Christopher Waters has been writing about wine for two decades. He is the wine and spirits columnist at The Globe and Mail, education director of IWEG Drinks Academy and a WSET certified instructor at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, Brock University.
For 21 years, he was the editor/co-founder of Canada’s largest circulation wine publication, VINES, and author of the nationally syndicated column, Waters & Wine.
An internationally recognized wine judge. Chris has developed and conducted masterclasses and seminars and moderated panels for organizations, such as The Wine Marketing Association of Ontario, Wines of British Columbia, Wines of Chile, Wines of Germany and Wines of South Africa.
That’s what the bio says.
Here’s what it didn’t tell you.
Anyone with a passionate interest in all things wine has always sought out the wine column in The Globe and Mail.
It has a history of getting the facts and figures right. With not a whiff of hype anywhere, the column becomes a tutorial that can be trusted and held close.
Yes, there are times it completely geeks out and becomes a wine version of Wordle. That’s to be expected because it’s like a weekly master class on wine and wine culture.
Chris Waters was the perfect person to take over the master class from retiring Beppi Crosariol.
After tasting Q&A (Red Blend) and Q&A MRV (Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier) Chris requested a Zoom interview with myself, winemaker Michal Mosny (Winemakers
Cut) and our partner Jason Priestley.
tdm and jason Globe&mail
Michal and I get to tell the story of how he was convinced to move himself and his wife from Slovakia to Oliver, BC after watching our wine program Hollywood and Vines.
Michael Mosny
After listening to the Zoom audio recording, I realized I was really liking a very open and revealing Chris Waters. Have a listen as Chris talks about how he finds the magic in the wines he tastes, how the wine world is going through rapid changes and what makes a wine truly special and what can make it truly not!
Q&A
Ps.. Chris gave Q&A 91 Points and MSV 92 points. “truly exciting”
AC Newman returns to The Stew with the 7th New Pornographers studio album Continue as a Guest.
The New P’s have been acclaimed since forming in Vancouver 1997.
They were dubbed a Super Group.
They weren’t so much super as stellar.
A great blend of melodies, hooks, word puzzles and fine harmonies.
Pitchfork has described the band’s sound as “peppy, gleeful, headstrong guitar pop“,[3] while Stereogum called the band’s debut album Mass Romantic as “one of the greatest and most immediate power pop albums ever rendered”
I found Carl at home in Woodstock NY. Having followed the band’s early years in Vancouver, we had lots to talk about.
“The Vivian Line is unlikely to land on anyone’s hip/hot list. Rather Sexsmith, now pushing 60, is content to churn out radiant, sublime, transcendent music that unobtrusively exists in its own delicate bubble, inviting us in to join him on his unique musical path.” American Songwriter
“Ron Sexsmith’s albums have always had a generally laid-back vibe, but in recent years this has become ever more wistful and soothing, a listening experience rather like snuggling up in a favourite blanket and letting your troubles wash away. Sign me up.” Folk Radio UK
Those already deeply appreciative of Ron’s songwriting chops include a stellar list of vocalists to have recorded Sexsmith compositions. That group includes such international stars as Rod Stewart, Emmylou Harris, Nick Lowe, plus Canadian favourites Michael Bublé, Feist and kd lang. Ron’s work has also elicited effusive praise from the likes of Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Steve Earle and Chris Martin, to name just a few. Over the course of a recording career now spanning 36 years, Ron has been nominated for 12 Juno awards, winning three times.
Now it’s time to visit The Vivian Line. Explore, linger, enjoy.”
I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Ron Sexsmith many times over the course of his 17 albums.
I like diving into deep conversations with him as much as I truly love his songs and melodies.
I also admire what he stands for. No co-writes, no writing by committee, no bending and shaping to suit the music fans who still don’t know who he is.
However, when he plays live, you know the room is filled with people who “get it” and it really does feel like a community.
So what is it he “does’?
Ron Sexsmith writes songs that you find yourself humming, and sings in an ever-developing soft voice that still resonates with character. His lyrics are thoughtful, kind and etched with very dry humour.
I loved this conversation with Ron. I hope you do as well.
His 17th album is now out – it’s called The Vivian Line.
Named after a rural road connection between his old home in Toronto to his new country home in Stratford.
FYI – There’s a reference to Richard Manual from The Band. He was born in the area and there’s a bench in his memory in the countryside that Ron will visit when he’s on his creative walks.
Discover Ron Sexsmith. Your heart will thank you many times over.
A native of Vancouver but currently residing in Nashville, where he works as a solo artist, sideman, and record producer, Steve has forged an impressive career full of highlights and awards, including:
7 Juno Awards as artist/producer, 18 times nominated
3 times named “Producer Of The Year” at the Western Canadian Music Awards
4 times named “Producer Of The Year” at the Canadian Folk Music Awards
Recipient of many other awards including Maple Blues Awards, Grand Prix De Jazz De Montreal, Blues Blast Awards, and many Western Canadian Music Awards and Canadian Folk Awards as an artist and producer
Steve’s multi-faceted career has brought him to countless international festivals, working on the stage and in the studio with an extensive cast of musicians, including John Hammond, Sonny Landreth, Van Dyke Parks, David Hidalgo, Colin James, Jim Byrnes, Jill Barber, Dave Alvin, Joe Henry, Tim O’Brien, Fats Kaplin, Colin James, The McCrary Sisters, Matt Chamberlain, Del Rey, Birds of Chicago, Allison Russell, Long John Baldry, Bruce Cockburn, Kelly Joe Phelps, Linda McRae, CR Avery, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Geoff Muldaur, Scott Amendola, Danny Barnes, The Deep Dark Woods, Colin Linden, Big Dave McLean, and many others.
Steve’s studio, The Henhouse, located in Nashville (and previously in Vancouver) has hosted countless artists and been the home to over 80 releases. With a beautifully warm and organic setting to stay and record, it promises to become a destination for many more to come.
His groundbreaking work with Jesse Zubot in Zubot and Dawson kicked things off in 1998, leading to 2 albums with Toronto jazz stalwarts Andrew Downing and Kevin Turcotte in the award-winning Great Uncles of the Revolution. Steve’s solo recording output started with 2001’s award-winning acoustic “Bug Parade”, he next explored blues and Hawaiian influences in depth with “We Belong To The Gold Coast” in 2005. 2008 saw the release of 2 albums – “Telescope” which was the culmination of studies with Greg Leisz and featured music written for the pedal steel guitar, and “Waiting For The Lights To Come Up”, a collection of new songs. He followed that with 2011’s acclaimed “Nightshade”, which Acoustic Guitar magazine named to it’s Top-10 guitar albums of the year. 2014’s “Rattlesnake Cage” – was an award-winning exploration of solo acoustic and slide guitar. Dawson’s 2018 release “Lucky Hand” is a mesmerizing collection of original fingerstyle and slide guitar instrumentals, 5 of which feature Dawson reuniting with his old cohort Jesse Zubot, who arranged incredible string quartet parts to flow with the music. Recorded live off the floor it brings together the American Primitive style Steve has often explored and cutting-edge strings to create music, unlike anything you’ve heard before. Birds of Chicago, Allison Russell, Matt Anderson, etc. Steve is also host and producer of the podcast Music Makers and Soul Shakers. 135 episodes in 6 years.
amcjmdudhjrtists from all over the world, and continues to work as a side-person and freelance musician both on stage and in the studio. Steve is also the creator of the well-loved Music Makers and Soul Shakers podcast, which has been going for over 6 years and 135 episodes.
He spent the last few years pre-pandemic on the road playing guitar, steel and dobro with Allison Russell’s band Birds of Chicago, and Canadian powerhouse Matt Andersen. He has produced, engineered and mixed over 100 albums for many artists from all over the world, and continues to work as a side-person and freelance musician both on stage and in the studio. Steve is also the creator of the well-loved Music Makers and Soul Shakers podcast
In 2022/2023, Steve released 3 albums throughout the year – “Gone, Long Gone” is the first. From gentle fingerstyle folk tunes to blazing, funky Americana grooves, to Hawaiian-style slide guitar instrumentals, this album covers a lot of sonic territory.
The second album, “Phantom Threshold” came out on August 12, 2022, and is an all-instrumental sonic trip featuring the Telescope Three – Jay Bellerose on drums, Jeremy Holmes on bass, and Chris Gestrin on keyboards. All driven by the melodies and improvisations of Steve’s pedal steel guitar.
Now comes the promised third album Eyes Closed, Dreaming. It’s filled with Albertan friend Matt Patershuk co-writes and well-chosen covers. Bobby Charles Small Town Talk, Ian Tyson’s Long time to get old, Cowboy Jack Clements Guess things happen that way and the classic Singing the Blues.
Lots to talk about with long-time friend Steve Dawson.
Steve’s current tour dates
April 20 Dream Cafe Penticton
April 21 Rogue Folk Club Vancouver
April 22 Bozzini’s Chilliwack
April 28 First Church of Christ Scientist Victoria
Juno Couch:a luxurious seating area where artists may gather during Juno Weekend and exchange opinions, questions and minor insults. All for the entertainment of music fans everywhere. Music can also be played from the stage conveniently located right next to the Couches.
Just for the record, the Juno Couch only happens when the awards are hosted in Alberta. It’s been co-hosted by Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo – except for this year.
Year one was in the bar lobby of the Hotel MacDonald, Year two was in a restaurant at the base of the Calgary Tower and Year Three was on the streets of Calgary.
Just over a week ago, Edmonton hosted the Junos Awards. Right across the street from the Juno home base was CKUA Radio.
A perfect home for the Juno Couch because we already had two couches and a performance area.
Jim Cuddy was playing Juno Cup hockey to raise funds for Music Counts—Canada’s music education charity.
Jim made a guest appearance from the rink via The Net.
My co-hosts this year were Tom Wilson (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings) and Dan Mangan.
Guests include
Angelique Francis
Digging Roots
Shawn Hall (The Harp and Axe)
Jon Dore
Shakura S’Aida
The Weather Station
Marc Jordan and Amy Sky
CKUA Hosts
Holger Petersen
Cam Hayden
Kate Stevens
Marek Tyler
Grant Stovel
Kerry Clarke
This podcast is an edited combination of guest comments over the two-hour show. Best exchanges on the day!
There’s really no such thing as an overnight success!
Dreams can be experienced but it takes the work of time to find the crossroads between dreams and reality.
The Bros. Landreth dreamt of making music, just like their Dad Wally in Winnipeg.
Wally wanted that too because he kept spinning vinyl at home, like a music teacher. But no schlock..only the good stuff.
Little Feat, The Eagles, Neil Young, CS&Nash, and Bonnie Raitt.
Years later the Brothers are playing at the Winnipeg Folk Festival when they were approached by the headliner – none other than Bonnie Raitt.
She asked if they would send her songs to record because they reminded her of her friend Lowell George from Little Feat.
David and Joey Landreth wrote and rejected many songs. They felt they weren’t up to Bonnie’s standards but eventually – again years later – they sent a song they had recorded called… Made up mind.
Just so happens it’s the same song Bonnie heard them play and she said – that’s the song.
Two years later the boys hear from friends in Nashville that Bonnie is recording that song and then she makes it the first single off of Just Like That.
Both album and song go on to win Grammys this year and The Bros. Landreth have become “a thing”.
Because in the music world such stories are told again and again and just to get the story straight, here’s a discussion with David Landreth about those Grammy moments and the rest of the story. Well done boys. FYI Bros. Landreth will get to thank Bonnie personally when they play the Byron Bay Festival in Australia April 6-10
Legendary artist/producer/songwriter Booker T Jones takes us through his life and music on The Stew and Podcast and YouTube.
Leading the house band at Stax records in Memphis.
Working with Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Rufus Thomas, and Wilson Pickett. Also Bob Dylan, and Neil Young, backing Otis at the Monterey Pop Festival and leading his own band Booker T and the MG’s. His thoughts on the most memorable person he met and his induction into The Rock Hall of Fame.
Lots of stories and music to go with it.
Booker leads a 10-piece Stax Revue Band on stage at Jack Singer Hall Saturday, Feb 25.
Terry Wickham, long-time Producer of Edmonton Folk Fest responds to the possible demise of the Vancouver Folk Fest and how it may affect other Festivals.
He also talks about the state of today’s touring industry. Off stage and on.
Let’s face it, music production and essential business are changing rapidly.
Costs are skyrocketing.
Artists are finding new and creative ways to make a living and extend their careers. Will your favorite festival still be up and running by the Summer? Have a listen.
Is there anyone or anything that can save Vancouver Folk Festival?
The New P’s have been acclaimed since forming in Vancouver 1997.
