COPPER JUNCTION
 

CAROLYN HARLEY BIO

Take an exceptional songwriter who can write in a wide variety of styles: add in a beautiful voice that causes people to say “I could listen to you sing all night!!”  and finally add in a sense of humour and engaging stage presence with solid guitar work and you end up with a recipe for an engaging, thoughtful and uplifting evening of original music.  Carolyn Harleyis a dynamic performer who loves being on stage and interacting with her audience.  She believes in writing songs that matter and songs that connect.   Whether she is on stage with her full band; with her trio; as part of a duo; or as a solo artist her objective is always to connect with the people who came to hear her music.  Carolyn has spent a career of study and effort to create a body of work that is well crafted, varied, entertaining and thought provoking.  Her songs have been recorded by a wide variety of artists including Cajun, bluegrass, roots and classic country artists.  Through the years of writing Carolyn has crafted her songs and her voice to fit different song styles and moods.  As a result Carolyn has developed a versatile voice that is strong in the lower register when she is singing her blues, rock-a-billy or swing tunes.   Other songs require a true higher range to fit her folk, jazz, bluegrass or pop songs.
 
Carolyn’s voice has often been likened to Patsy Cline but also to Alison Krauss and Bonnie Raitt depending on the style of song.  This makes for an interesting evening that constantly draws the audience back to full attention.   Using a catalogue of over 500 original songs Carolyn creates her set lists with a wide variety of up-tempo songs interspersed with ballads and poignant story songs.   Whether performing for a dance; a festival; a concert or for a house concert Carolyn is always looking to give the audience variety, humour, and insight into life.  Invariably during the course of the evening there will be laughter, tears, heads nodding in agreement and toes tapping in time.   People go home with a bounce in their step and a sense of renewed energy.

ROBB MANN BIO

A native of Sydney, Nova Scotia (Cape Breton Island), Robb comes from a very musical family.  Robb started singing solo, at age 5, on local television station C.J.C.B. Also performed in School and Church choirs, for many years as well. His first instrument, after voice, was piano.  The piano gave way to the ukelele and guitar, and then in High School, clarinet, trumpet and bugle in marching bands. Always coming back to guitar and keyboards, Robb sang and played lead guitar and keyboards with the rock group The Darnells, in Sydney, NS and entertained twice weekly, for several years for local teen dances.  After high school, Robb travelled to Ontario with a 6 piece vocal harmony group, The Sus4 Media.  This group performed on CBC Radio and Television, for various programs. The group played many venues, including “opening” for Neil Diamond at the Canadian National Exhibition, in Toronto !  Robb “moved” to Calgary from Halifax, in 1997, and has performed in various groups in Calgary, since then.  Most recently with Carolyn Harley and the Davidsons. In 2012, Robb (a songwriter, as well), finally completed his first CD, “Livin’ The Dream”. The album was produced in Calgary by Don Kletke, at Encore Studios.  Robb’s latest venture has been learning and performing on mandolin. Robb has also become a huge fan, and participant in the local Calgary FAMI Music Camps, (Foothills Acoustic Music Institute).   Music means the World,….to Robb !

CRAIG WEST BIO

I was born in Red Deer, and was raised southwest of Sylvan Lake. Even though I am totally blind from birth with the help of my parents, I have always been given many opportunities to learn and play music. At 11 years old, I began studying the violin, first taking lessons in Red Deer.  When I was in high school, I went to Edmonton and Calgary for lessons once a week. I completed my Diploma in Music Performance from Mount Royal College (now called Mount Royal University) in 1995, and went on to complete my Bachelor of Arts at University of Calgary in 1999. I also had the privilege of studying at the Banff Centre of Fine Arts in the summers of 1995 and 96.  Though I am classically trained, I have branched out into a number of musical genres, including Celtic, traditional old time fiddling, Bluegrass, and Gospel. In 2000, I released my first fiddle CD, called West Country Fiddle. In 2001, I released a classical CD, with piano accompaniment, called Spring. In 2002, I released my second fiddle CD, called Bluejeans and Gingham. My wife Angie and I were married in 2002. And in 2009, our twin daughters were born. Music is my living, as I play at nursing homes, seniors' lodges, weddings, funerals, and many other functions.  Angie plays the piano, and we play together  and often include our daughters who are now 8 as part of our act.   I taught myself how to play the guitar and have learned a few classic country songs and old time songs to play and sing for the seniors.  My repertoire is constantly growing, which adds to the challenge! In recent years, I've started playing with several bands.  With these groups I've been doing more corporate gigs.

JOE HARLEY BIO  

Joe took the long road to the band.  His first exposure to music came in the 1960's college group called "The Dangling Conversation Piece" as their lead singer.  He then left music and spent the next 40 years raising a family, chasing careers and carrying gear for his musical family.  
To celebrate the onset of his second half-century, on a whim, Joe joined a Jazz singing class and re-ignited his love of music and performing.
Next step was to learn the drum kit.  Joe was then encouraged by his son Tim to try the bass guitar that was left behind when Tim headed off to tour the world as a bass player.
Now, normally the son learns from the father, but this was just the  reverse.  Tim instilled in dad, Joe a love the "fat sound".
Joe then joined Weekend Warriors and worked with other musicians, including his son Sean, to learn to be part of a band.   He also joined a 'garage band' and continued to improve his  bass skills.
When asked by his  wife if he would be willing to learn some original tunes and be part of her first ever trio he said yes and they have been performing together ever since. 
Joe encourages everyone, that age is not a barrier when it comes to music.  It's really cool to be excited about music at this "advanced age".