Years and Not Just Days

sunset300 (web).png — Note to self — the universe always has your best interests at heart.

The Story

This was never meant to happen.

I booked two days with the legend J. P. Cormier — or ‘FON’ as I like to call him: Freak of Nature.

(He’s cooler than the Fonz because Henry couldn’t play. It’s a term of endearment. More like a declaration, actually.)

I booked two days in his studio in Westville, Nova Scotia, to do some demos or a little live acoustic album.

Note to self — the universe always has your best interests at heart.

I had never met him, only knew/heard of him. There is a lot to know. I drove up from the Annapolis Valley where Louise and I now live, after spending the last 13 years on Vancouver Island. J. P. and I shook hands, and then he hugged me. I got my breath back after a few minutes [Note to self: go to the gym and work on that core] and from that point on we were family.

Two days, three songs: new plan.

But this is a feeling I’ve had before (thank you Joby Baker): I have to make an album with this man.

FON is exactly that. I sat down and watched him play instrument after instrument, piecing together this album you hold in your hands. Yes, they are my songs and voice, but the flavours and colours are J. P.’s. I only wish we had put on the CD the laugh-out-louds from the man when he nailed a mando line or the explosive expletives when he didn’t. Working with the FON is a battering ram on your five senses — not to mention all the other senses that didn’t make the cut.

With me and Lou’s move to Nova Scotia, everything changed. We learned a lot, quickly. But for every new experience the backdrop was always and continues to be the openness and friendliness of the Maritimers. (I’ve not been to NFLD but I know it’s the same.)

Thanks to Jack and Jill, who always reminded me about unconditional love and the ability of dogs to coax a treat and a cuddle.

Thanks to Darrell Hudson for the photographs and for doing the attic, and also to Chris.

Thanks to Natalie Inez, for her gorgeous drawings.

Thanks, love, and respect to Cormac O’Brien [EiC] for arranging all of the artwork.

J. P., you made feel like I deserved to be working with you, and to be honest, that’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. Your talent is staggering, and the only thing that comes close is your huge heart, and love of tea.

Recording

Writing the liner notes for who played what on this album was incredibly easy.

Basically, I sang and played guitar on all of the tracks except for the guitar track on Years and Not Just Days (because the guitar part needed that Chet Atkins vibe, and who does that better than anyone?).

I play BSG Guitars from the Czech Republic made by Jan Stoivicek.

I play a Rozawood Guitar Bouzouki also made in the Czech Republic.

I use AER amps.

I use G7th Capos.

John Pierce Strings.

And a Fraser’s Snow Shovel [and not the fancy ergonomic one either].

J. P. Cormier [FON] played everything else: electric and sampled upright bass, guitars, dobro, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and piano. He also sang background vocals.

J. P. plays Boucher Guitars from Quebec — extremely well.

He recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered the album.

Recorded in Westville, N.S.

December 14–15 and January 20–26

I should have felt intimidated but I only feel lucky.

SOCAN SODRAC