ne might be tempted to think of the Deep Dark Woods as a band steeped in capital-T tradition, and that may be true, but now nearly two decades into their life as one of Canada’s finest folk-roots ensembles, that tradition is one of their own invention. The voice of founding member Ryan Boldt sits at the forefront of the band, and it doesn’t take long to reveal that he is a master of subtlety and shading, working in the lineage of iconic singers like Bob Dylan, Bert Jansch, Rick Danko, and Jason Molina.

Along with Boldt, fellow travellers like keyboard whiz Geoff Hilhorst, veteran drummer Mike Silverman, and guitarist Evan Cheadle round out the Deep Dark Woods unit. This crew, along with acclaimed special guests, create a powerful combination and has amassed a pile of celebrated albums, EPs, and a host of nominations from music awards outfits from across the country. Together they recall classic units like The Band, mid-period Wilco, and American Beauty-era Grateful Dead, but also legendary late ’60s UK groups like Fairport Convention, Pentangle, and Steeleye Span.

Originally from Saskatchewan, the Deep Dark Woods are now based in Southern Ontario,