David Essig and Rick Scott
When two of Canada’s most prolific songwriters/producers come together in voice and song, magic can happen. Especially when the music comes straight from the heart. And Essig and Scott, together or aprat, are always ‘heart’ performers first, although both are also deeply talented musicians.
Roots music veterans David Essig & Rick Scott join forces with songs of life, love and loss seasoned with literate wit, the grace of grief and considerable kindness. Acoustic roots music in the tradition of the Canadian singer/songwriter, with one foot on the mountain and the other in the swamp. Influences include Delta blues, R&B, bluegrass and old time country music.
David Essig was introduced to Canadian audiences in 1971 as a “talented newcomer” at the legendary Mariposa Folk Festival. Now, over 30 years later, he is considered one of Canada’s finest interpreters of original, contemporary folk music. David is highly respected as a thoughtful and intelligent songwriter, with Canadian folk standards like “Albert’s Cove” and “High Ground” to his credit.
His work moves from pieces as contemporary as today’s news, to songs that sound as if they were rediscovered from old country blues 78’s. These are songs that tell stories and paint portraits that will start you laughing and leave you crying. Equally renowned as an instrumentalist and traditional performer, David is a master of the blues and slide guitar.
Rick Scott is an award winning singer/songwriter and Canada’s leading proponent of the Appalachian dulcimer. Over 35 years he has released 16 albums and performed his lively, original music in nine countries. His gift for combining wacky humour and poignant human commentary has earned him a devoted following of all ages. In addition to performing solo, Rick Scott along with Shari Ulrich and Joe Mock are, of course, the legendary west-coast folk trio Pied Pumkin. Pied Pumkin pioneered independent rogue folk music in BC in the 70’s, touring nationally and selling 30,000 LPs from the stage. The group is well remembered in these parts from their participation going back to the original Courtenay Renaissance Fair!
Together, Rick and David have a perspective that reaches back to the original folk festival days in Canada and both were and remain to be important contributors to the music scene in Canada. There is much to learn from the songs and stories of David Essig and Rick Scott!
David and Rick will be joined by Shelly Brown on bass at this year’s MusicFest
