The Capitol Centre has hung up curtains and moved some seats closer to create a venue similar to a kitchen party for Kim Stockwood’s Friday performance.

During an interview, Stockwood talked about her new style of music.

“My genre has changed. At first my career was pop music, and Celtic with Shaye. Now I aim for a traditional sound, a combination of folk and old country that you know is from the east coast.”

Stockwood will perform at the Capitol Centre Friday at 7:30.

“Overall, love who you are, and believe in yourself.” she said. “I believe in the universe and have tested that fact that everything changes.”

Stockwood has many memories of Canada, including when she opened for Willie Nelson while she was involved with the band, Shaye.

“Nicest person you would ever meet, exactly who you think he would be.”

Stockwood doesn’t tour much now; she chooses when she tours because of her two sons at home whom she is adamant on spending time with.

“I find inspiration in my kids, in stories, and of course my grandmother who just turned 100 in March. Basically, I find inspiration in life.”

Although Stockwood has been performing for more than a decade, on TV, radio and her own shows, she still gets nervous.

“But once I am on stage, I feel comfortable as if I were performing in my own home.”

Stockwood prefers smaller venues, “I believe they mean more, it’s intimate and cozy. It feels like I’m playing in my house.”

by Saidia Zaloski, Nugget

The Top 10 East Coast Songs concert will be broadcast nationally on CBC’s Canada Live this week. It will be heard on CBC Radio 2 – Thursday, April 4 at 7 PM (7:30 in Newfoundland & Labrador) and again on CBC Radio 1 on Friday, April 5 at 2 PM (2:30 in Newfoundland & Labrador).

Singer-songwriter Kim Dunn opens this broadcast. An all-star lineup will perform your top 10 East Coast songs, counting down from number 10 to number 1.

Featured artists are:

Jenn Grant: “Nowhere with You” and “Snowbird.”

Ben Caplan: “When It Comes My Turn” and “I’m Movin’ On.”

Jimmy Rankin: “Fare Thee Well Love” and “Farewell to Nova Scotia.”

Maureen Ennis: “Sonny’s Dream” and “Peter’s Dream.”

Kim Stockwood: “Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary’s.”

Jimmy Rankin and Ben Caplan: “Working Man.”

As part of the Short Circuit Dream Fund’s Fifth Anniversary Celebrations, the Dream Gala will celebrate the children they’ve worked with, honour the life and work of the late Dr. Jack Hand, and showcase the work they’ve done over the last five years. The Dream Gala will take place at the CLB Armoury, St. John’s, NL on March 23, 2013 and Kim Stockwood is making a special appearance to perform, along with iDance Shawn Silver Irish Dancing. Purchase your tickets today for this special event: [click here]

Watch Kim Stockwood’s music video for St. John’s Waltz, which is recorded on her album Back to the Water, a collection of Newfoundland and Labrador folk songs. You can purchase the song on iTunes, here.

St. John’s Waltz – Kim Stockwood from Jeth Weinrich on Vimeo.

Kim Stockwood and Damhnait Doyle won an Honorable Mention for their song “Back to the Water” in the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!

Canadian singer/songwriter Kim Stockwood is in town for a show at Hugh’s Room on Saturday. You might remember her 1996 hit song “Jerk”. She also had great success with the band Shaye “Happy Baby”. Kim was just looking for an excuse to cover John Lennon’s Starting Over and the Classic Rock disCOVERy Series was the perfect place for her to do it. Enjoy!

Kim Stockwood covers John Lennon’s “Starting Over”

Kim singing “She’s Not In Love”

Kim’s interview with Candice on Candice on Demand

Happy Holidays everyone – did you know Kim Stockwood made a Christmas album? She sure did.

Get more information on the album here (including a couple of the songs), and be sure to check out Kim’s website she made especially for the holidays.

Kim Stockwood and Damhnait Doyle have made the list of finalists for the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition in the Folk category for their song “Back to the Water”, which is the title track to Kim’s album. The top winners will be announced December 3, 2012.

Kim Stockwood is hitting the road!

Kim will take to the stage with her most recent award-winning album, Back to The Water, playing ten shows from November 22nd – December 8th in Ontario with special guest Kevin Fox, making stops in Manitouwadge, Geraldton, Thunder Bay, Fort Frances, Kenora, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Dryden, and Toronto.

Recorded in Newfoundland, Back to the Water was produced by CBC Radio’s Glen Tilley and features some of the finest musicians and songwriters from across the island. Folk favourites from the album  (“Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary’s,” “Squid Jiggin’ Ground”) sit comfortably alongside contemporary works like Ron Hynes’ “St. John’s Waltz” and the title track, “Back to the Water” written by Stockwood with fellow Newfoundlander Damhnait Doyle (The Heartbroken). 

On December 7, Kim will perform songs from her Christmas album, I Love Santa, for her “Kim Stockwood Christmas” show at the Living Arts Centre, RBC Theatre.

Ontario Tour Dates

November 22
Manitouwadge High School Auditorium
Manitouwadge
7:00 PM
Tickets: Adults $25.00, Seniors $20 (60yrs +), Youth $10.00. Tickets are being sold at the Sears Outlet, 2 Doors Down location in the Hallmark Square and at the Door

November 23
Geraldton Composite High School Auditorium
Geraldton
8:00 PM

November 24
Finlandia Hall
Thunder Bay
8:00 PM
Tickets: Members/Advance price $20.00, Non-members $25.00. Tickets are available at the Hoito, Fireweed, Chalrek & Ostrom Outdoors

November 27
Fort Frances High School
Fort Frances
7:30 PM

November 28
Knox United Church Kenora
Kenora
7:30 PM
Tickets: Adults $20.00, Students $10.00. Available at Johnsons Pharmacy, Ho Joe Coffee and Books, The Blue Heron and Sunset Gallery

November 30
Red Lake High School Auditorium
Red Lake
7:30 PM
Tickets: Available at The Water Buffalo in Red Lake, Balmer Video in Balmertown and Stems & Such in Ear Falls

December 1
Queen Elizabeth District High School
Sioux Lookout
7:30 PM

December 2
Dryden Perforning Arts Centre
Dryden
7:30 PM
Tickets: $30.00
Buy Tickets

December 7
Kim Stockwood Christmas
Living Arts Centre – RBC Theatre
Mississauga
8:00 PM
Tickets: $45.00, Advance price $35.00 & $28.00
Buy Tickets

December 8
Hugh’s Room
Toronto
8:00 PM
Tickets: $22.50 (HST Included), Advance price $20.00 (HST Included)
Buy Tickets

We’ll see you at the show!

CAPACOA is thrilled to announce The Artist Voice for this year’s 25th anniversary conference will feature the incomparable and fearlessly funny Mary Walsh, sharing her personal and professional experiences in Canadian theatre, film and broadcasting.

Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Mary Walsh’s first job in show business was working as a summer replacement radio announcer for the CBC. She later moved to Toronto where she studied acting at Ryerson and subsequently formed a theatre company, Codco (for Cod Company), which toured nationally and internationally until 1976.

Walsh made her TV debut in 1977 with the CBC and went on to appear in numerous CBC miniseries and national tours. In 1986, Walsh and the other members of Codco wrote and starred in their own self-titled series on CBC. In 1992 Walsh created a new show called “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” for Salter Street Films and the CBC. A satirical take on current affairs, it was a big hit within Canada and has been on the air ever since its 1992 debut winning numerous Gemini and Canadian Comedy awards along the way. In addition to her television work, Mary Walsh has also performed in many feature films. She was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2000 and in 2012 she received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.

Juno-award winning singer-songwriter Kim Stockwood will interview Mary Walsh for The Artist Voice on Friday, January 25 beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The Artist Voice takes place following the popular Pitch Sessions, which run from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. also at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The Artist Voice and Pitch Sessions are open to conference delegates only.

Register on-line at capacoa.ca to ensure you don’t miss these entertaining and informative events.

The CAPACOA 25th anniversary conference “The Culture of Place” runs January 23 to 26, 2013 at the Intercontinental Toronto Centre and other venues including the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Fleck Dance Theatre and The Second City. More than 250 established and emerging cultural entrepreneurs and key stakeholders from the national and international presenting and touring sector are expected to attend. The 2013 conference program includes an exhibit hall, live artistic performances, peer-to-peer meetings, workshops, a gala dinner and award presentations. For more information, visit capacoa.ca .

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Erin Benjamin
Executive Director
CAPACOA
erin.benjamin@capacoa.ca

Recorded at the Delta Hotel Ballroom in St. John’s, Newfoundland’s legendary songsmith Ron Hynes leads an outstanding quartet of singer songwriters at the 2011 CBC MusicNL Songwriters Circle. The session also includes St. John’s native Kim Stockwood, the award-winning solo artist and member of the Toronto based pop group Shaye.

These two veterans are joined by a pair of rising stars from the vibrant St. John’s scene: Matthew Hornell, who swept the Music NL awards last year with four trophies, and Andrew James O’Brien, who was the toast of the evening as he walked off with three MusicNL awards for his debut CD Songs for Searchers.

Kim will be playing at the Perth and District Collegiate Auditorium at 8:00 PM on the September 28th. Tickets are available here: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Perth-And-District-Collegiate-Auditorium-tickets-Perth/venue/131205.

Three shows for Kim on the last day of the Festival! You can catch her at the Gospel Stage for the 21st Annual Goseplp Concert at 10 AM, the Wharf Stage at 2 PM, and the Opera House at 3:30 PM ( with Lynn Miles, Bonnie Ste. Croix, and Catherine MacLellan ) . What an amazing weekend of music!

Only one show today, but it’s a grand one! Kim is at the St. John’s Anglican Church in Yarmouth ( part of the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival – “Songs of the Sea” ) putting on a workshop with Ron Hynes and The Yarmouth Shantymen at 1:00 PM.

Today, fans in Lunenburg, NS can see Kim Stockwood perform at the Opera House at the Songwriters’ Pairing with Kevin Fox and at her Main Stage performance at 9:45 PM.

From August 10 to 12, Kim Stockwood will be playing SIX shows at the Lunenburg Folk Festival. Shows include Songwriters’ Pairing with Kevin Fox, Main Stage Performance, a Workshop with Ron Hynes and The Yarmouth Shantymen, 21st ANNUAL GOSPEL CONCERT, Blockhouse Hill – 10AM to 12 PM, Performance on the Wharf Stage, and a Songwriters Circle with Lynn Miles, Bonnie Ste. Croix, and Catherine MacLellan. This is an event not to be missed!

Join Kim tonight at the Outdoor Stage at the Trent Severn Canal in Bobcaygeon. Show is free and starts at 6:30 PM!

Kim Stockwood will be performing at the Mill Pond Outdoor Stage in Richmond Hill tonight at 8:00 PM. It free and going to be a great time!

Kim Stockwood will be performing at two amazing festivals this month. On July 19th she will be at the Mill Pond Outdoor Stage in Richmond Hill, Ontario and on July 26th she will be performing a the Trent Severn Canal/Outdoor Stage in Bobcaygeon Ontario. Both shows are free so make sure to come on down!

When Kim Stockwood was contemplating where her music career was going and what kind of project she would do next, if in fact she would do one at all, she decided to take her music back to her Newfoundland roots. The product was her album Back to the Water, which picked up an East Coast Music Award for roots traditional album of the year this month.

Stockwood’s musical journey began in earnest in 1995 with the release of her first album, Bonavista. The album’s song “Jerk,” written by Stockwood and longtime writing partner Naoise Sheridan, became her breakthrough hit both in Canada and internationally, setting the stage for the next 10 years of her country/rock/pop-flavoured recordings.

The title cut for the newest recording was long in the making; it was started a decade ago, co-written by Stockwood and Damhnait Doyle, a song close to both of them. It was finished after a trip to Signal Hill in St. John’s, and as Stockwood explains, she, like most people that grew up near the water, has an unwavering bond to it.

And so, for fans of Stockwood, the music on this album might not be what they have come to expect, but in the end Back to the Water is probably the most honest and heartfelt recording she has ever done. It’s fitting the East Coast music community honoured Stockwood with the ECMA for roots traditional album of the year.

Listen to Stockwood talk about her career, on the making of Back to the Water, and the help she received: [click here to listen].

by Brad Frenette

Kim won the 2012 ECMA award for Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year in Moncton, NB this past weekend, and her performance at the ECMA Gala Awards show was a definite highlight of the evening. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees at ECMA this year, and to all the volunteers and members who helped make it a memorable event.

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Thanks to Bruff Photography for these photos from Kim’s recent show at the LSPU Hall in St. John’s

Juggling being a full-time student with a promising musical career keeps one quite busy. Toss in an eight-stop provincial tour, and things get a little crazy.

However, Appleton native Aaron Collis, 21, said he’s looking forward to the experience – even though it won’t be with his regular bandmates.

Mr. Collis, who is a member of the St. John’s-based folk group The Dardanelles, has hooked up with Newfoundland and Labrador native Kim Stockwood for eight of her 11 appearances promoting her new album, Back to the Water, starting Feb. 28 at the LSPU Hall in St. John’s.

“Playing with Kim is great, and I’m going to love to be able to tour Newfoundland and Labrador because I don’t get many opportunities to do it,” said Mr. Collis, who plays accordion as a member of The Dardanelles on Feller from Fortune on Ms. Stockwood’s newest album. The record features 11 songs which “all mean something” to her. Songs such as St. John’s Waltz, Now I’m 64 (with The Once), Squid Jiggin’ Ground, Thank God We’re Surrounded by Water (with her father, Leslie Stockwood), Let me Fish Off Cape St. Mary’s (a personal favorite), The Cliffs of Baccalieu (her father’s request), and Ode to Newfoundland (with Damhnait Doyle).

Read the rest of this entry »

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.”

Read the rest of this entry »

We’re excited to announce that Kim Stockwood received an ECMA award nomination for Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year for her album Back to the Water today. The awards will be announced on April 15th, 2012. Congrats Kim!

Performing shows across the province February 28 – March 10, 2012

A proud Newfoundlander, Kim Stockwood returns home to perform nine shows from February 28 – March 10 with her new album Back to the Water, a collection of folk songs from Newfoundland and Labrador. She is joined by recording artist Kevin Fox and Aaron Collis (The Dardanelles). Stockwood is making stops in St. John’s, Gander, Clarenville, Bonavista, Grand Falls-Windsor, Labrador City, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Corner Brook and Stephenville.

“This is the record I have wanted to make since I first started singing, and you must do what you love,” says Stockwood. Back to the Water was produced by CBC Radio’s Glen Tilley and recorded in Newfoundland and features some of the finest musicians and songwriters from across the province. Folk favourites from the album include the Ron Hynes classic, “St. John’s Waltz,” and “Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary’s,” with one original co-write, the title track “Back to the Water,” co-written by Stockwood with with Damhnait Doyle, another Newfoundland native.

Stockwood was nominated for three MusicNL awards this past November, including Female Artist and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year. Her album Back to the Water was nominated for Folk/Roots Album of the Year.

For tour dates and more information about Kim Stockwood and Back to the Water, please visit www.kimstockwood.com.

Back to the Water NL Tour Dates

Tuesday, February 28
LSPU Hall
3 Victoria Street
St. John’s, NL
Show: 8:00 PM
Tickets: www.rca.nf.ca
Box Office: (709) 753-4531 ext. 200

Thursday, March 1
Gander Arts & Culture Centre
155 Airport Boulevard
Gander, NL
Show: 8:00 PM
Tickets: www.artsandculturecentre.com
Box office: (709) 256-1081

Friday, March 2
Clarenville Events Centre
15 Blackmore Ave.
Clarenville, NL
Show: 8:00 PM
www.clarenvilleeventscentre.com

Saturday, March 3
The Garrick Theatre
18-20 Church Street
Bonavista, NL
Show: 8:00 PM
www.garricktheatre.ca

Sunday, March 4
Grand Falls-Windsor Arts & Culture Centre
Cromer Ave
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL
Show: 8:00 PM
Tickets: www.artsandculturecentre.com
Box office: (709) 292-4518

Wednesday, March 7
Labrador City Arts & Culture Centre
503 Hudson Dr
Labrador City, Newfoundland
Show: 8:00 PM
Tickets: www.artsandculturecentre.com
Box office: (709) 944-7132

Thursday, March 8
The O’Brien Arts Centre
15-21 Voisey Drive
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL
Show: 8:00 PM
Box Office: (709) 896-4028

Friday, March 9
Corner Brook Arts & Culture
PO Box 100 University Drive
Corner Brook, NL
Show: 8:00 PM
Tickets: www.artsandculturecentre.com
Box office: (709) 637-2580

Saturday, March 10
Stephenville Arts & Culture Centre
380 Massachusetts Drive
Stephenville , NL
Show: 8:00 PM
Tickets: www.artsandculturecentre.com
Box office: (709) 643-4553

Tickets on sale now for Kim Stockwood’s Christmas concert taking place February 28th at the LSPU Hall in St. John’s.

BUY TICKETS HERE

Kim Stockwood brings her first album in five years to Edmonton
Publication: Vue Weekly
Direct Link: http://www.vueweekly.com/music/story/back_to_the_studio
written 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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Kim’s Christmas album has been receiving some press this week –

St. Albert Gazette – December 7, 2011:

“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.

Read full article here

ShareEdmonton.ca – 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 full article here

Publication: Fort Saskatchewan – The Record
Direct Link: http://www.fortsaskatchewanrecord.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3390304
Written 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.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Publication: Over Easy, Please
Direct Link: http://www.overeasyplease.com/oep/2011/11/29/kim-stockwood-brings-christmas-to-shell-theatre/

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.

Concert goers will also be able to enjoy a magical stroll through the Enchanted Forest exhibit in the lobby. During intermission, the Fort Radio U22 Stage will feature another young and emerging vocal act, the Command Sisters. Tickets: $29.50 Adults, $27.50 Seniors/Students, $5 eyeGO to the Arts. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster 1.855.985.5000 or at the Dow Centennial Centre in person or by phone 780.992.6400.

One of the first songs I ever sang in public was a Tom Waits song. That was over 20 years ago. 20 YEARS AGO!!Good Lord how can that be. Feels like just yesterday I was at Bridgetts pub, doing 3 sets a night, singing all my favourite covers, and having the time of my life! The night usually ended with a pint and the best Fish and Chips you’ve ever tasted!! Well, this Friday I am honoured to be part of a Tom Waits night in Toronto at the amazing Hugh’s Room and for the first time since my humble beginnings, I will sing “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love With You”. If you have never heard “Closing Time” go to Itunes now!!! It is still one of my top 10 favourite records, timeless, inspiring and stunningly beautiful. Yes I’m a fan. Thank you to Tom Waits and to the person who introduced me to him many years ago…

Kim Stockwood knows how to throw a party
By: Todd MacLean
Published on October 7, 2011

Kim Stockwood — if you were listening to Canadian pop radio in the mid-1990s, it would have been pretty difficult to miss hearing a song by this successful Newfoundland artist.

In particular, you might remember the popular single, Jerk, which received good airplay both nationally and internationally, along with songs like 12 Years Old and You Won’t Remember This.

More recently, Stockwood added to this success as a member of the group Shaye, with friends Damhnait Doyle and Tara MacLean. The group garnered the SOCAN Pop Music Award at the 2005 ECMAs for the hit single, Happy Baby, among many other awards.

Most recently, Stockwood has returned to her roots of “the rock” with the 2011 CD release of Back to the Water, a collection of folk songs and traditionals from Newfoundland and Labrador, for which she is now nominated for three awards at the upcoming Newfoundland Music Awards.

And last weekend, as she was on P.E.I. for promotional showcases at Contact East, a show was arranged at Harmony House Theatre for Saturday night, where a Hunter River crowd of about 100 cozied up inside out of the rain and took in a fabulous concert by Stockwood and friends.

Stockwood began the show with The St. John’s Waltz, the first track on Back to the Water.

As accompanists Kevin Fox (cello/guitar and vocals), Jamie Robinson (guitar and vocals) and Aaron Collis (accordion) stood alongside on stage with their instruments ready, Stockwood proceeded into an a cappella vocal intro for the sea-swaying traditional that proved to be just a stunning opening for the show.

“I love this place!” Stockwood exuberantly announced at the end of the piece. “I’ve been playing music for quite a while and I really only got the courage to make the record I really wanted to make a year and a half ago. I wanted to make a record of my favourite Newfoundland songs.”

At that, she then dove into one of her most-loved songs as a child, known to her by the popular traditional group, Ryan’s Fancy: For Now I’m 64.

“Is there anyone who’s 64 here?” Stockwood then asked, after the comforting sentimental flow of the tune had tied itself up to dock. And as one man in the front row (who happened to be from Newfoundland!) raised his hand, she then announced her order of a beer on her tab for the guy, as laughter filled the house.

As I continued to take in Stockwood’s notably entertaining performance – complete with a handful of other sea shanties, spirited folk songs and a string of her adoringly-received hits, like Happy Baby, Feel Like I’m 12 Years Old and Jerk, with a lot of engaging and at times hilarious banter thrown in between – I realized a theory of mine that I’ve never put into words before: the best performers are probably also the best party hosts, and vice versa, in many cases.

These are the people who instantly make you feel at home as you watch them, who bring constant smiles to faces right from the get-go, in between songs and right to the end, who engage and bring together the audience as one whole group together. These are the traits of the best performers and, in turn, the best party hosts.

What was really great, too, was that I happened to be sitting next to Stockwood’s agent. And so, when Stockwood was in the midst of cracking everyone up at one point, I had to lean over and say to her, “Kim seems like she would throw really awesome parties. Is this the case?”

“Yeah, she does,” she replied. “She has a fantastic house for entertaining, and loves having people for parties whenever she can. She’s just always so fun.”

I knew it!

I’d love to take in one of Stockwood’s parties sometime, but after last weekend’s most enjoyable Harmony House Theatre show, I feel like I already have.

Stockwood’s cellist/guitarist/backing vocalist Fox leads a successful career of his own as a brilliant original artist, and he will be returning to Harmony House for a solo performance on Wednesday, Nov. 23.

“‘Back to the Water’ is one of the best albums to cross my desk this year. ”

“Kim Stockwood goes back to her Newfoundland roots with these impressive renditions of traditional tunes and compositions by Nfld. natives.  All that plus a title track that is a Stockwood composition co-written with Dahmnait Doyle and support from the finest of Newfoundland musicians (The Once, The Dardanelles, Matthew Byrne, Aaron Collis to name a few).”

“To paraphrase an old saying — there are those that are Newfoundlanders and those that wish they were. A skilled production plus Stockwood’s strong yet mellow voice makes that a compelling musical choice when listening to this delightful album.”

Steve Clarke
Host: Acoustic Planet (Thursdays 8 to 10 pm)
CHES Radio –88.1 FM
Streaming Broadcast: www dot erinradio dot ca

For more info about Acoustic Planet: www.myspace.com/acousticplanetsc

Kim Stockwood has the ability to conjure up images of dusty truck stops and evenings where the air is crisp and the sky is bright. She has a very relaxed demeanor in her presentation that adds to the warmth and comfort of her music.

Read the rest of this entry »

It seems odd somehow to feel homesick for a place that is not your home, yet that is the feeling that comes over me when I listen to the traditional songs of Newfoundland and Labrador that fill Kim Stockwood’s Back to the Water.

So strong is the sense of place that flows through the music on this record, so deep the emotional connection she makes, that I feel an overwhelming desire to return to a place I have only visited a half-dozen times in my life as if it were my birthplace.

Back to the Water, simply put, is a love letter to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Read more at The Guardian

“Earlier in the evening, I was at what has become the best venue of the ECMA’s, The Club, a tiny hole-in-the-wall bar in the Delta. It’s acoustic stage has drawn newcomers and the biggest names, non-stop since Wednesday, dozens of acts. The SpinCount promotion company has special line-ups there Friday and Saturday, and the highlight for me was a return to performing for Kim Stockwood. The solo star (Jerk) and member of the CMT-favourite band Shaye has been doing radio hosting in Toronto and being a mom to two boys of late, but has just done what she describes as her dream album, a collection of all-Newfoundland music, called Back To The Water. It includes traditional numbers, old favourites, modern classics from the pen of Ron Hynes, and even a fun version of Squid Jiggin’ Ground. Kim hadn’t sung these songs live yet, so it was a true debut, and also unadvertised. Us lucky few dozen were treated to a guest appearance by Mr. Hynes as well, on his St. John’s Waltz, as well as guitar by Glen Tilley, the album’s producer.”

Bob Mersereau, CBC New Brunswick

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Perhaps no place, any place, is as proud of its musical traditions as the island of Newfoundland. The musical currents run deep there, as generations of great songwriters and musicians have proven.

Kim Stockwood has earned her place among Newfoundland’s notable workers in song. Between her solo recordings, and her Juno-nominated work with East Coast trio Shaye, she’s paid her dues and earned her success.

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You can take the girl off the Rock, but you can’t take the Rock out of the girl. That’s certainly the case with Newfoundland-born-and-raised singer-songwriter Kim Stockwood. Since relocating to Toronto, ON nearly 20 years ago, she has found significant success as a solo artist, a member of Shaye and a TV and radio personality. She returns to her roots, musically and physically, on this charming collection of songs that feature Newfoundland themes.

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TRANSLATED FROM DUTCH: Kim’s voice is so clear and heartwarming that you’re required to listen as soon as she starts singing. If you go to the appropriate number Back To The Water listen, you hear the nostalgia for the island in the Atlantic Ocean. A return to the past with excellent and traditional sounds. The eleven songs disguised as folk melancholy. Kim Stockwood excels at dropping a sentimental musical atmosphere. The acoustic guitar and her vocals are the foundation heaving with extended accordion sounds thin and violin harmonies in songs like Feller From Fortune , St. John’s Waltz and Squid Jiggin. The result is an intimate sounding a whole, with just about every note to invite repeated listening. Do not make the mistake that “Back To The Water” by Kim Stockwood would be an unnecessary addition to the folk scene. Enjoy the contrary, this album as intended, pure and straight from the heart.

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Today is a very special day…hard to believe but my new record, Back to the Water, is officially available digitally to the world. Exhilarating and a little frightening! It’s taken a long time to finish this, and it’s a dream I’ve had for years. It will be available in stores next Tuesday March 15th. Thank you to the Universe, my manager Sheri Jones, my producer Glen Tilley, and every Newfoundland musician who lent their talents. “God Guard Thee, God Guard Thee, God Guard Thee Newfoundland”

Congratulations to Daphne Roberts from Glovertown, NL who was the winner of the Kim Stockwood photo contest!

“I was amazed at the stunning photos that were sent in for our photo contest, and want to say thanks to everyone who took the time!!I’d like to announce that our winner is Daphne Roberts of Glovertown. I’m not even sure what it is about this photo, but it makes me feel at peace when I look at. It makes me think of a sunny Christmas morning at home.Thanks so much for sending it Daphne!!”

While Kim Stockwood’s world spills out well beyond the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador, she is anchored heart and soul to this place. She seeks out what is special here and searches for a voice that will reflect her longing and love for the province. One way she has found to capture that voice is to go Back To The Water.

When Kim left her beloved native spot eighteen years ago she could not have known the paths she would travel or the heights she would scale. Kim is an accomplished artist on many fronts, ranging from singer to songwriter to television host and radio personality. These things she does with humor, grace, and class. Her hit songs, her awards and accolades, her ECMA and JUNO nominations have seen her mature as an artist. Her wealth of experience and her longing for home have laid the foundation for Back To The Water.

This album is filled with the sound and fury of a place that surges upward with a fist of rock and grabs life from the sky’s air. The album is enriched and enlivened by dominant musical luminaries and session players who would shame the Nashville Strip. It is a great source of pride for Kim to have her wonderful Dad play with her.

The power of the sea can be heard here, roaring beneath Kim’s soaring vocals. The album, Back To The Water, is indeed a musical trip through the beating heart of the province. Surrounded by water, yes, her place is made rigid by granite pillars like those Cliffs Of Baccalieu, that Kim navigates so beautifully as she dances among the tunes of her native land.

Listen to her Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary’s and you are taken to both a real and a mystical place. You feel the ache of the Petty Harbour Bait Skiff and taste the dread of the daily sea drama that punctures our ancestral memories. This song is tempered by the skip, caper, and sly nod of the Squid Jiggin Ground, and the sense of fun found in Feller From Fortune. There is a certain beauty in that balance. Kim has chosen her songs carefully, with the romance of the St. John’s Waltz held arms length against the everlasting anguish of Atlantic Blue. Ron Hynes is served well here. The title track, Back To The Water, was written with her close friend, Damhnait Doyle.

One can only imagine what gems might pebble the paths Kim will travel, or what crowning heights she will scale before Now I’m 64 becomes her mantra. In the mean time, we revel in the present smiling land and Thank God We’re Surrounded By Water.

If you find yourself near Cabot Tower on a warm summer evening, pick your own rock, fire up the iPod and sink into the album Back To The Water. There you will find the joy, peace, and the wisdom of the deep.

Back to the Water was recorded and produced in Newfoundland and features the finest of Newfoundland musicians and songwriters Back to the Water, a television special filmed in Newfoundland, will debut on CMT on March 12.

Kim and co-hort Damhnait Doyle hosted the Junos on George – the outdoor street party that all of St. John’s attended!