Tanglefoot (band)
| Company type | Folk ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Joe Grant, Bob Wagar, Tim Rowat |
| Defunct | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Owen Sound, Ontario , Canada |
Area served | Canada, United States, United Kingdom |
Key people | Steve Ritchie, Al Parrish, Terry Young, Sandra Swannell, Rob Ritchie |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Tanglefoot was a folk ensemble originating from Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. Established in the early 1980s in Peterborough by educators Joe Grant, Bob Wagar, and Tim Rowat with the intent of performing traditional tunes, the group later expanded into a five-member band emphasizing predominantly original compositions. They consistently toured throughout Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Overview
Tanglefoot maintained an active touring schedule across Canada, the US, and the UK. Their repertoire frequently incorporated historical narratives, with a particular focus on Canadian heritage, covering topics such as the Frank Slide, The War of 1812, Laura Secord, Canada's inaugural powered flight, and the tale of Agnes Macdonald traveling atop a cowcatcher across the nation.
From 2007 onward, the ensemble featured Steve Ritchie (guitar and whistle), who held the distinction of being the longest-tenured member; Al Parrish (double bass); Terry Young (multi-instrumentalist handling guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and whistle); Sandra Swannell (fiddle and viola); and Rob Ritchie (piano), who rejoined after a five-year absence to succeed Bryan Weirmier. Every member contributed both vocals and songwriting.
After nearly three decades of activity, Tanglefoot wrapped up their journey with farewell performances at the Roxy Theatre located in Owen Sound, Ontario. On 27 June 2009, Al Parrish expressed that no ill feelings accompanied their decision to disband but acknowledged it was time to conclude after twenty years. He also mentioned the possibility of reunion shows in the future, though none were scheduled.
In October 2010, all five members gathered once again at the Roxy Theatre for a leukemia benefit entitled "The My Sweet Patootie Show with special guests, Al Parrish, Rob Ritchie & Steve Ritchie." This event was organized by former members Sandra Swannell and Terry Young's ensemble My Sweet Patootie and showcased various artist lineups; however, only a limited number of Tanglefoot songs were performed. It was not considered an official reunion.
In September 2012, founding members Joe Grant, Tim Rowat, and Bob Wagar were honored with induction into Peterborough's Pathway of Fame.
Later that year, longtime contributors Steve Ritchie (guitar/vocals), Al Parrish (bass/vocals), and Rob Ritchie (keyboard/vocals) formed the group RPR alongside drummer Beaker Granger, continuing their musical endeavors through performances and recordings.
Members
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Discography
- Dance Like Flames – Released by Borealis Records in 2006; catalog number BCD-179CD
- Way More Live – DVD format, distributed by Borealis Records in 2004; BDVD001
- Captured Alive – Issued through Borealis Records, 2003; BCD-157CD
- Agnes on the Cowcatcher – Borealis Records release from 2002; BCD-143CD
- Full Throated Abandon – Published by Borealis Records in 1999; BCD-115CD
- The Music in the Wood – Produced by Tanglefoot Media, 1996; TML14-0896CD
- Voyageurs et Vagabonds – Ooze River Music release from 1995; ORM8-989
- Saturday Night in Hardwood Lake – Issued by Tanglefoot Media in 1994; TML12-1194CD
- Grain of Salt – Released under Ooze River Music in 1992; ORM11-1192CD
- Voyageurs & Vagabonds (cassette) – Distributed by Ooze River Music, 1987; ORM5-287
- Songs of the River (cassette) – Ooze River Music, released in 1984; ORM-002
- Igg's Pig: Songs and Stories for Young Canadians – Waterloo Music release from 1984; WR-8030