For
more than a decade, Shifty Morgan has been entertaining audiences
across the prairies. Their sound is a blend of country tradition and
driving rhythm, giving them that edge that defines new country.
With a wide variety of country/rock cover tunes and strong, well
crafted original songs (all written by lead vocalist/guitarist
Anthony Kelly), Shifty Morgan appeals to a wide range of country
music fans.
Although the band has experienced many highlights throughout the
years, 2001 was a defining year for Shifty Morgan. This was the
year that the band captured the title of regional winner in Project
Discovery, a nationwide talent search, which took the band to the
national finals at Country Music Week in Calgary. Since then, the
accomplishments just keep on coming:
-
Debut CD, “Anything But Easy”, which was into production in 2000,
was completed and released in 2002, produced by Kevin Churko
(engineer for Shania Twain’s “Up”) and Bart McKay (producer for Brad
Johner, Gord Bamford, Heather Dawn), distributed by Royalty Records
of Edmonton. The CD has produced six singles – Hasn’t Been Me,
Closer to Blue, She Ain’t Lonely Yet, Old Man in the Mirror, Now
That Day is Gone, and A Hundred Years From Now - all Top 100
Cancountry hits.
-
Numerous Saskatchewan Country Music Awards nominations and winners
of the “Rising Star” award in 2003,
nominated for "Group of the Year" in 2008 and winners of
and “Group of The Year” in 2004
-
Nominated for Independent Group of the Year at 2004 CCMA awards
-
Opening shows for legendary acts like Ian Tyson and new country
stars like
George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett
-
2006 main
stage appearance at the Craven Country Jamboree
The bands lead singer Anthony Kelly was honoured with a 2006 SCMA
award , “Song of the Year” for his debut solo single, “You Belong
Here”. He continues to front Shifty Morgan on the club, casino,
rodeo and cabaret circuit across the prairies as he pursues his song
writing career with several cuts recorded by Canadian artists in 04,
05, and 06. The band remains committed to providing high-quality
music to audiences for years to come.
The members of Shifty Morgan include Anthony Kelly (lead vocals,
guitar, mandolin), Guy Wall (guitar, vocals), Blake Kelly (acoustic
guitar, vocals), Neil Coghill (drums), and Vern Nixon (bass
guitar).
Cool places we’ve played:
Craven Country
Jamboree Main Stage and Beer Gardens Stage
SIGA Casinos across Saskatchewan
The Pump, Regina, SK
The Ranchman’s, Calgary, AB
Casino Regina Show Lounge, Regina, SK
2001 Project Discovery Finals, Calgary, AB
Big Valley Jamboree Beer Gardens, Camrose AB
Cool people we’ve shared the stage with:
|
The Johner
Brothers |
George
Canyon |
The
Poverty Plainsmen |
|
Ian Tyson |
Jimmy
Rankin |
Aaron
Pritchett |
|
Jason
McCoy |
Lisa
Brokop |
Blackhawk |
Cool things people have said about us:
“…the group is
sure to cause some waves in the country music scene.. one of the
best new acts to hit the scene in some time.”
-
Country Music News, Aug., 2001
“First out of
the gate on Saturday night at the Palace Theatre in Calgary was
Shifty Morgan who represented themselves and their region with a
strong, entertaining set.” SCMA Newsletter on PD Finals, Fall 2001
|
