Gordon Carter was born in Royston, near Cumberland, located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The second oldest of four boys, he is a third generation valley resident and it is his roots and love of the land that comes through, not only in his music and lyrics, but also in his performances.
His love of local history and folk music come alive in his second album Diary of a Coaltown, inspired by stories passed down from friends and family members over the years. One of his songs, A Pit Pony’s Tale, has been sung by a choir in Sweden 600 feet below ground in a Mine Museum. https://gordoncarter.bandcamp.com/track/pit-ponys-tale
His songs have been played on radio stations in Canada, USA, England, Ireland, and Australia . Gord has had four of his original songs recorded by other artists . Sue Pyer, Tammy Fassaert, from the local area, Diane Gentes from Nashville and Valdy fom Saltspring Island.
Gordon has been writing and performing music since his early teens. It was the early influences of folk artists such as Bob Dylan, John Prine, Joan Baez and Emmylou Harris that inspired and encouraged him to hone and perfect his art.
With his innate storytelling gift, combined with a compassion for the land he lives on, he brings to life stories of draft dodgers, touching tales of his family, and social/political songs from the local area.
Gordon’s sense of melody and thought-provoking lyrics make him one of the foremost songwriters in the Comox Valley today. This talent is not only recognized by his local peers but also gained attention outside Canada. Gordon Carter is a rare breed in this world. He writes from the heart and writes about his local heritage and homeland. He is the kind of songwriter that defies time. In this day of mass-produced music, his work stands up against the classic songwriters of our day.
Gord is joined by sideman, Pat Burk, a multi instrumentalist, playing mandolin, acoustic guitar, and acoustic bass guitar.