We Were Good People

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 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.

Reviews:

...remarkable songwriter, think of her as a distaff Woody Guthrie.
Mike Ross, Edmonton Sun

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