The Short Version...

Bob Ardern combines melodious sounds with lyrics that conjure images and pulls it all together with masterful finger-style guitar playing. Willing to let his emotions show through his songs and not afraid to set off along the musical road-less-travelled, Bob takes you on a journey that entertains, surprises and stimulates.

In His Own Words:
"I like to write songs that do more than simply rehash what others have already written. My music makes you think and touches nerves. I want to be more than just another writer of love songs so I look for inspiration from newspaper headlines and history books, from the views outside my window as well as the reflections in the glass."

Having grown up in the golden era of folk music, Bob was exposed to English folk music and learned from some of the greats of that genre. While retaining the influence of English finger-style musicians, Bob listened to and was affected by Canadian and American roots music as well. The two styles added to each other to shape the style of music Bob plays and writes.

With the upcoming release in early 2012 of Wires Rosewood & Roots, Bob focuses on the finger-style guitar playing which is the underlying essence of his music. The album comprises 12 guitar instrumentals, some solo pieces and some with other instruments that bring out the best in the music and the guitar sounds. Some of the songs have been previously released on Bob's earlier albums and are presented on Wires with new arrangements.

Bob's discography also comprises two earlier works. Released in 2010, Come From Away celebrates Bob's move to Nova Scotia and the joy of living there. It also takes a look at history of the Maritimes and its association with the sea. 2006's Returning Home explores the emotional turmoil of making major life changes, travelling the world looking for answers and eventually going back to your roots.

In the last few years. Bob has played Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, Brampton Folk Festival, Barrie Roots Music Festival, Live From the Rock Music Festival, Trout Forest Music Festival, LaHave Folk Festival, Minesing Unplugged and the Orillia Folk Society's FridayFolk series. He has also played at Lunenburg Sessions, Harbour Folk's Kitchen Party in Cole Harbour, the Night Kitchen concert series in Wolfville, The Carleton's Sing For Your Supper and The Rose and Kettle Sessions.

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