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Finest Kind

Finest Kind is a Canadian folk music trio based in Ottawa, Ontario.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Finest Kind is a Canadian folk music trio based in Ottawa, Ontario. Formed in 1991, the group is known for its three-part harmony renditions of traditional folk songs. The trio consists of Ian Robb, Ann Downey, and Shelley Posen.

History

Finest Kind formed in Ottawa in 1991 and built a reputation for presenting traditional songs with polished three-part harmony. The group retired from touring in 2015 but has continued with selected performances, including an annual Christmas concert in Ottawa.

Music and style

The trio performs folk music, especially traditional repertoire arranged for three voices. Sources describe its work as harmony-based and rooted in old songs, with a strong emphasis on vocal arrangement.

Discography

The group released six albums under the Finest Kind name: Lost in a Song (1996), Heart's Delight (1999), Silks and Spices (2004), For Honour and For Gain (2010), From Shore to Shore (2014), and Feasts & Spirits (2004) recorded with John D. Huston.

Key facts

  • Finest Kind is a Canadian folk trio from Ottawa, Ontario, formed in 1991.
  • The group is known for three-part harmony renditions of traditional folk songs.
  • Members are Ian Robb, Ann Downey, and Shelley Posen.
  • The trio retired from touring in 2015 but still performs occasional shows in Ottawa.
  • The discography includes six albums, plus a Christmas album with John D. Huston.
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Canadian context

Finest Kind is a Canadian folk group based in Ottawa, and it remains most closely associated with Ontario’s traditional folk scene.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Finest Kind?
Finest Kind is a Canadian folk music trio from Ottawa, Ontario, made up of Ian Robb, Ann Downey, and Shelley Posen.
What genre is Finest Kind?
Finest Kind performs folk music, especially traditional songs arranged in three-part harmony.
Where is Finest Kind from?
The group is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
What are Finest Kind's most popular songs?
Available sources identify the group’s albums, but do not provide a reliable ranking of its most popular songs.
Is Finest Kind still together?
The trio retired from touring in 2015, but it still performs occasional engagements in the Ottawa area, including an annual Christmas concert.
What albums did Finest Kind release?
Its releases include Lost in a Song (1996), Heart's Delight (1999), Silks and Spices (2004), Feasts & Spirits with John D. Huston (2004), For Honour and For Gain (2010), and From Shore to Shore (2014).

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finest_Kind
    Supports: Group identity, Ottawa base, members, formation, touring retirement, occasional performances, and album list.
  2. Mid Winter Singing Festival — https://www.singingfestival.com/v2/2005/bios/finestkind.shtml
    Supports: Members, Ottawa origin, 1991 formation, and description as a folk trio specializing in harmony singing.