David Francey

Sharp, unsentimental portraits of working-class Canada

This Scottish-born, Canadian-raised songwriter draws sharp portraits of Canada and its working people. He's worked in train yards in Toronto, the Yukon wilderness, and a carpentry shop in Quebec's Eastern Townships. Now he lives with his wife and three daughters in Ontario's Lanark Highlands, which (like David's music) feel a little bit like Scotland. "Like country blues legend Mississippi John Hurt, David Francey writes in a direct, snapshot style," notes Exclaim magazine. If you've heard the Del McCoury Band's "Mill Towns," you have an idea of the haunting power of David Francey's songs. He comes to Michigan with a new release, "Late Edition," of which he has this to say: "Many of the songs recorded here reflect my reaction to news-personal news, local news, and world events. ... This album was recorded live off the floor at Moraine Studios in Nashville. The experience was exhilarating and immediate. I hope that comes through when you listen to 'Late Edition.'" Here's David with the greatest song ever written about Ashtabula, Ohio.