Robbie Bankes announces debut album of Nordic-Canadiana

Robbie Bankes

Robbie Bankes sets the bar high with his debut LP Foothills (Self Released). Nominated for Young Performer of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, the Nordic Canadiana songwriter and scholar of folk music spends half his time in his native Calgary, Alberta and the other in Rauland, Norway where he studies folk music at the University of Telemark. He carries with him a mature musical voice in every sense. With a deep respect and understanding of musical traditions, his modern approach combines the lushness of Fleet Foxes and a haunting delivery reminiscent of Sam Amidon, while achieving a distinct sound rarely found on first recordings.

The album consists of eleven songs; a collection of Child ballads, Scandinavian folk melodies, American civil war songs and a handful of original songs with built in starry-eyed wonder about finding new love on the wet cobblestones of old Europe or in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Robbie Bankes’ song writing uses strong poetry and images, leaving the listener astonished by his unexpected honesty, combined with a fluidity with melody, owing to his love and immersion in traditional music.

Foothills was recorded and produced by Steve Loree (Ian Tyson, Corb Lund, Petunia) at Crabapple Downs Studio in Nanton, Alberta with guest musicians Charlie Hase on pedal steel, Melissa McWilliams on drums and Mark Grosjean on bass. The new album will be out on vinyl, CD and digital on June 14 2017.

Artist’s website: www.robbiebankes.com

‘February Snow’ – official video:


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