“Bobby Cameron performed at the Edmonton Blues Festival for the first time in 2016 putting on a solo show with high entertainment value and great songs;a highly personable performance that drew in the crowd”
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Experience the Bobby Cameron Band Live at the Mill Woods Canada Day Celebration!
2:00pm - 6:00pm Children's Activities (Petting Zoo, Hay Rides, Carnival Games & More)
2:00pm - 11:00pm Food Trucks & Artisan Fair
3:00pm - 10:55pm Main Stage Entertainment (Dancers, Performers & Musical Entertainment)
6:00pm Opening Ceremony
11:00pm Fireworks sponsored by City of Edmonton
Co-written by legendary hit maker John Capek ( Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart )
The jagged rocks of Cape Breton may be a far cry from the dry and desolate flats of the western Canadian prairies, but to Bobby Cameron, they both represent the rugged backdrops of his roots and the journey he later took to seek his musical identity.
Years ago, Cameron left the rustic island weaned on the rock-and-roll styles of the legendary Matt Minglewood and blues icon Dutch Mason, both genre counterpoints to the Celtic-flavoured roots music that dominated the region, hoping for a niche of his own in which to flourish. He found a cultural sanctuary in Edmonton in the 1980s, where he began to cut his teeth as a musical contender.
“I got my energy from the Maritimes,” recalls Cameron. “There is an intensity of just giving it all you’ve got when you get the chance. Jimmy Rankin, Minglewood, Mason... they’d all get up there and for 90 minutes, they absolutely turn it up. Going from a small community to a larger center in Canada, you get a mindset that you have a lot to prove.”
The credentials came quickly for Cameron, who first garnered national attention winning the MuchMusic Guitar Warz competition in 1990, leading to several appearances with Jeff Healey, one of the contest’s judges. Other adjudicators were held spellbound by his virtuosity and riveting action on the fretboard as Cameron managed to capture the fiery emotion and down-home feel that reflected his energy and heritage. Armed with his acoustic, he could make any locale seem like a front-porch jam. And with his electric guitar, Cameron could churn out the sounds of a kid from a hinterland, burning to be heard by the rest of the multitudes. It’s that ability and drive that continues to be a hallmark of his live show.
But while he proved he could generate excitement onstage as a formidable guitarist and hold his own with the best six-stringers the country had to offer, Cameron realized that to truly stand out among his peers, he had to create his own material.
“I realized there were a million guitar players out there,” said Cameron. “It really came down to the point that if I wanted to get anywhere, I had to learn how to write really good songs.”
His first crack at releasing his own songs culminated in his eponymous debut in 1994, which was produced by Randy Staub (U2, Metallica, Bon Jovi), yielding national adult-contemporary charting of two singles, “Human Fortress” and “If I Wait For You," the latter featuring a video that received heavy rotation on CMT Canada.
Between gigs and songwriting stints, Cameron followed up with his second outing "Drowning on Dry Land" five years later, which featured “Release Me,” another prominent single on Canadian radio. In 2003 Cameron headed to Nashville to record "Emotional Drift," which sparked several accolades and a finalist berth in the Americana category of the ISC International Songwriting Competition, beating out more than 11,000 entries from more than 70 nations.
Over time, Cameron’s steady output of creativity started turning heads, especially among musical pundits who marveled at the performer’s ability to expand his proficiency on the guitar by penning works that also got the attention of other songwriters. He even made it onto the payroll of New York-based publishing company Carlin America Inc. which administered the creative content for Canadian Idol and American Idol. During that tenure, Cameron hit paydirt with “October Skies,” which was covered by Canadian Idol winner Ryan Malcolm on his platinum-selling CD.
It wasn’t long before he was introduced into the songwriting big leagues, when he began collaborating with the likes of Luke McMaster (Rhianna, Nick Lachey), Stan Meissner (Celine Dion, Starship), Daryl Burgess (Colin James, Patty Loveless) and John Capek (Rod Stewart, Bonnie Raitt), who would eventually help Cameron with his own material. Part of his efforts resulted in Jully Black’s Juno-winning album Reunion, which featured “Just A Moment,” co-written by Cameron, Black, and Black-Eyed Peas member Keith Harris.
Besides the Juno, Cameron also accumulated a mantelpiece of awards over the years, including three Alberta Recording Industries Association titles (which included Best Rock Artist on Record in two consecutive years) and SOCAN songwriter of the year distinction for his “Human Fortress” tune presented as part of the ARIA awards. He’s also landed BMG Platinum Sales and Universal Gold Sales awards became a prairie winner of SOCAN's National Songwriting Competition and won the Mix 96 Super Session Competition.
A personal highlight for Cameron came when blues legend Long John Baldry ask him to be in his band. Cameron toured North America with the British star over a period of three years. As a solo act, Cameron has also shared the stage with Chris De Burg, Colin James, Lee Roy Parnell, Burton Cummings, Big Sugar, Loverboy, April Wine, The Kentucky Headhunters, and on one surprising occasion with members of The Rolling Stones.
Cameron's fourth album, Comfort Zone, released in 2015, was awarded "Best Blues Song" for "Sueanna" at the 2016 Edmonton Music Awards.
Through it all, Bobby remains grounded, content to remain in Edmonton where he says the talent of the local music community is ferocious and amazing. Married with two children, Cameron is also a regular contributor to the community, especially with the charity Autism Society of Edmonton Area.
“This is what I do and I’m proud of it,” says Cameron. “It’s all about the music, but with a family of my own, you’ve got to find balance. It’s so easy to get lost with thinking about getting and charting a single. It’s been an amazing journey and I’ve learned a lot. I’m very grateful for the things I’ve been able to do and have learned to enjoy it more. It’s been great, I’ve had no regrets.”
And much like the jagged topography that’s helped define Canada, Bobby Cameron is still rocking to his own beat
"Passion plus Truth equals Soul. Bobby is the real thing....a consummate performer, songwriter and recording artist. He is connected to his East Coast heritage, the roots of the blues and to a genuine earthiness that is both melodious and foot stomping. Bobby makes music that will move and inspire you" - John Capek Songwriter Producer ( Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart )
"As a writer, Bobby Cameron speaks from his soul. His music cuts to the heart of every emotion we've ever experienced. He not only writes great songs...he lives them. His writing is only matched by the compassion with which he performs. Bobby's incredible voice and song interpretation leaves you with one indisputable thought...'this guy can sing" - Bob MacEachern President/GM 101.5 The Hawk
"Singer-songwriter Bobby Cameron's Drowning On Dry Land is 24-Karat, folk rock gold. Highlighting his superb vocals with acoustic and slide guitars, this runs the full gamut of emotions. you'll be hooked” Emusic
"Bobby Cameron is a triple threat talent. A rare and gifted man indeed" - Billy Block Concert & Radio Promoter/ Performer ( Al Green , Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams)
"Bobby Cameron performed at the Edmonton Blues Festival for the first time in 2016 putting on a solo show with high entertainment value and great songs;a highly personable performance that drew in the crowd" Cam Hayden (Producer Edmonton Blues Festival
"Bobby Cameron channels an incredible depth of musicianship and creative energy into soulful songs that resonate. I've had the pleasure of working with Bobby on various projects both as a writer, producer, and a spellbinding guitar player"- Luke McMaster Songwriter/ Producer (Rihanna,Nick Lachey,Rex Goudie
"There seems to be no end to the man's talents, as he's not only an accomplished performing singer-songwriter, but also a collaborator, producer and talent developer " - Mike Angus VUE Weekly
"I have had the great pleasure of working with some of the best musicians in this country and bobby is in the top 3 for sure. Great player awesome writer the whole package. I am proud to have worked with him"- Rob Laidaw Producer (Platinum Blond / Honeymoon Suite)
" I have had the pleasure of working with Bobby Cameron on several occasions including the Canadian Idol Writer's Camp, the platinum-selling CD for Ryan Malcolm and most recently Stephanie Bosch's EP "Stupid Charlie". Bobby can wear many hats in the business. He's a singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer. In all of these regards he is at the top of his game. Bobby Cameron holds his work to a very high standard and is world class in all his endeavors. Regardless of the "hat" he is wearing on any given project he puts the artist and song first. Consider yourself in very good hands if you're fortunate enough to have Bobby on your team " - Michael Jack (Engineer: The Trews, Bono, Rush, Nelly Furtado, Jann Arden, Anne Murray)
" Congratulations to you on winning the National Guitar Championship. I know for you it is like winning the Stanley Cup “ Mark Messier - New York Rangers
“Beautifully haunting… lovely imagery” Aideen O’Brien | Director Supervision & Publishing Canada, Music | Entertainment
"A moving, poignant song with soulful presentation and production. Well done all round!" Holger Petersen Stony Plain Records
"As an authentic artist and songwriter Bobby Cameron always delivers – Where You Live Where You Die is a gritty truthful message told through an achingly beautiful song." Jolayne Motiuk, JM Entertainment Big Valley Jamboree, Songwriters Stage
"Bobby Cameron's powerful songwriting brings you into his soul. It takes you to places you never imagined possible...they are deep...meaningful and real"
Bob MacEachern, President & General Manager 101.5 The Hawk (CIGO-FM)
"Bobby Cameron is one of Canada's finest singer/songwriters/guitarists. Cameron is consistently on a musical journey that allows the listener to share his vision, his memories and hopes for the future as he deftly engages through subtle nuance or wailing guitar. Cameron hones his musical expertise in songs that we can all relate to, songs that make us feel, that touch our soul through joy, or the pain of losing someone you love, Cameron is adept at not only telling his story, but the stories that we all share throughout our lifetime" - Kris King EJN Sample
“Bobby Cameron’s weathered voice and jaw-dropping guitar playing are hard earned. Matured as a songwriter by the wisdom of experience, Cameron can stop you in your place with the cold truth. An Alberta treasure." Andrew White, Front House & Production Manager Gord Bamford, Sass Jordan, Kim Mitchell
"As a performer, musician and artist, Bobby Cameron leaves it all on stage and has consistently given his audiences the full meal deal thru the years. His sound transcends eras and you can't ask for much more than heartfelt songs bound by raw emotion, passion, and musical muscle." Peter North Artistic Director / Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival
“As always Bobby Cameron never fails to take us on a journey of the heart in this beautiful video by Don Marcotte who captures the very essence of what Bobby is all about, this man is the real deal folks ! Stand back as there is so much more yet to come." Andy Donelley's Celtic Show CKUA Radio
"Where You Live Where You Die" is a powerful song with lyrics that simply haunt." Grant Nickalls Hunters Bay Radio.
“Bobby’s back and he’s bringing it. Today he gives one of the best tunes he has ever written, and given his back catalog that is no small accomplishment. It’s been a while, but no matter, for it was worth the wait. This fine new song could function as a textbook example of how to write a well-crafted song, all the while putting your heart into it. Much as the “Hearts Collide” in the tune, Bob’s passion collides with his prowess and gives us this fabulous first single” Kirby @ Ramparts ENT.
"Emotional Drift, Cameron’s eight-song disc shows off the reason he’s signed as a songwriter. With more hooks than the sports section at Canadian Tire, the songs are naturals to get stuck on radio playlists” Mary-Lynn McEwen - FFWD Weekly
"Bobby Cameron should be the next big solo artist to hit it large from this country, if he doesn't, then we have a problem here folks. This is strong rock and roll filled with a ton of good hooks and dominating the whole proceeding, is Cameron's fantastic guitar work” THE RECORD
"I have had the great pleasure of Bobby joining me on tour both in 2002 and again in 2004. Both tours were great successes as Bobby's guitar playing was a highlight both times. Bobby is one of Canada's great young guitarists and his talent is equal to many of the world's great guitarists" Long John Baldry
" He isn't looking for his musical identity, he knows who he is. He's a great singer with great songs” Randy Staub - Recording Engineer (Nickleback, Metallica, Bon Jovi)
"Bobby is such an incredible talent. He's truly one of those guys, that with the right connections, he's going to be so well known. People from outside Edmonton who know him absolutely love his stuff. We're definitely going to play him” Steve Jones - Director of Programming K-Rock and Mix 96
"Cameron knows a hook. His songs have radio play written all over them. He's a born frontman with killer moves and a rough-edged voice that never lacks emotion"
Neil Watson -Entertainment Editor - Edmonton Sun
"An extremely well-rounded performer with intriguing songs, multi-faceted vocals, and onstage confidence that's irresistible” Helen Metella - Edmonton Journal
"Multi-instrumentalist and superb songwriter Cameron also has a smoky rich voice that reminds me of Mark Cohn's " Walking in Memphis” Shane Sled Dog Michaels - The Bear
" Drowning on Dry Land, Bobby Cameron's latest release, has a sound that could compete with any mainstream rock record out there” Mike Bell - Calgary Sun
Much Music National Guitar Warz
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Stan Rogers Folk Festival (Cape Breton)
Ottawa Blues Festival with long John Baldry
Salmon Arms Roots & Blues Festival
Edmonton Blues Festival
Beaumont Roots and Blues Festival
CBC Radio One's Drought Aid
Syracuse, NY, Blues Festival with Long John Baldry
New Jersey's Writers In The Round
Beaches Jazz and Blues Festival in Toronto
John Allan Cameron Tribute with Tom Cochrane and Blue Rodeo (Toronto)
Chum Radio's The Team 1200 Sports Radio (Ottawa)
The Billy Block Show (Nashville)
The Bluebird Cafe (Nashville)
The Nelson Mandela Tribute with host Bill Clinton (Toronto) with Jully Black
Mont Tremblant Blues Festival ( Quebec) with Long John Baldry
Festival by The Sea ( St John NB) with Long John Baldry
Canadian Music Week (Toronto)
Music West (Vancouver)
The East Coast Music Awards ( Halifax)
The East Coast Music Awards ( Moncton)
North by North East (Toronto)
WCMAs ( Edmonton)
Juno Fest (Edmonton)
Opening For Chris De Burgh Jubilee Auditorium (Edmonton)
Opening For Chris De Burgh Jubilee Auditorium (Calgary)
Performing with members of The Rolling Stones ( Chuck Leavell, Darryl Jones and Bernard Fowler)
Taste Of Edmonton
Granville Green Series (Cape Breton)
1015 The Hawk's 50 Anniversary ( Cape Breton)
The Big Valley Jamboree
Dauphin's Countryfest
Commodore Ballroom ( Vancouver)
Sarah McLachlan's Wedding Reception
Opened for Tom Cochrane, Blue Rodeo, April Wine, Big Sugar, Kentucky Headhunters, Jeff Healey, David Wilcox, Matt Minglewood, Chilliwack, Edgar Winter, Johnny Winter, Robert Cray, JJ Cale to mention a few.
Much Music's Canadian National Guitar Wars Winner
BMG Canada/Platinum Sales Award/Co-writing & Producing On Canadian Idol Winner Ryan Malcolm's Debut CD Entitled "Home"
Gold Sales Award/Universal Canada/Co-writing On Jully Black's Juno-Award Winning CD entitled "Revival"
Edmonton Music Awards: "Blues Recording Of The Year"
ARIA Awards: "Best Rock Artist On Record" (Two Year's Running)
ARIA Awards: "SOCAN Songwriter Of The Year"
ARIA Awards Nominations in Seven Categories
Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards: “Best Blues Artist "; “Best Blues Song”; and " Artist of the Year”
Edmonton's MIX 96 Supper Session Winner
International Songwriting Competition Five-Time Finalist
International Songwriting Competition Second Place-Lyrics
Unsigned Only Music Competition Winner & Two-Time Finalist
National Adult-Contemporary Charting Singles-"Human Fortress" and "If I Wait For You"
Heavy Rotation On CMT Canada - "If I Wait For You" (Video)
SOCAN National Songwriting Competition Prairie Winner
K97 Homegrown Competition 1st Runner Up
Yamaha’s National Talent Search Finalist
