RIGHT TIME FOR TRIBUTE
Catherine MacLellan’s ‘If It’s Alright With You - The Songs of Gene MacLellan’ paves the way for five 2018 Music P.E.I. Award nominations
There is a theme of appreciation that emerges from “If It’s Alright With You - The Songs of Gene MacLellan”, Catherine MacLellan’s album that is nominated for album of the year at the 2018 P.E.I. Music Awards.
MacLellan’s album is a tribute to her father, Gene MacLellan, one of Canada’s greatest songwriters ever. Gene MacLellan wrote numerous hits such as “Snowbird” and the worldrenowned song, “Put Your Hand in the Hand”.
MacLellan, 37, felt the time was finally right to honour her father’s music in the form of an album. She did so by naming the compilation after her father’s 1977 album of the same title.
Released in June 2017, the 13track album covers a wide range of his songs.
As she immersed herself in his musical material in the preparation and recording of the album, the Breadalbane, P.E.I., resident said she felt like it was a chance to get to know her father better.
“It challenged me in a lot of ways and also has brought me a little more clarity about my Dad and who he was as a person and as a songwriter. It was a really great experience and continues
to be as I sing the songs.”
MacLellan had never played or sung several of the songs on the album before.
“As I was learning and getting into them, it was a surprise how much insight I got into who he was as a person. That was a really nice bonus of the project,” she said.
MacLellan remains appreciative of the support she has on P.E.I. as a musician.
“It just reminds me what a great, vibrant community we have. There’s so much happening. With the success people have had here the last few years, it’s really an exciting time to be a musician in P.E.I.”
Among her five nominations is one for touring artist of the year. MacLellan said she appreciates the opportunity to tour and introduce part of her father’s musical catalogue to a whole new audience.
“At the end of the day, getting to play for people night after near is really fun and gratifying,” she said.
The 17th annual Music P.E.I. Awards will be handed out during Credit Union Music P.E.I. Week, Jan. 25-28. MacLellan is excited about Music P.E.I week and the camaraderie it entails.
“I’m looking forward to the coziness of winter and sharing time and space with the music community and all the people who support music on P.E.I. We’re so lucky here.”