h o b s o n ' s c h o i c e is a Toronto-based, contemporary folk-jazz group that draws on a wide range of influences; from Joni Mitchell and Bruce Cockburn, to Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, and the late, great Canadian poet, Al Purdy.

Capitalizing on female and male vocals and the rich blend of vibes, trumpet, and guitar, hobson's songs vary radically from sombre folk ballads to lively and imaginative instrumentals. After only one year as a working band, They have made serious waves within Ontario's music community with a series of jaw-dropping live performances.

Despite their accomplishments, the band has humble beginnings as a group of friends, getting together to play music and eat falafel. In June of 2008, the band took the ferry to Toronto Island to record their debut album, treelines, with Dale Morningstar at the Gas Station.

The music of h o b s o n ' s c h o i c e falls somewhere between alt-folk and chamber-jazz. Using the idiosyncratic line-up of vibraphone, trumpet, voice and acoustic guitar, this indie-folk quartet creates songs sometimes rich in their words and melody, other times in their colour and architecture. Engaging issues as diverse as climate change, love, millenial malaise, and urban sprawl, the group extends the tradition of folk songwriting through the careful construction of intricate arrangements. The result is a sound that eschews the obvious and consistently surprises.

h o b s o n ’ s c h o i c e is: felicity williams on voice// michael davidson on vibraphone// rebecca hennessy on trumpet// and harley card on guitar and voice.

All the members have extensive experience in many musical spheres. Most notably, all four are active jazz performers and earned University degrees in jazz performance. Both Michael and Felicity attended York University, and Rebecca and Harley graduated from the University of Toronto.

After rave responses from audiences in Ontario, the group is looking forward to bringing its music to a wider audience.

“Hobson's Choice surprised us all with their unique blend of instruments and perfect harmonies. As each song ended, we were left with hopeful excitement for the next. Very engaging and beautiful music!”

-Miranda Ciarroni

Music Coordinator @ the Freeway Coffee House, Hamilton, ON

“......There was an air of gentleness, of controlled power, to Hobson's Choice. Felicity demonstrated once again that the voice is a beautiful instrument.”

-Dean Verger

Rasputin's Folk Cafe Ottawa, ON