‘Telegraph’ featuring Gordie on Harmonica, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Jim Bowskill on upright bass and mandolin, and Steve Marriner on drums and percussion, was inspired by Father Jean- Marie Mouchet who carved out a unique path in the Yukon. While Gordie was bringing music to Old Crow Yukon, a remote fly in only community and working with kids youth writing songs, an elder informed him that prior to his arrival another non-indigenous man had already broken good trail for Gordie to be welcomed in the community. Gordie was presented with a book written by Yukon author John Firth: North Star. After reading it and being amazed by father Mouchet’s journey he wrote this song.
The guitar Gordie used in both audio & video once belonged to famed Canadian Songwriter Gordon Lightfoot. Custom built originally for Gordon Lightfoot by Ed McGlincy from New Jersey in 1977. One of only 12 custom guitars Ed ever made, 2 others from this collection were built for David Bromberg & Bob Dylan. Lightfoot gifted it to Terry Clements his lead guitar player of 40 years who passed away in 2011, and this is the lead acoustic guitar you hear on hits ‘Sundown’, ‘Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald’, ‘High & Dry’ and ‘Rainy Day People’
It’s been a busy time for International touring artist Gordie since his first UK tour in 2010 as the opening act for Fred Eaglesmith, with two new records: Double Takes (May 2025) and his upcoming new record ‘Dandelion Blue’. It was recently announced that his song ‘Gratitude’ won the 2025 IAMA (International Acoustic Music Award), repeating the same feat he was awarded a 2023 IAMA for his song ‘Every Child’.
Gordie’s new album ‘Dandelion Blue’ was recorded live off the floor in (Ontario Canada) with Jimmy Bowskill (Blue Rodeo, Sheep Dogs), and Steve Marriner (Colin James, Harry Manx) over 5 days in a farmhouse, with vintage 1930-50’s microphones, amps, and vibes – conjuring up a record Tentrees has been making in his mind for 10 years. This road poet has performed over 5,000 concerts in 11 countries, armed with 5 instruments (Foot Bass & Snare Tam, Harmonica, Resonator & Acoustic Guitars), bringing light from the dark with masterful storytelling.
Speaking on the making of the album, Gordie explains, “For this record I felt ready to create a live-sounding record with minimal overdubs that sounded like a couple of pickers on a front porch the listener happens to stumble upon with a sound that surrounds you, feels intimate, raw and real. I wrote Jim Bowkskill & Steve Marriner, who loved the idea, and after my first sessions, I realised they were absolutely perfect for recording like this. Their studio, Ganaraska Recording (an old farmhouse) in Baltimore, Ontario,really set the tone for magic. I went in with 6 tunes, and in quick succession,we had guts for this record. I am in a place where I now feel comfortable singing and playing guitar/harp all at once in a studio without overdubbing.Jimmy & Steve were incredible at laying down drums/upright bass with me immediately, then adding instruments as needed, often overdubbing 2 (Mando/Harp) at the same time. It’s a unique-sounding record, 3 guys laying it down well together. It’s important for me to try new things, and I enjoy failing along the way. I feel something special happened here. Vintage instruments & mics were abundant.”
For the past 5 years, offstage, Gordie has been part of an indigenous-led healing team (Shawthan Nazhi), supporting families and writing healing songs focused on intergenerational trauma. The program was awarded the Arctic Inspiration Prize. His love for teaching/hosting workshops for youth/adults runs deep.
Tentrees has toured extensively with friends Fred Eaglesmith, Mary Gauthier, Kelly Joe Phelps, Danny Michel, Ray Wylie Hubbard & Steve Poltz with special appearances at Celtic Connections (UK), National Folk Festival (AU), Woody Guthrie Folk Fest (USA) and Auckland Folk Festival (NZ). Catch Gordie in concert and see a master musician at work.