I read somewhere that your website should contain a compilation of favourite URLs to pass on to visitors. It's supposed to be good manners to keep your site from being a dead end or something. So... besides the links scattered throughout the other pages (some of which may be repeated here), here are some websites I have found of interest...

Singer-Songwriters

• Hoyt Axton  I've just learned that he passed away in late 1999. Writer of hits for 3 Dog Night, such as Joy To the World and Never Been to Spain, he wrote a lot of other cool songs that are fun for anyone to sing. He had a bit of a film career too. I wonder if he ever made it to Spain...
• Willie P. Bennett  He's a legend in Canadian music circles, widely imitated and respected, both in songwriting and in singing. I've also seen him live, performing two simultaneous, complementary and differing leads on mandolin and harmonica. Awe inspiring.
• John Bottomley  There's not much out there on the Web about this young from-Toronto-but-now-living-in-Vancouver s/sw, but there should be. You'll like his stuff.
• Mary Chapin Carpenter  She started out as a folk singer before hitting it big in the Country market. She's still good for folks though...
• Stompin' Tom Connors  Mr. Connors' mission seems to be to celebrate the Canadian spirit in very accessible and witty songs. A self-styled Proud Canadian.
• John Denver  As with Lightfoot, I grew up learning and singing his songs. But I could never sing in either his key or his class when I grew enough to really appreciate him. Not many can. A late great one!
• Fred Eaglesmith  You've gotta like Fred's songs. A lot of hard working, hard driving, hard living and loving in them and he works hard at putting them across to you. But he makes it look easy and that's hard to do. (did you see what I did there, with the hard, hard, easy, hard thing?)
• Stephen Fearing  His masterful guitar work never overshadows his brilliant writing and strong singing. I look forward to hearing him for years.
• Wendell Ferguson  In addition to being Canada's top country guitar picker, Wendell writes witty and catchy songs that get in there and stay. His Rocks and Trees is an instant classic, especially in northern Ontario. Lots of charisma here.
• Bob Franke  Strong soulful songs that hit where it counts... a songwriter's songwriter.
• Lenny Gallant  The pride of P.E.I. (along with Stompin' Tom): mellow-voiced, yet powerful. His songs tell stories about people you come to care about. That's his magic.
• Steve Gillette  Great singer and writer of classics like D'Arcy Farrow and Molly & Tenbooks.
• James Gordon  He's one of my songwriting heroes... the guy who forced a rhyme out of Lethbridge and death wish... and a great storyteller. There are a million stories happening out there and chances are good that J.G. will get around to setting a good portion of them to music.
• Jim Henry  What I've heard from this guy, I like... a lot. Great writing, vocals, and guitar work. I really have to get more of his work.
• James Keelaghan  Whether Keelo is writing from his own perspective or putting himself into another's shoes in his 1st person accounts of history-made-by-people... you listen. A master and one of my very favourites for quite a few years now. Another one I look forward to appreciating for long in the future.
• J. Knutson  Used to be with Spirit of the West (see below) long ago. Now he's on his folky own and putting out some good stuff.
• Kris  Kristofferson  He's written so many great songs with so many great lines (though I think he holds the record for the most uses of the word body), I had to find two websites on him. Everybody's covered him at one time or another with damn good reason.
• Gordon Lightfoot  I cut my teeth playing and singing the songs of this grand old gentleman of CanFolk. His music always has something new to tell you, though I have to admit I think his most famous song was perhaps the worst he ever wrote. But it's still really good.
• Dougie MacLean  I haven't met anybody yet that I've introduced Dougie's music to who hasn't been instantly converted by the songs and voice of this Scottish artist. I've long been a great fan. He's also a fine fiddler.
• Brian McNeill  Another Scottish treasure. This guy pulls no punchs in either his writing or singing or fiddling. All of them are passionate and poignant.
• Lynn Miles  Another Canadian artist that is nowhere near being well known enough. She is also another who wins quick converts when they hear her beautiful vocals singing those perfect lines she's written. I know I was instantly smitten.
• Garnet Rogers  A Garnet Rogers show is an experience not to be missed. His recordings are fantastic, but they don't capture the warmth, quality and humour of his live show. Buy his CDs yes, but go SEE him perform if you can. Thoughtful and wise songwriting coupled with deep, arresting vocals. Amazing.
• Stan Rogers  Garnet's big brother and a late great legend of Canadian Folk. This is a very extensive site... a tribute to a powerful singer and songwriter who will long be missed. If you've never heard his music, I envy you the introduction.
• Tom Russell  This American s/sw writes songs that are in high demand by other singer/songwriters around the world. But you really should hear him sing them himself too. I like him.
• Buffy Sainte-Marie  In addition to being a legendary songwriter and performer, she is an outstanding visual artist too. Check her out.
• Ian Tamblyn  An old Northern Ontario boy from way back, Ian is one of our best-kept secrets... in a word, he's incredible. Shhhh... just click!
• James Taylor  Another legend of the s/sw field. This site may not be official, but it does provide a lot, including lyrics and guitar tabs for many of his songs.
• Steve Tilston  A British s/sw and master guitarist that I look forward to hearing lots more from. Another that makes quick fans from new listeners.
• Ian Tyson  I've been a fan since I was a kid and he was part of Ian & Sylvia and still like him a lot today.
• Valdy  Here's another icon of CanFolk that deserves a second, third and fourth listen. Seems like he's remained a nice guy, too. Go figure.
• Townes Van Zandt  Another late great... this time an icon of the Texas songwriting brotherhood. Writer of If I Needed You and Poncho & Lefty, as well as other classics.
• Katherine Wheatley  I like this lady's singing, her writing and her guitar playing enormously. I think you should take my advice and give her a listen, especially live. I think you'll know why when you see and hear her.
• Brooks Williams  His vocals at first listen reminded me of James Taylor (that's a compliment, by the way), but after a little more association, I began to appreciated their own unique quality. They are just the perfect vehicle to communicate his skillful songwriting, which is also complemented by his awesome guitar work. In Canada, he's been called an American Stephen Fearing. But he really doesn't need these comparisons as one listen will prove. I'm so embarrassed at having compounded things now...
• Kate Wolf  This is another great s/sw talent no longer with us. But this lovely lady from California left us a slew of great recordings and songs to remember her by. Her songs are widely covered by many today, and for good reason.

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Other Musicians and Bands

• Patrick Ball  Harpist, storyteller, actor, writer, modern day bard, renaissance man of arts.
• The Chieftains  If you're talking Irish Trad music, you've gotta start and end with these old farts. Okay, they're not all that old... :) You'll have heard of them, and probably have heard them. There's a reason why so many people have wanted to work with them. Classics!
• Phil Cunningham  A former stalwart of the now-defunct Scots group Silly Wizard, this fellow composes some of the finest tunes ever, especially his heartbreakingly beautiful airs.
• Fairport Convention  Oldtimers of the Brit Trad movement, and still kicking it up. Lots of steam left in the old whistle there (sorry, I don't even know what I mean by that... I'm running out of superlatives).
• Dick Gaughan  Maybe I should have categorized him under the s/sw heading, but I always think of him more as one of my favourite interpreters of great song... a puissant vocalist, guitarist, and conscientious artist with impeccable taste. His album Handful of Earth is still one of my favourite recordings of all time.
• Horslips  This legendary band from Ireland rocked Celtic music in the 60s and 70s. Plugged it in and turned it up, both in volume and drive. And showed the way for many to follow after.
• Jethro Tull  This is one band from my teen years that I still love to listen to... Locomotive Breath and Aqualung are hard rockin' favourites, but I always was drawn to the simpler acoustic selections Ian Anderson would throw in there like Witch's Promise and Wond'ring Aloud... it made a nice change-up. I always thought of them as Folk Rock.
• Oscar Lopez  Acoustic latin guitarist extraordinaire and a compadre of James Keelaghan. This guy's fingers are on fire! Get him now!
• Natalie MacMaster  You know who she is. And how well she plays her instrument. And you know she's cute as hell too.
• Mad Pudding  A good group of folk from the West Coast of Canada, in the form of a great band. Celtic-inspired and funky. Lots of drive.
• Loreena McKennitt  Canada's First Lady of Celtica. Interesting developments in the past few albums too. Looking forward to more.
• Mark O'Connor  An American fiddle god. The violinist's favourite fiddler and the fiddler's favourite violinist.
• Don Ross  Amazing guitarist... just amazing! He plays more than just the machine; he plays the aura around the guitar. Fine singer/songwriter too.
• Oliver Schroer  Now, I like fiddle music... I do! Mostly I like to see it performed live. But I must confess that Oliver has produced the only fiddle-only recordings that I can listen to from start to finish. Again and again. If you like fiddle music, do yourself a huge favour and pick up some of his music. His Jigzup and Whirled CDs are now my favourite fiddle recordings of all time. They pick up where traditional fiddling leaves off and take you on a pretty wild ride. And yet they honour the traditions and add so much more. I can't praise this guy's work enough.
• Pierre Schryer  He has just about the sweetest bow of any fiddler I've ever heard, without sacrificing one iota of power and drive. And I'm not just saying that because he's my cousin; I'm saying it in spite of it... (just kidding, P.)
• Silly Wizard  A Scots Celtic supergroup, no longer together but having left a wonderful legacy of songs, tunes, recordings and memories.
• Song of the Lakes  A folk group out of Michigan, specializing in songs of life around the Great Lakes. And a damn good time too!
• Spirit of the West  Canadian band from the left coast, it had its roots in Celtic and folk music and has since developed a harder edge. The songwriting has developed more of an edge too. I really liked the old stuff, but I like the way they have been developing as well.
• Steeleye Span  Icons of the Brit Trad movement that came out of the 60s. Still around, still strong.
• Andy M. Stewart  Former lead vocalist with Silly Wizard, Andy M. is still turning out great recordings and performances in his solo career.
• Alan Stivell  Celtic harp pioneer from Brittany. A continental bard and one of the founders of "New Age" music. But don't hold that against him...
• Tamarack  This Ontario folk group has been pleasing audiences for over twenty years now, with stories and songs taken from life and history around them. Always a GOOD time.
• Tannahill Weavers  Scottish Celtic band characterized by great vocals, driving rhythms, outstanding harmonies, incredible arrangements and tons of energy. They always seem to shanghai champion pipers into their ranks as well.
• The Wailing Aztecs  Local friends, this band's trademark is found in its harmonic arrangements of self-penned folkpop songs. Wonderful group.
• The Waterboys  Progressive and eclectic Irish folk rockers and a damn good time. You'll tap your feet and sing along and say "To hell with the Pogues; I like Mike and the `boys!"

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Other Folk and Acoustic Music Sites

• Acoustic Guitar Magazine  I used to subscribe to this magazine... tons of great information in it. Worth a visit for fellow guitarists and fans.
• All Things Thurl  Thurl Ravenscroft... that's his name! Best known for being the voice of Tony the Tiger and the singer of the "You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch" song, his one-of-a-kind voice got him a lot of work though the years. Especially with Disney. I found this site very interesting. Yeah, it is musical.
• Black Fly Jam Folk Club  A local non-profit folk club in the Sault area promoting live music in a convivial atmosphere. Books many fine acts.
• Borealis Records  CanFolk music label founded and run by CanFolk artists of long repute... a home for wayward Canadian folkies.
• Ceolas  The home of Celtic music on the Internet. Enormous amount of information here on all aspects of Celtic music, from tunes, instruments and techniques to artists and bands.
• Dirty Linen  I used to subscribe to this mag too... International folk music central with reviews, interviews, and info.
• Festival Distribution  Lots of CanFolk and other artists distributed from this label. Free sampler CDs too.
• Gibson Guitars  Be it guitar or mandolin, nothing sounds quite like a Gibson... especially an old played in one.
• Green Linnet Records  Celtic, World Music, and Singer/Songwriter recordings galore.
• Guild Guitars  My main working guitar is a Guild acoustic-electric F4CE. It has served me well with its Fishman under-the-saddle pickup and onboard EQ/preamp. It's gotten a bit scuffed but still plays and sounds great, especially plugged in. They don't make the exact model anymore but still have one close to it.
• Guitar Tricks  Lots of tricks in Tab notation to make your guitar playing a little slicker. Learn good blues, rock, and country licks from the pros.
• Lyrical Line  A fine songwriting resource site... with an online community of songwriters.
• Mandolin Cafe  For mando-nuts like me... online lessons, info, tunes.
• Manzer Guitars  This lady knows her machines. When I make my millions, I'm gonna keep her very busy building me a few special projects.
• Mudcat Cafe  Dedicated to blues and folk, you can search for lyrics from a huge database, or take part in the chats and forums, hear tunes and so much more.
• Northern Journey Online  Check out Gene Wilburn's very comprehensive website on Canadian Folk music, including links to many more artist's sites. He's really doing a great job with it.
• Ottawa Folklore Centre  If you are ever in Ottawa, drop into this place for a few hours... lots to see and buy. Friendly folks there too.
• Penguin Eggs  A great online folk music zine, esp. for CanFolk. Good interviews, reviews, news, and online contest/giveaways. I won a Keelo CD once.
• Rounder Records  A great source for all sorts of trad and roots music.
• Shanachie Entertainment  Another record label with Celtic and World music artists.
• Signature Sounds Recordings  Lots of good artists on this label too.
• Songfile Home  Another lyric resource. Huge database.
• Taylor Guitars  I want one of these one day. I played a small bodied one in a music store in Ottawa once and fell in love with its sound and feel.

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   I should mention here that I work on a PC with Win95. Though some of this software comes in versions for other platforms, the ones I use are for the system I have.

Internet Software

• Netscape Communicator  Has a built in WYSIWYG Webpage editor to get you started.
• Arachnophilia  A careware HTML editor for more control.
• CuteFTP  An easy-to-use FTP program for uploading/downloading files to Web servers.
• Eudora  A great freeware e-mail program.
• Free Agent  A great freeware newsreader for Usenet.
• RealPlayer  Necessary audio/video software for the Web.
• Shockwave  A necessary animation plug-in for the Web.
• WinZip  A necessary unzipping/zipping utility for downloaded files.

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Games

• Cribbage  Play cards one-on-one against the computer.
• Yahtzee  The classic family dice game, up to 6 can play.
• Mah Jongg  A great time-eater and eye-crosser. Easy to learn.
• Clickomania  Blast those stones away and clear the frame. Very addictive.
• Gary's Grid Games  Similar to Clickomania and just as addictive.
• Sea Battle  A very compact version of Battleship. Quick to play

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Other Software

• ACDSee  Great viewer of picture files of all kinds... very quick.
• Acrobat Reader  Viewer of .pdf files, widely used on the Net to display printed matter faithfully as designed by graphic artists..
• Audiograbber  A beauty of a CD Ripper. This program will convert any track files from a standard audio CD into high quality .wav files. Then the .wav files can be converted to much smaller, more compact .MP3 files. But an MP3 encoder must be used for that part. Very easy to use.
• BladeEnc  A very nice freeware MP3 encoder to convert .wav files to .MP3 files. Integrates perfectly with Audiograbber or can be used alone. Can also be linked to from the Audiograbber site.
• Cool Edit  Work with and edit all sorts of audio files, adding effects, etc. An excellent do-it-all audio program. It can also be upgraded to do full studio work in 4-track mode.
• Noteworthy Composer  Edit musical scores by the note and print them as sheets of music and/or export them as midi files. Easy and efficient.
• QuickRes  Quickly change the screen resolution of your monitor without rebooting.
• Save That Screen  Engage the screen saver instantly with a mouse click.
• TweakUI  Gain more control over how Windows operates.
• Winamp  A good player of all audio files, especially MP3 files.
• Winhacker  Another helper to control Windows

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