Elk - Lake Serenade continues where Skyscraper National Park left off. Sparse fingerpicked ballads (Killbear, 1939) mix with full band rock songs (Hollywood Ending -the album's initial video and My Wife) to create a very full and rewarding listening experience. Pianos, pedal steel, and strings accent Hayden's guitar and piano playing, while his stories of life and loss shine through.

Hayden is a Toronto musician who has been releasing records for ten years. His international debut Everything I Long For (Geffen) was released in 1996 after initial attention in Canada following two cassettes and several 7-inch singles. The album's home recorded songs appealed to critics and fans alike, making many year- end top ten lists. Following tours of the U.S, Europe and Japan, Hayden released The Closer I Get (Geffen) in 1998- a more band oriented affair and a sonic and lyrical progression. Following over a year of touring and promotion, Hayden closed the book on chapter one of his music career. It wasn't until 2001 that he returned with the wonderful Skyscraper National Park (Badman). Recorded at his home studio, it is filled with a warmth and beauty that was felt by music lovers everywhere. Here is a sample of some of the international praise the album received:

THE ONION/NEW YORK
Hayden draws from the traditions of eccentric folk-rock, but his ragged, harrowing concoction of acoustic gentility and electric anarchy stands as a genre all its own.

MOJO - GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL ( release of exceptional quality)
The album's unequivocal genius slaps you upside the head. Everything about this record - musicianship, songcraft, lyrics is superior.

During the final stages of touring Skyscraper, Hayden recorded an intimate hometown performance, which was released as a double record in 2002. Live at Convocation Hall (Badman) reveals Hayden at his purest, with just a voice, guitar and harmonica:

ALTERNATIVE PRESS
A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, Hayden crafts each song like a musical photograph---scenic, colourful and keenly observant.