"Honest, unvarnished and inspiring, this dedicated singer/songwriter/guitarist is less about image and all about integrity. Let it shine!"
- B.Hutchinson, Islands Music Festival, Duncan BC
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More than 50 years into his career, Stephen Palmer’s still staking out new musical territory. Stepping out from his background role as session musician and guitar-picker-for-hire, this inspiring solo performer has shown he can play by his own rules. Venturing out of the comfort zone of regular, well- paid ‘cover’ gigs and back up assignments Stephen Palmer has chosen to explore some adventurous new horizons.
The resulting albums – From Here To Nashville (2003), Roots and Strings (2006), Morning Road (2008), Prairie Airs (2014), The Journey (2019), EP Bye & Bye (2022) demonstrate the enduring strengths of his songwriting, guitar picking, and the hypnotic warmth of his baritone vocals while capturing the spontaneous spirit of his celebrated live shows.
These recordings have yielded accolades from some of Western Canada’s best known singer-songwriters – Valdy, Gary Fjellgaard, and Paul Hann. Penguin Eggs magazine declared Roots and Strings “a jewel of an album... for anyone with a pulse!” Head CBC Programmer Mark Rheaume asserted “CBC likes Roots and Strings!”
With only homegrown promotion these albums have received significant independent chart success with college and co-op radio stations and online streaming. Along the way, Steve has performed more than 2000 live shows in front of crowds from 50 to 5000 people.
"An inspiring vocal talent and a terrific picker too, Steve engages the audience easily and takes them with him on his musical journey. The results are beautiful.” (L.W.Kossey, Chemainus BC)
STEPHEN PALMER
Folk Singing Road Survivor
PHOTOS
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1966 to 1973 First Edmonton bands Time Machine, Graeme & The Waifers, Warp Factor, Dick Tater, The Walkers. (Light Shows, High Schools, and Arena openers for Led Zeppelin, The Who, Cream, Chilliwack, The Guess Who, Jesse Colin Young, Mandala and more.)
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Main Stage first Orange County Pop Festival.
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1974 to 2004 Steady bar, night club and session work.
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2003 First album From Here To Nashville
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2004 Met Lorraine Hill in Nanaimo BC. She asked me "Why aren't you singing where people are listening?"
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2005 Released Roots & Strings ("A jewel of an album"– Penguin Eggs). Welcome Back/Come On In featured on The Vinyl Cafe, CBC
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2007 Lorraine moved us to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan ("The most Canadian of all cities" Peter Gzowski).
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2005 to 2024 Began touring and playing listening rooms and concert venues all over Canada.
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2008 Morning Road album released
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2014 Prairie Airs album released
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2015 Passing of Lorraine Hill
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2017 New home in Gatineau, Quebec
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2018 EDMONTON MUSIC HALL OF FAME induction
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2019 The Journey In Story & Song album released in memory of Lorraine Hill
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2020/2021 Covid Epidemic. Began learning home recording and social media.
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2022 New EP Bye & Bye released featuring guest artists Cara Luft and Corey Ticknor.
HIGHLIGHTS
QUOTES & REVIEWS
“His passion to entertain is infectious” – The O’Pasquia Times
“Tasteful and bittersweet… crafted with feeling and poetic flair."– Twang Town magazine
“Nice playing!” – Valdy
“Superb!”– Susan Butler, Miramichi Folk Song Festival
"… as comforting as a home cooked meal.” – Mountain View Music Fest, Carstairs, Alberta
"Honest, unvarnished and inspiring, less about image and all about integrity. Let it shine, Steve!" – Islands Festival, Duncan BC
"Refreshing, relaxed, Steve's performance brought back so many great memories and boy can this guy pick!" – South Country Fair, Alberta
“This is music for anyone with a pulse!” – Del Vezeau, Penguin Eggs magazine
