Lotus Wight is the stage name for artist Sam Allison.
Long known for his work as multi-instrumentalist and songwriter with international Old-time act Sheesham, Lotus and Son, Allison has been a highly influential figure. He has performed at festivals in Shetland, Istanbul, Brussels, Rotterdam, Tonder, Yellowknife and more.
As a clinician and workshop performer, Lotus engages his audiences with a clear reverence and enthusiasm. Whether it is a jaw-harp or mouth-bow presentation or a workshop with other artists, his musical sensitivity is a joy to behold.
Sam Allison arrived in Canada with his mother at the age of one year. He grew up in a family that had multiple religious and ethnic backgrounds which proved to be highly influential in his musical upbringing; Indonesian, Yemeni, Dutch and French Canadian heritage all inform his artistic presence.
In 1999, Allison was recruited to be an itinerant square dance musician playing throughout the United States. It was during this time that Sam realized his commitment to folk music. For nine years he played bass and travelled studying fiddle, banjo and regional styles of folk music
SYNC
Sam Allison has composed for screen in animation, documentary and dramatic series. He has enjoyed repeat engagements with several directors and currently sits as in-house composer at the Seneca Animation School. His songs and scores have been used in multiple animation projects with director Barney Wornoff and animator Vera Brosgol who has won the Nelvana Short Animation Award.
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Lotus Wight Presents
Tribute to Leon Redbone
In this presentation Lotus Wight presents the music and influences of Leon Redbone. Live performances of material by Fats Waller, Jimmy Rogers, Bessie Smith with discussion of their work and times give historic context to this most unusual and influential performer.
This is an opportunity to see an artist of authentic originality discuss his own influences in a way that is both reverential and astonishing. Lotus discusses and performs the music of Leon Redbone with respect and relish. Not to be missed!
- Lester Moncrief, Artistic Director
Tribute to Robert Johnson
In this presentation Lotus Wight discusses the music and times of Robert Johnson. Performances of adjacent artists' music give insight into the style and creative choices of Johnson and provide valuable context for his much-discussed music.
Lotus' tribute shows to his favourite artists go beyond what we might call an imitation, or 'tribute' act. Wight has obviously inhabited these musical worlds and presents the information and music in a way that is gentle and respectful, giving it the reverence it so deserves.
Music
Original Works for Voice and Banjo
The long-awaited original album from Lotus Wight aka Sam Allison is now available on
streaming and Bandcamp.
From the banjo player of Sheesham, Lotus and Son comes a solo album of startling originality. Such songs could be included in a Smithsonian collection without missing a beat. Highlights include the cautionary treatise, "Hydrochloride", and the heartbreaking 'Father's Three'.
- Synnove Sontag, N.V. Review
Those who have followed Wight's astonishing work as revivalist/revisionist in old-time music will not be disappointed with this banjo icon's latest offering; an album of original songs which defy the modern conventions of the epoch. Almost all of these songs could have existed at any time in the last century or so, with the exception of "The Mercantile" which is in itself a protest song disguised as novelty.
- Bram Gotleib, Tempest Books
Ode to the Banjo
Produced in tandem with fiddler and engineer James Stephens, this album won a nomination for the Canadian Folk Music Award for best traditional album of 2017
Other
- Clear the Table - Sheesham, Lotus and Son (2012, Sepia Phone Records)
- The High-Stepping Music - Sheesham, Lotus and Son (2014, Sepia Phone Records)
- 1929 - Sheesham, Lotus and Son (2012, Sepia Phone Records)
Testimonials
Lotus Wight captures with his voice the melting pot that is American music; Tin Pan Alley, old-time songs, early country and folk tunes all reside within him and emerge in smoky plumes while he performs with true emotion, skill and reverence
Director Doug Williams-Fraggle Rock, Mr Dressup, T&T
To watch Wight perform is to hear the call of the parlors, the dance floors, and work places of nineteenth and twentieth century America; a page from a book that has disappeared from recent memory and been replaced by the portable screen and mp.3 files.
Director Barney Wornoff-Superpopular Show, Corner Gas Animated
The flinty spine of the American vernacular is fully audible in the undertones of Lotus' unique voice. Antique and inviting, he gives shelter from the modern storm with ancient strains of song and string.
Candace Shaw-Administrator, Secret Frequency
Equal parts Bessie Smith and Tiny Tim with a dashes of Josh Thomas, Nick Lucas and Gary Davis.
Steve Prichard- Disc Jockey CIUT, Toronto
There are unsubstantiated hearsay of Wight's parentage; rumours that he is the illegitimate offspring of American singer/guitarist Elizabeth Cotton and French singer Jacques Brel are yet to be proven.
Lester Moncrief