical traditions.

Brent is known not just for his music, but for his storytelling and his role in the New Brunswick music community. He has hosted a weekly open mic in Saint John for more than 25 years, mentored younger songwriters, toured across Canada and internationally, and performed at festivals including Harvest Jazz & Blues, Stanfest, and many others.

In addition to his music career, Brent is also a published author and writer. His debut novel Midway was released in 2024 and draws on his experiences working with travelling carnival midways in his younger years. He has also won awards from the Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick for his fiction and poetry, and he writes a regular column called Mason’s Jar.

Whether on stage or on the page, Brent Mason is a storyteller at heart, and this live concert recording captures both the songs and the stories that have made him such an important voice in Atlantic Canadian songwriting.

• Midway (Novel, 2024)

Brent has also published short fiction and poetry in literary journals and newspapers, including his Mason’s Jar column.

• Website: https://www.brentmason.ca
• Music: https://brentmasonmusic.bandcamp.com

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SONGCIRCLE LIVE at The Pink Piano: Biggar, Cornwall & Rae

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we’re stepping back into a full evening of live music from The Pink Piano Café & Lounge.

It’s a night that captures everything we love about songwriter rounds — great songs, shared stories, and that easy connection between artists and audience.

You’ll hear performances from Mike Biggar, Laura Rae, and John Cornwall — each bringing their own voice, style, and perspective to the stage. And I’ll join in for a couple of tunes along the way as well.

It’s relaxed, it’s real, and it feels like being right there in the room.Settle in for a full night of songs — live at The Pink Piano Café & Lounge.

Mike Biggar
A seasoned East Coast performer blending roots, blues, and storytelling, Mike Biggar delivers songs with warmth, groove, and a strong sense of place.
Mike Biggar: https://www.mikebiggar.com

Laura Rae
A thoughtful singer-songwriter with a clear, expressive voice, Laura Rae brings emotional honesty and quiet strength to her songs.
Laura Rae: https://lauraraemusic.com

John Cornwall
Known for his smooth vocals and polished songwriting, John Cornwall blends pop sensibility with heartfelt lyrical delivery.
John Cornwall: https://www.johncornwallmusic.com

Robert Campbell
Host of Songwriters From Here and Away, Robert brings his own seasoned songwriting and keyboard-driven style to the stage, rounding out the evening with a couple of tunes.

www.SFHAA.ca 

@SongwritersFromHereAndAway

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Dali Van Gogh: Songs, Stories & a Second Spin

You may have noticed lately that we’ve been dipping into the archives here on Songwriters From Here and Away. Before anyone thinks we’ve become a nostalgia show… There are a few very good reasons. First, planning is underway for the 2026 Songwriters Retreat, which turns out to involve more emails, spreadsheets, and kitchen logistics than any reasonable human should face in one sitting.

Second, there’s a March 15th concert and livestream with Cheryl Gaudet coming up — which is something I’m very much looking forward to.

Third, I’m currently trying to learn 35 Motown songs for a band called Sounds of Motown. If you hear me quietly muttering “Chain Of Fools” in the grocery store aisle, that’s why.

and last but not least, ramping up songwriters shows and a songwriter thing with jim Henman, Jeannie Beks & Cailin Green. More rehearsals!

So while the calendar is a little full, it’s also a perfect excuse to revisit some wonderful performances from the Songwriters From Here and Away archives. 

This week’s replay features Dali Van Gogh — a memorable conversation and performance that’s remixed and worth a listen.
Website: https://dalivangogh.com 
Music: https://dalivangogh.bandcamp.com

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#LiveMusic

Small Room, Big Songs: Terra Spencer in Concert

This week’s show features Terra Spencer in concert.

Terra is a multi-award winning singer-songwriter who writes songs that feel lived-in — attentive to detail, careful with language, and rooted in real experience. In a live setting, that kind of writing breathes even more. There’s space in the room. Space in the phrasing. Space to listen.

Join us for a beautifully crafted performance from Terra Spencer.

https://www.terraspencer.ca

https://sfhaa.ca 

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#CanadianSongwriter #LiveMusic #EastCoastMusic #musicNovaScotia @musicnovascotia

Ian Sherwood: Songs, Stories & Second Takes

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away, we revisit a concert and conversation with the ever-engaging Ian Sherwood — newly remixed and ready for another listen.

Recorded live, this episode captures Ian in his element: sharp songwriting, generous storytelling, and that unmistakable mix of musicianship and humour that makes his performances so compelling. In between songs, we talk about the craft and what keeps the creative engine running year after year.

Ian is one of those artists who brings both heart and discipline to the stage. Whether it’s an intimate lyric or a full-voice moment that lifts the room, he understands connection. If you missed it the first time — or if you’re ready to experience it again — settle in for a lively hour of music and conversation with Ian Sherwood.

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www.IanSherwood.com 

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A House Concert & Conversation with Ruth Manning

This week we’re revisiting a remix of a very special house concert and in-depth conversation with the wonderful Ruth Manning. Recorded in an intimate living room setting, this performance captures what I love most about house concerts: the closeness, the quiet attention, the stories behind the songs, and the space where music can really breathe.

Ruth brings thoughtful songwriting, emotional honesty, and a beautiful sense of connection to her audience. In our conversation, we talk about craft, inspiration, and the lived experiences that shape the songs she writes. It’s relaxed, reflective, and filled with the kind of moments you only get when artists feel truly at home.

If you’ve never experienced a house concert, this is a perfect glimpse into why they matter. And if you have, you’ll recognize that special magic right away. Join me for this replay of an evening of songs and stories with Ruth Manning — right here on Songwriters From Here and Away.

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Around the Globe & Back: Aaron English Live - Interview, live songs, tracks

Aaron English www.AaronEnglish.com is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and pianist whose music reflects a long journey through places, people, and musical traditions. Born in Tennessee and now rooted in one of America’s most vibrant songwriting cities, Aaron has spent years touring the U.S., Europe and Africa, bringing a wide range of influences into his work. His songs blend elements of folk, rock, and world-music rhythms, and he often writes with both personal honesty and a broader sense of place. His catalogue includes multiple self-released albums and EPs, and his music has been featured in media ranging from network TV shows to international radio charts.

Aaron’s career includes notable moments such as having one of his songs referenced in an episode of the Fox drama Bones and scoring radio hits in the U.S. and Italy. Beyond performance, he also founded the International Youth Music Project in 2015, a charity that supports music programs for disadvantaged children in orphanages, refugee camps and HIV/AIDS community centers, especially in East Africa. His work combines musical craft with a commitment to community and global connection.

In addition to touring and recording, Aaron continues to collaborate with musicians around the world and share music through livestreams, maintaining a creative life rooted in curiosity and human connection. Bandcamp (music & releases): https://aaronenglish.bandcamp.com

www.sfhaa.ca  

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaronenglishmusic 

🎧 SoundCloud (clips & streaming): https://soundcloud.com/aaron-english 

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/aaronenglishband 

 

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#FolkRock #SingerSongwriter #LiveMusic

True North Tunes: 15 Tracks Across the Canadian Songwriting Map

This week on Songwriters From Here and Away we’re celebrating a lineup of compelling Canadian artists, ranging from heartfelt reflections on life and home to electrifying storytelling, genre-bending soundscapes, and deeply personal narratives —  songwriters shaping the sound of Canada’s music scene. Discover voices you know and ones you’ll want to get to know — from roots and indie to soulful pop and imaginative indie-folk. Travel across styles, moods, and stories, all connected by great songwriting.

Jeff Vidov – “New York I’m Coming For You” — Up-and-coming Canadian songwriter whose melodic grit captures big-city aspiration and heart.

Rachel Kane – “Be Alright (Feat. Beatox & Adrienne Fainman)” — Collaborative indie pop blend with emotional texture and modern groove.

Gail and Karl – “A Thousand Thousand Blessings” — Folk-rock duo rooted in melody and harmony with a long history of community radio support.
https://www.kelownaartscouncil.ca/s-projects-side-by-side

Clara Cloud – “Lay Me Down (Again)” — Dreamy indie-folk voice with evocative lyrical work and an intimate delivery.

Daniel Lew – “Out Of Sight, Out of Mind” — Thoughtful songwriter with reflective lyrics and a sound anchored in emotion.

Peach Panic – “Conversations” — Energetic indie track with a rhythmic edge and clean, contemporary feel.

Malia Rogers – “Vulnerable” — Intimate singer-songwriter whose voice and words explore openness and strength.

Thomas Messenger – “Elbows Up” — Playful, dynamic track grounded in sharp writing and compelling performance.

Steph Cameron – “Summer Song” — Seasonally warm and inviting tune from a seasoned storyteller.

Aaron MacDonald – “What’s The Point” — Rooted in lyrical nuance and thoughtful reflection, this song digs into meaning and feeling.

Margaret Champion – “A Safe Place To Land (with Cory Tetford)” — Soulful collaboration with heart, harmony, and depth.

Onion Honey – “Spite, Rebranded” — High-spirited folk quartet blending tradition with modern flair and tight harmonies.

Thomas Marshall – “Change The Key” — Reflective indie songwriter crafting songs that stay with you long after listening.

Jill Peacock – “All I See Is Blue” — Cool, contemplative songwriting wrapped in evocative atmosphere.

Oh Pray Tell – “Poor Black Women Blues” — Powerful blues-inspired track that confronts social themes with voice and grit.

MORE Songwriters podcasts at www.SFHAA.ca 

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