Music is a dance: a happy heart.
Music is the great teacher.
The life in music is its power
of transcendence: Music is a healing
force that benefits all living things.
— Bill Bourne
Bill Bourne is one of the few musicians destined to become a legend
from the beginning. He was born into a family with ancient poetical roots in Red Deer, Canada.
The icelandic poet Stephan G. Stephansson was his great-grandfather. He left school and home
at 16 to become a (hopefully) famous musician. His plan has worked out. For many years now
he is an integral part of the Canadian Folk- and Roots-Scene.
The tradional image of a spiritual seeker does not bring along top hats,
boots, shades, and for sure not a 68 Lincoln Continental, let alone an always present Gibson
flat-top. But like any other living tradition it is subject to changes. The variety of
Bill Bourne's music today goes from Blues, african rhytmns, Gospel, Cajun, classic Singer/Songwriter
to world music. He is a gifted and talented musician, a social activist and also an eight-times
Juno Awards nominee (the Canadian pendant of the US American Grammy).
The records and live performances of this one man tour-de-force
are critically acclaimed in the western hemisphere. In Canada Bill Bourne is
considered a national treasure, a timeless Blues musician and a
virtous Folk musician. Most probably this is all true, but more important is that his
songs are damned great piece of art and a wonderful example for what Bill Bourne stands –
dedicated lyrics, awesome melodies and a deep spirituality.