Press Quotations
A virtually unheralded Winnipeg troubadour, Baardman has emerged as one of the city's strongest and most literate songwriters. . . . Baardman's world is all about contrasts and realizations. The singer-songwriter speaks to the human condition, to the age old quest for happiness and fulfillment in a world so confusing that one can rarely know one's own mind.
John Lyons, Music Critic, Winnipeg Free Press
If you gave Bruce Cockburn a nice warm meal and a comfy bed to sleep in for a few weeks, he might start sounding like Sam Baardman. The Winnipeg singer/guitarist has created a lush contemporary folk recording . . . exquisite instrumentalism . . .(Five Stars)
Bartley Kives, Music Critic, Winnipeg Sun
First words from a strong acoustic singer/songwriter who debuts with a much better-than-usual indie CD.
The Record, Canada's Weekly Music Business Newspaper
Baardman is writing about the human experience, its home. His songs have a remarkable clarity to them, like the true, simple ring of a tuning fork.
Mitch Podoluk, Artistic Director, The World Next Door Festival Founder of the Winnipeg Folk Festival
Well-conceived and tuneful melodies . . . . Sam exposes many of the foibles of our breed.
Folk Roots
The Rookery is a second auspicious effort from Baardman, a traditional singer-songwriter who teams up with producer Dan Donahue to make a timeless Canadian Folk album.
John Kendle, Music Critic, Winnipeg Sun
Sam Baardman is a powerful new voice in Canadian music. . . intensely poetic . . . dramatic and original. I highly recommend you listen to this rising star!
Tom Jeffers, Prairie Ceilidh Radio Host, Winnipeg's Folk and Celtic music program
Baardman has developed an evocative, lyrical writing style . . . with shimmering guitar that provides a fine counterpoint to his melodies . . . . This is a rich and well-crafted disk that you'll want to listen to again and again.
Dale Jack, Music Critic, Open City Magazine
Sam Baardman is a gifted and articulate musician and lyricist whose songs speak directly to the heart. His music is fresh, engaging and real - a reflection on the man himself. Sam and his band were huge favourites on the mainstage of last year's Brandon Folk Festival.
Donna Lowe, Artistic Director, Brandon Folk Music & Art Festival
He has the uncanny ability to cut right to the heart of matters, stating "universal truths" in language and using images that you just don't expect until they hit you right in the gut. The lyrics alone would be impressive. Add Sam's uniquely honest singing style, well-worked and often unexpected melodies and that makes for a very special package. His new CD is well worth picking up!
The Muse's Muse: A Songwriters' Resource