With a voice as notable as his lyrics, Donovan Woods is widely recognized as an acclaimed recording artist, performer and an in-demand country and folk songwriter from Toronto to Nashville. His first two albums - The Hold-Up (2008) and The Widowmaker (2011) - were released to glowing reviews, praising songwriting that is “brief and spare, while his husky vocals and smart lyrics pack the emotional punch" (NOW Magazine). His work has been featured on CBC Radio where he’s in regular rotation across the country and he recently completed a tour of Canada and Europe. Woods has also carved out a niche for himself as a busy songwriter for TV and film. His music has appeared on television shows like Felicity, Degrassi: The Next Generation, ABC’s My Generation and the Matthew Perry film Numb. Shuttling between his Ontario home and frequent collaborations in Nashville, Woods has co-written songs with the likes of Grammy Award winner Marcus Hummon and One Flew South’s Chris Roberts.

Upon the release of this third album, Don’t Get Too Grand, Donovan Woods further hones his distinctive style. Amidst precise writing and restrained, yearning arrangements, Woods explores the landscapes of his life, inside and out. Piercingly honest and quietly anthemic, he sings with a striking sense of the world that produced him – the unsung towns of Canada’s industrial heartland. The result is an album that’s transporting, and never loses the dry, self-deprecating humour that has endeared Woods to his audiences from the start.

"I wanted to make a simple record with songs that allow a listener to get inside of them," said Woods. "I wanted every song to be completely accessible. I don’t want to hide behind some grand artistic statement; I’m just trying to make folk songs that people will hum along and tap their foot to. I thought the title Don’t Get Too Grand worked as a nice reminder to myself that simple is usually best. I heard the expression at a book reading I attended featuring author Richard Ford. He told a story about his aunt, on her death bed, saying to him, in reference to his new-found literary fame and wealth,‘Richard, don’t get too grand.’ He said the little phrase has helped him stay honest and forthright and I hope it’s done the same for me."