Music
Telkwa Highroad produces tunes
Smithers
It's been two years since Smithers musician Mark Perry has released an album, but in late September he launched his latest CD, Aldermere. This beautiful CD features songs with a northwest BC flavor, and cover life from all walks.

From the rise and fall of the gold rush town Aldermere (now the Village of Telkwa), to the imminent legend Biscayne Bill and his move from Ontario to the promised land, to the visit of an elderly couple at the infamous Glenwood Hall, renowned for its dances now and 50 years old… this CD is a delightful mix of memories, history, struggles, and sheer joy.

Aldermere contains 11 songs. It was produced in Edmonton by Mike Lent and features Mark Perry vocal/guitar, Gray Craig drummer, Ted Beroweiki accordion/keys, Mike Lent bass, Russell Broom guitars, and guest vocal Maria Dunn.

Mark lives near the Telkwa Highroad and his music reflects the life and times of small northwest towns. His first album, Dreams of the Highway, came out in 1990, followed by Vera's Café and View from the Highroad in late 1999.

For more information please contact Northern Sky Records at info@markperry.bc.ca or call Mark at (250) 847-4062.

Releasing his first album in 2002 is Bulkley Valley singer songwriter and guitarist Frank Hoorn. Another long-time participant in the Smithers music scene, and Highroad dweller, Frank traveled south to Thetis Island to have renowned guitarist David Essig produce Solid Ground.

The image on the album cover sets the tone for Solid Ground - it is a peaceful, rich oil painting of fall colors and mountains by another Highroad artist, Pashan Bassett. The dedication on the liner notes continues with that warmth, thanking a whole host of community and "Bernadette in Amsterdam, who, upon handing me her guitar as I left for Canada in 1968, told me to take it along and learn how to play…"

Frank's songs are personal, accessible, anthem-like. This album has the feel of journey. There is 'Driftin' Along': "I used to set out, with the morning sun, just as a new day had begun. Packed my bags, I'd be gone, just driftin' along." And then 'Steal This Heart,': "Ain't the snow softly fallen, ain't the sun that's out to shine. Come to think no doubt about it, it's this restless heart of mine." And the title song 'Solid Ground', "O yes, the rain, the rain, let's forget about the rain. What's a little drizzle, every now and again? One sweet day, it just stops coming down, and you'll find yourself, back on Solid Ground."

This album has a wealth of musical talent: strong vocals and guitar by Frank Hoorn, Tobin Frank on accordion and acoustic bass, Dan Rubin viola, violins, mandolin, bazouki, Cajun fiddle, Doug Cox on Dobro and guitar, Rick Scott harmony vocals and dulcimer, David Essig steel guitar.

For more information visit www.bulkley.net/~frankhoorn or email frankhoorn@bulkley.net.

Another new CD release from the Smithers area is The Grocers, a group of talented musicians who - many of them - also live along the Telkwa Highroad. The group includes: Richard, Gail and Jake Jenne, Jordy Walker, Helene Fleury, Mike Nelligan, and Gail Olsen. Most have been living and playing music in the Bulkley Valley for a long time; many also operate Gail's Green Grocery organic produce delivery service.

The songs on this album are wide ranging and fun. There is Maria, Maria, recorded this year when Jake's voice changed and the "before and after" vocal tracks were captured on tape. Tico, Tico is an old Latin standby. There is the steamy tango, Hernando's Hideaway. A beautiful Irish air laments the loss of a homeland. Poor Man's House is about child poverty in Guatemala, and there is "cool" jazz in Centrepiece, and also The Valley by Jane Siberry.

The Grocers - Organically Certifiable is set to be available at music and bookstores in the Bulkley Valley this fall. For more information contact (250) 847-9728.

CONCERTS

Nov. 23 is a Collective CD Release Concert for The Grocers, Frank Hoorn, BV Youth Fiddlers, and Telkwa Ted Turner at the Della Herman Theatre in Smithers, 7:30 pm. Tickets on sale at Mountain Eagle Books.

Sept. 27 is Mark Perry's release date for Aldermere at the Della Herman Theatre in Smithers. Sept. 28 Mark Perry plays in Terrace at Shames Mountain, Sept. 29 in Burns Lake, and Oct. 4 in Prince George's Art Space.
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