Tony Dekker is best known for his work with Great Lake Swimmers, a Juno-nominated folk-rock group from Toronto. But, in the fall of 2013, he released a stunning solo album dubbed Prayer of the Woods. The beautifully crafted album is reminiscent of Dekker's early GLS work: quiet, meditative and inspiring.

Recently, we asked Dekker to meet us in High Park near his home in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood to shoot a video featuring a song from this album. Following a hike through the park, with Dekker acting as tour guide pointing out the sites of interest along the way and waxing on about the High Park Zoo and Shakespeare in High Park and all the great features of this mammoth and drop-dead gorgeous 400-acre area, we found the ideal location on the banks of Grenadier Pond under a big old tree. 

Here, with birds chirping away in the background and a pair of swans touring the shoreline (sorry no caiman), Dekker played a moving rendition of his song “Somewhere Near Thunder Bay.” 

Great Lake Swimmers, fresh from an amazing performance at Massey Hall on Tuesday, July 8, are putting the finishing touches on their new album, scheduled for release later this year. 

Enjoy!

Tony Dekker – Somewhere Near Thunder Bay from City Hughes on Vimeo.