Western Swing Authority
The
Western Swing Authority is Canada's most recognized and awarded authentic Western Swing band. Made up of a collection of some of
the country's finest touring and studio musicians, they came together to play the timeless style of music they love. Seamlessly
combining stellar musicianship and vocals with Western Swing, traditional country and jazz standards plus their own "new vintage"
originals, they have created a sound that is truly unique and toe-taping contagious.
WSA
has been recognized with awards and nominations in both Canada and the United States and are reintroducing the Western
Swing sound to an entirely new generation of music lovers with every performance. Recently, they caught the attention of a few
of the music industry's most legendary icons, receiving an invitation to play a private party in Nashville in March of 2018 for
none other than Garth Brooks and his manager Bob Doyle.
In October the WSA released their 4th studio album, "BIG DEAL", that includes guest appearances by 9x Grammy winner Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, Grammy nominated Jazz sensation Jane Monheit, Canadian Country Stars George Canyon and Jason McCoy, along with many more amazing artists who have added their support and talent.
What the Critics are Saying...
- "Love the WSA. Great accomplished players who play Western Swing like it should be played!" ~ Ray Benson/Asleep at the Wheel
- "The Western Swing Authority is taking our music into the new millennium. With exceptional musicianship and knock your socks off vocals, they're everything a swing band should be!" ~ Carolyn Martin/Western Swing Hall of Fame inductee
- "As Merle Haggard brought the music of Bob Wills and Western Swing to a new generation of listeners, The Western Swing Authority is paying it forward not only by recording and performing these classics, but also writing new material proudly carrying on the style of traditional Western Swing music." ~ Scott Wikle - My Kind of Country
- "It's impossible to listen to this record and not feel happy afterwards." ~ Country Perspective
- "A retro treat" ~ New Canadian Music
- "Lush and fabulous." ~ Robert Oermann, Music Row Magazine
- "Perhaps the finest album I have heard for some time." ~ Russell Hill Maverick Magazine
Awards and Nominations...
- 2017 CCMA Awards - WINNER - Fiddle Player of the Year
- 2016 CCMA Awards - WINNER - Steel Guitar Player of the Year
- 2016 CCMA Awards - WINNER - Fiddle Player of the Year
- 2016 Academy of Western Artists - WINNER - Best Western Swing Female (Stacey Lee)
- 2015 Country Music Association of Ontario - WINNER - Group of the Year
- 2015, 2014 Country Music Association of Ontario - WINNER - Roots Artist
- 2015 Academy of Western Artists - WINNER - Best Western Swing Group
- 2014, 2011, 2010 CCMA All Star Band Award - WINNER - Shane Guse, Fiddle player of the year
- 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011 CCMA All Star Band Award - WINNER - Ed Ringwald, Steel player of the year