Ken Whiteley is one of Canadas finest musical statesman. He has worked with blues and folk legends from Pete Seeger to Lonnie Johnson. He has performed at countless festivals in the United States and Canada including Philadelphia Folk Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver Folk Festivals to name a few. He has been called a playing encyclopedia for his depth and range of styles, covering everything from blues and gospel to childrens music. Now Magazine said his most recent CD of mostly original material, Gospel Music Makes Me Feel Alright!, triumphs with impeccable arrangements and spot on delivery.
Drawing from the deep wells of many traditions, Whiteley creates something fresh that communicates themes of freedom, love, spiritual aspiration and social comment. His collaborations with brother Chris (The Whiteley Brothers) and old friends Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington (Scarlett, Washington & Whiteley) have resulted in a wonderful collection of recordings, garnering high praise, successful tours and several awards. Whether performing solo or playing with any of his large circle of musical friends, as one critic has said, with Ken Whiteley our enjoyment is virtually assured.
Nice artical in Sing Out! I was at that Maple Leaf Stadium Mariposa too. We slept the first night by the Princess Gates and the second night in Terry Whelan's back yard. Here's a pic I took of Rev Gary, Gord Lightfoot, John Hurt and Tom Kines at a workshop.
A Friend Is Like A Four Leaf Clover: Hard To Find And Lucky To Have! Have A Great And Wonderful Weekend! And I Hope You Feel Good! A Big Hug For Your Friendship!
Hello Ken - great to see and hear you in Vancouver. The new CD is a fine, fine thing and is getting lots of rotation on the player. Hope all is well with you.
All best - and our regards to Victor when you see him next.
Hello Ken and thank you for the friendship. I quite enjoyed listening to your tracks and look forward to hearing more! I tip my hat to your musicianship. Please do keep in touch when you can, Warm regards, -ccHamel
Hi Ken, Thank you for your friendship and great music! I hope to make it out to your Cambridge show to see and hear you perform. That will be a very nice birthday present to myself! Take Care Erica
A pleasure to be at The Hive with you, Ken, and have your mandolin/banjo artistry woven in to Already Brokens' songs. Many thanks and all the best in 2008. Anthony
Thanks again to you and George Koller for an inspiring and inspired concert last Friday @ Folkway in Guelph. It's always a joy to see and hear you play!
Don't forget to send me that song that I asked you about covering.
Brenda Publicist for Folkway Music's Concerts www.myspace.com/lewismediarelations
Hi Ken (or Ben), I just thought I should thank you for organizing the wonderful evening at Hugh's Room last Monday. It was well worth the rainy drive from Port Hope to wish Jackie a happy 88th. I wrote a blog about the evening at http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/home.asp?id=17973
Thanks for adding me Ken! When my kids were rugrats we all listened to Raffi, Eric Nagler, Sharon Lois and Bram etc...and you were on all their recordings as I recall... Now that I've had the repeated pleasure of seeing/hearing you in person, my respect and admiration for your musical excellence has grown. You display a enthusiasm and passion for your craft and sometimes (Sunday morning at Summerfolk) it reaches a crescendo! Peace and Joy. Jim
Hey Uncle Ken (can I call you that since Jesse is like my blues brother now? haha!) Really enjoyed the Whiteley Family show in Ottawa, especially your great singing... the gospel tune "Golden" knocked me out! All the best!
Hi Ken!
i am so delighted you are my friend! The days spent in your studio will always be one of my favourite experiences! Apart from getting to know you, your family and benefiting from your musicianship, you introduced me to a world of fantastic musicians, and to the best way to cook tofu. Both of those i keep on enjoying! AND I love hearing your songs. they just keep being good. Never stop, i know you won't.
with hugs and much respect,
lenka
Hi Ken (& Ben) - thanks for the add! We met you at the Vancouver Island MusicFest a couple of years ago...love your music!! Cheers to musical adventures for all ages:)
B&L
