Simani (pronounced "Sim 'n' I") was a Newfoundland and Labrador musical duet considered the cornerstone of traditional Newfoundland music. Formed in 1977 by Bud Davidge and Sim Savory (November 29, 1946 – March 16, 2010), in Belleoram, Fortune Bay, their music keeps Newfoundland's unique heritage alive by putting old stories to song and by their recording of local jigs and reels. Their music is characterized by the folksy sound of their native province, including Celtic, English, and French influences.[1]
Simani | |
|---|---|
 Bud Davidge (left) and Sim Savory (right) pose for the cover of their late CD; The Instrumental Side. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Belleoram, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada |
| Genres | Newfoundland, folk, country |
| Years active | 1977–1997 |
| Labels | SWC Records |
| Members | Sim Savory Bud Davidge |
It is believed that the name "Simani" is derived from someone asking Davidge who was playing that night at the local Legion, Davidge replied, "Sim and I". By the time the music began that night, the name was already set.
History
editDavidge and Savory both knew each other growing up - Savory was in Belleoram and Davidge was in nearby Bay du Nord. Savory was a natural and gifted musician and was always playing in bands. In 1970, after living and working in St. John's for some time, Savory moved back to Belleoram. Davidge was working with the school board at that time. A few years after that, which was a time when Savory wasn't in a band, they got together and decided to play a few tunes. One thing led to another, and in May 1977, they decided to play a gig in Belleoram at an old fisherman's lodge called The Schooner Lounge. The gig earned them about $20. Both critics and the general public enjoyed the bands so much that they decided to play more gigs. In 1981, four years after that initial performance in Belleoram, Davidge and Savory had written enough material that it was suggested the duo record an album, which they eventually did in Stephenville.
Nearly all of Simani's recorded songs are originals, written by Davidge (who was also the vocalist for the group). Savory was a gifted musician, being a master of many instruments, as well as a very talented sound engineer. That variety of talent worked very well for Simani, and it showed in the quality of their recordings.
In a musical career that lasted 20 years, Simani were stars with major radio airplay and sold-out shows wherever they performed. Since their first recording "Saltwater Cowboys" in 1981, they have produced 12 recordings. Simani defined a sound that became predominant in many recording that were done in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 1980s. Their first few albums were recorded at Clode Sound in Stephenville and the remainder recorded at Sim's studio in Belleoram.
Simani is famous for their "Saltwater Cowboys" song. The song is about outward migration (a subject most people from Newfoundland are all too familiar with), and the effects that an outside culture has on Newfoundlanders who leave and then return home.
Simani is also well known for their Christmas mega-hit "Any Mummers Allowed In?" (commonly referred to as "The Mummer's Song"). Before Davidge and Savory produced this song, the Christmas tradition of Mummering was declining. After its release in 1984, Mummering made a return to all parts of Newfoundland.[2][3][4]
Later years
editSimani gave up touring in 1997. However, Davidge and Savory still worked toward the advancement of traditional Newfoundland music, with both men recording projects individually. On March 16, 2010, Savory died after battling a lengthy illness. Despite the deterioration of his health, Savory spent the last few months of his life working in the music industry in Newfoundland that he helped redefine.[5]
Prior to his death, Savory would help aspiring artists with their recording experience at his state of the art recording facility in Belleoram.[1]
Davidge was later the owner and operator of a cassette tape and CD-ROM duplication facility at English Harbour West, just eight kilometers from Belleoram.[1][6] Davidge was elected to the Memorial University Board of Regents as an alumni representative in 2017.[7]
Awards
edit- 2002 - the band was awarded the Stompin' Tom Award at the East Coast Music Awards.[8]
- 2008 - the band won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the MusicNL award show in Gander, NL.[9]
- 2024 - Davidge was made a Member of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.[10]
Discography
edit| Date | Album |
|---|---|
| 1981 | Saltwater Cowboys |
| 1982 | Heaven By Sea |
| 1985 | Christmas Fancy |
| 1985 | Outport People |
| 1986 | Two for the Show |
| 1987 | Music and Friends |
| 1990 | Chapel Walls |
| 1991 | Some Things I Cherish |
| 1992 | Home and Native Land |
| 1993 | Ooh! Christmas Tree |
| 1994 | Promises |
| 1997 | Ye Can't Have Joe Smallwood... and Ye Can't Have John Cabot |
| 2008 | Favourites |
| 2012 | Outport & Sea |
| 2015 | The Instrumental Side |
References
edit- ^ a b c Sullivan, Joan (April 2, 2010). "Newfoundlander's 'little thing' was a big success". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved January 9, 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Bartlett, Steve (December 28, 2007). "Mummers song turns 25". The Telegram. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
- ^ Burshtein, Karen (Dec 10, 2019). "Are Mummers Allowed in? The Newfoundland Holiday Tradition Where Disguised Visitors Drink, Dance, and Swing Your Granny". Fodor's Travel. Retrieved Jan 17, 2021.
- ^ Coles, Terri (Dec 26, 2018). "The dark side of mummering: What you may not know about a beloved tradition". CBC News. Retrieved Jan 17, 2021.
- ^ "Simani cofounder Savory mourned". CBC News. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
- ^ The Coaster [dead link]
- ^ "Results are in: Alumni elected to Board of Regents, highest participation to date". Memorial University Gazette. Jun 22, 2017. Retrieved Jan 17, 2021.
- ^ "Newfoundland & Labrador Music - Simani". upalong.org. Retrieved Jan 17, 2021.
- ^ "Simani Honoured for Musical Contribution". Government of Newfoundland and Labrador - Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. Nov 7, 2008. Retrieved Jan 17, 2021.
- ^ "Latest Recipients of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador Recognized" (Press release). Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. October 30, 2024. Retrieved November 21, 2024.