Anne Walker

Offering a diverse mix of traditional, maritime, folk and blue grass music, this group of talented musicians, John Prince, Bruce McDaniel, Joe Sexton and Donny Wood has been entertaining enthusiastic audiences throughout Ontario and the Maritimes and beyond for many years both individually and as members of “John Prince & A Piece of the Rock”. Their strong vocal harmonies and lyrical melodies as they perform old favourites and original compositions, present a memorable musical experience that leaves audiences yearning for more.

THE MEMBERS

JOHN PRINCE A native of Princeton, Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland, John relocated to Ontario in the mid 1970s. He has performed with various East Coast artists including Dick Nolan, the Bay Boys and the late John Allen Cameron. His musical influences range from his roots in traditional and maritime music to country/rock with the Eagles and country with Merle Haggard to the haunting ballads of Gordon Lightfoot. A gifted songsmith, his songs have been performed by many artists across Canada and his “Newfoundland Blessing” was featured in the musical “No Change In The Weather”. With his rhythmic ‘finger-style’ guitar and warm melodic voice, John leads audiences on a musical journey they will long remember.

BRUCE MCDANIEL Born and raised in Toronto, Bruce began playing guitar at the age of 12, picking out fiddle tunes learned from a friend of his father. Over the years he has played in many local bands in styles from blues with the John Carr Band, rock with Tin Pan Alley and country with Terry Sumsion. Bruce’s fluid ‘flat picking’ guitar style, his ‘blazing’ mandolin licks and strong harmony vocals are an integral part of the band’s sound. John refers to Bruce as “Canada’s best kept secret”.

JOE SEXTON Joe’s music career began early when in his hometown of Tilting, Fogo Island, Newfoundland, he was featured playing accordion and harmonica in the National Film Board’s 1966 film “The Children of Fogo Island”. Over the years, Joe has continued to entertain family and friends with his accordion, harmonica, acoustic guitar and harmony vocals. His musical talents have led him to studio sessions with various artists.

DONNY WOOD Originally from Oxford, Nova Scotia, Donny began playing piano at age 6 with his father a fiddle and accordion player. Equally adept on bass or piano, he has toured extensively throughout North America and the U.K. with The Cape Breton Symphony Fiddlers and the Scottish Accent Band. He has shared the stage with country legend George Jones and Scotland’s Andy Stewart as well as Canadian entertainers J.K. Gulley, John Allen Cameron and fiddler Graham Townsend. A seasoned session player, Donny brings a wealth of experience to the band.