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Coal miners' children during strike, Blairmore, Alberta, 1932 (Glenbow Archives NC-54-4401)		 Maria's 2004 project, We Were Good People, explores the stories of working people in Western Canada--tales of resilience and hope through experiences of immigration, internment, exploitation and The Depression. Producer: Shannon Johnson with musical contributions by Canadian Celtic group The McDades, Craig Korth (banjo, guitar, dobro), Byron Myhre (mandolin), Michael Jerome Browne (gourd banjo) and others. Suggested tracks: How Do You Do, 1935?, a banjo-driven Depression-era train song; Can You Blame the Poor Miner?, a gentle accordion ode to miners in the Crow's Nest Pass during Prohibition; We Were Good People, a poignant solo ballad describing a 1932 Hunger March; Mrs. McClung's Address at Walker Theatre, a cheeky Celtic wordplay on women's suffrage; Troublemaker, a rabble-rousing current day protest song.
...remarkable songwriter, think of her as a distaff Woody Guthrie. Mike Ross, Edmonton Sun

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the lyrics & sources:
 
  1. For Peace and Plenty
  2. Can You Blame the Poor Miner?
  3. We Were Good People
  4. Freedom Here
  5. How Do You Do, 1935?
  6. Do You Know Slim Evans?
  7. Mrs. McClung's Address at Walker Theatre / Nellie's Jig
  8. In the Shadow of the Rockies / As I walk Through Canada
  9. From the Bread Line to the Front Line
  10. Troublemaker

The key to this recording is her songwriting ... compelling and meaningful music. Dirty Linen, Oct/Nov 2005

Image-laden songs about the turn of the 20th century, immigration and the Great Depression all come to life with her honest narration and lilting tone. Performing Songwriter Magazine, Jul/Aug 2005 (www.performingsongwriter.com).

...combines a keen understanding of workers' history with an awareness of the need to link that history to today's struggles...It's a great CD. David Durning, Our Times, Jul/Aug 2005

These are inspiring tales of optimism, strength and courage in adversity. Debbie Koritsas, Living Tradition Magazine, Jun 2005 (www.folkmusic.net).

More reviews...

 


Good News - Radio & Print!

  • Troublemaker published in Sing Out! Magazine, Summer 2005 (www.singout.org)
  • We Were Good People CD - 3rd most played CD, CKUA Fall 2004 Fund Drive
  • Maria Dunn - 6th most played artist CKUA Fall 2004 Fund Drive
  • #9 Galaxie's Folk Roots CDs (Nov/04)
  • #14 CFRO Vancouver, What the Folk, Singer/Songwriter Charts
  • Gem of Canada Album 2004, Porcupine Awards, CIUT Radio, Toronto www.backtothesugarcamp.com
  • Can You Blame the Poor Miner? published in Penguin Eggs Magazine, Spring 2005 www.penguineggs.ab.ca