By Kathy Sands-Boehmer

David Francey

David Francey

David Francey is one of Canada’s most revered folk poet-singers. His songs and stories resonate with audiences from all over the world. To find out more about David, go to his website. A video of “Come Rain or Come Shine,” which displays David’s easy way with his fans and the melodic songs, for which he’s so famous, can be found on YouTube.

Your latest CD, Seaway, was inspired by a two-week voyage on a large carrier which went from Montreal to Thunder Bay along the St. Lawrence Seaway. How did that adventure come about?

I have always been fascinated with the Seaway from its construction to its role in the life of both our countries today. I have been lucky enough to have lived near the Seaway and I was always curious about the life on board a lake boat and that other view of the familiar, from the water itself. My wife Beth Girdler and I came up with a concept for a Canada Council Grant that involved me taking passage through the system on an ore-carrier, chronicling the trip in song and presenting them to certain Ontario schools along the route at a later date.

We were supported by the Seaway Corp. and Algoma Central Marine and myself and fellow musician Mike Ford took passage on the M.S. Algoville, an Algoma bulk carrier. Our trip took us from Montreal on the St. Lawrence River to Defasco Steel Mill in Hamilton harbor, to off load of taconite ore, and on to Thunder Bay in ballast. The return trip took us back to Montreal with a cargo of wheat from the prairies. As suspected there was a wealth of stories to be found on board and on shore, from the sailors to lock workers to the relatively near past and living history we were sailing through.

The fact that you have received numerous awards in Canada makes you somewhat of a musical ambassador down here in the United States. Do you feel that the impression you give to those down here as opposed to at home in Canada is different? Do you have to alter your show a bit to explain the back stories of your songs more here than you do while playing in Canada?

Although there are certainly many differences between our countries, I have always found American audiences receptive and understanding. We share some common traits, kindness and openness among them, as well as a border. It is found in equal measure on either side of the borderline. As in most things, mutual tolerance and willingness to meet half way usually rules the day.

I love that your song “Skating Rink” is the official song of Hockey Day in Canada. Are you a hockey fan?

The song “Skating Rink” has been used to promote “Hockey Day in Canada” since the event was first presented. Beth called the producers and informed them of the CD Skating Rink, which had just won a Juno award, and they decided to use it. It is a tremendous thrill for me, being an avid hockey fan and until recently an avid player. Thanks to that song I have played goal with the NHL old-timers at the Juno Cup, and met many players I have admired and cheered on for years. Also a few that I have singularly not been a fan of. All were wonderful to meet, to a man, and they are an exceptionally happy and fit bunch of retirees. Their skills are barely diminished from their playing days, which makes warm-ups before the game a fairly sobering experience in the nets.

I understand that your songs are being taught to school children in Canada. What songs are they and what kind of reception do you get from these young fans?

Two songs in particular are taught in schools, both from the first CD. “Torn Screen Door” a 1:38 second-long a capella piece about farm foreclosure, and “Red Winged,” Blackbird,” a song with a simple and strong chorus about the coming of spring, a greatly anticipated event north of the 49th parallel. I think they are both very easy to sing, and both have strong images running throughout. It is a wonderful gift made manifest when kids from 4 to 14 come up and request them by name at shows. We always perform them when requested.

What is up next for you? Any new recordings or other projects in the works?

I hope to keep recording and producing CDs in the future, with a new release in the fall. I have also become a painter of sorts over the years and would like to continue to develop that field of creativity as well.

Like many of us, Kathy Sands-Boehmer wears many hats. An editor by profession, she also operates Harbortown Music and books artists for the Me and Thee Coffeehouse in Marblehead, Massachusetts. In her spare time, Kathy can be found at local music haunts all over New England. This and many of her previous Q & A interviews with artists are archived at www.meandthee.org/blog, as well as in the Features section of AcousticMusicScene.com.