Local Band Durham County Poets Release Third Album

On May 5th, local blues band Durham County Poets is set to release their third album, titled Grimshaw Road. Founded in 2011, the Durham County Poets are a group of five songwriters hailing from Southwest Quebec’s Chateauguay Valley.

While one might describe them as a blues band, they are known also for their ability to mesh the styles of rock, swing and gospel into their music, creating a truly original sound. In 2016, the band covered over 15,000 kilometers, playing 40 different audiences, both big and small. Their newest album reflects on not only their time on the road, but touches on other stories that “haunt the swamp of our collective memory,” explains a member of the band. On Saturday, May 6th, the band will debut their newest work in their hometown of Chateauguay, taking the stage at Centre Culturel Vanier, Salle Jean-Pierre Houde at 8:00 P.M.

Fronted by Dewittville’s Kevin Harvey (lead vocals and harmonica), the band features David Whyte (electric and acoustic guitars), Neil Elsmore (acoustic guitar), Carl Rufh (double bass) and James Preimel (percussion). Naming Jimmy Reed, James Taylor, The Band, Dire Straits and Neil Young amongst their inspirations, the band has launched two records to date: Where The River Flows (2011) and Chikkaboodah Stew (2014). Producer of the prestigious Roots of American Music Festival at New York City's Lincoln Center, Spike Barkin, described as the group with enthusiasm, with: “The Durham County Poets are inventive in their taking musical roots and reshaping them. Soulful folk who make the listener pay attention. In my opinion, they deserve a wide audience.” Ottawa’s Spirit of Rasputin had this to add: "Kevin Harvey’ s rich voice and nuanced delivery covers the scope of life…. with ballads and blues-inflected originals, some swing and genial humour. Guitarist David Whyte’s guitar solos are pure grace. The Poets will get you dancing in the hallways, laughing, and feeling those blues."

While the band has a fast growing fan base in the United States (they were especially well received their "formal showcase" at the 2016 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference), they still try to perform locally when they can, consistently making an appearance at the homegrown Ormstown’s Branches and Roots Music Festival, which promotes live, local music across the Chateauguay Valley throughout the year.

For more information on the Durham County Poets, visit www.durhamcountypoets.com or like them on Facebook.