"This is Bill's debut album, and is sure to bring him into the mainstream. Candy displays a relaxed, non-pretentious approach to his music, which at times reveals a pleasant folk/roots ingredient. His song material is simple and his keen sense of interpretation gives a touch urgency to his lyrics."

WALT GREALIS
RPM Magazine

CHERYL HOMAN,
Country Wave Magazine 2/95

SOCAN,
Words & Music 2/95

NORTHERN JOURNEY.
A guide to Canadian folk music on CD.

When Bill writes or learns a new song, he works it until it fits like a glove. The 6 originals on this CD do just that. COMMON GROUND was a song written originally as a song of praise for this great country that we live in. It sat unsung for 5 years until 9/11 when he re-wrote it as a song of hope for this troubled world in which we live. The choir that you hear on this track was a massing of 9 multi-cultural choirs (260 voices) that performed Bill's song as the finale of their "Singing Together" concert in Marcb of this year. The audience was on their feet before the last chorus ended. The choir arrangement was done by Toronto's Tom Leighton.
SHE S GONE, WHEN THE LOST IS FOUND & IT'S YOUR LOVE THAT HAS SAVED ME all show Bill's talent as a song writer. The lyrics, coming from personal experiences, coax the listeners imagination and Bill's knowledge of melody, harmony and arrangement marry with the lyrics too give each song it s own life. Always one to create an interesting and unexpected bridge that takes you completely away from the theme only to bring you back again as if you never left, SHE"S GONE & WHEN THE LOST IS FOUND are good examples and leave the ear wanting for a second listen.
SLIPPING THROUGH THE CRACKS is a comment on the poverty and abuse suffered by so many children. Bill was inspired by Susan Aglukark in a song writing session for her THIS CHILD CD 1995. He wrote the song for her and she recorded it on that CD. That EMI recording went on to sell over 300,000 copies. Bill s version is convincing and his message is clear.
You will also hear Bill s talents on the fret board in DUCK'S RAG. (Duck being Bill s nick name from high school) He also did all the guitar work on the CD displaying his knowledge of all styles of guitar playing and studio techniques.
THE LUCK OF THE DRAWL & IT AIN T NOTHIN show Bill s love for country swing. The Luck Of The Drawl, penned by Toronto's big funny guy of country guitar WENDELL FERGUSON, is to be the 1st single as well. You'll be hearing more from Bill & Wendell from various stages in the Toronto area.
Bill's grandfather, GEORGE COUTTS, was a highly respected Canadian composer. Although he never knew him, we can see where Bill s talents came from. This musicality was also passed down to his daughter EMILY who wrote a duet for flute when she was 17 for a high school music project. He was so taken with her arranging ability that he hired Amy Dooittle to record the flute parts and then added a track of 12 string and one of classical guitar. A fitting ending to a most entertaining CD.

DAVE EMPRY
Freelance Journalist

NEWS FLASH - Bill Candy ranked 16 th out of 400 submissions in a songwriting contest for Common Ground. The song Peacedriven will be included on a CD compilation for promotional use by an organization called PEACEDRIVEN.

Bill has another song, Closer To The Music, that is being considered for another compilation for DOWNLOAD FOR THE CURE.