The Commissionaires are a new soul-roots-gospel outfit formed and fronted by indie singer-songwriter Jacob Moon and Newworldson’s Joel Parisien. Their debut record, entitled Shelter Me (Dec ’16), is an 8-song sonic journey with themes of justice and overtones of the soul’s struggle for redemption. Crafted as a remedy for these turbulent times, Shelter Me features a combination of traditional gospel numbers and new arrangements of songs written by artists like Ben Harper, Stevie Wonder and Buddy Miller. ‘None of Us Are Free’ was featured in December 2016 by CBC Radio One as Song of the Week. The Commissionaires are currently on tour in Ontario and BC, and writing songs for a follow-up record, due out in fall 2017.

Jacob Moon has been recording and performing full time for the past 20 years, and has released 10 CDs as a solo artist. He has shared the stage with Gordon Lightfoot, Ron Sexsmith and this year he recorded a song that appears on Rush’s ‘2112’ 40th Anniversary Reissue. His music has taken him all over the world, and his heart for justice has led him to advocate on behalf of the oppressed. Joel Parisien has written and recorded top ten Billboard hits for his previous band, Newworldson, who traveled the globe with their infectious soul gospel sound. He has also written for Michael Kaeshammer, Audio Adrenaline and many others over the course of his 20 year career.