Halifax Herald

February 21, 2005

Gordie Sampson takes home five East Coast Music Awards George Canyon wins three, Natalie MacMaster, J.P. Cormier receive two each by ECMA

.... J.P. Cormier's "X8 … a mandolin collection" was named Bluegrass Recording of the Year and Instrumental Recording of the Year. (For the complete article and list of award winners, visit www.ecma.ca).

"Backstage, Cormier expressed his gratitude for the recognition given to X8. "It's a double labour of love," said the towering musician. "I did this as a benefit recording to raise funds to build patios on cancer wards, and it's also great to be recognized for my bluegrass music, after playing it for so long. I never got a nomination or award for it."

(Excerpt from Halifax Herald, February 21, 2005. Stephen Cooke - Entertainment Reporter; photo credit Tim Krochak).