Michael Laderoute

Twenty-three years in the making, A River I Know is the first studio release from Toronto-based songwriter Michael Laderoute. Raised in the Ottawa Valley, Laderoute has played with the likes of Guy Clark and Townes Van Zant over the years and held court in acoustic cafés from Music City and Hogtown to Dallas, TX and Mexico. For this acoustic, live-off-the-floor recording, Laderoute gathered a few of his musical pals and got down to business at the Rogue studio. Produced by Torontonian David Baxter, these ten tunes showcase the songsmith’s talent for crafting well-written stories and cohesive songs. Following in the tradition of troubadours such as Clark and Van Zant, these narratives roll along with a relaxing rhythm guided by Bazil Donovan’s upright bass and Burke Carroll’s delicate and soulful dobro. These intimate reflections are the result of many years of toiling the roads and stories that were yet to be told. From the touching tribute to his dad ("Lorne’s Barber Shop”) to travelling songs ("Full Moon Rider”) to love in all its guises ("Love’s Battle Scars,” "Lonesome Without You,” and "Love on Hold”), Laderoute combines just the right words at the right time to create a rollicking cadence that will have you returning to these songs again and again.