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Garrett Mason:
Raised in Truro, Nova Scotia by his mother and legendary father, Dutch Mason, Garrett's quest started at a very early age. Growing up around his father's peers enabled him to learn from a wide variety of musical talent. The late great Rick Jeffery was a huge inspiration to Garrett; they would talk and play for hours together. Rick once said 'Garrett is the only guitar player I know that can play Albert Collins' style down to a T.' The combination of his father's advice, Jeffery's guidance and his own natural talents provide that special brew for Garrett to become the musical influence he is destined to be. Debut album I'm Just a Man won the Juno for Best Blues Album, and he's been nominated for Maple Blues Awards almost every year since, winning many. Most would agree he's one of the East Coast's most talented bluesmen. The straight-up truth is that he's actually one of North America's most talented players, which has been confirmed by some of our biggest Harvest headliners over the years. Of course, to us, he's an old friend and an artist you don't ever want to miss!
Earle and Coffin:
National award winning duo Nick Earle and Joe Coffin from St. John's, NL are two young bluesmen you should definitely get to know! Earle and Coffin's debut album 'Live at The Citadel House' is a collection of the duo's favorite blues standards recorded live in concert, ultimately earning the duo the 2016 Canadian Folk Music Award for Young Performers of the Year, as well as nominations for 2017 ECMA Blues Recording of the Year and 2016 MusicNL Jazz/Blues Recording of the Year.
Reviving old blues is just one of the projects these guys have been working on, in February 2017 Earle and Coffin released their sophomore album 'Wood, Wire, Blood and Bone' recorded at the Citadel House in Lewisporte, NL. This 'potluck' of electric blues, rock, and be-bop inspired originals and classic blues standards earned them the 2017 MusicNL Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year Award as well as nominations for Album of the Year and Group of the Year. The most recent accolades for this duo includes a win at the 2017 Maritimes to Memphis International Blues Challenge in the solo/duo category and a nomination for the Toronto Blues Society Maple Blues Award for New Artist of the Year. In January 2018 Earle and Coffin will proudly represent Atlantic Canada at the coveted International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
'A Day in July' is the newest project released under the Citadel House label. This six song acoustic EP, recorded live off the floor, features three acoustic versions of originals from 'Wood Wire Blood & Bone', as well as three brand new unreleased originals written during the summer of 2017. Getting back to the 'root' of blues, this EP delivers rich soulful vocals and exceptional guitar playing that reflects Earle and Coffin's dedication to their craft.
In addition to recording great music the duo has performed with many of the region's top roots and blues musicians and has learned to demonstrate the utmost professionalism and style. Earle and Coffin have performed throughout Atlantic Canada including the PEI Jazz and Blues Festival, Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival and most recently at the Harvest Jazz and Blues festival.