Rankins bridging barriers

The Rankin Family is a multi-platinum-selling band that helped put Cape Breton Island on the Canadian musical map. It's a bridge between traditional Celtic music and modern day pop.

Most importantly, it really is a family.

The band -- which includes Rankin siblings Jimmy, John Morris, Raylene, Cookie, and Heather -- even received an honorary Doctorate Of Music from Acadia University in Nova Scotia earlier this month.

So call them an often honored family, but don't call them country.

Jimmy Rankin bristles at the suggestion the family went country on their most recent disc, Endless Seasons.

"People see that it was recorded in Nashville and assume it's country music," says the singer-guitarist, who leads The Rankin Family into Massey Hall tonight and tomorrow night.

"Part of the reason for our success is that we've allowed ourselves to be open to different influences and not be labelled as one particular thing.

"We're not a country band, we're not a Celtic band, we're not a folk band. We're a hybrid of all of the above. We've crossed over a lot of barriers, and that's what music's about, anyway."

Rankin says that while his band has made inroads in the U.K., the next barrier to cross is the one blocking them from the U.S. mainstream.

Unfortunately, the band's varied sound is lost on American record buyers, not to mention the past three record labels who've attempted to market them.

"When we play to 1,000 people and we can't sell records from the stage because it's not in our contract, but people can't get our records in the stores, it really slows you down.

"I'm very positive. We're on our third label in the States, so it's bound to work sooner or later."

The Rankin Family won over audiences in Canada the hard way -- years of touring before signing a record deal. And they do already have a grassroots appeal south of the border.

"We just did a 15-minute stint on ABC a couple of weeks ago," says Rankin in reference to an appearance on Good Morning America. "Record sales more than tripled. It's amazing that after all that touring, 15 minutes on TV goes so much further."

After they finish their latest tour tomorrow, The Rankins head home to Halifax to compile footage for a tour documentary. They'll also start work on new material.

"I'm pretty disciplined about writing," says Rankin. "But it's very important for me to be in the right spot. Your work will reflect your surroundings. I'm most comfortable at home, near the sea, having my down time."

He adds laughing: "I guess I am a hopeless romantic."