Maritimer John Allan Cameron is Canada's ambassador of folk music. A popular guest on Canadian and American television programs during the 1960's folk revival, and the host of his own television series during 1975-76, Cameron's friendly personality made him a household name among mainstream viewers. An interpreter of other people's songs, Cameron was among the first to record the songs of John Pryne, Eric Bogle, and Stan Rogers. Cameron received a "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 1995 East Coast Music Awards. A popularizer of Cape Breton music, Cameron has always delivered honest, workmanlike performances, though the pace of his playing is uncommonly slow.

Those who enjoy Cameron's style will want both Wind Willow and Classic John Allen Cameron. Both are collections of old favourites, with a sprinkling of more contemporary pieces such as Gordon Lightfoot's "Sit Down Young Stranger," and Stan Rogers' "Mary Ellen Carter." Classic John Allan, Vol. III is the third in a series of reissued recordings on CD. If you've collected volumes I and II you will probably want to complete the set. John Allan standards on this album include "Nova Scotia Farewell," "Streets of London," and "Song for the Mira." The playing on these CD's is serviceable if somewhat fusty.

Glencoe Station (1996) marks a new direction in Cameron's music. A thoroughly modern recording, with excellent production values and excellent studio musicians, Glencoe Station is easily the best John Allan Cameron recording yet released. Cameron's endemic slow pace is relieved by appearances from guest musicians such as Natalie MacMaster, J.P. Cormier, and Ashley MacIsaac.

Wind Willow
[no date] Margaree Sound (MSCD 9128)

The Ballad of St. Anne's Reel; Wind Willow; The Four Marys; Calin' Mo Ruinsa; Banks of Sicily; Flower of Scotland; Mary Ellen Carter; Sit Down Young Stranger; Molly Bond; Liberty 39:02

Classic John Allen Cameron, Vol. I & II
[no date] Margaree Sound (MSCD 9231)

Sound the Pibroch; Mingulay Boat Song; Butterfingers Medley; Fisherman's Song; Mary Mac; Free Born Man; Broom O'Cowdenknowes; Fiddle Medley; Gaelic Songs; Make and Break Harbour; And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda; The Lord of the Dance; Mrs. Hamilton and the Dominion Reel; The Minstrel of Cranberry Lane; Birds of Joy; Banks of Sicily; Trip to Mabou Ridge; I Can't Tell You; Please Don't Bury Me; Elizabeth Lindsey; Maggie Brown; The Four Marys 66:46

Classic John Allan Vol. III
[no date] Margaree Sound (02-50444)

Don't Make the Same Mistake; Golden Ribbon; The Miner's Song; Tie Me Down; Looking Back; Nova Scotia Farewell; Streets of London; The Patriot Game; Dirty Old Man; Planxty Johnson; Song for the Mira; The Mist Covered Mountains of Home 37:44

Glencoe Station
1996 Duckworth (02 77657 50549 21)

Getting Dark Again; The Parlour Session; Saban the Woodfitter; My Cape Breton Shore; Emigrant Eyes; Islanders; The Miner's Song; Roving Gypsy Boy; Heading for Halifax; Evangeline; The Kitchen Session 42:43