Gordie Sampson

Gordie Sampson: Sunburn (MapleMusic)

I've been playing an advance copy of this in my car, kitchen and office for weeks and I say it's one of the best albums of the year, Canadian or otherwise. Cape Breton's Gordie Sampson is known for his collaborative work with fellow Maritimers Ashley MacIsaac and Damhnait Doyle but on his own he has an ear for a pop hook that would make McCartney blush. The opening "Sunburn" has an infectious rhythm and killer changes but "Paris" is a career song and I'll bet he knows it. Baby-faced Sampson resembles a young Dylan Thomas and maybe just as gifted. ****/5 - John McLaughlin


- Vancouver Province

Everyone could use an album like this in his life. It is uniquely blessed. The folk/ pop tracks are very accessible, focused and written well. Don't Make Me Do This, You (or Somebody Like You), Hangin' By A Wire and the titke track will kill at radio if given a chance. A real beauty at home or on the road. - John Emms

SUNBURN

" heralded by a number of people in the industry and in the music press as this region's next major star. The long- awaited second album called Sunburn, from start to finish is a remarkable piece of work, a skillfully crafted collection of material ripe with potential singles."

The Guardian

" Sunburn" has an infectious rhythm and killer changes ...

Vancouver Province

" gordie sampson...already a classic ...just waiting to age....the secret is out "

98.9 XFM

" This guy could be the next breakout talent from the Maritimes."

Toronto Sun

“Sunburn is living proof the singer-songwriter craft is still going strong.

Edmonton Sun

“. . . Paris. She (Faith Hill) says it's one of her favorite songs she's ever heard.”

CMT interview with Faith Hill


STONES

“The cleverly paced 14-track disc includes broadly accessible pop tunes, upbeat rockers, guitar instrumentals and inventive pieces like The Blood Is Strong.”

The Record

“Studded with radio friendly tunes…extraordinary musicianship…an invigorating and intense album…uses a mix of acoustic and electric instruments to build a rich, pop sound…vocals that betray an irresistible enthusiasm…”

The Daily News

“Sampson’s short set before the Rankins took the stage spotlighted a new voice that’s ready to break wide open, a Canadian who sings with the emotion of Van Morrison.”

The Ottawa Sun

“Sampson’s fresh, raw talent was charming as he performed four songs from his upcoming album. This talented guitarist, who reminds one of Bruce Cockburn, may not have a familiar face, but his songwriting credits are recognizable…”

The Calgary Sun

“Sampson delivered a powerful performance with strong material and an expert band.”

The Chronicle Herald

“Gordie’s mainstage showcase performance blew everyone away and earned him the media award for Best Showcase Artist.”

What’s Goin On Magazine

“Sampson is a soulful singer with major star charisma.”

The Daily News

“…played a cool selection of urban folk tunes…he did exactly what opening acts are meant to do: open up the ears of the crowd…his energy was felt as he later joined the Rankins…”

The Edmonton Sun

“The charismatic Gordie Sampson, as music director, has put his stamp on the revue. The sound is a propulsive contemporary Celtic pop, a jamming together of traditional and rock-pop that is exhilarating. Sampson’s final arrangement of Purple Heather is passionate.”

The Mail Star

“A memorable and delicate guitar solo from Sampson who also pulled out a hot electric lead solo.”

The Edmonton Journal

“Opener Gordie Sampson proved he knows his way around an acoustic guitar, too…a lesson in great fretwork.”

Calgary Herald

“Cape Breton native Gordie Sampson rocked the crowd with a selection of original material. Opening with his next single ‘Sorry’ he owned the audience right up to his finale with ‘Still Workin’ on a Dream’ and was sent off with a standing ovation.”

ECMA ’99 Music Notes

“Producer Gordie Sampson’s arrangements are fresh, and the few trips into the slightly experimental are thrilling.” (In My Hands – Natalie MacMaster)

Boston Herald

“The second star of the game is producer, songwriter, guitarist Gordie Sampson.” (In My Hands – Natalie MacMaster)

Telegraph Journal

- Quotes

Much has transpired since Gordie Sampson's last solo album, Sunburn (2004). Anointed by Keith Urban and hitting the top of the charts with Carrie Underwood (Jesus, Take The Wheel), this native of Big Pond, N.S., is now one of the most sought-after songwriters in Nashville. But don't categorize Gordie as a Cape Breton country boy. Sampson is a master craftsman closer in style to Elvis Costello than George Canyon (although he wrote the great My Name with Canyon). Sampson builds songs around imperfect characters like the doomed sailor in Davey Jones, the hip poetess of Montreal, or Bob Evans, the suburban dad who seeks love under the choir robes of the local church. Canada is blessed with a lot of fine songwriter. Right now, Sampson may be the best. - Hamilton Spectator ****

Nobody's bigger in the East Coast pop world than Cape Breton's Gordie Sampson. With a songwriting Grammy on his desk, he can play with the big artists and is respected in Nashville writing circles. You'd think he'd load up the truck and move to Beverly, but apparently those hills have nothing on the Cape Breton highlands. Sampson continues to bounce back and forth between home and Music City, with the draw of his Maritime pals keeping him firmly rooted here. Then there's the other side to his work, his own recording career.

Cape Breton’s Gordie Sampson took a break from writing songs for others and this week released a new CD, ‘For The Few And Far Between.’
With all the songwriting for others, Sampson takes big breaks between albums, with just three in the past decade. His new one, For The Few And Far Between (Maple), finds him in a stronger pop and rock field than his Nashville connections would suggest. The first track, We Are Young And So Is The Night, is the Bryan Adams hit he never had, big guitars and big chorus, ready made for radio. The singer-songwriter tracks are great, as well. The Hour I Need You Most features just Sampson, his acoustic guitar and warm voice, along with harmonica (courtesy of Lennie Gallant). That's a big jump, from a full band production to what's basically a stripped-down guitar demo. But the song is perfect with that simplicity, a tribute to his strength with words, melody and singing.
There are plenty of other highlights, songs including Bob Evans and Montreal, that find Sampson at the top of his game. With so many clients, from stars such as Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood, to all his old East Coast pals clamouring for his services, it's a wonder Sampson could keep these for himself. From start to finish, it's what you hope for from the man called the best songwriter in a region famous for its songwriting.
- TELEGRAPH JOURNAL

Gordie Sampson is best known worldwide as a prolific Nashville songwriter, complete with a Grammy. For us at home on the East Coast, he is still one of our wonderful solo artists.
His first album since 2004 is basically a 50/50 blend of peerless pop with hooks and singer/songwriter tracks featuring his voice and acoustic guitar. He writes incredibly sharp and memorable vignettes, and the writing skills are strong in many, many genres.
The big bucks and fame will still come from the Nashville country pop niche that is his bread and butter, but this album shows two other things: he could write big hits for stars of many genres, and he could have a very viable career just doing his own stuff.
Key tracks: We Are Young And So Is The Night; Bob Evans; Davey Jones
- Daily Gleaner

Cape Breton's Gordie Sampson has had a long career within and outside the East Coast music scene and in the past few years has struck songwriting gold, penning songs for other artists including country stars Carrie Underwood and Faith Hill. His third solo record is a nice blend of pop-rock tunes (We Are Young and So Is The Night and Flying So Low) as well as the singer-songwriter style tracks he's probably best known for (The Hour I Need You Most, Are You Sleeping and Montreal). Given the strength of his songs on this latest record, one would hope it's just a matter of time before Sampson achieves the same success for his own career that others have found while singing his songs.
-By Ken Kelley
- Here Magazine - herenb.com

Gordie Sampson has methodically crafted a diverse folio of songs that have won accolades and attracted covers by an ever increasing number of Nashville blue chip acts, including Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood, as well as homegrown acts, such as Great Big Sea, Crush, and Natalie MacMaster, who have fallen in love with his storybook song lyrics.

“Davey Jones” is his latest miniature masterpiece, a song that perhaps was inspired by forefathers who worked the treacherous Atlantic as fishermen and specifically deals with drowning. It’s his latest gem, and also the first single from his just released 3rd album, For the Few & Far Between.
- www.fyi.ca