As a live performer, Bill Candy brings a gripping combination of guitar and vocal mastery to the stage. His original arrangements of folk, jazz, country, blues & pop classics are both unique and refreshing – keeping the audience entertained for the entire performance.

Bill’s roots go back to the British invasion of the 60’s but it was in the 70’s that he discovered that he had a passion for the acoustic guitar and the songs of the artists of that period. (Jim Croce, Paul Simon, James Taylor etc.) He comes by his talent honestly as his grandfather George Coutts was a gifted arranger, teacher and Canadian composer in his own right who is listed in the Canadian Music Encyclopedia. Bill's guitar studies took him through just about all aspects of the instrument starting with some classical training at the Royal Conservatory of Music and moving on to a pursuit of the understanding of jazz, which found him at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. It is this eclectic musical background that has produced Bill’s unique style of playing, and what sets him apart from other performers.

Up until ‘93 Bill was active as a soloist as well as being the “Harding” member of the well-known vocal act Edward, Harding and McLean who recorded 3 albums in their 20 year career and appeared on many CBC TV and Radio programs including The Tommy Hunter Show, The Bob McLean Show (regulars), Morningside and a CBCTV superspecial with Rene Simard.. During this period Bill had the opportunity to open for acts such as Jerry Jeff Walker, The Guess Who, Blood, Sweat & Tears, David Brennar, Jim Baily and Ian Thomas. Having gone their separate ways, Bill has been focusing more on pursuing his own songwriting and recording career which got off to a successful start in ‘91 with the release of his single “ I Can’t Say That It’s True.” The song was charted nationally and held the #34 spot on the Record magazines’ top 50 country songs of ‘91. Bill’s CD Closer To The Music, produced by Chad Irshick (Rankin Family), was released in ‘95 and has received great reviews and consistent national airplay. Native Canadian star Susan Aglukark has also recorded one of Bill’s songs on her critically acclaimed EMI CD This Child, which is sure to present Bill to the International community as one of Canada’s finest songwriters.

In concert, you will hear him perform his own songs as well as many other original arrangements and instrumentals that weave through jazz, country and pop. It’s a unique talent that combines structure and improvisation leaving the audience refreshed and inspired.

Bill's concert and club work resulted in a CD entitled “COMMON GROUND” which received radio attention in Canada, the U.K., Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. A career highlight was a repeat concert appearance with a 360 voice multicultural choir performing the title track of Bill's CD – COMMON GROUND.

Contact information:

P (905) 823-0788
F (905) 823-5952
2274 Wadding Crescent
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5K 1Z3
info@billcandy.com
www.billcandy.com