David Francey is a Scottish-born carpenter-turned-songwriter, who has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star). Born in Ayrshire, Scotland to parents who were factory workers, he moved to Canada when he was twelve. For decades, he worked in rail yards, construction sites, and the Yukon bush, all the while writing poetry, setting it to melodies in his head and singing it to himself as he worked.
A truly authentic folk singer, Francey is a documentarian of the working person who never imagined earning a living from his music. But when he was in his 40s, his wife, artist Beth Girdler, encouraged him to share his songs and sing in public. The reaction was instant. His first album Torn Screen Door came out in 1999 and was a hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eight albums, won three Juno Awards and has had his songs covered by such artists as The Del McCoury Band, The Rankin Family, James Keelaghan and fellow Red House artist Tracy Grammer.
With Francey’s latest album So Say We All, he returns to Red House Records, the US label where he released his acclaimed folk/Americana album The Waking Hour, featuring Nashville veterans Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane and Fats Kaplin. One of his most personal albums to date, So Say We All delves deep into his recent struggles with depression and loss. With songs about hope and perserverence, the album sounds like a classic folk record that will appeal to folk fans of all ages.
