Skyboat Songs

Introducing: Skyboat Songs A collection of celtic and maritime 'classics' - songs of hard work, rolling highlands, saltwater joys, jilted lovers and ennui. Most as old as the tide and one written upon vocalist Leona Burkey's arrival in Western Canada all the way from Cape Breton Island. This celtic collection was recorded after one too many of Leona's back home stories, and one too many sea shanties sung during soundcheck! Clan McFunk was born and 'Skyboat Songs' completed. With the help of a few jazz buddies and some other 'friends of funk', she came together right good b'y! THE BAND: Leona Burkey Traditional vocal stylings and guitar right out of a Cape Breton kitchen party. An honest and powerful songwriter, Leona is the east coast expert, yeller of toasts and instigator of the Clan McFunk project. Chad Carter 'the Rhino' A high energy percussionist drawing from rock, jazz, folk and funk influences with his own cod slappin' style driving the boat. Rhino is the core of the tightest rhythm section Leona has ever heard. Big crazy lookin' fella. Chris Bond Mr. Bond's expert and eclectic bass playing puts punch and depth into every tune and keeps the groove happening. Bond is the sage of the merry three and has chops that amaze - even when he's jumping up and down during the drivin' tunes. Recent Reviews: 'Miss Leona and her McFunky Bunch give these old tunes some much-needed verve. The vocalist sings with a refreshing honesty; her beautiful inflections are perfectly balanced by the fat, sultry bottom-ending of Chris Bond and the drumming talents of Chad 'Rhino' Carter. However, what really lends such tunes as 'Farewell to Nova Scotia', 'Sarah' and 'Chi Mi Na Morbheanna' their real edge and original flavour are the lush haunting textures of muted trumpet, a la Miles Davis, hovering beneath the vocalist's delicate sound as delivered by guest Bob Tildesley. For the strong arrangements of tunes like 'Queen of All Argyle' and 'South Australia' there is an underlying subtle funkiness that will push the album into top contention in the next ECMA's. So, if you're into pumping back a few sixer's in the evenings, then sit back and reload, baby! Let this disc spin out it's magnetic melodies and successfully breathe new life into the old Celtic kegs! This, my friends is the delectable musical haggis for which you have all been calmly waiting.' Stephen Richardson, The Coast Magazine, Nova Scotia, Canada 'I wanted to tell you I've been listening to Skyboat Songs a lot and it's the best sounding, most original sounding Celtic recording I've heard in some time.' Kevin 'Relic' Ryan, Canadian east coast musician & recording artist.