“Everyone should research and seek out the masters of their craft but listen to all kinds of music and create your own kind of blues. It's in the feeling and connecting with the sources around you. I would advice young musicians to never let anything stop you from doing what you love to do, Don't be afraid to blaze your own trail.”

Shirley Jackson: Imagine A New World

The legendary Maritime blues artist Shirley Jackson and her band, Her Good Rockin' Daddys, officially released their new single titled "Imagine A New World" on September 18th, 2026. The track offers a first taste of the full-length album, which is expected to be released in early 2027.  This Halifax, Nova Scotia based band has cultivated over 60 years of musical styles, influences and experiences to create a unique blend of modern day roots and swinging blues. Musical comparisons on writing, arranging and performance expand a wide range - from big band swing with a wall of horns to country blues and a hint of gypsy jazz. This six-piece band provides a high energy horn powered show of fun modern roots & swingin' blues.

(Shirley Jackson / Photos by Steph Walsh)

Shirley Jackson is an accomplished songwriter, arranger and music producer and has been a mainstay in the Nova Scotia music scene for the past 35 years as a singer, saxophone player, guitarist and band leader. Jackson has independently produced four albums with the Good Rockin' Daddys; each nominated for Blues Recording of the Year by the East Coast Music Association and the Nova Scotia Music Awards.

Interview by Michael Limnios                 Archive: Shirley Jackson, 2013 Interview

Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

You are marking 35 years of active presence in the Nova Scotia music scene. What do you consider to be the most defining moments or changes you have experienced throughout this long journey?

It's been an incredible journey over the years witnessing venues & festivals come and go, bands come and go but the most defining moments over the years has been having the opportunity to perform with and be inspired by many of the great East Coast Artists, Dutch Mason, Rick Jeffery, Frank Mackay & The Lincoln's, Layne Francis, Theresa Malenfant, Joe Murphy and Barry Cooke, to name a few. Sad to lose some of these over the years but refreshing to see so many young blues players coming up like Garrett Mason & J.B. Main that have no problem filling the 'blues shoes'.

As a female saxophonist, guitarist, and band leader, did you face any specific challenges starting out in a traditionally male-dominated genre like the blues?

I've been playing music pretty much most of my life so it was kind of a natural progression to just play music. My mother was a 'trail blazer' and never let anything stop her from doing what she loved to do and I guess I'm a bit like her. Some of the first bands I played in I was the drummer and i sometimes got that; “You are pretty good for a girl”, which I learned to ignore. I've been fortunate to have the encouragement and support from many of my 'male' mentors along the way. Being a female saxophonist is not that unusual here on the east coast and we have great musicians like Krisanne Crowell and Dawn Hatfield who is a great Baritone sax player in my band.

Your sound blends country blues, big band swing, and gypsy jazz. How do you manage to balance so many different influences within a six-piece band like the Good Rockin' Daddys?

I've been influenced by many great bands over the years and being a lover of all styles of music I think we are influenced by what we surround ourselves with. I am fortunate to have an exceptional group of long time musicians that have stuck it out with me and are pretty much game to try anything that is fun. Each band member's contribution to the music melds our own unique sound.

“The 'blues genre' provides an avenue for expression and creativity which is life, an opportunity to spread a message, share a story or share commonalities. Music can be therapy for the listeners as well as the performers. An outlet to escape the ordinary and just get lost.” (Shirley Jackson, an accomplished songwriter, arranger & producer and has been a mainstay in the Nova Scotia music scene for the past 35 years as a singer, saxophone player, guitarist and band leader / Photos by Mark Legate & Steph Walsh)

Besides being a performer, you are a songwriter, arranger, and producer. Which of these roles gives you the greatest creative freedom?

I'd have to say being a songwriter gives me the greatest amount of creative freedom and allows me to say what I have to say. Song writing is therapy, a way to heal, express emotions, connect and create community. It's a way to tell my story and find that many of us have similar stories and create a common bond through music.

Tell us about your new album. What is the central idea or story behind its creation, and what sets it apart from your previous four releases?

No cover tunes. 'Imagine A New World' is a collection of all original songs that I have been writing over the past six years that captures what I was experiencing or witnessing at the time and it morphed into a song. Now seems to be the right time to release songs that identify with the struggles that humanity and the planet are facing. 'Imagine a New World', 'Let The World Breathe', 'Do We Have to Lose Everything' identify social challenges but also provides hope for change, a shift in global consciousness to create a better world of caring, kindness and compassion.

'Shut Up & Drive” and 'Do You Want Me To Be Honest' offer up some swinging county blues with JF Lafleche offering some gritty guitar exchanges with 'Hot Lips' Harrison on Trumpet in 'One Way Thinkin'. Numbers like 'I'm Confessin' and 'I'm Just Gettin' Started' are reminiscent of 1940's swing and influenced by big band arrangements.

What was the production experience like for the new album? Were there any specific tracks that challenged you or surprised you during the recording sessions?

Taking our time to get it right. I write the songs and horn arrangements and the amazing group of musicians I work with breathe life into the music. Watching how the songs transform from just me and my guitar, then with the addition of my son, Jef Wirchenko on bass, to the end result of each song with the special contributions, ideas and 'feel' of every band member for the music. I have to say I am really excited how 'Let The World Breathe' has transpired from conception to the final outcome!

“I've been influenced by many great bands over the years and being a lover of all styles of music I think we are influenced by what we surround ourselves with. I am fortunate to have an exceptional group of long time musicians that have stuck it out with me and are pretty much game to try anything that is fun. Each band member's contribution to the music melds our own unique sound.” (Photo: Shirley Jackson and Her Good Rockin' Daddy’s, an integral part of the sound of a swingin' and rockin’ good time)

The Good Rockin' Daddys are known for their high-energy, horn-powered live performances. How challenging is it to translate that explosive stage energy into a studio recording environment?

It's infectious fun for our audiences when we have fun together in our live performances. The goal has always been to translate what we sound like live into the studio recordings by creating honest music without the gloss and glamour. Recorded and mixed by Tom Bona at bona sound studios here in Nova Scotia, Tom Bona has a talent for capturing our live energy while going for good honest fun.

What does blues music mean to you personally? How do you think this genre manages to stay relevant and move audiences today?

Not all 'Blues' can be locked into one little box. The blues genre to me, although influenced heavily by early blues, country blues, big band, swing, jazz all provide elements that are flexible enough to create great music that continues to be relevant and engage audiences. The 'blues genre' provides an avenue for expression and creativity which is life, an opportunity to spread a message, share a story or share commonalities. Music can be therapy for the listeners as well as the performers. An outlet to escape the ordinary and just get lost.

What advice would you give to young musicians just starting their journey in Halifax who want to explore roots and blues music?

Everyone should research and seek out the masters of their craft but listen to all kinds of music and create your own kind of blues. It's in the feeling and connecting with the sources around you. I would advice young musicians to never let anything stop you from doing what you love to do, Don't be afraid to blaze your own trail.

Shirley Jackson - Home

(Shirley Jackson and Her Good Rockin' Daddys / Photo by Steph Walsh)