SHANE PENDERGAST, WINTER GRACE

Nestled beside a river on Prince Edward Island, folksinger Shane Pendergast’s home offers a view of an ever-changing landscape that continually inspires his music. Drawing from this setting, the lore of his Maritime home, and his university years performing in Toronto pubs, Pendergast crafts songs rooted in themes of community, history, and the sea. Those songs have helped Pendergast establish himself as one of Atlantic Canada’s premier folk voices.

On his third album, Winter Grace, Pendergast’s insightful storytelling is vivid and rich in imagery. Like the shifting scenery outside his window, on “Only Drifting By” he reflects on people with meaningful connections becoming strangers and the emotions that come with drifting apart: “Glances that we gave, I can not forget. Through the rosy glow, and the blue regret. Saw you in the bower, with my roving eye. Now I walk the coast, haunted by your ghost. Only drifting by.”

Blending his deep connection to Maritime and traditional folk traditions with intricate guitar work and subtle modern elements, Winter Grace stands out as a beautifully crafted album. Pendergast’s ability to weave heartfelt narratives with rich melodies results in songs that are timeless, yet infused with contemporary touches, making Winter Grace a truly memorable album.