Fergus Hambleton
FERGUS HAMBLETON BIO
A fixture on the Canadian music scene for the last 4 decades, Fergus Hambleton is a versatile singer, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. During his illustrious career Fergus has been a leading performer and songwriter in the folk, pop and reggae music arenas. Fronting the Juno Award winning reggae outfit, Sattalites and a successful solo career are among his many musical achievements.
Fergus’ musical career began in the 60’s when Toronto’s famed Yorkville area became known for its innovative and eclectic music community. His contribution to that legendary scene included playing in a number of bands, most notably A Passing Fancy and the Ginger Group. In the 70’s he went on to produce two solo albums for Capitol Canada. These folk-rock albums, All The Right Noises and Town of Fergus were an instant success with the hit single “Ice on the Road” quickly climbing the Canadian radio charts. A third album Fergusongs was recorded for the independent label Axe Records, operated by Hambleton’s older brother and noted songwriter/producer Greg Hambleton.
Fergus continued to expand his musical horizons when in the late-seventies he played saxophone with some of Toronto’s hottest punk and new wave acts like The Diodes, Drastic Measures and the B-Girls. His own high energy band, The Basics fast became a favourite with live music fans.
A chance meeting with legendary Jamaican musician, Jo Jo Bennett began a life long musical partnership that has earned them a unique place in Canada’s rich musical tapestry. In Fall 2007 Leda Serene Films and BRAVO Television will present a 30-minute documentary on the unique Bennett – Hambleton partnership which forms the core of their ever-popular reggae band the Sattalites. The Sattalites first began as a horn section, backing up touring Jamaican artists, then as a music school to teach reggae styles to young people, and then as a band, with a 25 year musical career peppered with numerous high-profile concert events, 6 albums, two Juno Awards and a host of national and international awards and accolades.
Widely known for his captivating baritone, Fergus honed his singing style while studying with the noted Canadian voice teacher, Charles Jordan who shared Fergus’ love of traditional folk music. He went on to study composition with one of Canada’s most celebrated composers’ San Dolin. Dolin’s tutelage helped Fergus to fine-tune his insights in arranging and songwriting, an expertise that Fergus now brings to his many teaching and producing projects, as well as the countless writing projects he undertakes with a variety of fellow songwriters. Fergus is in high demand as a session player and arranger offering expertise ranging from playing saxophone, clarinet, guitar and vocals.
Armed with a life-long quest for knowledge, Fergus has immersed himself in a wide range of musical interests and has made a keen study of the history of music, the technology behind the music business and the inter-connections between different styles of music.
Fergus Hambleton’s solo recording Snapshots is the most recent example of his diverse musical abilities. This moving and engaging collection offers a sample of this powerful songwriters’ exquisite lyrical style and richly-textured instrumentation. Selections from Snapshots have been featured in the feature-film Falling Angels and the prime-time television program The L Word. Snapshots is available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/hambleton.
Currently living in Toronto, Fergus has a busy teaching and performing schedule. Upcoming performances include THE TWO BOBS a re-imagining of Bob Marley and Bob Dylan songs; regular appearances with the Sattalites, The Tuesday Night Club, and a number of other groups including his own jazz ensemble The Jazz Lovers Society whose performances are dedicated to the swing era and classic jazz standards.