artist Kim Stockwood

March 7, 2012

by Bob Mersereau

Five weeks..that's nothing! We're just five weeks away from the East Coast Music Awards in Moncton, and preparations are frantic behind the scenes. To get you all geared up, I'll focus on a few of the nominees and major performers you'll be able to see at the ECMA's in the next weeks ahead.

Over the years, there has always been a bit of moaning when nominations go to some of the Atlantic musicians who no longer live in the area. The rules were set in stone 24 years ago. If you were born on the East Coast, or have lived here the past 15 months, you qualify. I mean, it's pretty hard to take somebody's roots away from them. I don't know about you, but when I lived in Toronto, I called myself a Maritimer. If artists were disqualified for living elsewhere, it would be a much slimmer group to choose from. No Jimmy Rankin, he's in Nashville. No Sloan, they're in Toronto. Half of Newfoundland is in Fort McMurray.

More than most, people from the Atlantic Provinces not only identify with the place, they yearn for it, and that goes double for musicians in my experience. Today's case in point is Kim Stockwood. 19 years ago, the Newfoundlander left home, and it's been a big ride, with solo hits, a group of pals in Shaye, a TV show to go with it, some kids, and being a radio host in Toronto. But you will never mistake her for being from there. I see her at the ECMA's usually, happy and casual on the Coast. Last year at this time, in Charlottetown, she was promoting the just-released disc, Back To The Water, with a couple of low-key performances. At this year's Moncton event, she's going to be center stage with it. The disc was nominated for the Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year, and Stockwood will be one of the performers at the Gala awards show.

The album Back To The Water certainly spells out where she comes from. This is Stockwood's labour of love, a tribute to Newfoundland and Labrador, an entire album of songs from and inspired by the province. There are new ones, covers of modern songwriters, and time-honoured traditional tunes. It was recorded in St. John's, using the great musicians of the area. Stockwood hand-picked the tunes, ones she grew up with, others that have impressed her over the years. She's joined by traditional groups The Dardenelles and The Once, and by her friend, Shaye bandmate and fellow Newfoundlander Damhnait Doyle. Plus, there's a guest appearance by her own father, Leslie, on accordian. How else can you say "home"?

Among the numbers are a couple by the dean of modern Newfoundland songwriters, Ron Hynes, with Stockwood doing fine versions of St. John's Waltz and Atlantic Blue. For fun, there's the famous Squid Jiggin' Ground, and even some older numbers that date back to the 19th century. Apart from Squid Jiggin' Ground, most of the songs are soft and full of longing, from a people used to staring out to the ocean, wondering what tidings the waves will bring. Stockwood, who has song everything from uptempo pop and rock to energetic country, gets to show off her rich voice on the album, and you can hear the emotion stirring the whole collection as she sings.

The title cut was long in the making, the only original on the disc. It was started a decade ago, co-written by Stockwood and Doyle, a number close to both of them. It was finished up after a trip to Signal Hill, and as Stockwood explains, she, like most people that grew up up near the water, have an unwavering bond to it.

You'll have two chances to see Kim Stockwood in performance in Moncton, both open to the public. She's doing the Roots Room on Thursday, April 12th, and again, she's doing a song at the Gala Awards

http://www.cbc.ca/nb/mt/eastcoastmusic/

February 27, 2012 by John Gavin

Kim Stockwood, singer/songwriter from Newfoundland, released a new album entitled, BACK TO THE WATER in 2011, and is nominated for an ECMA 2012 for Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of The Year.The album contains 12 traditional songs from Newfoundland, and Kim does an incredible job singing all those old traditional songs.  Here are the song titles:

St John's Waltz (Ron Hynes, 1979)-Cliffs of Baccalieu (Jack Withers, 1934)-Now I’m 64 (Traditional with The Once)-Let Me Fish Off St Mary’s (Otto P. Kelland, 1947)-Back To The Water (Kim Stockwood/Damhnait Doyle, 2010)-Atlantic Blue (Ron Hynes, 1988)-Squid Jiggin’ Ground (Arthur Scammell, 1928)-Petty Harbour Bait Skiff (John Grace, 1852)-Feller From Fortune (Tradition with The Dardanelles)-Ode To Newfoundland (Sir Cavendish Boyle/Sir Hubert Perry)-Thank God We’re Surrounded By Water (Traditional adapted by Tom Cahill).

Kim used various musicians to help produce the album such as Sandy Morris, Chris Ledrew, Aaron Collins, Craig Young, Billy Sutton, Bill Brennan, Tom Power and many more. The album was produced by Glen Tilley and mixed by Glen and Billy Sutton (Fables).

Kim is a Juno 1966 winner as Rising star and has multiple of ECMA awards and this album may be another award winner.

Atlantic Seabreeze gives the album top ratings on its rating list.

http://atlanticseabreeze.com/ItemOne.asp?ID=4247

January 31, 2012

By Renell LeGrow

Kim Stockwood prepares for provincial tour.

Kim Stockwood doesn’t like to spend too much time away from her two small boys – but she’s heading ‘back to the water’ for her upcoming two-week provincial tour.

Stockwood is set to make 11 appearances across Newfoundland and Labrador, kickstarting Feb. 28 at the LSPU Hall in St. John’s.

“My kids are young, and I don’t want to be away that long, but Newfoundland is probably my favourite place to tour,” Stockwood said. “I wish it was July, but hey, there’s another kind of beauty in touring Newfoundland in the winter, and Labrador.”

Stockwood will showcase her newest album, “Back to the Water,” which features 11 songs that the Newfoundland native said “all mean something” to her.

The songstress puts her own twist on some of the province’s oldest classics, like “St. John’s Waltz,” “Now I’m 64,” “Squid Jiggin’ Ground” and “Thank God We’re Surrounded by Water.”

“’The Cliffs of Baccalieu’ was a song that my Dad played on accordion,” she recalled. “I heard it over and over when I was a kid. I didn’t know what it was, and I for sure didn’t know any of the words, but when I started to make this record, I knew I’d have to put it on.”

And even though Stockwood admits narrowing down her favourite tunes from home was no easy task, she said it didn’t take long for the new album to be her most treasured to date.

“I look back on some of the things I’ve done in my career and I go, ‘wow, did I actually do that? Was that me?’ And then all of a sudden I got to do this record and it instantly means more to me than anything I’ve ever done,” she said.

“It’s funny, (there’s) a friend of mine here in Toronto, I hadn’t seen her in ages and I gave her a record. And she called me and she said, ‘I don’t know why I’m crying, if it’s because of the music, or the liner notes.’”

This will be the first time Stockwood has done a provincial tour on her own in “a long, long time,” but she said she couldn’t think of a better place to showcase the new album. “It’s the reason I did this,” she said. “I wanted to sing these songs at home, and who knows when I’ll get the chance again. I’m going to mix in some of the other stuff, and I’m excited about that. I’ve just started doing some of my earliest radio songs, and it’s really fun to sing them again.”

And one of the songs she’s particularly eager to share is the only original on the CD — and the album’s namesake — “Back to the Water.” “I was almost shy to put it on the record because I just didn’t know if it stood up against all the time-tested classics…but you know, people really seem to like it, and it really is special for me to sing that song at home, because it really is about longing to be home,” she said.

Stockwood said she was “humbled” to have worked with other local musicians on the album, including The Once, The Dardanelles and long-time friend Damhnait Doyle. “Some of those people I didn’t know when I made this record,” she said. “But it was Glen Tilley (producer) who brought all those people in, and I have to thank him for introducing me to all those great musicians.”

And Stockwood hinted she might even bring along some special guests for her appearances. “I think there will be a lot of special appearances, and probably some surprise ones,” she said. “There are musicians everywhere – so if someone is reading this and they know how to play one of the songs on my record, get in touch and maybe we can get you a guest appearance!

http://www.thetelegram.com/Arts---Life/Entertainment/2012-01-31/article-2881083/Coming-home/1

December 7, 2011

by Bryan Birtles

A member of the Juno-nominated pop group Shaye until its 2009 break-up, Kim Stockwood's solo work was what brought her acclaim in the first place. Having released Back to the Water—her first solo album in five years, consisting largely of her favourite Newfoundland-penned songs—this past March, and with upcoming shows around the capital city, Stockwood took the time to talk about her latest endeavour.

Vue Weekly: How long did it take to make Back to the Water from the initial songwriting through to the end of the recording?

Kim Stockwood: Well I guess it took 10 years, and a lifetime in a way. I've always dreamed of doing it. The only original on Back to the Water was started about 10 years ago and only finished during the recording.

VW: When you were writing the songs, did you come at them in a particular way? Lyrics first? Music first?

KS: I only wrote a handful of songs for the record. Only one original made it. Every song is different, some start with lyrics some with music.

VW: What were the recording sessions like for this album? Is this the kind of thing you recorded live off the floor or did you piece it together one track at a time? Why?

KS: The recording was an incredible experience. It took us over seven months to finish. We had to do it in bits and pieces because I live in Toronto and I was pretty adamant that everything was done in St John's. A lot was done off the floor and then other tracks added.

VW: Were there any other songs written that were left off the album?

KS: There was one original that was left off, I guess because it wasn't 100 percent finished. Sometimes songs are not ready to be recorded. But I know it will be some day.

VW: How did you decide which songs to include on the album? Did you have an idea of what you wanted Back to the Water to be when you started, or did the finished shape emerge as the writing and recording went along?

KS: Choosing the songs for this record was the most difficult thing. I wanted to record my favourite Newfoundland songs and there were so many! They all revealed themselves in some way, we tried a whole bunch and some just didn't sound right or just didn't work out. I knew I wanted this record to be the most acoustic record I've ever done. I'm very thankful it turned out the way it did!

VW: You tapped Glen Tilley to produce the album. What drew you to him and what did he bring to the process?

KS: I'd known Glen Tilley through his work with CBC Radio for years. Always respected him and his work. My manager suggested him and I'm so glad she did. I trusted him completely with these songs. Recording songs that have been recorded a lot over the years is a difficult task. I loved his vision. It would have been a far different record if he wasn't the producer.

VW: If you were to trace the musical map that led you to Back to the Water, what would it look like?

KS: Wow, cool question. I guess in a lot of ways I have gone right back to the beginning. The first song I ever demoed was "The St John's Waltz" [and] it was the first song I recorded for this record. With every record I've made I knew I wanted to do something more and more acoustic/voice based. With Shaye, my favourite songs were those that were a bit more traditional/roots based. I think one of the best things about getting older is that you know what you want to do. I'm so happy I got to make this record the way I did.

http://www.vueweekly.com/music/story/back_to_the_studio/

December 8, 2011

“Multi-award winning Newfoundland artist Kim Stockwood is recognized as a solo singer/songwriter, as well as for her work with the pop group Shaye. She has an impressive musical track record with smash hits like “Jerk”, “12 Years Old” and “Happy Baby”. “I Love Santa” is a collection of holiday standards performed live by this irresistible artist. Kim’s rich, warm vocals and signature comedic style are sure to bring holiday cheer to Fort Saskatchewan.”

Read More: http://www.shareedmonton.ca/events/2011/12/08/kim-stockwood

December 7, 2011

By Anna Borowieck

i Family memories at heart of new album

“In Newfoundland, we had salt fish on Christmas Eve with 14 kinds of bread. No vegetables. I know it sounds kind of weird. But in the last couple of years my Uncle Harold has been making chilli,” laughs Kim Stockwood.

Born on the Rock, the Toronto-based singer loves to reminisce of the home she left behind to pursue a singing career. In fact, in March 2011, she released her fourth album, Back to the Water, a foray that closely plumbs her roots.

“It’s a magnet and I’m not sure I’m happier than when I’m walking down St. John’s to the Duke of Duckworth Pub. It’s the one they film Republic of Doyle,” she adds.

However, back in 2006 Stockwood’s I Love Santa album hit the shelves. Even after five years, the pop/jazz/folk artist is still crazy busy singing those holiday standards. Maybe it’s all those wacky jokes and funny stories she tells in between songs, but on Dec. 9 and 10, she’ll get dolled up to give St. Albert’s Arden Theatre a taste of her Christmas spirit.

Accompanying Stockwood is cellist Kevin Fox and Tim Bovaconti, all-around guitarist, pianist, drummer and mandolin/banjo player.

Borrowing tunes from her Yule CD, she sets out to create old-fashioned family memories.

“I got the idea to record a Christmas album after I heard a John McDermott compilation. I called my folks and asked them to suggest some songs. They had a lot of Christmas records – Elvis, Dean Martin, Bonanza, Charley Pride and several others.

” Dean Martin’s It’s a Marshmallow World grabbed her attention and she recorded it.

“Not a lot of people had heard it and it got a lot of attention. It was almost as successful as Jerk.

” Others that floated to the top of the pile were Elvis’ Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me, Bing Crosbie’s Wish You the Merriest and the beloved Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. But it’s the title song, I Love Santa, an ode to people thinking about going home that completely captures her essence.

Much of the inspiration for the album Back to the Water actually comes from home and children.

“When you have kids, you want them to know where you are from, where you are born and your roots. It’s a special place. I grew up near water and I want them to grow up near it.”

Stockwood’s husband’s family is from Kelowna and Christmas holidays tend to be rotated. This year, Newfoundland is the Christmas command centre.

“It’s been a long road and in the midst of it all I’ve had a good time. I wanted success as a singer and I found a way.”

As for the Arden concert, “I want it to be fun. Maybe I’ll kick it up a notch and play games the way Carol Burnett did.”

The evening includes an exhibit from the Art Gallery of St. Albert and poetry readings from Art Out Loud.

http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/20111207/SAG0302/312079986/-1/sag0302/stockwood-brings-christmas-spirit-to-arden

December 2, 2011

by Jonathan Milke

No matter how you feel about the jolly fat man in red, pop-country artist Kim Stockwood's feelings are clear as she brings her I Love Santa show to the Shell Theatre next Thursday.

While the show is largely based around the music from Stockwood's 2006 I Love Santa album, she explained there will be much more to the show.

"It's not just I love Santa," she said. "It's I love Newfoundland; I love Patsy Cline; just I love singing really."

That second part about Newfoundland may seem like an oddity, but it's a perfect fit for Stockwood, who began by singing in pubs in her native St. John's. That love of her native home was proven earlier this year when she released Back to the Water, a collection of traditional Newfie tunes.

The album was followed by a Country Music Television special of the same name, and Stockwood makes no attempts at hiding her heritage.

"I don't think anything could take [Newfoundland] out of me," she said. "I just grew up around that music all the time." Although Newfoundland's musical heritage is part of what inspired her,

Stockwood admitted that's not the music that made her famous. Instead, she became known for the kind of pop-country that makes its way past the borders of country music radio into the mainstream, thanks largely to hits Jerk and 12 Years Old in the mid-1990s and to her time in pop group Shaye through the 2000s.

"I think that's just life," she said. "When I got the recording publishing deal, I just started writing with different people. Her talents, combined with the skills of those around her, led Stockwood to where she is now, an award-winning musician who has dabbled in radio and television.

"I'm thankful for everything that's happened to me with no regrets," she said, noting she's now at the place where she can pick and choose her projects. "There's a certain liberation with that. "Next, I'm doing an old torch country record," she said, adding she hopes to do a children's album following that, which was partly inspired by her own two children.

As for her appearance here in Fort Saskatchewan, Stockwood said, "It's a Christmas show. There's definitely a retro Christmas kind of feel. "I don't get to sing these songs year round," she explained, adding the annual show gives her a welcome change of pace. "I just love Christmas music. It just reminds me of all the old crooners."

Joining Stockwood will be multi-instrumentalist Kevin Fox - who has worked with the likes of Chantal Kreviazuk, Tom Cochrane and Celine Dion - and Tim Bovaconti - who's performed with Leonard Cohen, Ron Sexsmith and Burton Cummings. "They're fabulous musicians," Stockwood said. "I'm lucky I get them for some shows around Christmas."

Kim Stockwood's I Love Santa show runs next Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Shell Theatre. Tickets are available at the box office, through Ticketmaster or by calling 780-992-6400.

http://www.fortsaskatchewanrecord.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3390304

November 29, 2011

Kim Stockwood’s “I Love Santa” concert (Dec. 8, 7:30pm) at the Shell Theatre promises to be a holiday classic that audiences will remember for many years. This east coast songbird effortlessly delivers a heartwarming, Christmas showcase filled with her signature vocals and a comedic style that will captivate you.

The music of “I Love Santa” evokes memories of another time – the music transporting you… to Radio City Music Hall, to Dean Martin’s Vegas showroom, and back to your favorite festive memory. Stockwood, the woman who brought you the commercial hits “Jerk” and “12 years old” has fashioned a sincere and heartfelt tribute to the musical standards of Christmas past. From the smile of Elvis on “Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me,” to the tender hopefulness of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” Kim owns every note with feeling and style. Her thoughtful selection of material results in both a salute to time gone by and a vibrant introduction of holiday classics to a contemporary audience.

http://www.overeasyplease.com/oep/2011/11/29/kim-stockwood-brings-christmas-to-shell-theatre/