Roots Music Report

Liner Notes:

About the Album

Trespass Music is pleased to release Karen Morand & The Bosco Boys' new album "Ghost Hotel" to worldwide radio on February 1, 2022. The new album follows the release of 4 well-received singles in 2021: Beautiful Scars, Coffee, Easy, and Never Enough as an introduction to the folk, roots, and blues communities.  

Karen Morand & The Bosco Boys - Ghost Hotel  
WINDSOR ON Canada | SINGLE | ALT FOLK | SOULFUL ROOTS | AMERICANA 
ADD DATE FEBRUARY 1, 2022 

ABOUT GHOST HOTEL 

Award winning singer-songwriter, Karen Morand backed by her acoustic band, The Bosco Boys, took time with this latest project. Teaming up with Juno nominated producer, Brett Humber, the album explores haunting questions of belonging, loneliness, and addiction with an eye to the unseen and hopefulness. Inspired by influences like Tedesci Trucks, Ruthie Foster and Linda McRae, Morand leans into her soulful roots, with echoes of Motown and Southern rock. Together with an impressive roster of Canadian co-writers and guest artists, this project is a true collaboration celebrating this beautiful and broken life.  

1. Ghost Hotel - 4:18 CA 91H 2000053 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand ©May 2019 NAC Ottawa 
A ghost hotel is an Airbnb listing that isn't owner occupied, often in an upscale neighbourhood. This gritty country tune is a metaphor for all who don't seem fit in.

2. Beautiful Scars 3:43 - ISRC CA 91H 2000057 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand & Suzie Vinnick © 2020 
Over time, life leaves its marks. It's nothing to hide but something to celebrate. Suzie Vinnick adds her unmistakably rich voice to this gutsy track.

3. Locked Down & Out - 4:12 - CA 91H 2000052 - SOCAN - Written by ©Karen Morand and Justin Latam ©2020 - Morand & Latam were inspired by the pandemic but wanted to capture the isolation that affects us all throughout life. Latam adds his distinct voice and psychedelic, crunchy guitar.

4. Never Enough - 3:49 -  CA 91H 2000051-  SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand ©2021 - Reminiscent of Motown, this is a love song reaching into the heart of addiction.

5. Evangeline- 4:24 - CA 91H 2000054 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand & Gina Horswood March ©2019 Inspired by conversations around struggling to believe in something we can't see. This lush arrangement is full of gospel choir harmonies from Horswood and Tamica Herod.

6. Easy (for Adina) - 3:13 CA 91H 2000055 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand ©January 14, 2019 (for Adina) 
With the Detroit River as Muse, Easy explores the arc of life, overcoming, letting go and leaving worry behind. This road trip soundtrack squeals along with the unmistakable harp work of Mike Stevens.

7. Neverland - 4:22 - CA 91H 2000050 - SOCAN - Written by David Whyte (Durham County Poets) and Karen Morand ©October 2018 Ormstown Quebec. Karen Morand, David Whyte (Durham County Poets) & Mary Sullivan - Pedal steel mourns in this Ballad of longing for freedom from troubles and the past. Rich vocal harmonies shine hopeful.

8. Smoke & Fire 3:56 - CA 91H 2000049 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand ©2020 
Slow and sultry, equally about a sassy girl and Morand's Jack Russel Mutt.

9. Coffee - 2:59 - CA 91H 2000056 - SOCAN - Written by Karen Morand ©August 2018 Hamilton Ontario (birthplace of Tim Horton!) With it's back porch, bluegrass bounce and catchy tune, it's sure to stick with you over your next morning cuppa joe. Smooth vocals and finger-style wizardry courtesy of Max Marshall.

MUSICIANS 
Karen Morand-lead/backing vocals, acoustic, keys 
The Bosco Boys are: 
Benny Santoro - drums & percussion 
Aaron Verhulst - electric guitar, acoustic guitar, pedal steel & mandolin 
Guests: 
Max Marshall-bass,backing vocals (9) 
Justin Latam - electric guitar, backing vocals (3) 
Brett Humber - electric, backing vocals (1, 4) 
Suzie Vinnick - backing vocals (2) 
Gina Horswood, Tamica Herod - backing vocals (6) 
Mike Stevens - harmonica (8) 

Produced by Brett Humber & Karen Morand 
Cover art - Karen Morand 
All songs recorded, mixed & mastered by Brett Humber @ Sound Foundry Studios, Kingsville, Ontario 
Radio Promotion - Michelle Fortier & Larry Ahearn - Trespass Music