When Coyote Run was forming in 1999, each of us brought our
musical influences to the table. For Gabe it was traditional
Irish melodies and tunes, for Les, a wide range of rock'n'roll
golden oldies, for me it was original music rooted in celtic
and maritime musical traditions, and for Steve it was Stan
Rogers. His love of Stan was infectious. He shared the
music and lyrics with us and we all agreed, we had to perform
this music.
When we were preparing to travel to Toronto to work with Paul Mills to
record our first CD, Coyote Run, Paul mentioned to Steve that if he
wanted, he could play Stan's twelve string guitar when we recorded "Mary
Ellen Carter." Steve's jaw hit the ground and his hands started shaking.
He very quietly said "yes, thank you" and we all felt as though we touched
something immortal, something magical that day.
Later, when we returned to Paul's to record our third CD, Don't Hold Back,
we were again planning to record one of Stan's songs, "Northwest Passage."
Gabe had the idea that rather than just the four of us sing it, it would
be so much more meaningful if the musical community in Toronto that had so
embraced us over the years could be brought together as a choir to sing on
our CD. Paul made the necessary arrangements, and our version of this
amazing song was born. We were particularly blessed to have Ariel and
Scott singing in our "choir."
Of course, being this close to Stan's traditions has shaped our music
writing, and several of our songs bear a Stan Rogers flavor. We have been
immeasurably blessed by our experiences in Toronto and with Stan's music.
Many, many thanks to all of our friends at Fogarty's Cove music and in
Toronto who have supported Coyote Run as we have made Stan Rogers' amazing
music part of our repertoire.
