Trespass Music is pleased to release Karen Morand & The Bosco Boys' new album "Ghost Hotel" to worldwide radio on February 1, 2022. The new album follows the release of 4 well-received singles in 2021: Beautiful Scars, Coffee, Easy, and Never Enough as an introduction to the folk, roots, and blues communities.
Karen Morand & The Bosco Boys - Ghost Hotel
WINDSOR ON Canada | SINGLE | ALT FOLK | SOULFUL ROOTS | AMERICANA
ADD DATE FEBRUARY 1, 2022
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ABOUT GHOST HOTEL
Award winning singer-songwriter, Karen Morand backed by her acoustic band, The Bosco Boys, took time with this latest project. Teaming up with Juno nominated producer, Brett Humber, the album explores haunting questions of belonging, loneliness, and addiction with an eye to the unseen and hopefulness. Inspired by influences like Tedesci Trucks, Ruthie Foster and Linda McRae, Morand leans into her soulful roots, with echoes of Motown and Southern rock. Together with an impressive roster of Canadian co-writers and guest artists, this project is a true collaboration celebrating this beautiful and broken life.
1. Ghost Hotel - 4:18 CA 91H 2000053 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand ©May 2019 NAC Ottawa
A ghost hotel is an Airbnb listing that isn't owner occupied, often in an upscale neighbourhood. This gritty country tune is a metaphor for all who don't seem fit in.
2. Beautiful Scars 3:43 - ISRC CA 91H 2000057 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand & Suzie Vinnick © 2020
Over time, life leaves its marks. It's nothing to hide but something to celebrate. Suzie Vinnick adds her unmistakably rich voice to this gutsy track.
3. Locked Down & Out - 4:12 - CA 91H 2000052 - SOCAN - Written by ©Karen Morand and Justin Latam ©2020 - Morand & Latam were inspired by the pandemic but wanted to capture the isolation that affects us all throughout life. Latam adds his distinct voice and psychedelic, crunchy guitar.
4. Never Enough - 3:49 - CA 91H 2000051- SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand ©2021 - Reminiscent of Motown, this is a love song reaching into the heart of addiction.
5. Evangeline- 4:24 - CA 91H 2000054 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand & Gina Horswood March ©2019 Inspired by conversations around struggling to believe in something we can't see. This lush arrangement is full of gospel choir harmonies from Horswood and Tamica Herod.
6. Easy (for Adina) - 3:13 CA 91H 2000055 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand ©January 14, 2019 (for Adina)
With the Detroit River as Muse, Easy explores the arc of life, overcoming, letting go and leaving worry behind. This road trip soundtrack squeals along with the unmistakable harp work of Mike Stevens.
7. Neverland - 4:22 - CA 91H 2000050 - SOCAN - Written by David Whyte (Durham County Poets) and Karen Morand ©October 2018 Ormstown Quebec. Karen Morand, David Whyte (Durham County Poets) & Mary Sullivan - Pedal steel mourns in this Ballad of longing for freedom from troubles and the past. Rich vocal harmonies shine hopeful.
8. Smoke & Fire 3:56 - CA 91H 2000049 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand ©2020
Slow and sultry, equally about a sassy girl and Morand's Jack Russel Mutt.
9. Coffee - 2:59 - CA 91H 2000056 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand ©August 2018 Hamilton Ontario (birthplace of Tim Horton!) With it's back porch, bluegrass bounce and catchy tune, it's sure to stick with you over your next morning cuppa joe. Smooth vocals and finger-style wizardry courtesy of Max Marshall.
MUSICIANS
Karen Morand-lead/backing vocals, acoustic, keys
The Bosco Boys are:
Benny Santoro - drums & percussion
Aaron Verhulst - electric guitar, acoustic guitar, pedal steel & mandolin
Guests:
Max Marshall-bass,backing vocals (9)
Justin Latam - electric guitar, backing vocals (3)
Brett Humber - electric, backing vocals (1, 4)
Suzie Vinnick - backing vocals (2)
Gina Horswood, Tamica Herod - backing vocals (6)
Mike Stevens - harmonica (8)
Produced by Brett Humber & Karen Morand
Cover art - Karen Morand
All songs recorded, mixed & mastered by Brett Humber @ Sound Foundry Studios, Kingsville, Ontario
Radio Promotion - Michelle Fortier & Larry Ahearn - Trespass Music
ABOUT KAREN MORAND & THE BOSCO BOYS
Karen Morand -singer, songwriter, soulful.
Armed with original songs and feisty, powerhouse vocals, Karen Morand delivers a soul-stirring show: lively, alt- folk with well-worn blues and gritty gospel on the side.
Karen radiates with energy in live performances both solo and when accompanied by her acoustic trio The Bosco Boys (Benny Santoro on cajon/drums and Aaron Verhulst on guitar, pedal steel and mandolin). A graduate from the University of Windsor’s music therapy program, Karen enjoys experimenting as a multi-instrumentalist - guitar, ukulele, accordion and the banjo. As a recipient of the 2016 Canada South Songwriting Contest, Karen’s songs celebrate the joys and broken parts of real life.
In concert, Karen performs original songs spanning her four album releases, alongside folk classics and new favourites from her songwriter friends. She appears live both as a versatile soloist and accompanied by the Bosco boys. Since her first studio release, 'Carry On' in 2012, followed by 'I Think I'll Lose My Mind Today' in 2014, and Junkyard Heart in 2016, Karen has maintained an intense schedule of performances throughout Canada. Karen has brought her music to eclectic backdrops including inner-city churches, stages tucked deep into the Ontario forest, classrooms, living rooms, and concert halls.
Her first solo and most recent release, “Every Flash of Light” (2018) is an EP including co-writes with Nashville songwriters Steve Hindalong (the Choir), Kelly Kessler and Linda McRae (Spirit of the West). Other collaborations include her recent pairing with internationally renowned bluesman, Manitoba Hal Brolund as bluesy gospel Americana duo, “Even the Bird Was Free.”
Highlights of Karen's musical adventures feature showcases at the Songwriters' Symposium and SWERFA, both in Austin, Texas, sold-out performances at The Bank Theatre in Leamington, appearances at the Winterfolk, Blue Skies, and Kingsville Folk Festivals, and joining the Windsor Symphony Orchestra to perform her original song as part of the Six String Nation project.
PRESS
Ghost Hotel - Album Review - Midwest Record
KAREN MORAND & THE BOSCO BOYS/Ghost Hotel: "Bringing the twang down from Canada, this award winner and her acoustic crew show just how to raise the roof once the power goes out. Just because they keep it simple doesn’t mean they don’t go deep and have their finger on the pulse of loads of contemporary things that are easy to take for granted. Her pen is definitely mightier." Chris Spectre - Midwest Record
Beautiful Scars Review - Static Dive - Karen Morand Embraces Her Beautiful Scars
by Bob Smith November 10, 2021
“Karen Morand is an award-winning singer, songwriter and music educator from Southern Ontario. The Canadian songstress has spent the better part of the past decade entertaining fans across Eastern Canada with her soulful Alt-Folk sound. From her 2012 debut ‘Carry On’ to her forthcoming album, the singer has forged her own unique path in the world of Americana music.
“Beautiful Scars” is the latest single from Karen Morand and her band The Bosco Boys, released worldwide to all major streaming services on November 1, 2021. The song is the first single from their new album “Ghost Hotel,” due February 1. On the track the band is joined by award-winning Blues singer, Suzie Vinnick.
With a roots Rock arrangement of guitar, bass, drums and organ, The Bosco Boys roll on a Bluesy groove. A mellow but gritty riff rides at the heart of the verse as Morand and Vinnick deliver some down home inspiration and motivation for these troubled times. They encourage us to embrace our bumps, bruises and ‘beautiful scars’ as badges of honor. The two singers complement each other perfectly with just the right mix of Country twang and Blues soul.” Bob Smith - Static Dive
"Karen Morand is absolutely brilliant. I've just heard her new single "Never Enough" live for the first time and am completely blown away." Jan Hall ~ Folk Roots Radio
"Karen Morand & The Bosco Boys: Having heard the new single, I'm looking forward to the new album "Ghost Hotel." This one track, just one single, wow it's "Never Enough." Jim Welsh, host Music Routes - Radio Summerhall, UK
"[Never Enough] It’s a beautiful and poignant song for the times. Karen’s haunting vocals are deeply expressive. She’s sounding better than ever."
Anne-Marie Brugger, Host/Producer, Hop The Fence CHUO.FM & Co-Host Canadian Spaces CKCU
"Now on @am800cklw - local music from Karen Morand and the Bosco Boys. You can FEEL the emotion when she sings. Soooo good! Goosebumps! New album Ghost Hotel coming soon." Dan MacDonald Hear + Now on AM800
"Oh my.....please send more songs....!!!!! Never heard of Karen Morand before, but love what I am hearing." Hootenanny Cafe - Jon Stein, Warwick NY
"Never Enough is the kind of modern folk track that will really grab ahold of listeners and, in the words of Morand herself, “[break] their heart a little and [put] it back together“. This is high-level songwriting executed with clear musicianship that allows each piece of this track to come together to form a true musical masterpiece. Karen Morand & the Bosco Boys are creating the kind of folk-rock music that this genre could use a whole lot more of – meaningful, genuine, and from the heart at every measure." The Ark of Music Full Review CLICK HERE
Folk Roots Radio Live Interview CLICK HERE
“I met Karen Morand at the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals in 2010 where I was a mentor. She was just beginning her career as a singer/songwriter and I was immediately impressed by her warmth and straightforward attitude. She has made great strides since then and has just released her second recording of her own material. Her songwriting belies the amount of time she’s actually been writing and I believe she is on her way to becoming an artist who will be a force on the Canadian music scene.” Linda McRae, platinum award winning musician
"Never Enough" is a great title for Karen Morand & The Bosco Boys' first song to be released from their upcoming album. "Never Enough", musically and lyrically penetrates your soul as you listen to this song!! I can never get enough of Karen's music. This is Karen's best work yet and I can't wait to hear what is in store for us with their new album "Ghost Hotel."
“Songwriter Karen Morand casts power to stir the storm in your soul and part the dark clouds hovering over your heart. Karen drives the engine through songs that clang, grind and chug with bold defiance, shaken faith and cryptic warnings; breathing steam around embraces of the wounded and outcast.” Songstress and CJAM radio host Allison Brown
“Karen Morand – My God, you can sing!!” Les Palango, station manager (“The Hawk”)
"Karen Morand is something of a standout in the crowded field of solo singer-songwriters. Her performances and recordings both display a careful attention to craft as well as a broad range of influences. Karen’s material demonstrates her comfort with a variety of styles and genres and her ability to create appealing melodies and lyrics." Danny Sullivan, Artistic Director, Blue Skies Music Festival
"Windsor based singer-songwriter Karen Morand writes wonderful warm earthy songs that speak to your heart and leave you begging to spend time in her company. Equally comfortable as a solo artist with a guitar or playing with her wonderful band "Bosco", her performances are definitely not to be missed." Jan Hall, host of Folk Roots Radio
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