It was 2007 when Toronto singer/songwriter Donovan Woods released "The Hold Up", an album that was called "an engaging and articulate window into the heart of an extremely unique writer". Three years later, Donovan has pushed his gruff but surprisingly tender voice up front in the 12 songs of this year's "The Widowmaker". This time around, expect touches of piano, banjo, synth tones and female backing vocals to his signature acoustic guitar led songs. A great follow-up showcasing the growth of a talented songwriter.
Donovan Woods was born in Sarnia, Ontario in 1981. In accordance to family tradition, he was named after his fathers favourite musician, Donovan Leitch (”Mellow Yellow”, “Jennifer Juniper”). At the impressionable age of 14, Donovan received a merciless evaluation from his own flesh and blood that, however it might have stung in the moment, is most likely the reason you’re reading about him right now.
“I started playing the guitar because my sister told me I wasn’t good-looking enough to not have an instrument,” laughs Donovan. “It was a bitchy thing to say but I’m glad she said it.”
He studied acting during high school and went on to study dramatic performance at the University of Guelph and the Academy at the Stratford Festival of Ontario.
Performed in classic storyteller fashion, The Widowmaker is a tapestry of melodic intensity, earnest yet wry lyrics and heartbreaking tones.
Ryan Adams, Paul Simon , Mark Knopfler , Bryan Adams, Emmylou Harris, Phil Kessel
