Sunday Sessions: North Country
Love of place, of family, of home...
Anticipation of arrival…
Good memories arising as you travel…
Joy in the journey...
All of these come in to play in the song North Country, from The Rankins.
The Rankins are from Mabou in Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada.
As a band offering a mix of original songs and music that drew on Celtic tradition, country music, and original songs, they charted top songs and albums and had sold out performances across Canada and toured in other countries too. They won a number of awards along the way, too.
North Country is one of the band’s earlier songs -- it’s the title track to one of their albums as well -- and it remains one of my favourites. It was written by Jimmy Rankin.
The family band had several changes of membership through the years. Several of the brothers and sisters have gone on to solo careers these days.
The Rankin sisters purchased the Red Shoe Pub in Mabout some years back, too. It’s a seasonal operation, usually late May to October. You will find good music as well as good food, and sometimes a Rankin or two joining in.
What is your favourite song about travel? Perhaps you have a favourite song from The Rankins? Join in the conversation in the comments.
You may also wish to
Learn about Cape Breton music
Find Canada travel advice at Laura Paquet’s Ottawa Road Trips Substack
Canadian fiddle players and composers Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy talk about their album Canvas
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