Durham County Poets

DURHAM COUNTY POETS

Durham County Poets are a band in every sense of the word. 

Their musical journey began in a humble café in Ormstown Quebec, and since then has spread throughout Canada and into the United States. 

They’ve undergone their fair share of changes over the years, yet the core of the group including lead singer Kevin Harvey, Carl Rufh, bass player, and drummer Rob Couture remain. The other founding members, David Whyte, Neil Elsmore and James Preimel are no longer able to tour with the group but are still actively involved.Now, guitarist extraordinaire Rob MacDonald has comfortably stepped in bringing his unique playing, personality and musical skills to the group. Throw in tenor saxophonist & arranger Mark Leclerc in the mix, and you have an incredible five piece band.Want a little more? How about saxophonist Kaven Jalbert with his joy and exuberance into the mix now you have a band that is a force to be reckoned with!

Their fourth album, Hand Me Down Blues was nominated for a JUNO Award 2020 for Blues album of the year. Then Out Of The Woods, released in May of 2022 has garnered much attention, with top 40, top 20, top 10 best album of the year lists for 2022.

All members, both past and present still contribute to writing and arranging the songs, bringing something truly unique to the table every time.Various genres are respectively treated, including Blues, Soul, Folk, R&B, and Gospel, all weaving together to create a genuine Canadiana sound. Every song paints a picture and tells a story… Now presently in 2024 new songs are being flushed out and will find their place in the world soon when the time is right. It’s an exciting time to be involved in the music business today. So stay tuned.

 The band’s debut albums 

The first album, Where the River Flows, was a local hit, receiving some radio airplay and attention And allowed them to express themselves and showcase their musicianship and abilities as songwriters. They remained focused and kept their strong sense of purpose. Now, with a manager on board – Heidi Fleming of FAMGroup – two more albums would follow: Chickaboodah Stew and Grimshaw Road.  

Their fourth album, Hand Me Down Blues, would build on that success, remaining on Roots Music Report’s top 50 charts in Canada for more than 12 months. And was nominated for a JUNO Award for (Best Blues album of the year 2020) 

Here we all are in 2022 – now what? 

(A new album, Out of the Woods) 

Produced by Bill Garrett, OUT OF THE WOODS was released in May 2022. The band has kept busy over the past two years, writing and drawing inspiration from life as we now know it and allowing good and bad experiences to shape each heartfelt song. The band is back in the groove, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. You’ll hear original, uplifting compositions from the Blues, R&B, Soul, and Gospel genres that reach deep down into the soul. 

Reviews 

“Lead singer Kevin Harvey and his band are sonic shape shifters of the first order. Whether it’s blues, folk, soul, country, gospel, or New Orleans swing, they purvey it with skill, aplomb and pure honesty.” 

– Nate Dow, Fallout Shelter, Massachusetts 

“There’s something about the Durham County Poets that leaves you feeling that everything might be OK in the world after all. There’s a human spirit that lives in these people and their music is the medium that allows that spirit to roam free.” 

– Bill Hurley, Extended Play Sessions 

Hand Me Down Blues 

“Though this is mainly a blues album, it’s not as ‘blue’ as the title led me to think it would be.  You’ll also find spirited gospel, a bit of country twang and slinky jazz, even some jump/swing on a track like Kidney Stew; there’s something fresh around every corner here” 

— by John Kereiff The rock doctor