The Backyard Sessions

Director: Donna Leon, Matthew R. Millen

Genre: Entertainment

This documentary series celebrates the diversity of Nova Scotia’s musical artists. Set in backyards across the province, THE BACKYARD SESSIONS showcases six talented singer/songwriters and the stories behind their music. The series mixes the vivid imagery of Canada’s Ocean Playground with music ranging from Celtic to jazz, pop and alternative to Acadian.

To watch The Backyard Sessions:

If you are already a Bell Fibe TV customer, go to channel 1, or watch it on demand with the Bell Fibe TV App.

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Episodes

Episode 1

Hailing from West Mabou, Cape Breton, this husband and wife duo has been a mainstay at festivals, dances and ceilidhs in Nova Scotia and abroad. Melody is a well-known fiddler and step dancer. Derrick accompanies her on guitar. In this episode, they perform against the stunning backdrop of the Cameron family farm with guest guitarist Brian Doyle.

Episode 2

The music of Jah’Mila has been described as reggae soul. The Halifax-based group’s sound is rooted in Jamaica, where founder Jahmiela Smith was born and raised. Imaginative and optimistic, Jah’Mila delivers a stirring backyard performance sure to inspire.

Episode 3

Cape Breton’s own The Town Heroes have released a handful of critically acclaimed albums and won an array of industry awards. The alt-rock band is known for crafting classic indie rock songs. In this episode, the duo of Mike Ryan and Bruce Gillis goes acoustic for a backyard performance in Inverness, where Mike was born and raised.

Episode 4

Jelynne Samson lives in Berwick, Nova Scotia with her parents and three younger sisters. The 16-year old singer/songwriter is self-taught, and plays multiple instruments. The family’s backyard deck was the perfect setting in which to showcase Jelynne’s folk-pop sound.

Episode 5

This 20-year-old Acadian singer-songwriter spends most of his time writing songs about his culture and his experiences in Southwestern Nova Scotia. Jacques is a bilingual artist whose roots are evident in his French folk country music and English alternative rock offerings. Filmed in his backyard in downtown Yarmouth, Jacques’ music is soothing for the soul.

Episode 6

Halifax-based Lazeez likes to bend genre barriers to craft their own fresh sound. Rooted in funk, fusion and soul, they incorporate elements of disco, Latin, jazz, and world music in each song. Filmed in the coastal community of Prospect, the group serves up a groovy performance.