2015 Juno Nominee for Best Roots and Traditional Album
Over the past five years, Newfoundland-based trio, The Once, has steadily garnered accolades and recognition across Canada and beyond. Front and centre is Geraldine Hollett, whose sweet yet strong and gutsy voice has been compared to Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris, in the words of the Globe and Mail, a pure-voiced starlet. Andrew Dale and Phil Churchill complete the groups distinctive sound with an economical yet spirited and highly effective accompaniment on guitars, mandolins, banjos and bouzouki. Do not be fooled, however; there is much, much more. The Once is primarily renowned for its exquisite harmonies a cappella or accompanied harmonies that are not necessarily predictable, yet predictably innovative, magical and spot-on. And when its time for an instrumental, hold on to your hat as you will be blown away by the groups sheer talent and versatility!
The Once embraces a wide range of material traditional tunes like Maid On The Shore or The Briar and The Rose, contemporary pieces like Leonard Cohens Coming Back To You or Ron Hynes Sonnys Dream, covers such as Elvis Presleys Cant Help Falling In Love, and original songs like The Town Where You Lived. They have four CDs to their credit, including the recently released, Departures, which drew the critique, "The first time I heard it I was floored, the second time elevated, and every time since enthralled".
In concert? Simply put, they're a joy to witness. Dazzling three-part harmonies and a cappella arrangements stoke a nostalgic longing for idyllic rural memories, regardless of ones own past. Perfect vocal harmonies thick enough to stand on. Think of the heavenly mix of Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch, back them up with The Chieftains, and let Daniel Lanois swim around in it and you're still only half-way there.
Performing in the Regina Rosen Auditorium of the Grand Theatre, Kingston
Tickets are $30.98 plus HST and handling fee