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Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Group

Talk about a talent-packed trio. Blackie & The Rodeo Kings members Tom Wilson, Stephen Fearing and Colin Linden have all grabbed JUNO nominations or victories individually, while BARK is their third, and arguably best, album together. Blackie won a JUNO for their second CD, Kings Of Love, and they're back riding high in the saddle again. Covers of Willie P. Bennett and Bruce Cockburn songs fit snugly alongside strong group originals.

The respected magazine Folk Roots described La Bottine Souriante as "the tightest and most exciting band of any nature anywhere." World music audiences and record-buyers agree. The group has headlined festivals around the world and sold over a half-million albums. Their intoxicating sound encompasses Acadian-French, Celtic, New Orleans swing jazz, and folk styles with both fire and finesse.They are three-time JUNO winners, including a trophy in 2002 for Cordial. Their contagious musical and lyrical humour is showcased on J'ai Jamais Tant Ri.

Toronto's the creaking tree string quartet have quickly created waves within the instrumental acoustic scene. The technical prowess of all four players is matched by a genuinely experimental bent. Bluegrass, jazz, country, chamber music and avant-garde elements are gleefully combined. Now a festival favourite, they nabbed impressive airplay for this debut CD, and they have another one ready to roll this spring.

Master fiddle player Pierre Schryer won countless fiddle contests before turning to the world of recording. Supported by the skilled and energetic musicianship of his band, Pierre has won an international following for his warm renditions of a wide range of traditional fiddle music. Such earlier albums as The New Canadian Waltz and Acoustique! have earned rave reviews.

Le Vent Du Nord (Northern Wind) have deservedly been dubbed a super group of traditional Quebecois music. The quartet creates music overflowing with positive energy and freshness. Their eclectic and infectious sound incorporates Celtic, European and Quebecois elements.