Shawn William Clarke

'William' (album stream)

BY Alex HudsonPublished Sep 11, 2014

Formerly a sideman with Timber Timbre and Olenka and the Autumn Lovers, Shawn William Clarke is preparing to release his sophomore solo album. Before William drops on September 23, it's available to stream here on Exclaim.ca.

Clarke made the album with producer James Bunton (Diamond Rings, Evening Hymns) at Currie's Music and Collectables in Gravenhurst, ON. Currie's is a musically minded antiques store, and some of the classic guitars ended up on the album.

This resulted is an elegant folk rock sound filled with crisp finger-picking and organic-sounding ballads. Some horns and accordion work their way into the arrangements, but Clarke and Bunton mostly keep things simple and place the emphasis on soothing restraint. Clarke swaps out his six-string for a ukulele on a few tracks.

"Currie's was a very inspiring location to record this album," Clarke said in a statement. "The Currie brothers [who own and run the store] make you feel at home and their knowledge and supply of vintage equipment is unparalleled."

Scroll past Clarke's upcoming Canadian tour dates to hear all of William for yourself.

Tour dates:

09/26 Peterborough, ON - Gallery in the Attic
09/27 Ottawa, ON - Raw Sugar

 09/28 Kemptville, ON - The Branch

 10/01 Charlottetown, PE - Gahan Pub

10/02 Halifax, NS - Company House
10/03 Kentville, NS - Union St. Cafe
10/04 Wolfville, NS - house show
10/05 Pictou, NS - Carvers Coffeehouse
10/07 Moncton, NB - Plan B

10/08 Edmundston, NB - Le Deck
10/10 Montreal, QC - Grumpy's
10/11 Belleville, ON - Capers

Latest Coverage