Gordon Lightfoot Forums - View Single Post

lighthead2toe · 07-02-2013, 07:01 PM

"It's Canada Day up Canada way on the first day of July"

This is the opening line to Stompin' Tom Connors' song "Canada Day up Canada Way."

And Canada Day it was indeed, from coast to coast to coast.

For Gordon Lightfoot fans the place to be on Canada Day would have to be the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Aurora, Ontario; the hometown of gifted guitarist, and former lead guitar player for Gordon Lightfoot, Red Shea

Red has been credited for being an integral part of the original Gordon Lightfoot sound.

I was fortunate enough receive an invite appear on stage for a tune or three with a unique group of musicians, two of whom were students of Red Shea.

When I entered the hall "Song for a Winter's Night" greeted my listening ear.

Flashback to the Massey Hall concerts of the sixties and seventies.

If you weren't already melting from the July 1st heat, you'd melt hearing the sounds coming from the speakers in that hall, believe me.

On stage we have the ever sounding Gordon Lightfoot voice of John Stinson backed up on lead guitar by partner and fellow Red Shea student Paul Bartlett, accompanied on keyboard by our familiar and talented member here on Corfid, James Jones, and packaged up nicely by Mr. Bassman, Scott Williamson. Just give Scott the key and the Stockfish, Haynes bass notes open automatically.

And of course, waiting in the wings, the multitalented, singer, songwriter and accomplished lead guitarist, our own Kenyon Wallace.

Kenyon would alternate with Paul on lead guitar and also share his vocal skills.

Kenyon's version of "Restless" is a show stopper believe me.

Kenyon and James were accompanied by their lovely wives, Johanna and Michelle, and 9 year old Harrison, son of Michelle and James Jones. Harrison sung a few bars of "Pony Man," and and as proof that this little guy has duly received his Lightfoot indoctrination, he sang us also a few bars also of, would you believe; "The Patriot's Dream."

It's all about "keeping up with the Joneses," would you not think?

What a day it was!

Canadian patriot Stompin Tom Connors would be pleased.

Thanks guys; I could not have enjoyed a better Canada Day than this one.

You're the greatest!

RJ.

07-02-2013, 07:01 PM	#1
lighthead2toe Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: canada Posts: 920	Canada Day "It's Canada Day up Canada way on the first day of July" This is the opening line to Stompin' Tom Connors' song "Canada Day up Canada Way." And Canada Day it was indeed, from coast to coast to coast. For Gordon Lightfoot fans the place to be on Canada Day would have to be the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Aurora, Ontario; the hometown of gifted guitarist, and former lead guitar player for Gordon Lightfoot, Red Shea Red has been credited for being an integral part of the original Gordon Lightfoot sound. I was fortunate enough receive an invite appear on stage for a tune or three with a unique group of musicians, two of whom were students of Red Shea. When I entered the hall "Song for a Winter's Night" greeted my listening ear. Flashback to the Massey Hall concerts of the sixties and seventies. If you weren't already melting from the July 1st heat, you'd melt hearing the sounds coming from the speakers in that hall, believe me. On stage we have the ever sounding Gordon Lightfoot voice of John Stinson backed up on lead guitar by partner and fellow Red Shea student Paul Bartlett, accompanied on keyboard by our familiar and talented member here on Corfid, James Jones, and packaged up nicely by Mr. Bassman, Scott Williamson. Just give Scott the key and the Stockfish, Haynes bass notes open automatically. And of course, waiting in the wings, the multitalented, singer, songwriter and accomplished lead guitarist, our own Kenyon Wallace. Kenyon would alternate with Paul on lead guitar and also share his vocal skills. Kenyon's version of "Restless" is a show stopper believe me. Kenyon and James were accompanied by their lovely wives, Johanna and Michelle, and 9 year old Harrison, son of Michelle and James Jones. Harrison sung a few bars of "Pony Man," and and as proof that this little guy has duly received his Lightfoot indoctrination, he sang us also a few bars also of, would you believe; "The Patriot's Dream." It's all about "keeping up with the Joneses," would you not think? What a day it was! Canadian patriot Stompin Tom Connors would be pleased. Thanks guys; I could not have enjoyed a better Canada Day than this one. You're the greatest! RJ.