http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/Entertainment/2007/12/14/4723736-sun.html

Sure, Vancouver Island may be full of hippie wildlife artists, burnt-out students, and retirees driving around with their left signals perpetually blinking, but there is no denying that when it comes to music, the residents of the western world's last bastion have impeccable taste. One need look no further than folk trio The Gruff, winners of the 2007 Vancouver Island Music Awards' Artist of the Year, to see that those moose-painting, weed-smoking, slow-driving music fans know what time it is.

Originally performing traditional Irish tunes under the moniker Billy Goat Gruff, vocalist/drummer Phaedrea Kemp, vocalist/guitarist Jenny Ritter, and bassist/vocalist Terri Upton soon evolved their sound to deliver a more contemporary take on the jigs and reels that had made them a staple in the West Coast pub scene. Following this metamorphosis to their rockin' brand of country, bluegrass, and folk, The Gruff has gone on to wow audiences coast-to-coast, playing such acclaimed festivals as Victoria's Rootsfest, the Ottawa Folk Festival, and even The Hillside Festival in Guelph.

But the musical magic isn't just limited to the stage. The Gruff have released three albums of original, toe-tapping, heart-moving ditties. Recorded at Marlborough Studios by producer Adrian Dolan, their self-titled third release even featured such folk heavyweights as guitarist Steve Dawson and violinist Kendel Carson. And while this outstanding album's sound conjures up images of the Be Good Tanyas or even Indigo Girls, I don't think I am exaggerating when I say that the songwriting is arguably even stronger than that of either of the aforementioned. A crazy statement, perhaps, but I know at least the population of Vancouver Island will agree with me. And that's worth something, regardless of how earthy, stoned, or confused they all may be.

The Gruff perform tomorrow at The Media Club with Kent McAlister and the Iron Choir.

Thanks R.C.!