John & Sheila Ludgate

AWARDS
Folk Music Ontario presents three major annual awards: the Estelle Klein Award, the Songs From the Heart: Galaxie Rising Stars Award, and the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award. The Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award is presented in partnership with the Ontario Arts Council.

Songs From the Heart Competition

Folk Music Ontario is pleased to announce the grand prize and sub-category winners of the 19th annual Folk Music Ontario Songs From the Heart songwriting competition, generously sponsored by Galaxie, Your Musical Universe.

The 2013 Folk Music Ontario Songs From the Heart grand prize winners are:

Galaxie Rising Stars Award – English:

Bill Candy for “Idle Never More”

Galaxie Rising Stars Award – French:

YAO (Yaovi Hoyi) for “Pensées-soleil”

In addition, five sub-category winners have been selected by the Songs From the Heart juries:

Children’s: Mike Whitla for “Trees Need the Sun”
Humorous: John Jackson for “Drinkin’ Time”
Instrumental: Chris McKhool and Kevin Laliberté for “Monti’s Revenge”
Multicultural: John and Sheila Ludgate for “Northern Soul”
Political: Ian Tamblyn for “Take the Mountain Down” - Folk Music Ontario (formerly Ontario Council Of Folk Festivals)

John and Sheila Ludgate release ‘Northern Soul’
By Joe Ross

The Ontario-based folk duo John and Sheila Ludgate sing about “so many miles, so many roads, we’ve come so far, so far to go” in the title track, “Northern Soul,” off their new album. The song won the multi-cultural subcategory prize in Folk Music Ontario’s (formerly the Ontario Council Of Folk Festivals – OCFF) prestigious “Songs From The Heart” competition. With some lyrics, sung in French, they make a promise to stay “in the true north … the land of the north, strong and free.”

Northern Soul Ludgate

John (guitar, harmonica) and Sheila (bass guitar) have released quite a few albums since 1992, all while raising four boys who are also featured musicians. “Electric Guitars” alludes to the importance of music to the Ludgates with many witty references to Beatles and Bob Dylan songs. Yet, like many things in life that come with aging and change, the ephemeral nature of life and music may also lead us to a place where “it’s all over now, hard rain’s going to fall, times are changing for us all.” In other words, we’d better live it up while we can!

Further, in the song “One Thing’s For Certain,” a call for perseverance, the Ludgates remind us to “do the best you can, with what you’ve been given.” They must think a lot about the past, present and future because “Blink” is also a song which has references to yesterday, today and tomorrow but optimistically encourages us to keep on trudging towards “the future, an unsung song.”

Similar to their 2012 release (Running Through the Innocent Years), their new project continues to emphasize John’s fingerpicked acoustic guitar and warm conversational baritone voice, as well as Sheila’s silky backup harmony and solid bass playing. Their arrangements are cohesively woven to emphasize the messages in their pensive and thoughtful balladry.

The Ludgates’ songs are insightful, and some are quite profound. “Fine Line,” for example, gets us thinking about “pride and false confidence, living in the present tense, you might be blind to what you left behind, but you’ll live with the consequence.” Again, their relaxed songs thematically cover many sentiments from the past and present, while also remaining focused and optimistic for the future. “Requiem for Love” is certainly a lamentation, but it’s far from a dirge.

With a variety of approaches to their expressive and reflective music, the Ludgates are troubadours with a keen ability to blend introspective thoughts with melodies and instrumentation that complement their messages. Their lyrical music is quite serious and thematic so it’s a nice relief when they serve up some humor in a song like “I’m A Dog.”

Ending the album on a bit of a sentimental note, “A Dog’s Last Ride (For Abbie)” is a sad goodbye to a faithful, best friend. However, she’s left this song to sing, even if time is no longer on our side. I look forward to hearing more from the Ludgates that cover all aspects of human emotion from joy to sorrow, wit to whimsy, gravity to jollity, and humor to solemnity. These voyagers have a good handle on life, and we all find meaningful relationships with their friendly music that invites you into their intimate space. I always enjoy the pleasant grooves, perspectives and energy from these northern souls. The CD is available on iTunes or by contacting John and Sheila Ludgate directly via the contact information on their website. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)


Reviewed By: Joe Ross - Roots Music Report

John and Sheila Ludgate release ‘Northern Soul’
By Joe Ross

The Ontario-based folk duo John and Sheila Ludgate sing about “so many miles, so many roads, we’ve come so far, so far to go” in the title track, “Northern Soul,” off their new album. The song won the multi-cultural subcategory prize in Folk Music Ontario’s (formerly the Ontario Council Of Folk Festivals – OCFF) prestigious “Songs From The Heart” competition. With some lyrics, sung in French, they make a promise to stay “in the true north … the land of the north, strong and free.”

Northern Soul Ludgate

John (guitar, harmonica) and Sheila (bass guitar) have released quite a few albums since 1992, all while raising four boys who are also featured musicians. “Electric Guitars” alludes to the importance of music to the Ludgates with many witty references to Beatles and Bob Dylan songs. Yet, like many things in life that come with aging and change, the ephemeral nature of life and music may also lead us to a place where “it’s all over now, hard rain’s going to fall, times are changing for us all.” In other words, we’d better live it up while we can!

Further, in the song “One Thing’s For Certain,” a call for perseverance, the Ludgates remind us to “do the best you can, with what you’ve been given.” They must think a lot about the past, present and future because “Blink” is also a song which has references to yesterday, today and tomorrow but optimistically encourages us to keep on trudging towards “the future, an unsung song.”

Similar to their 2012 release (Running Through the Innocent Years), their new project continues to emphasize John’s fingerpicked acoustic guitar and warm conversational baritone voice, as well as Sheila’s silky backup harmony and solid bass playing. Their arrangements are cohesively woven to emphasize the messages in their pensive and thoughtful balladry.

The Ludgates’ songs are insightful, and some are quite profound. “Fine Line,” for example, gets us thinking about “pride and false confidence, living in the present tense, you might be blind to what you left behind, but you’ll live with the consequence.” Again, their relaxed songs thematically cover many sentiments from the past and present, while also remaining focused and optimistic for the future. “Requiem for Love” is certainly a lamentation, but it’s far from a dirge.

With a variety of approaches to their expressive and reflective music, the Ludgates are troubadours with a keen ability to blend introspective thoughts with melodies and instrumentation that complement their messages. Their lyrical music is quite serious and thematic so it’s a nice relief when they serve up some humor in a song like “I’m A Dog.”

Ending the album on a bit of a sentimental note, “A Dog’s Last Ride (For Abbie)” is a sad goodbye to a faithful, best friend. However, she’s left this song to sing, even if time is no longer on our side. I look forward to hearing more from the Ludgates that cover all aspects of human emotion from joy to sorrow, wit to whimsy, gravity to jollity, and humor to solemnity. These voyagers have a good handle on life, and we all find meaningful relationships with their friendly music that invites you into their intimate space. I always enjoy the pleasant grooves, perspectives and energy from these northern souls. The CD is available on iTunes or by contacting John and Sheila Ludgate directly via the contact information on their website. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)


Reviewed By: Joe Ross - Roots Music Report

John and Sheila Ludgate release ‘Northern Soul’
By Joe Ross
September 10, 2013

The Ontario-based folk duo John and Sheila Ludgate sing about “so many miles, so many roads, we’ve come so far, so far to go” in the title track, “Northern Soul,” off their new album. The song won the multi-cultural subcategory prize in Folk Music Ontario’s (formerly the Ontario Council Of Folk Festivals – OCFF) prestigious “Songs From The Heart” competition. With some lyrics, sung in French, they make a promise to stay “in the true north … the land of the north, strong and free.”


John (guitar, harmonica) and Sheila (bass guitar) have released quite a few albums since 1992, all while raising four boys who are also featured musicians. “Electric Guitars” alludes to the importance of music to the Ludgates with many witty references to Beatles and Bob Dylan songs. Yet, like many things in life that come with aging and change, the ephemeral nature of life and music may also lead us to a place where “it’s all over now, hard rain’s going to fall, times are changing for us all.” In other words, we’d better live it up while we can!

Further, in the song “One Thing’s For Certain,” a call for perseverance, the Ludgates remind us to “do the best you can, with what you’ve been given.” They must think a lot about the past, present and future because “Blink” is also a song which has references to yesterday, today and tomorrow but optimistically encourages us to keep on trudging towards “the future, an unsung song.”

Similar to their 2012 release (Running Through the Innocent Years), their new project continues to emphasize John’s fingerpicked acoustic guitar and warm conversational baritone voice, as well as Sheila’s silky backup harmony and solid bass playing. Their arrangements are cohesively woven to emphasize the messages in their pensive and thoughtful balladry.

The Ludgates’ songs are insightful, and some are quite profound. “Fine Line,” for example, gets us thinking about “pride and false confidence, living in the present tense, you might be blind to what you left behind, but you’ll live with the consequence.” Again, their relaxed songs thematically cover many sentiments from the past and present, while also remaining focused and optimistic for the future. “Requiem for Love” is certainly a lamentation, but it’s far from a dirge.

With a variety of approaches to their expressive and reflective music, the Ludgates are troubadours with a keen ability to blend introspective thoughts with melodies and instrumentation that complement their messages. Their lyrical music is quite serious and thematic so it’s a nice relief when they serve up some humor in a song like “I’m A Dog.”

Ending the album on a bit of a sentimental note, “A Dog’s Last Ride (For Abbie)” is a sad goodbye to a faithful, best friend. However, she’s left this song to sing, even if time is no longer on our side. I look forward to hearing more from the Ludgates that cover all aspects of human emotion from joy to sorrow, wit to whimsy, gravity to jollity, and humor to solemnity. These voyagers have a good handle on life, and we all find meaningful relationships with their friendly music that invites you into their intimate space. I always enjoy the pleasant grooves, perspectives and energy from these northern souls. The CD is available on iTunes or by contacting John and Sheila Ludgate directly via the contact information on their website. (Joe Ross, CDInsight) - CD Insight

John and Sheila Ludgate release ‘Northern Soul’
By Joe Ross
September 10, 2013

The Ontario-based folk duo John and Sheila Ludgate sing about “so many miles, so many roads, we’ve come so far, so far to go” in the title track, “Northern Soul,” off their new album. The song won the multi-cultural subcategory prize in Folk Music Ontario’s (formerly the Ontario Council Of Folk Festivals – OCFF) prestigious “Songs From The Heart” competition. With some lyrics, sung in French, they make a promise to stay “in the true north … the land of the north, strong and free.”


John (guitar, harmonica) and Sheila (bass guitar) have released quite a few albums since 1992, all while raising four boys who are also featured musicians. “Electric Guitars” alludes to the importance of music to the Ludgates with many witty references to Beatles and Bob Dylan songs. Yet, like many things in life that come with aging and change, the ephemeral nature of life and music may also lead us to a place where “it’s all over now, hard rain’s going to fall, times are changing for us all.” In other words, we’d better live it up while we can!

Further, in the song “One Thing’s For Certain,” a call for perseverance, the Ludgates remind us to “do the best you can, with what you’ve been given.” They must think a lot about the past, present and future because “Blink” is also a song which has references to yesterday, today and tomorrow but optimistically encourages us to keep on trudging towards “the future, an unsung song.”

Similar to their 2012 release (Running Through the Innocent Years), their new project continues to emphasize John’s fingerpicked acoustic guitar and warm conversational baritone voice, as well as Sheila’s silky backup harmony and solid bass playing. Their arrangements are cohesively woven to emphasize the messages in their pensive and thoughtful balladry.

The Ludgates’ songs are insightful, and some are quite profound. “Fine Line,” for example, gets us thinking about “pride and false confidence, living in the present tense, you might be blind to what you left behind, but you’ll live with the consequence.” Again, their relaxed songs thematically cover many sentiments from the past and present, while also remaining focused and optimistic for the future. “Requiem for Love” is certainly a lamentation, but it’s far from a dirge.

With a variety of approaches to their expressive and reflective music, the Ludgates are troubadours with a keen ability to blend introspective thoughts with melodies and instrumentation that complement their messages. Their lyrical music is quite serious and thematic so it’s a nice relief when they serve up some humor in a song like “I’m A Dog.”

Ending the album on a bit of a sentimental note, “A Dog’s Last Ride (For Abbie)” is a sad goodbye to a faithful, best friend. However, she’s left this song to sing, even if time is no longer on our side. I look forward to hearing more from the Ludgates that cover all aspects of human emotion from joy to sorrow, wit to whimsy, gravity to jollity, and humor to solemnity. These voyagers have a good handle on life, and we all find meaningful relationships with their friendly music that invites you into their intimate space. I always enjoy the pleasant grooves, perspectives and energy from these northern souls. The CD is available on iTunes or by contacting John and Sheila Ludgate directly via the contact information on their website. (Joe Ross, CDInsight) - CD Insight

TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013

New John and Sheila Ludgate CD: Northern Soul

Northern Soul, the new CD by Burlington's John and Sheila Ludgate, will take its lucky listeners on a magical journey.

Musical travels take you back and forth to the 60s and the era of peace and love. Stops in between celebrate Canada, reveal heartbreaks, and even give you a chuckle.

Powerful lyrics guide the listener though the myriad of locations and emotions the songs conjure up. Everything is backed by wonderful musicianship.

John and Sheila have once again enlisted their talented sons (all members of Beautiful Nothing) to help them prepare this journey. Anthony (who also produces) and Luke play guitar plus Shane offers drums, percussion and string arrangements. Joining the family is the sublime David Lum, whose slide guitar, acoustic guitar, and mandolin can be heard on a number of tracks.

To explore this CD, you can pick it up at any of their live shows or contact them through their website. It's also available as a download through iTunes.
- Hamilton Blues Lovers (blueshamilton.blogspot.com)

TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013

New John and Sheila Ludgate CD: Northern Soul

Northern Soul, the new CD by Burlington's John and Sheila Ludgate, will take its lucky listeners on a magical journey.

Musical travels take you back and forth to the 60s and the era of peace and love. Stops in between celebrate Canada, reveal heartbreaks, and even give you a chuckle.

Powerful lyrics guide the listener though the myriad of locations and emotions the songs conjure up. Everything is backed by wonderful musicianship.

John and Sheila have once again enlisted their talented sons (all members of Beautiful Nothing) to help them prepare this journey. Anthony (who also produces) and Luke play guitar plus Shane offers drums, percussion and string arrangements. Joining the family is the sublime David Lum, whose slide guitar, acoustic guitar, and mandolin can be heard on a number of tracks.

To explore this CD, you can pick it up at any of their live shows or contact them through their website. It's also available as a download through iTunes.

Below is a video from the CD.



Blast From the Bast: John and Sheila's CD: Running Through the Innocent Years

Links: John and Sheila Ludgate, More John and Sheila Stories, More CD Releases - Hamilton Blues Lovers

TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013

New John and Sheila Ludgate CD: Northern Soul

Northern Soul, the new CD by Burlington's John and Sheila Ludgate, will take its lucky listeners on a magical journey.

Musical travels take you back and forth to the 60s and the era of peace and love. Stops in between celebrate Canada, reveal heartbreaks, and even give you a chuckle.

Powerful lyrics guide the listener though the myriad of locations and emotions the songs conjure up. Everything is backed by wonderful musicianship.

John and Sheila have once again enlisted their talented sons (all members of Beautiful Nothing) to help them prepare this journey. Anthony (who also produces) and Luke play guitar plus Shane offers drums, percussion and string arrangements. Joining the family is the sublime David Lum, whose slide guitar, acoustic guitar, and mandolin can be heard on a number of tracks.

To explore this CD, you can pick it up at any of their live shows or contact them through their website. It's also available as a download through iTunes.

Below is a video from the CD.



Blast From the Bast: John and Sheila's CD: Running Through the Innocent Years

Links: John and Sheila Ludgate, More John and Sheila Stories, More CD Releases - Hamilton Blues Lovers

John and Sheila Ludgate's Never Too Late: A Video Story Of A Man On A Journey
Thanks to Hamilton Blues Lovers and the affiliated BluesHamilton YouTube channel, I just found out about John and Sheila Ludgate. Here are two are talented, well-established songwriters. Their sons Anthony, Luke, and Shane are co-conspirators in making great music.

As you watch, check out the cool view of a rainy gray morning on the Harbour, and some fine angles of downtown Hamilton, set against the relaxing, reflective vibe of the music.

Video by James Featherstone

Never Too Late

- Hamilton Musician

‘Northern Soul’ from John and Sheila Ludgate - an essentially tranquil experience(June 11, 2013)
Listening to ‘Northern Soul’ from John and Sheila Ludgate is an essentially tranquil experience that combines folk and rock in equal measures. There’s a time-slip feeling to this music – the years fall away as it slides faultlessly from the emotive touch of late sixties folk rock to the sharpness of examining the world from today’s perspective. It’s also a distinct family affair with every artist on the album bearing the ‘Ludgate’ name – and why not? If your sons can handle guitars and drums like this, then go for it. The family that plays together …

From the guitar emphasis of the aptly named ‘Electric Guitars’ with its echoes of Beatles and Dylan through the rich celebration of ‘Northern Soul’ to the pulsing heartbeat of ‘One Thing’s For Certain’ with its conscious acceptance of change, these songs could sit as mile markers along routes that many of us travel. John’s soulful lyrics live through his warm vocals, along with sons Anthony on acoustic and Luke on electric guitar, while Sheila on bass and Shane on drums and percussion lay down a solid rhythm.

The depth of personal feeling poured into this music is evident through the tender recollections of loss and pain in ‘Requiem For Love’ and the untainted honesty and forgiveness within ‘Fine Line’ – both with powerful guitar breaks. Then there’s the social commentary of ‘Inside Job’ which rages against the hype and mendacity that rolls around big money, and with its simple message and homage to Lennon ‘Let’s Just Say …’ touches a nerve in all of us.

You can find John and Sheila Ludgate here: johnandsheilaludgate.com

Reviewer: Tom Franks - FolkWords

John & Sheila Ludgate - Northern Soul (Own Label)
A folk-roots duo from Burlington, Ontario, from this showing they would appear to be a kind of Canadian counterpart to the Kennedys. Northern Soul turns out to be their fourth CD release and contains 13 original songs by the couple, all loosely united by the theme of the journey home - whether that be a physical or spiritual place. The feel is upbeat and positive, even in the album's more wistful and reflective moments, and it's hard not to warm to the Ludgates' easygoing, breezy and companionable brand of folk-rock. The electric-acoustic blend harks back to the golden age of the 60s, although it's less jangly than the Kennedys, more akin to the sound of mid-period Beatles even, while it's updated to occasionally reference present-day Americana along the way.

The ancillary theme of change also pervades many of the songs, from the glistening metaphors of opening track Electric Guitars through to the conscious sense of inevitability informing One Thing's For Certain. Let's Just Say is a simple and sincere call for peace and love, while Canada itself is lovingly celebrated on the disc's title song (not Wigan!). A Candle For The Prodigal and Requiem For Love both deal movingly with loss in the context of the homeward quest (although, in common with some other songs, these could both arguably have benefitted from a stronger melody line). The pair of bonus tracks also enjoys a connection - this time a canine one.

The album's basic thematic unity is complemented by its consistent audio presence, which is achieved almost effortlessly it seems. The whole affair is in fact a Ludgate family production, a multi-generational exercise involving sons Anthony, Luke and Shane playing sundry electric and acoustic guitars and drums respectively (the only non-family member appearing is special guest David Lum, who contributes mandolin, slide and acoustic guitar on around half of the tracks). There's an honest power to John and Sheila's music-making which is both welcoming and appealing.

www.johnandsheilaludgate.com - NetRhythms.co.uk

My last stop on Sunday afternoon was The Station Coffee House and Gallery where I thoroughly enjoyed the music of The Ray Materick Band. This was a CD release show and the band that day consisted of Materick, lap steel player and vocalist Shelley Hastings, Sonny Del Rio providing vocal harmony and tambourine sounds, John Ludgate on guitar, harmonica, and vocals, and his wife Sheila Ludgate on bass guitar.

The afternoon got started with the Ludgates performing for 45 minutes some excellent song material which included a song they composed based on two Robert Frost poems. This duo also did a tribute to Stompin' Tom called Luke's Guitar. When they owned a dog named Abby, they wrote a beautiful song about Abby's Last Ride at the time she passed on. I was taken with John's marvelous ability to bend the melodic lines on the harmonica helping to capture the mood of the songs.

John and Sheila's voices blended so well on all of their material.

When the whole band performed for the last hour, music from the new CD, Home Sweet Home, was presented. Ray's powerful voice, which at times sounded a bit like Bob Dylan, was very expressive on songs like Love Leads Me Home, Birthday Boy, One Race, and others. An excellent closer for the band was Don't Give Up On Love. - Brantford Expositor

JOHN & SHEILA LUDGATE - Running Through The Innocent Years

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 16 June 2012

JOHN & SHEILA LUDGATE
" Running Through The Innocent Years "
( Self - released ) 2011.
CD
Roots / folk CANADA

John And Sheila Ludgate are Barlington, Ontario based duo, continiously active some period. They are also a family band, and 3 of their four sons also participate in actuelle album. " Running Through The Innocent Years " is their 3rd CD, where we can find 11 tracks in. John is a singer, guitarist and harmonica player, Sheila is bassist, and musically we can face it with strong materials based on roots / folk traditions, fulfield with also some clear americana includings. A present songs are warm and pleasent, lyrical approaches are based on life's experiences, and most of materials posses clear melodicity, and radio friendly usings. A songs are mostly done in mid and slower tempo, rarely in mid-up tempo. Interesting arrangments includings follows up a complete album tracks, and we can confirm that production is also a well-done. " Running Through The Innocent Years " is a recomandable product, equally for the older and newer folk / roots followers..

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.johnandsheilaludgate.com - Blockner Reviews

In their opening cut, “Payback Road,” Ontario-based folk duo John & Sheila Ludgate tell us that “everybody's got to do their time, it separates the survivors from the cheap talk kind, and the scars they show through.” John plays guitar and harmonica; Sheila is a bass guitarist. And if anyone’s done their time, it’s this couple that has released several albums since 1992, at the same time they’ve raised four boys. A true family endeavor, “Running through the Innocent Years” includes sons Anthony (guitar), Luke (guitar), and Shane (percussion, strings, horns, piano). The title cut deals with time’s passage and the curve balls that one gets thrown, but it’s love that will see you through. “The price is high and you’ll pay and pay, but the trip is worth the fare. It’s all I want, it’s all that I need, but time it wants to change everything.” Every baby boomer dealing with the empty nest syndrome should be able to immediately relate to that message.

This album must have been a fun venture for the Ludgate family to undertake as a unit. John’s fingerpicked acoustic guitar and warm conversational baritone voice are always front-and-center, while Sheila’s backup harmony is discreet and unassuming. Produced and recorded by Anthony, the five musicians strive for sensibly cultivated arrangements of the original repertoire of mostly wistful, nostalgic balladry. Whether the song presents a sentimental, a regretful, or a grateful message, John and Sheila Ludgate cover various soft expressions in their folk music. While a few cuts have instrumental, melodic and lyrical similarity that slightly disappoint, let’s remember that this is thematic album that all of us voyagers in life should be able to find some meaningful relationship with. In other words, don’t let a standard cliché get in the way of the occasional profound chestnut from these troubadours.

I appreciate the family band’s invitation into their relaxed, friendly, intimate space. “Colours” reminds me of a song that could’ve been worked up in the 60s by Gordon Lightfoot or Simon and Garfunkel. A sentimental message is conveyed: “The clock marks the minutes on the wall. The present colours what the past recalls. The future stands alone, waiting to be known, while time plays a song for us all.” That’s the strength of this project, and some songs succeed better than others. “Masquerade” establishes a pleasant groove (with electric guitar and drums) that shows the influence of the man in black, Johnny Cash. Along with the closer, “Wasted Time,” perhaps a few more cuts with this kind of lively electric energy could have shaken things up a bit more. The Ludgates’ earthy music is definitely worth a listen, and their advice also provides perspective and insight - “Get it all in, before time takes it all away.” (Joe Ross, review first published on Sun209: The Americana Music Journal)


Reviewed By: Joe Ross - Roots Music Report

In their opening cut, “Payback Road,” Ontario-based folk duo John & Sheila Ludgate tell us that “everybody's got to do their time, it separates the survivors from the cheap talk kind, and the scars they show through.” John plays guitar and harmonica; Sheila is a bass guitarist. And if anyone’s done their time, it’s this couple that has released several albums since 1992, at the same time they’ve raised four boys. A true family endeavor, “Running through the Innocent Years” includes sons Anthony (guitar), Luke (guitar), and Shane (percussion, strings, horns, piano). The title cut deals with time’s passage and the curve balls that one gets thrown, but it’s love that will see you through. “The price is high and you’ll pay and pay, but the trip is worth the fare. It’s all I want, it’s all that I need, but time it wants to change everything.” Every baby boomer dealing with the empty nest syndrome should be able to immediately relate to that message.

This album must have been a fun venture for the Ludgate family to undertake as a unit. John’s fingerpicked acoustic guitar and warm conversational baritone voice are always front-and-center, while Sheila’s backup harmony is discreet and unassuming. Produced and recorded by Anthony, the five musicians strive for sensibly cultivated arrangements of the original repertoire of mostly wistful, nostalgic balladry. Whether the song presents a sentimental, a regretful, or a grateful message, John and Sheila Ludgate cover various soft expressions in their folk music. While a few cuts have instrumental, melodic and lyrical similarity that slightly disappoint, let’s remember that this is thematic album that all of us voyagers in life should be able to find some meaningful relationship with. In other words, don’t let a standard cliché get in the way of the occasional profound chestnut from these troubadours.

I appreciate the family band’s invitation into their relaxed, friendly, intimate space. “Colours” reminds me of a song that could’ve been worked up in the 60s by Gordon Lightfoot or Simon and Garfunkel. A sentimental message is conveyed: “The clock marks the minutes on the wall. The present colours what the past recalls. The future stands alone, waiting to be known, while time plays a song for us all.” That’s the strength of this project, and some songs succeed better than others. “Masquerade” establishes a pleasant groove (with electric guitar and drums) that shows the influence of the man in black, Johnny Cash. Along with the closer, “Wasted Time,” perhaps a few more cuts with this kind of lively electric energy could have shaken things up a bit more. The Ludgates’ earthy music is definitely worth a listen, and their advice also provides perspective and insight - “Get it all in, before time takes it all away.” (Joe Ross, review first published on Sun209: The Americana Music Journal)


Reviewed By: Joe Ross - Roots Music Report

It’s a beautiful summer day on a pier in Burlington, Ontario. Off in the distance you can see Toronto while John & Sheila Ludgate take us on a morning of music out on the pier where the only luggage is a guitar, harmonica, bass and a story wrapped in a song. What a long, strange trip it’s been for these two with all the stops in all the pubs, clubs and coffee houses along the way. For years John kept the music going and Sheila kept the home fires burning with their four sons until she joined John in that metaphorical place somewhere between the neon lights of downtown Toronto and the suburban wilderness of south-western Ontario.

The pair played us a few songs. The first was Payback Road, a song about paying your dues and making amends. Colours addressed the ups and downs of long term love and something called Season Of Song came from the sometimes surprising realizations that can arise out of vulnerability. Finally, the duo closed with a call for mental disarmament, I’m Not Worried - a naive or brave thought depending on what side of which fence you might be sitting on. They’re trying to break out of a brutal New World Order (aren’t we all) as they say in one of their songs - trying to shine a light where it’s never been.

But it’s always been these kinds of times that bring out the troubadours ...and these two are a little older, a little wiser and they’ve got more than a few stories to tell.

Their latest CD, Suburban Tales, travels the musical road from roots to country to rock to blues; all the sounds that they grew up with and have brought them to where they are today - feeling the morning rays on a pier at Burlington Bay. - AUX New Music

It’s a beautiful summer day on a pier in Burlington, Ontario. Off in the distance you can see Toronto while John & Sheila Ludgate take us on a morning of music out on the pier where the only luggage is a guitar, harmonica, bass and a story wrapped in a song. What a long, strange trip it’s been for these two with all the stops in all the pubs, clubs and coffee houses along the way. For years John kept the music going and Sheila kept the home fires burning with their four sons until she joined John in that metaphorical place somewhere between the neon lights of downtown Toronto and the suburban wilderness of south-western Ontario.

The pair played us a few songs. The first was Payback Road, a song about paying your dues and making amends. Colours addressed the ups and downs of long term love and something called Season Of Song came from the sometimes surprising realizations that can arise out of vulnerability. Finally, the duo closed with a call for mental disarmament, I’m Not Worried - a naive or brave thought depending on what side of which fence you might be sitting on. They’re trying to break out of a brutal New World Order (aren’t we all) as they say in one of their songs - trying to shine a light where it’s never been.

But it’s always been these kinds of times that bring out the troubadours ...and these two are a little older, a little wiser and they’ve got more than a few stories to tell.

Their latest CD, Suburban Tales, travels the musical road from roots to country to rock to blues; all the sounds that they grew up with and have brought them to where they are today - feeling the morning rays on a pier at Burlington Bay. - AUX New Music

In “Payback Road,” the opening cut on Running Through the Innocent Years, Ontario-based folk duo John and Sheila Ludgate tell us that “everybody’s got to do their time, it separates the survivors from the cheap talk kind, and the scars they show through.” John plays guitar and harmonica; Sheila is a bass guitarist. And if anyone’s done their time, it’s this couple that has released several albums since 1992, at the same time they’ve raised four boys.
A true family endeavor, Running through the Innocent Years includes sons Anthony (guitar), Luke (guitar), and Shane (percussion, strings, horns, piano). The title cut deals with time’s passage and the curve balls that one gets thrown, but asserting that it’s love that will see you through. “The price is high and you’ll pay and pay, but the trip is worth the fare. It’s all I want, it’s all that I need, but time it wants to change everything.” Every baby boomer dealing with an empty nest should be able to immediately relate to that message.
This album must have been a fun venture for the Ludgate family to undertake. John’s fingerpicked acoustic guitar and warm conversational baritone voice are always front-and-center, while Sheila’s backup harmony is discreet and unassuming. Produced and recorded by Anthony, the five musicians strive for sensibly cultivated arrangements of the original repertoire of mostly wistful, nostalgic balladry. Whether the song presents a sentimental, a regretful, or a grateful message, John and Sheila Ludgate cover various soft expressions in their folk music.
While a few cuts have instrumental, melodic and lyrical similarity that slightly disappoint, let’s remember that this is a thematic album that all voyagers in life should be able to find some meaningful relationship to.
I appreciate the family band’s invitation into their relaxed, friendly, intimate space. “Colours” sounds like it could have been worked up in the ’60s by Gordon Lightfoot or Simon and Garfunkel. A sentimental message: “The clock marks the minutes on the wall. The present colours what the past recalls. The future stands alone, waiting to be known, while time plays a song for us all.”
That’s the strength of this project, and some songs succeed better than others. “Masquerade” establishes a pleasant groove (with electric guitar and drums) that shows the influence of Johnny Cash. Along with the closer, “Wasted Time,” perhaps a few more cuts with this kind of lively electric energy could have shaken things up a bit more. The Ludgates’ earthy music is definitely worth a listen, and their advice also provides perspective and insight – “Get it all in, before time takes it all away.” - Sun209 - The Americana Music Journal

In “Payback Road,” the opening cut on Running Through the Innocent Years, Ontario-based folk duo John and Sheila Ludgate tell us that “everybody’s got to do their time, it separates the survivors from the cheap talk kind, and the scars they show through.” John plays guitar and harmonica; Sheila is a bass guitarist. And if anyone’s done their time, it’s this couple that has released several albums since 1992, at the same time they’ve raised four boys.
A true family endeavor, Running through the Innocent Years includes sons Anthony (guitar), Luke (guitar), and Shane (percussion, strings, horns, piano). The title cut deals with time’s passage and the curve balls that one gets thrown, but asserting that it’s love that will see you through. “The price is high and you’ll pay and pay, but the trip is worth the fare. It’s all I want, it’s all that I need, but time it wants to change everything.” Every baby boomer dealing with an empty nest should be able to immediately relate to that message.
This album must have been a fun venture for the Ludgate family to undertake. John’s fingerpicked acoustic guitar and warm conversational baritone voice are always front-and-center, while Sheila’s backup harmony is discreet and unassuming. Produced and recorded by Anthony, the five musicians strive for sensibly cultivated arrangements of the original repertoire of mostly wistful, nostalgic balladry. Whether the song presents a sentimental, a regretful, or a grateful message, John and Sheila Ludgate cover various soft expressions in their folk music.
While a few cuts have instrumental, melodic and lyrical similarity that slightly disappoint, let’s remember that this is a thematic album that all voyagers in life should be able to find some meaningful relationship to.
I appreciate the family band’s invitation into their relaxed, friendly, intimate space. “Colours” sounds like it could have been worked up in the ’60s by Gordon Lightfoot or Simon and Garfunkel. A sentimental message: “The clock marks the minutes on the wall. The present colours what the past recalls. The future stands alone, waiting to be known, while time plays a song for us all.”
That’s the strength of this project, and some songs succeed better than others. “Masquerade” establishes a pleasant groove (with electric guitar and drums) that shows the influence of Johnny Cash. Along with the closer, “Wasted Time,” perhaps a few more cuts with this kind of lively electric energy could have shaken things up a bit more. The Ludgates’ earthy music is definitely worth a listen, and their advice also provides perspective and insight – “Get it all in, before time takes it all away.” - Sun209 - The Americana Music Journal

Running Through the Innocent Years, the newest CD from local singer/songwriters John and Sheila Ludgate, is filled with warm and inviting songs.

It's almost like having some friends over and talking wistfully about the good and bad times. There's defintely a lyrical thread about life's many experiences.

Perhaps the affection comes from the album being a family affair with John and Sheila's sons playing on the disc. They do a great job adding depth to their parents' music. You can even hear cool effects on some of the songs (Never Too Late, Time's March).

The numbers run the gamut from countryish, catchy rhythms (Masquerade, Wasted Time) to solemn, thoughtful tunes (Fly Away, The Coming of Winter). This family handles the many moods well.

The CD is available at their live shows. - Hamilton Blues Lovers (blueshamilton.blogspot.com)

Running Through the Innocent Years, the newest CD from local singer/songwriters John and Sheila Ludgate, is filled with warm and inviting songs.

It's almost like having some friends over and talking wistfully about the good and bad times. There's defintely a lyrical thread about life's many experiences.

Perhaps the affection comes from the album being a family affair with John and Sheila's sons playing on the disc. They do a great job adding depth to their parents' music. You can even hear cool effects on some of the songs (Never Too Late, Time's March).

The numbers run the gamut from countryish, catchy rhythms (Masquerade, Wasted Time) to solemn, thoughtful tunes (Fly Away, The Coming of Winter). This family handles the many moods well.

The CD is available at their live shows. - Hamilton Blues Lovers (blueshamilton.blogspot.com)

“John & Sheila Ludgate are entertaining musicians who our patrons enjoy listening to and interacting with...Their music includes both covers and originals. The covers consist of songs most people know and can sing along with; in fact, John & Sheila actually encourage this kind of thing. Their originals are well written and tuneful.”

Maria Italia, Owner & Manager, Augusta’s Winking Judge Pub


“John & Sheila's music appeals to all kinds of different people in our lounge - both the quiet and the louder crowds.”

Irv Gill, Owner & Manager,
Port Darlington Hotel


“John & Sheila Ludgate are the best act we have coming through our coffee pub right now.”

Shanna Bearman, Manager, Williams Coffee Pub


“I am able to recommend John & Sheila Ludgate as a positive, entertaining addition to any club.”

Ron Ciancone, Owner and Manager,
The Ancaster Old Mill


John & Sheila Ludgate's roots/folk music was positively received by our patrons who enjoyed the strong rhythms, harmony vocals and original music that the duo create. I can recommend the duo for any kind of public gathering where roots/folk music is appreciated.

CJ Martin, Owner
CJ's Cafe


“They're real good songwriters.”

Sean Brush,
Real Good Songwriter







- Various