Newfoundland Roots Music
"I try to capture a balance between all of the Celtic influences passed
down to me from both sides of my family roots, then mix it with my own interpretations
and come up with something that is old - but with a new edge.”

In September of 2006 Shawn released "Legends on the Baccalieu Trail",
a CD with stories and legends of the towns of the Baccalieu Trail,
most of which have histories that go back to the 17th century.

To purchase this CD contact: info@shawnlidster.com

1610- Cupers Cove - Track One
Cupers Cove (now Cupids) is about the how John Guy and his colonists set up a plantation and met with the Beothuk Indians, which in fact is the only documented record of contact and trade with the Beothuk.

Click here for lyrics and a sound clip from Cupers Cove.

1696-Carbonear Island -Track Two
Carbonear Island is a patriotic song, which tells the story of how the people of Carbonear and surrounding communities (fisher people at that) defended themselves from the French invasion by Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and his troops. D'Iberville was unable to conquer Carbonear Island.

Click here for lyrics and a sound clip from Carbonear Island.

Click here for Lyrics and a Sound Clip from John Hawe the Pirate.

1844- Thomas Youden - Track Four.
This is a legend from the Brigus/Bull Cove area. Thomas Youden was a British Naval Officer who was captured by the French and put in prison. He escaped by cutting the bars with a spring from his pocket watch. He worked for the Hudson's Bay Company before coming to live in Brigus. In 1844, he helped build the first school in Bull Cove, which he also used for teaching navigation to many of the Captains in the Conception Bay area.

Click here for Lyrics and a Sound Clip from Thomas Youden.

1930's- The Kyle - Track Five.
Reveals how important this cargo and supply ship was to all the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. She will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who worked and sailed her and is a reminder for all those who see her as she still lies in Harbour Grace.

Click here for Lyrics and a Sound Clip from The Kyle.

2005- On the Baccalieu Trail - Track Six.
It is a comical tale about how a couple meet and fall in love on the Baccalieu Trail. In this track, Shawn mentions as many communities as he can, from Brigus on the Conception Bay side all the way to Whitbourne on the Trinity side. Sure to be a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

Click here for Lyrics and a Sound Clip from On the Baccalieu Trail.

1900's Sealers' Song: Track Seven
The Sealers Song is dedicated to all the brave men who lost their lives "going to the pans!" Especially Shawn's Great Grandfather Noah Sparkes who died aboard the SS Southern Cross when she was lost at sea March 31, 1914 with all 173 souls on board.

Newfoundland Summer's Day: Track Eight
Shawn's Newfoundland Summer's Day gives voice to the sentiments of Newfoundlanders who have been forced by economic conditions to leave the home that they love to look for work in other places.

Click here for Lyrics and a Sound Clip from Newfoundland Summer's Day.