We are delighted to premiere this emotive live recording of ‘#44’ from Canadian songwriter and storyteller Amanda Rheaume. Co-written with the outstanding First Nation musician Adrian Sutherland. ‘#44’ is a beautifully crafted song with an important message. The arrangement for this live recording is lush and layered with gorgeous strings soaring above Glenn Milchem’s light percussion; Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk’s viola combines in sweeping notes with Nicholas Delbaere-Sawchuk’s violin while Danton Delbaere-Sawchuk’s sonorous cello resonates beneath. Kyler Tapscott joins Rheaume on acoustic guitar, their sound rich and bright, lifting Rheaume’s voice, which is simply gorgeous, its pure melodic warmth well-supported by Dani Garcia’s backing. The result is a stunning, atmospheric performance of a story song with an epic feel.
Rheaume explains the story behind the song: “‘#44’ is a song I wrote after hearing the story of Robert Merasty, a Métis residential school survivor from Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, Canada. For this acoustic live-off-the-floor version, I had the privilege of recording with Métis musicians and siblings Alyssa, Nicholas, and Danton Delbaere-Sawchuk on strings, bringing a raw and deeply emotional quality to the music. Île-à-la-Crosse—Sakitawak in Cree, meaning ‘where the rivers meet’—is one of the oldest communities in Saskatchewan and played a vital role in the development of Western Canada. Yet, despite its long history, the Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School was excluded from the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, leaving survivors like Robert without recognition or compensation. His courage in sharing his story with me inspired this song, and I feel honoured to carry it forward through music. I chose to release this version in late September as we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to ensure the voices and experiences of Métis survivors are also acknowledged. Recording it in this way—with live strings, heartfelt performance, and deep respect—was my way of paying homage to Robert’s story and the Métis experience, which is too often left out of the wider narrative.”
This heartfelt live version of the song was recorded in The Woodshed, the famous Toronto studio owned and operated by the band Blue Rodeo. The likes of Kris Kristofferson have appeared in the studio, which is known for its one-room concept, where the recording process happens in the same room as the musicians are playing, creating a relaxed vibe and inspired performances.
The recipient of the 2024 Spirit of Folk Award and 2023 Canadian Folk Music Award for Indigenous Songwriter of the Year, Rheaume introduces herself to audiences as a Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Her songs chronicle the storied history of Métis resilience and resistance while she advocates for Indigenous music infrastructure and community as co-founder of Ishkode Records, the International Indigenous Music Summit, and the Indigenous Music Office. Six albums into her career, Rheaume has a powerful voice, both literally and metaphorically, in the indigenous community. Amanda Rheaume is due to return to the UK on tour in 2026. While you wait, immerse yourself in this gorgeous song, brilliantly performed.
