This has become one of the most beloved traditions in my family. We have moved away to Ireland over 10 years ago, but every time we turn home, and come back to Canada, the night before our flight, we gather round the table; and sing this together. It reminds us of where we’re from, where we’re going, and what it means. We discover the northwest passage again, every single time, the way Franklin would have wanted. I’m going home tomorrow morning. Tears. Chills. Home.
I was about to say this myself. He's got the ghost of his old man in his voice, and he sings it with his soul. I'm absolutely certain he'd be proud, because I know I would be if it was me.
I beg to differ with some of the comments here. Nathan doesn't replicate Stan's greatness with his performance of this song. Stan's greatness is out there for us all to treasure. Nathan's performance of this song shows his own greatness. Let's treasure Nathan's greatness.
Garnet Rogers once said (after a Northern Lights or Full Moon gig in Edmonton, coincidentally) that he still sometimes gets accused of "ripping off the great Stan Rogers" when he plays in the US. "You'd think the similar spelling of our last names would give pause, but, man, ever since this one guy in Michigan screamed at me about how my brother was not only a patriot but also one of the greatest Americans, I've refrained from even entering into those discussions … yeah … That's the real trick, the whatchamacallit … life hack … to not getting shot in the parking lot of a Motel 6 as a Canadian folk singer touring in Michigan … the loudest customer is always right." 😆
@@lucasthompson1650 Nathan has talent and Garnet does too. They continue to honour one of the best songwriters and singers in Canada. Long may thier big jib draw....A family of talent!
Imagine being the son of the greatest Canadian Folk Singer ever. Now imagine ALSO having a great singing voice and being able to play guitar well. And on top of all that, you have the honor of keeping your father's tradition alive by performing his music in your own special way, with your own power and passion. And then, imagine doing all this, and at your performances, EVERYONE in the crowd joins in, pitch perfect, on every chorus, raising all their voices in tribute to the tremendous legacy of which you are a small, yet vital part. Wow. If only we could all live a life just a fraction as full as this...
In 1982, I attended the taping of a variety show at WCCO in Minneapolis. The host introduced a Canadian singer named Stan Rogers. By the time he finished Lock Keeper, my wife and I were captivated. It felt as if we and he were the only people in the crowded room. That's how powerful his voice, his music, and his good natured presence were. I am pleased to have the chance to "meet" his son Nathan through this video. We can all celebrate the presence of his unique father in the song his son sings.
Oh my gosh, you definitely know this is Stan's son, though... Voice as bright and strong as a lighthouse... cutting through the fog of time and turmoil
that smile when he gets to the first chorus gets me every time....something so simple but acknowledges such a legacy while still providing his own take on this cherished song.
Your comment made me notice this, and i also get got everytime by it - its almost as if he was initially surprised the audience would sing along, and is laughing cos he should have known that these guys would know the words
Hey! A fellow ronan! Lol. I love stan's music, I've been performing his stuff on stage for as long as I can remember; sing Northwest Passage and Barrett's every time im on a ferry boat. Fantastic music, great memories, and unforgettably Canadian. That's Stan to a T
Their voices, Stan, Garnet and Nathan, are so similar I was confusing them as the same man. Think we saw Garnet not long after Stan died. Incredibly sad. So this wonderful guy here was just a little boy when he lost his father, but indeed that voice has come through the years to him, thank heavens!
My dad is a huge Stan Rogers fan. I grew up listening to him, and having my father sing me to sleep at night while he sang and played "The Field Behind the Plow." I had the pleasure of meeting Nathan and Ariel when I was four years old. I've also been to many a Garnet Rogers concert, and had the pleasure of meeting him and Archie Fisher. I love Nathan's musical catalog and enjoy listening to him playing his father's songs. I am very blessed to have grown up in such a musical house as a child and to have that very outlet myself.
What's most amazing about this version of the song is that you can hear the whole audience sing with him. It feels like all of Canada is singing for Stan, their pride, and their heritage!
So I've just discovered this version by accident. I've loved this song for 35 years and I've always been sad that I didn't know Stan's work while he was alive. This version is fantastic. Basically I've pretty much sat and cried the whole way through. Nathan, your Dad would be so proud.
I agree Jeb. In honor of your Mother, who America remembers for her commitment to encouraging children to read, you might appreciate Stan Roger's song Mary Ellen Carter, especially the last verse.
In this performance of the song, Nathan uses tunings and chord progressions that are far more complex than those which Stan used to write the song and record its original version. Nathan also sings the song in the next key up from Stan's version. What is the difference? On one hand, Stan's version is excellent. On the other hand, Nathan's version is excellent.
Rest in Peace Stan Rogers. It's rare to feel love for a man you've never met. Thank you for the music and spirit. Gospeed and God Bless. Your boy is a true gem. Much respect.
For those who may not know, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were the two ships of Sir John Franklin's doomed expedition to find the Northwest passage. All 134 souls were lost and the two ships were surrendered to the Arctic ice/crushed/sunk not to be seen again until only very recently.
His father was great and Nathan isn't less great, just different. He leaves it ALL on the stage and in the end that is what any kind of artistic attempt, music, drama, fiction, non fiction, anything, is all about. Leaving it all on the stage. Or the highest compliment I imagine I could pay a Canadian, leaving it all on the ice. Dr. Randall Norris, Ph.D.
Stan had a kind of... I'm not even trying look and feel. Nathan doesn't just sing a song like Stan, he murders it, strangles it, gets every possible groan and crack and buckle of his voice and makes damn well sure it's all laid out on stage. I'd have loved to meet Stan, I would murder to meet Nathan.
This is absolutely amazing. I had not, until today, heard Nathan's voice. It's simply astounding how much he sounds like his father yet at the same time is able to bring his own sense of passion to his music. I could listen to this all day.
Chris, I agree. Nathan pounded it a bit more which I like. But he didn’t have a young Garnet Rogers to belt the harmony with him like Stan did. I am thinking of you and praying for you. We will see you soon.
I'm not Canadian (A brit living in France) but I have always loved this song. Stan wrote a fine, rousing song, but Nathan has taken that song and, with passion and an outstanding voice, turned it into an anthem for the ages. If ever Canada was looking for another National Anthem this should be it.
When you sing a song of history, you become the medium through which that moment of history may, but for a moment, be relived and ruminated upon. Stan Rogers was a medium. As is Nathan. As am I. As are you. Sing on or let it lie. Let history guide you.
I tell ya...those Rogers genes have musical notes imbedded in them. Yowza ! Damn fine job, Nathan and all. Somewhere, Stan is standing on a bar table, shouting " that's my Boy". !!
This, I have to share. It may well slip through the cracks unnoticed, but what harm - it's not something I feel the need for feedback on . . . I'm a Traditional/Folk musician in Cork, Ireland and I inadvertently strayed across this song and performance tonight, at 11.15pm, the 2nd of June, 2020. Searching youtube is not a thing I really do. I know the music I like and enjoy playing the music I love. 'Northwest Passage' stopped me in my tracks. I'd never heard it before. So I stayed to spend time to find out more. I'd never heard of The Rogers' legacy in Canadian Folk Music, I'm ashamed to say. I'd never heard of Nathan Rogers, Garnet, and more importantly as I write this, the man who wrote the song - Stan Rogers. I was blown away by what I found. Apart from discovering the wealth and depth of material composed by Stan Rogers - a legacy of material previously unknown to me as a folk artist - I discovered he died 37 years ago this very day. The 2nd of June, 1983 ... Music is a strange art, it is a call-to-arms and a whisper at the same time. And I have a tingle in my spine. 'Nothwest Passage' is a huge song. Thank you Nathan Rogers. You do the legacy proud.
Great song. To all the folks that think - Nathan sounds so much like his dad. I'd confirm that he's pretty close. Willie Nelson - has a son that sounds - so much like his dad - its not even funny. Great song. What a legacy - father to son - musical legacy and inspiration. Wow to have that much impact on your son. I wish I had.
Nathan ,god love him, isn’t his father and he can never be. What I see and hear is that he honours his fathers legacy. Yes his voice makes the hair stand up on my arms when he sings because I do hear Stan but I also hear Nathan himself who does my heart good.
Heard Stan’s version for the first time just this past weekend while out fishing on a boat and got chills and felt my heart swell. The original studio recording feels incredibly reverent, wistful, and melancholy, and the harmonies are magnificent. Just watched this and was brought to tears. Amazing tribute to his father while adding his own artistry. There is something so raw and cathartic about this version, I’m glad I heard it after the original. Much love to Canada from the States.
I am so grateful that I came looking for his Pa and found this first. I’ve listened twice since and will again - this is the best performance of it I’ve ever seen - and - something I’ve never said in the 50 or so of my 70 years spent actually paying attention - it was like hearing it for the first time.
Such an incredible song. I sing it a lot at gigs, but I have to say, with all the greatest respect to Stan, this particular version is definitely my favourite, and not just because Nathan sounds great. The instrumental arrangement overall just makes this epic and magnificent; I could imagine something like this being used in a film.
Dear Nathan... Father then son. I'm very moved. Love your voice. This song has for me a strong initiatic power. From my country, France, in my heart, by my behaviour, I'm trying to find the Northwest Passage.
. . . brought me to tears . . again. Stan seemed to have SO MUCH LIFE ahead. Snatched too soon . . Thank you Nathan. Carry the torch, my friend, hold it high!!!
I love all the comments - my people, you are out there! I grew up loving Stan and having no one around me know who he was. I was so lucky to see Nathan do Stan's music in concert in 2012. It was amazing. I was singing along to every song like some kind of nut. lol.
Year 2021 and listening from Brazil, thanks for this moment, it's impossible not to see your father in you singing, don't think i'm saying you don't have your own tallent and style, but it's impressive for me.
Stan is having some sort of drink up in sky listening to his son loud and proud! Nathan everytime I listen to you i blow my speakers!!! #CANADIANPRIDERULES
It is such a blessing that Nathan is a musician who does his father proud. I can’t wait to enjoy live music again. Dry Bones, please visit the Sunshine Coast in BC (if you haven’t already). I’ll buy the Screech!
Great rendition of a great song, and looked like a fun venue to be at as well. My only complaint is that RU-vid has decided the best time for an ad on this video is *as soon* as Rogers starts singing.
Ah, you did it. You made beauty! Nathan Rogers is a rare rare talent. And the failed tenor brings no shame through the attempt but rather highlights what a friggin’ genius Garnet is on the original recording. Epic tenor.
If I could live with the same passion with which Nathan sings this song, I think I would not be ashamed at the end of my life. We all fall short but we need not fall in such piss poor fashion. Go with God friends.
