Music in the Meadow returns to Mount Engadine Lodge with an upcoming performance by Calgary’s JJ Shiplett on Aug. 22.
“I’ll keep singing on … until this well runs dry or this fire dies.”
You can sum up JJ Shiplett’s world with the line above (taken from his song “Bluejay Highway”). A songwriter in every situation and a dedicated player, JJ’s passion for quality music and sincere songs is only matched by his goal to get everyone dancing. It’s CCR to Ryan Adams to the The Boss.
Recently he was the recipient of Rawlco Radio’s 10k20 Grant Program in his hometown of Calgary. Following the grant, he recorded his first full-length album which was released in 2012. Recorded at Five Acres Studios in Aldergrove, B.C. with the help of producer Ryan Mcallister (Dakona, Cowboys and Indians, Maverick Records), the album showcases heartfelt moments full of life experience, right alongside bursts of boisterous feel-good rock and roll.
In 2007, JJ released Colours. It was his first recording released to the public. Titled for its diverse emotional journey, the album is an honest and expressive portrayal of an artist’s heart. Recorded in the basement of a Calgary church with the help of producer Adam Gill and Jason Graham (Barrage, Shane Yellowbird), the album was followed with shows across Canada. JJ opened for Canadian artist such as Jeremy Fisher, Zaac Pick and Hello Beautiful, as well as for international artists such as Thomas McCleary of The Commodores.
In 2009, JJ started a society with friend Daniel Huscroft called, The Hus and Banger Society For Kids Who Can’t Afford Musical Instruments. The title says it all. The society is based on a desire to help Canadian kids whose families might not be able to purchase quality instruments to help them learn the fundamentals and to assist in the learning of one of life’s most important aspects, art.
