TERRA SPENCER & Special guest support JAMES GANSLER

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY SPECIAL 26TH MAY 2025

TERRA SPENCER (From Nova Scotia, Canada)

& Special guest support JAMES GANSLER

Celebrating 'Sunset' with three ECMA nominations!

- Folk Release of the Year (for "Real Love" featuring Ian Sherwood)

- Roots Release of the Year (for "East to West" featuring Stephen Fearing)

- Songwriter of the Year

Bad ideas, VCRs, crumbling factories, hairy dogs, questionable tattoos...all are fair game for Nova Scotian funeral director-turned-songwriter Terra Spencer. And the songs are good ones, judging from the stack of awards her three albums have received and from the caliber of collaborators like Ben Caplan, Dave Gunning, and David Francey, who welcomed Terra as a co-writer and performer on his JUNO-winning album The Breath Between. Terra has just released her fourth solo album, 'Sunset', named the Penguin Eggs Album of the Year alongside Julian Taylor's 'Pathways'. Its dozen songs feature guests from East to West - Matt Andersen, The Bombadils, Ryan Cook, Ian Sherwood, Pillow Fite, and Stephen Fearing. Although her butterscotch voice, deft fingerstyle guitar, and gospel-charged piano make her a formidable musician, it's her onstage ease and crackling homespun wit that make each show feel like a knee-to-knee conversation in a room of 5 or 500. "The real deal." - Ron Sexsmith

Recent Live Review

A great musical performance balances content and showmanship. Much like cooking, the right ingredients make a good meal, but the presentation is what takes it to the next level. Having recently reviewed Terra Spencer's new album, "Sunset," I knew I was in for a treat content-wise. But would the presentation match? I found out on November 2nd at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre in Fredericton, NB.

The excitement was palpable as we took our seats just before the show. Some of Fredericton's well-known artists were also in attendance. Spencer was introduced by Emma Chevarie from the MRTI Agency and opened with "Twenty Years In." Her guitar skills were the first to capture my attention. Spencer crafts her songs with care, and it shows.

"Taking the time" was a fitting theme for this performance. Her stories and anecdotes were a perfect blend of depth and humor, making it easy to anticipate the next song. Unlike some artists who rush or overly embellish their sets, Spencer knows when to speak and when to let the music speak for itself. Her presentation matched the quality of her material.

Spencer later moved to the grand piano, performing "You've Got a Way" with a fuller sound than the recorded version, where the guitar is more prominent. Similarly, her acoustic guitar on "Valentine Blue" sounded richer than the ukulele-dominated version on "Sunset." Without a band at her side, she maximizes her material's potential, clearly dedicating time to achieve excellence.

I was also impressed by her interactions with fans at the merchandise booth. Unlike many artists who delegate this task to venue staff, Spencer's presence strengthens her connection with fans. While waiting in line, I noticed her listening intently to each person's stories, without any signs of impatience. There were so many of them! Spencer treats everyone as an equal, reflecting her remarkable character.

So, next time you're cooking a good meal, remember to focus on presentation – it makes ALL the difference.

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James Gansler is one of Lancashire's Favourite Troubadours now in his 6th decade of touring he still manages to deliver exactly what the public want. James is the cherry on this amazing Cake of a Night out.

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