Few pianist-composers can list Peanuts, The Doors, Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar and the Velveteen Rabbit as influences, styles and projects that have inspired their music. In fact, his unique collection of influences put self-described “folk piano” player George Winston in a category all by himself.

To many of their fellow Canadians, the words “Newfoundland music” mean shanties, jigs, ballads and reels — songs and dances from the folk music traditions of England, Scotland and, especially, Ireland.