The East Coast Myles show

David Myles is one of the good guys, a singer-songwriter who is not out to make a gazillion bucks. Instead he sings from the heart – that which is poetic, heartfelt and funny.

Sounds corny? Maybe. But the New Brunswick-born, Halifax resident seems to succeed with warmth, grace and good humour. There is a charming sweetness, a dreamy quality to his roots music and it's attracted a robust following.

The multiple award-winning artist, whose list of accolades includes a Juno, is touring his seventh album In the Nighttime (2013). He was invited to perform at the Arden Theatre's official season opener on Saturday.

Myles last performed at the Arden in 2008 opening for Dala. At the time, the Gazette reviewer wrote, “The Maritime singer-songwriter delivered a 30-minute performance with dashes of romance, whimsy and bit of rabble rousing.”

Since then, his Inner Ninja collaboration with rapper Classified propelled him into a new orbit. Drake may be the highest-profile Canadian rapper, but Inner Ninja is the biggest-selling rap single in Canadian history.

Looking at In the Nighttime, a double album collaboration also with Classified, Myles reveals the two sides of his personality – a sultry crooner and an energetic showman.

Disc 1 has a relaxed vibe with Myles' signature ballads and love-songs while Disc 2 involves Classified incorporating his beat-oriented rhythms.

The Classified partnership takes a bolder, riskier step forward and rolls out an energetic party dance CD. So far, the double album's biggest single, So Blind, has hit the Top 40 on commercial radio.

“It speaks to a place neither one of us has been before. Because of our differences we had a lot of energy. We both found our other place. I write with a melodic structure in mind whereas he works with momentum and rhythm. We hear totally different things in music,” Myles said. “He doesn't hear chord structures. He hears the energy of the music.”

On the surface, the professorial-looking Myles and tuque-wearing Classified appear to have as little in common as Tim McGraw and Kanye West. But the Myles-Classified partnership has clicked due to similar ethics, values and habits Myles said.

Both had a dedicated work ethic. Each singer-songwriter loves studio work and values experimentation. They are also in similar places in their respective careers.

On a more personal level, both men are fathers of daughters and share a collection of similar experiences.

“Working with Classified made me realize how many artists across Canada make great music. I've come to see how dynamic they are,” said Myles who is presently planning a future bilingual collaboration with Alex Cuba.

For the Arden gig, Myles will deliver an acoustic gig with support musicians and long-time close friends Kyle Cunjak (upright bass) and Alan Jeffries (guitar).

Opening for Myles is 100 Mile House composed of Edmonton-based husband and wife duo Peter Stone and Denise MacKay as well as instrumentalist Scott Zubot.

Regular performers on the folk and roots festival circuit, 100 Mile House has garnered an audience through their beautiful harmonies, rich arrangements and captivating lyrics.