Biography

Although based in Toronto for many years, Anne Walker was actually raised on a small farm in the beautiful, rolling countryside of Central Ontario.  These roots in a country life are evident in the contemplative nature of her music and the quiet strength of her words.

Anne began her career as a folk musician playing coffee houses and small folk clubs in the 1980s.  She released her first independent recording “Rainwater” on cassette in 1989.  Danna Garcia of Canadian River Music (Texas) declared this recording “a favorite for '89/'90.”  Anne also found a following in Ireland. In 1990 she won the song competition at the Ballyshannon Folk Festival and returned to perform there in 1991.

Throughout the 1990s Anne performed frequently at festivals and clubs, including appearances at Summerfolk (Owen Sound), Home County Folk Festival (London), Caffe Lena (Saratoga Springs) and Rasputin's (Ottawa).  “Over My Shoulder”(1995), her second recording, was produced and beautifully arranged by guitarist Tony Quarrington.

The year 2008 marked a comeback for the singer-songwriter with the release of her new recording, “Labyrinth”.  A labyrinth is a path created in the form of a circle that starts at the outer edge, moves to the centre and back out again. It is used as a tool for meditation, reflection and inner exploration.  This CD contains a collection of songs for the “life journey”.  Like the turning path of the labyrinth, the songs twist through the joys and sorrows of life—love and loss, loneliness and connectedness, despair and hope, darkness and dawn.

The CD was produced by well-known folk music producer Paul Mills and includes a stellar list of guest musicians with John Sheard on piano and organ, David Woodhead, bass and Al Cross on drums.  Paul Mills and Jason Fowler add their talents on guitar with Don Reed providing the sweet sounds of fiddle and violin.  Backing vocals are sung by Debbie Fleming with a special appearance by Anne’s daughters, Erica and Katie Lem.