Birthdays only come but once a year and, given the speed I live, to survive each new year is definitely worth a celebration so I like to do so for several days. Since live music is my passion I was able to celebrate throughout, thanks to attending some wonderful events. I attended the CD Release at Maberly Hall of Christine Graves’ “Wreckless Daughter” and Jenny Whiteley’s “Dear”. This well attended event was aided by it’s folksy location. Fresh baked cookie and pizza smells wafted over us from the kitchen, only adding to the homegrown feel.
I hadn’t heard Christine in quite a while and her writing growth shows. Her heart touching tunes provide glimpses into those personal experiences, good and bad, that affect us all. Whether initiated by walks in the woods, uprooting changes of community or relationships, it’s always good to see these unique moments captured so well. Biron stepped in on Bass which added some nice contrast and sweet harmonies.
Jenny Whiteley’s portion of the show also proved sinfully satisfying. Backed by Joey Wright on guitar (wowzer’s, that man can play!!), she continues to prove her Juno wins have been for good reason. Melwood Cutlery sat in on keys to augment sound for a couple of tunes. From roaring with laughter to looking for something to wipe my eyes, her new tunes just keep coming. This one feels like another winner. Thanks Ladies for such an enjoyable evening. We’re honoured to have such great musicians in our locale.
Continuing the celebration, my far better half and the gaffers told me to take Monday off and that after my hockey on Sunday morning I was to come home, shower (please!!) , throw some things in a bag and we would head somewhere. Well it turned out to be Tranna where we picked up son Lucas and drove to Hugh’s Room, a great folk venue, where Jodi and my brudder Drew joined Sue, Adam, Lucas and I to be at Jackie Washington’s 87th Birthday Party, with Jackie, Ken Whiteley, Mose Scarlett, Ben Whiteley, Chris Whiteley and Chris McCool…. Table front and centre….. What a surprise !!!!! What an evening…. Jackie Washington…. What an amazing man. At 87, he was reciting songs with 5 and 6 complex verses off the top of his head, way back from 1910 while I can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday !!! We’ve been listening to Jackie for over 30 years so it was especially wonderful to be there for this amazing man’s celebration. Thanks family.
Brock Zeman has a new cd out, “Welcome Home Ivy Jane” and his writing just keeps getting better and better. Recorded locally at Valley Audio with an assortment of Dirty Hands backing, he’s been performing these songs for quite a while at O’Reilly’s at his weekly Tuesday night sessions. I’m continually surprised and impressed at the creativity of Brock’s story lines. It’s just a matter of time before his tunes are recognized for the quality they offer.
With the Holiday Season coming, please remember just how much your loved ones would appreciate copies of music by local musicians and when you’re purchasing, you’re supporting them as well. Any of the above mentioned cd’s would make lovely gifts. Also on your list should be James McKenty and the Spades “Burning on Fumes” and Prairie Oyster’s new cd “One Kiss” as they’ve all received lots of airplay at my home recently.
On a closing note, I wanted to congratulate Ambush for their recent victory on CMT’s “Plucked” show. These guys have been playing their asses off for years and have a large following regionally. We hope this helps them gain the broader recognition they deserve for their own tunes and their sacrifice to their dream. As they will attest, the music business is tough, with so many trying to be heard and so few stations that will play local music. We wish Mark, Riq and Jim the best.
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