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"An arrestingly powerful singer-songwriter from Canada who writes great historical and social commentary."
Rich Warren, Midnight Special, Favourite Recordings of 2000
 
Maria's first CD of original songs is entitled From Where I Stand (1998). Produced by Shannon Johnson, who also produced and performed on Harpe Danse with Terry McDade and on the 1996 Juno-nominated Victory Train with Bill Bourne, the recording features a host of fine Alberta music talent with Maria on lead vocals, accordion and acoustic guitar, Shannon on violin and harmony vocals, Dawn Anderson on harmony vocals, Gary Koliger and Andy Illig on acoustic guitars, Solon McDade on bass, and Jeremiah McDade on whistles. Guest musicians include Craig Korth (Jerusalem Ridge) on banjo and Stewart MacDougall on piano.
 

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Click on a song title to view
the lyrics:

 
  Shoes of a Man (sound clip)
  New York 1849
  Orphan Hand
  Sadly Real
  The Bus Song
To listen on Real Audio, click here.



The songs on From Where I Stand range from the Scottish melody of Shoes of A Man, which tells of her grandfather’s life in Glasgow, and West Mabou Song, which celebrates the musical culture of Cape Breton, to the country and bluegrass feel of Distant Whisper, an upbeat travelling love ballad, and The Fool, a forlorn song of lost love.  But no matter what the style, the stories and characters ring true.
 

Bob MacKenzie, Soundbytes
Every aspect of Dunn's From Where I Stand is powerful and impressive.

Rod Campbell, Penguineggs On-line Magazine
...her reflective and poignant historical pieces--Shoes Of A Man, New York 1849 and Orphan Hand--deserve immortality ...Stan Rogers would have certainly approved.

Karma Local Arts House, Calgary
Superb storytelling will reel you in...Maria displays her ability to write both melancholic & uplifting songs, perfectly narrated by her clear, unique voice.

More Reviews

Good News - Radio & Print! Orphan Hand:

  • published in Penguin Eggs Magazine, Autumn 2001
  • selected as semi-finalist for SIBL V. 2 compilation, Oct 2002
  • recorded by Aengus Finnan on his CD, North Wind, released Oct 2002

No 1. on Edmonton's CJSR FM88 (Sept. 98) 
No 2. on Alberta's CKUA (Sept. 98)
No 4. on CBC's Galaxie Folk/Roots Charts (Apr. 99)
Listed in Top 10 CDs of 1998 by: 

  • Tom Coxworth, Folk Routes (CKUA)
  • Andy Donnelly, The Celtic Show (CKUA)