We never seem to learn of musical talent that hides in the hills, dales and small towns of Eastern Ontario. Towns such as Trent River, Havelock, Marmora, Madoc--towns that the rest of Canada or even Ontario probably have never even heard of. And musicians such as Curly Taylor, Jim Ellis, Chester McCann and Gary Brace. These are just a few of them.
Curly, a 71-year-old retiree from Madoc, devotes much of his free time to the country music scene. Much of it aids local charities, such as the Campbellford hospital, which through the Lions Club, a CT scan was provided. This music does not go to waste. Not only does it please the ears and feet of area residents, but also is performed for local churches and other charities.
Curly's latest song is Old Man in the Nursing Home. He sings and plays rhythm, Jim Ellis plays bass guitar and Chester McCann steel guitar, with Gary Brace handling the narration. All in all, it's pretty darn good, especially considering that it was recorded in a friend's home studio. You can listen to this song by clicking on :
http://a2acanada.com/irv/track1.wma
Curly has recently written another song, Clifford, about a wounded war veteran who having lost his arms in battle, now plays guitar with his toes. He is well-known in the U.S. and is said to have played for the President and vets of the U.S. and Canada.
His album, Born to Sing, contains 14 songs. If you'd like to order his album or Old Man in the Nursing Home or Clifford, call him at 613-473-4376 or via mail at box 398, Madoc, ON K0K 2K0.--Irvine Brace
