Trans-Canada Highwaymen is a supergroup featuring Chris Murphy (Sloan), former Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page, Moe Berg (The Pursuit of Happiness), and Craig Northey (Odds). Named after classic country supergroup The Highwaymen (by way of the actual Trans Canada Highway), the band originally got together for a Canadian tour where each member played songs they wrote from their individual bands, with the other members providing backup. They’ve played sporadically since, and enjoying each other’s friendship, decided to make an album.
Explosive Hits Vol 1 is an homage to the K-Tel compilations of yore, featuring the band covering Canadian Top 10 Hits from 1969-1975, including songs by The Guess Who, Joni Mitchell, Paul Anka, The Poppy Family, April Wine, and more.
The album also includes “Theme from Trans-Canada Highwaymen” which tells the story of how the band got together. You can watch the video for that, along with a CBC News segment where they talk about the album, and listen to Explosive Hits Vol 1 below.
Trans-Canada Highwaymen celebrate the album in December in Toronto and have a couple other Ontario dates lined up for 2024. Those are listed below.
EXPLOSIVE HITS Vol 1:
Chris sings:
“Lovin’ You Ain‘t Easy” (Michel Pagliaro)
“Which Way You Goin’ Billy?” (The Poppy Family)
“Carry Me” (The Stampeders)
Steven sings:
“Undun” (The Guess Who)
“Rock Me Gently” (Andy Kim)
“(I Believe) There’s Nothing Stronger Than Our Love” (Paul Anka)
“Theme from Trans-Canada Highwaymen” (Steven Page)***
Craig sings:
“Tonite is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love” (April Wine)
“Make My Life a Little Bit Brighter” (Chester)
“Heartbeat, It’s a Lovebeat” (The DeFranco Family)
“Can’t Catch Me” (Bim)
Moe sings:
“Pretty Lady” (Lighthouse)
“Raised on Robbery” (Joni Mitchell)
“You, Me and Mexico” (Edward Bear)
TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAYMEN – 2023/2024 TOUR DATES
Dec 13 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
May 7 – St. Catharines, ON – FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
May 9 – Sarnia, ON – Imperial Theatre
