Albert Babin "Albert Babin Et Les Baberoos" (Manitou Records, 19--?) (LP)

Marie Babin "Slide Over Bronson" (Marathon Records, 19--?) (LP)

Jack Bailey "Jack Bailey" (GRT Records-Canada, 19--?) (LP)
(Produced by Art Snider)

Carroll Baker "Mem'ries Of Home" (Columbia Records, 1970) (LP)

Carroll Baker "Carroll Baker" (Columbia Records, 1971) (LP)

Carroll Baker "I'd Go Through It All Again" (Gaiety Records, 1974) (LP)

Carroll Baker "Carroll Baker" (RCA Victor, 1976) (LP)

Carroll Baker "Sweet Sensation" (RCA Victor, 1977) (LP)

Carroll Baker "If It Wasn't For You" (RCA Records, 1978) (LP)

Carroll Baker "Hollywood Love" (RCA Victor, 1979) (LP)

Carroll Baker "All For The Love Of A Song" (RCA Victor, 1980) (LP)

Carroll Baker "Caroll Baker" (Excelcior Records, 1981) (LP)

Garry Baker "We Make Another Mountain" (Bronco Records, 1973) (LP)
(Produced by Bud Crosgrey & Jim Morgan)

Garry Baker "Jaded In Between" (Red Sun Records, 1982) (LP)
(Produced by Norman William Corbett & Hugh Ferguson)

Kidd Baker "The Country Music Legend Of New Brunswick" (Cattle Records, 1986) (LP)

Kidd Baker "Wheeling Back To Wheeling, West Virginia" (Cattle Records, 1986) (LP)

Mickey Baker "Little Man In A Big Country" (MM&C/London Records, 1971) (LP)
(Produced by Paul Menard)
A child performer who looks to have been about ten or eleven years old when this album was made, Mickey Baker cut this disc in Montreal for an imprint of the London Records label. The songs are mostly covers of West Coast country by California-based artists such as Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and Liz Anderson, though there is one original on here, Troy Ferguson's "The Band Backed Me Up While I Cried," which Ferguson recorded himself on a live album recorded at O'Lunney's nightclub in New York a few years later... I'm not sure if Mickey Baker made any other records; this is the only one I've seen so far.

The Band -- see artist profile

The Jeff Barry Band "North To Carnarvon" (World Custom/JB Records, 1980) (LP)
Can't tell you much about this Canadian band, other than it's a self-released album, packed mostly with oldies like "Crazy Arms," "Blue Kentucky Girl" and "When The Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again," as well as a nod to Northern fiddle tunes and a version of Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville." One song, "Be My Lady," seems to be an original, written by Rick McLarnon.

Eleanor Bartley "Kitty Wells Favorites" (Continental Maple Leaf/CML Records, 196-?) (LP)

Smiley Bates -- see artist profile

Cody Bearpaw "Cody Bearpaw" (Broadland Records, 1978) (LP)
Known as "the all-around Indian Cowboy," rodeo rider and stunt actor Cody Bearpaw was a full-blooded Canadian Cree who grew up around Alberta. Known for his work in various 'Seventies TV shows and movies, he also tried his hand at country music, as heard on this album, as well as several singles he cut for Dot Records (and other labels) during the late 'Sixties and throughout '70s. The album includes three originals by Bearpaw -- "All Around Indian Cowboy," "Winter Love," and "Let It Shine" -- as well as a couple of tunes apiece written by Jerry Abbott and Bobby Ray Spears, along with a version of Henry Briggs' "Miss Pauline."

Cody Bearpaw "Angry Mountain" (Dine Records, 1980) (LP)
This may have been a cassette-only release, packed with country covers, some folkie stuff, and a little bit of tribally-themed material (such as the song "Rain Dance"). Bearpaw's song, "Ten More Miles To Carway," previously appeared on an indie single from 1977 that featured backing from an established band called The Navajo Sundowners, though it's not clear if this is the same version of that song, as there are no musician credits on the packaging or the tape. This came out on a label from Kayenta, Arizona, and it seems like Bearpaw may have moves to the American Southwest during the late 'Seventies.

Marlene Beaudry "Harper Valley PTA" (Arc Records, 19--?) (LP)
A country gal from Alliston, Ontario, Marlene Beaudry was 21 years old when this record came out... This was her first (and possibly only?) album, though she also recorded duets with country-folk star Dick Nolan. Though this definitely has country roots, the album was also pop-oriented, with covers of Donovan's "Hurdy Gurdy Man" and Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson."

Crawford Bell & Steelrail "Head To Toe Country" (Broadland Records, 1978) (LP)
(Produced by George Doherty)

Doug Bell "...And The Goldstrikers" (Paragon Records, 197-?) (LP)

Doug Bell "Walkin' The Streets" (Marathon Records, 1973) (LP)

Jim Bennet & Bill Langstroth "Singalong Jubilee Rousers" (Arc Records, 1967-?) (LP)
(Produced by Don Jackson)
Running for several decades, Toronto' Canada's CBC-TV folk program, "Singalong Jubilee," was a wellspring of country and folk talent, particularly during the 1960s and early '70s. The program's best-known hosts, Jim Bennet and Bill Langstroth, are heard on this fairly bland, low-key offering, a set that doesn't stray far from the mainstream folk of Burl Ives or the Kingston Trio (with a teensy dash of Smothers Brothers-ish comedic banter...) A few songs touch on Canada's Celtic heritage, with a wee hint of an Irish accent and whatnot, but overall this is a pretty sedate set. What is of interest to twangfans, though, is the backing band's guitarist, Brian Ahern, who went on to become a pivotal force in the commercial country and country-rock scenes of the 'Seventies, first as the manager-producer of Anne Murray (who he brought onto the Jubilee show as a cast member and guest) and later as the producer of all those great early Emmylou Harris albums. His contributions on this album are all pretty far in the background, though his name on the back cover is really what caught my eye. Nova Scotian banjo player Don Burke is also on board, adding a little oomph to the proceedings.

Milford L. Berg "Cool Country Flavor" (Rada Records, 1971) (LP)
(Produced by Al Revich)
Not a lot of info about this one... The album was recorded in Vancouver, and Mr. Berg seems to have been from British Columbia. There are several original songs on here, as well as a few well-chosen cover songs. Although the liner notes are fairly informative, the backing musicians are not identified... alas!

The Big Redd Ford "The Big Redd Ford" (Snocan Records, 1978) (LP)
(Produced by Jerry Douglas)
A bluegrass band from Ottawa, featuring John Saunders (banjo), Randy Hill (mandolin), Lou Moore (guitar) and Michael Love on bass, with Jerry Douglas sitting in on dobro. They had a diverse "progressive" repertoire, including tunes by J. J. Cale, Stephen Stills, the Wilburn Brothers, and a smidge of Django Reinhardt, as well as some original material from Lou Moore...

Big Slim "On Tour With Big Slim" (ARC Records, 196--?) (LP)
(Produced by Jerry Douglas)

Bobby Bird "T-Bird's Daddy" (T-Bird Records, 1974-?) (LP)
Canadian guitar picker Bobby Bird was originally from near Winnipeg... A teen prodigy, he took part in national talent contests and played on TV and radio before making his move to the Nashville in mid-1960s. He was headed to Nashville in 1964 to take up a job offer with the Jim Reeves band, the Po' Boys, when he heard about the plane crash that ended Reeves' life, so instead he worked for about a year in Minneapolis with the Houle Brothers band, before finally making it to Music City in '65. He worked regularly, playing back-up in several bands, including for Pee Wee King, Marvin Rainwater, Tex Ritter and Texas Bill Strength... This album's title comes his nickname for his son, T-Bird, who was born in 1974. (Awwww...) About half the songs on this album were written by Bird, with most of the others composed by various artists signed to the Vanjo Publishing company, which probably sponsored this album.

Blackie And The Rodeo Kings "Kings Of Love" (True North Records, 1999)

Blackie And The Rodeo Kings "Bark" (True North Records, 2003)
Hey, waitaminnit.... If it's Canadian, is it still Americana? Far North Americana, maybe? Sub-Arcticana? Anyway, this disc opens with "Swinging From The Chains Of Love," a tasty, upbeat country-billy tune, then it zips into more chunky-sounding roots-rockish territory, with a bouncy, agile slide guitar at the heart of the mix, bringing to mind old stuff by David Lindley and Ry Cooder. Mostly this is pretty darn catchy, although they do slip into some sluggish tropes, as with the forced profundity of "Heaven Knows Your Name," "Willie's Diamond Joe," and a couple of other tunes. If you like these guys, also try checking out solo albums by singer-guitarist Colin Linden.

Blackie And The Rodeo Kings "Let's Frolic" (True North Records, 2006)

Blackie And The Rodeo Kings "Let's Frolic Again" (True North Records, 2006)

Blackie And The Rodeo Kings "Kings And Queens" (File Under Music, 2011)
(Produced by Colin Linden)
Canada's finest Americana band, Colin Linden and company, with an all-star cast of female collaborators, including Rosanne Cash, Exene Cervenka, Emmylou Harris, Sam Phillips, Pam Tillis, Sara Watkins and Lucinda Williams, to name a few. Whew! Let me catch my breath for a minute... Anyhoo, it's quite a cast of characters, with some powerful, punchy tunes... The overall vibe is a little more bluesy and roadhouse than I'm into these days, but if you want a little whiff of sawdust and beer along with twang and bang, this is pretty strong set. Definitely worth checking out.

Blackwater Jack "Canadian Country" (JR's Moonshine Records, 1983) (LP)

Omar Blondahl "Trade Winds: The Saga Of Newfoundland In Song" (Rodeo Records, 1955-?) (LP)
Folklorist and radio host Omar Blondahl (1923-1993) was born Wynyard, Saskatchewan, and began his broadcasting career in the 1940s, including a stint in Hollywood in the early 'Fifties. Performing under the name Sagebrush Sam, he was hosting a show on radio station VOCM, in St. John, Newfoundland when this debut album was recorded... It's a mix of regional folk tunes, sea chanties and a splash of country-ish cowboy material, played in a sparse acoustic style... Blondahl was known for championing "lost" songs, folk material that other artists hadn't yet recorded, and helped popularize a number of tunes that are not recognized parts of the Canadian canon, particularly the music of Newfoundland, where he made his career.

Omar Blondahl "The Roving Newfoundlander" (Banff Records, 19--?) (LP)

Omar Blondahl "The Great Seal Hunt Of Newfoundland" (Banff Records, 1959-?) (LP)

Omar Blondahl "A Visit To Newfoundland" (Rodeo Records, 19--?) (LP)

Omar Blondahl "Canadian Cavalcade: Famous Songs Of Newfoundland" (CCL, 19--?) (LP)

(The Blue Diamonds) Al Hooper/Roy MacCaull/Eddie Poirier/Doug Watters "Country Western Round Up" (Paragon Records, 196--?) (LP)
(Produced by Bill Bessey & Jack Boswell)
Formed in 1966, this East Coast quartet became something of a Canadian country supergroup, with all four band members releasing albums under their own names, and pursuing solo careers (which often involved backing from the other three.) The Blue Diamonds included Al Hooper, Roy MacCaull, Eddie Poirier and Doug Watters -- Maritimers all -- who toured widely while using Toronto as their home base. All four were able to switch between roles, though MacCaull and Poirier were particularly skilled on multiple instruments, with Roy MacCaull proficient on banjo, bass, fiddle, guitar and piano and was particularly known as a mandolin whiz, while Eddie Poirier excelled on banjo, bass, fiddle and guitar, and was known for his work as a session player, as well as a healthy sideline playing Canadian bluegrass. They usually released albums under their individual names, though there were a few that came out under the Blue Diamonds band name. This LP isn't actually listed as a Blue Diamonds album, but rather as a joint effort with all four of the Blue Diamonds listed as separate artists, and each of them showcased as a solo artist on several tracks. I'm adding it to the Blue Diamonds pile, anyway.

The Blue Diamonds "Country Sing Along" (Paragon Records, 19--?) (LP)

The Blue Diamonds "Live At Collins Bay Penitentiary" (Paragon Records, 19--?) (LP)
(Produced by Bill Bessey & Jack Boswell)

The Blue Diamonds "Now!" (Harmony Records, 1972) (LP)
(Produced by Jack Hosier & Al Hooper)

Blue Mule "Ridin' With The Wind" (Icicle Records, 1984)
(Produced by David Dennison)
Canadian bluegrassers from Kingston, Ontario, with a decidedly diverse, country-oriented repertoire. They borrow from Hoyt Axton ("Evangelina"), Bonnie & Delaney ("Never Ending Song Of Love"), Waylon & Willie ("Just Pretend I Never Happened") and Bob Wills, while also tapping into their grassroots, with sweet tunes from Buck White, The Stanley Brothers and another always-welcome rendition of J. D. Crowe's late '70s anthem, "My Home Ain't In The Hall Of Fame." Blue Mule included Pete Deachman on guitar, Bill Landsdell (bass), Mike Lodge (banjo), Geoff Somers (fiddle), and Chris Whittles on mandolin... This appears to have been their only album, though they also cut a single or two. At any rate, they sure had good taste in their source material!

The Blue Valley Boys "On Stage At The Drake" (Arc Records, 1965-?) (LP)
Although Newfie legend Dick Nolan doesn't have solo billing (yet), he is identified as the group's leader... Backing him on this live album are musicians he would work with for many years, notably guitar picker Roy Penny, fiddler Bunty Petrie and John Bourque, on bass, playing live at Toronto's Drake Hotel.

Bluegrass 4 "Love Please Come Home" (Boot Records, 1988-?) (LP)
(Produced by Stephen Landry)
A French-Canada bluegrass quartet, with all members from New Brunswick...

Johnnie Bluestone "I'm Johnnie Bluestone" (Big Chief Records, 1970) (LP)
(Produced by Dick Damron)
A self-proclaimed fan of Hank Williams, singer Johnnie Bluestone grew up on a farm in Canwood, Saskatchewan and came onto Dick Damron's radar in the late 'Sixties, leading to this debut album... It's a remarkably clumsy effort, on almost every level. The songs are weird, rambling, and poorly constructed, his vocals are oafish and his phrasing is off, even the band -- with the possible exception of the steel player -- also seem pretty random and amateurish. The backing musicians are not identified, alas, though the sessions were recorded at Korl Sound Studios in Edmonton, Alberta, possibly with some kind of studio house band. This album is packed with originals as well as a couple of Hank Williams covers, and though badly structured, his songs do have a curious sense of possibility, like some of the song ideas could have been polished up a bit, though in many cases, it's actually a little hard to understand what he was getting at. This appears to be Bluestone's only LP, although he subsequently released a couple of singles on the Big Chief label, material not included here, notably his patriotic anthem, "Building The Country That You're Tearing Down." I dunno the whole story on this guy, though it seems likely "Johnnie Bluestone" was a stage name, since there's practically nothing about him only, outside of a few music sites. It's possible to hear him as a Buck Owens-styled goofball, though probably more legitimate to view this as the kind of weird misfire that most folks think a private-press country record would sound like...

Pat Blyth "By Request" (Road House Recordings, 197--?) (LP)
(Produced by Pat Blyth & Harry Hildebrand)
Mostly a pop/lounge singer, covering folks such as the Bee Gees, Neil Diamond and Paul Simon, Mr. Blyth also had a fair amount of early 'Seventies country-pop in his repertoire, stuff like "City Of New Orleans," "I Believe In Music," Kris Kristofferson's "For The Good Times," and a couple of John Denver tunes... No original material, though, alas. The label was from Winnipeg, and I assume the band was as well; the group includes Pat Blyth on lead vocals and guitar, Ron Hayes (bass), Bill Waddell (piano) and Peter Weppler on drums.

Maurice Bolyer "Honky Tonk Piano Man" (Arc Records, 19--?) (LP)
A banjo player with a berth on the CBC's nationally-televised Country Hoedown show, Maurice Bolyer signed with Arc Records, in 1959, and released several albums for the label. He also held down a gig on radio station CHML, in Hamilton, Ontario...

Maurice Bolyer "Strummin' On The Old Banjo" (Arc Records, 19--?) (LP)

Maurice Bolyer "TV Favourites" (Arc Records, 19--?) (LP)
(Produced by Dan Bass)

Dug Bond "Leaving Loving You" (Thunderbird Recording, 1975) (LP)

Ray Bonneville "On The Main" (Electric Desert Records, 1993)

Ray Bonneville "Solid Ground" (Bluetone Records, 1996)

Ray Bonneville "Gust Of Wind" (Stony Plain Records, 1999)

Ray Bonneville "Rough Luck" (Prime CD, 2000)

Ray Bonneville "Roll It Down" (Red House Records, 2004)
Really nice! Canadian folk-bluesman Ray Bonneville produces a smoky set of tuneful, catchy roots-rock ramblings, with sly electric and steel guitar work and growly, world-weary vocals reminiscent of J.J. Cale, Guy Clark and Mark Knopfler. The songs have a subtle folkie hue, but with strong, blues-laced melodic hooks that make this disc quite listenable, even if the jaded, looking-sideways-at-the-world lyrical tropes may seem a bit overly familiar. I'd say this is a cut or two above similar records and is pretty darn satisfying... in fact, I've had it on the stereo all week and it's one of the most listenable new roots records I've heard in a while. Definitely worth checking out.

Ray Bonneville "Goin' By Feel" (Red House Records, 2007)
(Produced by Ray Bonneville, Rob Heaney & Gurf Morlix)
A densely-layered blues-folk mix, packed with smoky, reverby, muted guitar work reminiscent of Pops Staples, and wry, wordy vocals that have obvious parallels to Bob Dylan, Mark Knopfler and JJ Cale. The first couple of times I listened to this, I thought maybe it was a bit much, that he was trying a bit too hard... But then, like his earlier albums, it grew on me and became increasingly resonant -- fans of any of the above-mentioned giants should find this album quite alluring as well. Naturally, Bonneville pays tribute to the fallen and resurgent spirit of New Orleans ("I Am The Big Easy") and gets some fine vocal assist from labelmate Eliza Gilkyson... A nice, moody album from a modern folkie who's starting to carve out a real rep for himself. Definitely worth checking out.

Ray Bonneville "Bad Man's Blood" (Red House Records, 2011)

Ray Bonneville "Easy Gone" (Red House Records, 2014)
(Produced by Ray Bonneville & Justin Douglas)
Another nice set of moody, melodic neo-blues from Canadian troubadour Ray Bonneville, whose slick, slinky shimmering production style suggests a kind of Northern JJ Cale... Most tracks feature Bonneville in a trio with Gurf Morlix on bass and Goeff Arsenault playing drums, while guest artist Eliza Gilkyson duets on "Where Has My Easy Gone." Many tracks spotlight Bonneville playing solo, though a couple feature him with a larger, more rock-tinged band. The repertoire includes an appropriately languid version of Hank Williams's "So Lonesome I Could Cry"; otherwise it's all original material. Whether with a large band or small, the entire album has a rich, resonant sound which is matched by Bonneville's expansive, charismatic presence. Fans of his earlier albums will doubtless dig this, too!

The Bookends "The Bookends" (Dyna-West Records, 1980-?) (LP)
(Produced by Jim Shaw & Doyle Singer)
Can't tell ya much about this one... This was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta with a backing band called The Buckaroos, but not the old Buck Owens' band, I'm pretty sure.

Bootleg "Bootleg" (Rana Records, 19--?) (LP)
(Produced by Ron Irving & Peter Morris)

Bordersong "Morning" (Real Good Music, 1975) (LP)
(Produced by Ron Gangnes & Buzz Richmond)

Therese Bosse "Therese Bosse" (Capon Records, 19--?) (LP)

Jean Boucher "Jean Boucher" (RCA Victor-Canada, 19--?) (LP)

Jean Boucher "Jean Boucher A Nashville" (RCA Victor-Canada, 19--?) (LP)

Maurice Bougie "Maurice Bougie A Hawaii, v.1" (France-Canada Records, 1964) (LP)
Pleasant though lethargic steel guitar instrumentals, with a plethora of Hawaiian hapa haole pop tunes covered by picker Maurice Bougie. He was apparently the guitarist in a Montreal band called Les Tune-Up Boys, along with organist Paul Chantrand and singer Gaston Tessier. The Tune-Up Boys seem to have been equal parts sleepy dance band and comedy act -- they recorded several albums, with different discs showcasing different styles. As a solo artist, Bougie seems to have been exclusively devoted to Hawaiian-style music, which he approached pretty studiously, though not with a lot of snap, crackle, or pop.

Maurice Bougie "Guitare Hawaiienne Avec Maurice Bougie" (Franco-67 Records, 1967-?) (LP)
Another by-the-numbers set of hapa haole instrumental covers... Faithful renditions of a lot of classic old songs, but ploddingly performed, without much momentum or bounce. Very lounge-y.

The Laurie Bower Singers "Take Me Home Country Roads" (Canadian Talent Library, 1972-?) (LP)
(Produced by George Semkiw)
An easy listening vocal ensemble led by Ontario-born trombonist Laurie Bower (1933-2016) who was normally more of a pop/jazz kinda guy. This isn't totally the muzakked-out set of country standards you might be expecting, but there are several real-deal country pickers involved, including steel player Al Brisco and Gordon Lightfoot's guitar picker, Red Shea.

Dave Boyer "Country Girl" (Boot Records, 1976) (LP)
A native of Alberta, Canada, singer Dave Boyer (ne Boire) was a secular artist, and not to be confused with the Christian singer Dave Boyer, who worked with Ralph Carmichael... He penned the 1974 single, "Country Girl," which was a Top Forty country hit in Canada, eventually leading to this full album being released a couple of years later. The material is mostly originals, with Boyer's compositions supplemented by a version of the George Jones hit, "The Race Is On." As far as I know, this was his only album, though he also released several singles with material not heard here.

Pete Brady & His Playboys "Travelin' The Country Way" (Canatal Records, 1964-?) (LP)
(Produced by Art Snider)

Paul Brandt "Calm Before The Storm" (Reprise Records, 1996)
Canadian cowpoke Paul Brandt had a couple of big hits straight out the gate: "My Heart Has A History" and the super-sappy "I Do" both hit the Top 5 on the charts, with his thick, rumbly vocals framed in a picture-perfect, prefab bed of traditionally-oriented "young country" arrangements. Whatever marketing mojo or word of mouth he had going for him faded pretty fast, though -- none of Brandt's later records did all that well, chartwise, and he never quite filled the gaps in the Garth/Dwight/Alan Jackson/Vince Gill axis... This guy doesn't strike me as particularly charismatic or soulful, but I guess he's okay.

Paul Brandt "Outside The Frame" (Warner Records, 1997)

Paul Brandt "That's The Truth" (Warner Brothers, 1999)

Paul Brandt "A Paul Brandt Christmas: Shall I Play For You?" (Reprise Records, 1999)
(See my Country Christmas section for more...)

Paul Brandt "What I Want To Be Remembered For" (Warner Brothers, 2000)

Paul Brandt "Small Towns And Big Dreams" (Universal Records, 2001)

Paul Brandt "This Time Around" (Brand T Records, 2004)

Paul Brandt "A Gift" (Brand T Records, 2006)
A Christmas album...

Paul Brandt "Risk" (Brand T Records, 2007)

Paul Brandt "Give It Away" (Brand T Records, 2011)

Paul Brandt "Just As I Am" (Brand T Records, 2012)
A gospel album, featuring duets with John Anderson, Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs, Dan Tyminsky and others...

Larry Bransen "Just Me" (Westmount Records, 197--?) (LP)

Brave Belt "Brave Belt" (Reprise Records, 1971)
From our neighbors up North came this kinda-sorta-country rock band, a semi-solo project from Canadian rocker Randy Bachman, who had just left the band Guess Who after they scored a chart-topping hit with the song "American Woman." Apparently the breakup wasn't very friendly, and Bachman had a tough time getting his career started. The little-remembered Brave Belt albums are often mostly seen as warm-ups to the tighter sounding, vastly more successful Bachman-Turner Overdrive. I guess there's a legitimate argument to be made that these albums have a place in the early history of country-rock, though they are also kind of proggy and poppy, with a heavy boogie-rock undercurrent, as would be expected from the time... The band didn't do well south of the border, and its third album was rejected by the label, which prompted Bachman to change the band's lineup, name and musical direction, eventually leading to the BTO whose hits "Takin' Care of Business" and "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" became integral parts of the oppressively prefab radio landscape of the 'Seventies. Twangfans may find modest rewards on the first Brave Belt album; the second album has more of a heavy-rock sound, and neither one really does that much for me...

Brave Belt "Brave Belt II" (Reprise, 1972)

Brent & Harry "Country Special With Brent And Harry" (Banff Records, 196-?) (LP)
French-Canadian cajuns, the Nova Scotian duo of Brent Williams and Harry Cromwell were childhood friends who started their musical careers in a bluegrass band called the Birch Mountain Boys, later forming their own act and joining the cast of "Don Messner's Jubilee," a popular CBC-TV variety show in the 1960s. They are considered pioneers of Afro-Canadian representation, particularly in country music, with Brent Williams going on to his own solo career in the early 1970s. On this debut disc, they tip their hats towards classic honkyonkers like Carl Smith and Ray Price, and especially towards the Louvin Brothers, who they modeled their style after. The set includes covers of standards such as "Crazy Arms," "Wasted Words," "My Shoes Keep Walking Back," "I'll Go Steppin' Too," and "Must You Throw Dirt In My Face" -- all good stuff! Not sure what became of Cromwell, but Mr. Williams cut numerous albums in the 'Seventies and beyond, including several records showcasing his fiddling prowess; he also helped found the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) in the early 1970s.

Brent & Harry "More Country With Brent And Harry" (Banff Records, 196-?) (LP)
(Produced by Ken Ayoub & Paul Mongeau)
The liner notes on this album mention the duo's idolization of the Louvin Brothers -- which is also obvious from their covers of classics like "Don't Laugh," "How's The World Treating You" and "I'm Just Here To Take My Baby Out Of Jail." Brent Williams is credited as writing three original songs for this album: "It Hurts Me To Say Goodbye," "Oh, So Lonely" and "Should Our Love Be Unfair." Alas, as was often the case, no information about the other musicians backing them on these sessions.

Andre Breton "Andre Breton" (Ensemble Records, 1981) (LP)
(Produced by Denis Champoux & Teresa Moskal)

Al Brisco "Pickin' Up The Dust (Appledale Music, 1994) (CD)
(Produced by Fred Petersen)
One of Canada's most prominent steel guitar players, Al Brisco came from Renfrew, Ontario and played in a number of local, regional and nationally-known acts, as well as playing on countless 1970's recording sessions. Notably, he toured with northern stars such as Gary Buck, Johnny Burke and led a later edition of Ronnie Hawkins' group, the Hawks (a group that spawned The Band, who Brisco also played with...) This set of inventive instrumentals came out on Brisco's own label, Appledale Music, which was named after the farm he grew up on.

Tex Brochu "Texicanna Rose" (Fran Tex Records, 19--?) (LP)
A competitive horseback rider and rodeo competitor from the early 1970s, Tex Brochu grew up in Donnelly, Alberta, Canada and seems to have come from a ranching family -- several of her family members competed in various events during the same 1975 rodeo where she competed in the "steer undecorating" event (which is kind of like a rodeo equivalent of touch football...)

Tex Brochu "Good Times, Good Friends" (Fran Tex Records, 19--?) (LP)

Johnny Brown "Johnny Brown And The Canadian Nighthawks" (London Records, 19--?) (LP)

Linda Brown "Sing-A-Long With Me" (A&M Records, 1974) (LP)

Rodney Brown "When The Bay Turns Blue" (North Track Records, 1980) (LP)

Hal Bruce "The First Time" (Bookshop Records, 1988)

Paul Brunelle "Paul Brunelle" (London Record, 19--?) (LP)
This album features mostly covers of old-school American hits such as "Bouquet Of Roses," "He'll Have To Go," "Heartaches By The Number," Willie Lemothe's translation of Melvin Endsley's "Singing The Blues," Jenny Lou Carson's "Jealous Heart," "Your Cheating Heart," and others... There's a curiously lackadaisical, uncommitted feel to these performances, perhaps even a soupcon of just going through the motions... but maybe that was just his regular vibe. There are also two songs written by Brunelle, one at the end of each album side: "Je Suis Un Chevalier Chantant" and "Ma Petite Maison," which both have a jauntier feel and some lively accordion that's absent on the other tracks... I'm not sure if these are the original 1947 and 1955 versions, or remakes, but the tonal difference does lead me to think that this is actually some sort of crypto best-of collection, even if the record jacket makes no note of it. At any rate, if this disc is any indication, you might wanna aim for his older stuff.

Paul Brunelle "Canada's No. 1 Western Singer" (London Record, 1973) (LP)

Paul Brunelle "...Et Ses Troubadours Du Far-West, v.2" (London Records, 19--?) (LP)

Paul Brunelle "Mes Premieres Compositions, v.2" (RCA Victor-Canada, 19--?) (LP)

Paul Brunelle "Mes Premieres Compositions, v.3" (RCA Victor-Canada, 19--?) (LP)

Gord Buchanan "The Personal Touch Of Gord Buchanan" (Personal Touch Records, 19--?) (LP)
(Produced by Mike Harris)
Originally from Canada, singer Gord Buchanan had moved to Australia by the time he cut these albums (at a big Nashville studio session involving Music City pros like drummer D.J. Fontana and pianist Bunky Keels, as well as bassist Bob Nevin, steel players Gene O'Neal and Bobby Seymour, guitar pickers Cliff Parker and Arliss Scott... Also of interest is one-time top forty vocalist Lorene Mann, as well as the lesser known Helen Chance, probably a studio singer, who made at least one single of her own at some point... Buchanan seems to have a frontman for songwriter Nova Fitzgerald, who may have owned the Blaze/Personal Touch label, which released these albums in both the US and Australia.

Gord Buchanan "...Sings Country Goodies" (Blaze Records, 19--?) (LP)
(Produced by Mike Harris)

Gary Buck "...Sings Country Goodies" (Canatal Records, 1964-?) (LP)

Gary Buck "Cold Wind On The Mountain" (RCA Camden Records, 1972) (LP)

Corlee Buell "My Heart's At Home" (Lady Slipper Records, 1988)

The Bunkhut Brothers "Boogie Western Style" (Plaza Records, 1964-?) (LP)
The short-lived Plaza label seems to have been a Canadian equivalent of American cheapie labels such as Alshire and Pickwick, a generator of generic content at low, low prices. This appears to be a twang-oriented set of instrumental music, including covers of chestnuts such as "Panhandle Rag," "Steel Guitar Chimes" and semi-originals like the "Bunkhut Blues" and "Orange Blossom Fiddle." Absolutely no idea who the individual musicians were that made up this made-up band.

Bob Burchill & The Perth County Conspiracy "Cabin Fever" (Rumour Records, 1975) (LP)
(Produced by Bob Burchill & Gary McKeehan)

Johnny Burke "Wildwood Flower And Other Guitar Hits" (Arc Records, 1968-?) (LP)
New Brunswick-born singer/guitarist Johnny Burke

Johnny Burke "...Sings Buck Owens' Big Hits" (Arc Records, 196-?) (LP)

Johnny Burke & Eastwind "...Sings Buck Owens' Big Hits" (Grand Slam Records, 1978-?) (LP)

The Dave Burns Four "The Death Of Tanker 585" (Olympus Records, 1977-?) (LP)
This is an odd album... in terms of its provenance, more than its content. A "custom" album of the first degree, I suspect this may have also been a tax scam, originally used in Canada and then again in the US. This edition says it was recorded by Dave and Mary Burns at the International Record Service Co., in Hollywood California... But it appears to be a reissue or a bootleg of a Canadian country album of the same title credited to "The Jackie Lee Four," which may also be another fake band name... it's hard to tell. The Jackie Lee LP was first released in 1975 with two more tracks that weren't included in this version, "Wipeout" and "The Ice Man." I suppose it's possible that this is a song-for-song cover of the early album, but it seems more likely that there's some kind of weird tax-dodge story behind this one... Still, you gotta love an album with song titles such as "Put All Your Faith In The Pill" and "Canadian Alcoholic," as well as the title track, "The Death Of Tanker 585," which is a trucking song from Canada. Also, dig the goofy liner notes: "This album contains the best of their easy flowing country-folk sound. Dave's smooth style on the keyboards surrounds Mary's lazy vocals in the best tradition of bluegrass..." Say what? Well, anyway, even if Dave and Mary were fictitious, they sure sounded like groovy cats!

Doris Burns "I've Found My Reason To Live" (Marathon Records, 1972) (LP)

Burton & Honeyman "Two Of A Kind" (Condor Records, 1976) (LP)
(Produced by Michael Melford)
The Canadian duo of Dave Burton and Gord Honeyman came out of the Toronto-area folk scene, and made some waves on the northern Country charts. Their first single yielded their biggest hit, with "Christopher Mary" topping the charts at #1 in 1977... Subsequent singles charted lower and lower, though, with the group disbanding not long after recording their second album.

Burton & Honeyman "Burton & Honeyman" (Condor Records, 1978) (LP)
(Produced by Joe Bob Barnhill & Lonnie Salazar)
Their second album was produced in Nashville and gave them a sprinkling of back-fortyish singles on the Canadian Country charts. Most of the songs are originals by the duo -- they also cover a song by Kenny (Sauron) Rogers ("We Don't Make Love Anymore"), but we'll forgive them... it was the 'Seventies, after all.

Jimmy Burton "Guitares Dans La Nuit" (Bonanza Records, 197-?) (LP)

Jimmy Burton "Man In Black" (Ranch Records, 197-?) (LP)
(Produced by Paul Menard)
A Johnny Cash Tribute album... not sure when this Canadian LP came out, but it looks mid-to-late '70s. No info on the musicians, either...

Irene Butler "The Country Spirit Of Irene Butler" (Capilano Records, 19--?) (LP)
(Produced by Jake Doell & Al Reusch)

The (Original) Buzzard Band "Treat You Mean" (Condor Records, 1983) (LP)
(Produced by Chuck Reynolds)
Southern rock... from Canada? Sure... why not. Most of the country is south of something...

Hick Music Index
Global Twang