‘FEELING IN SYNC’
The stars align for Lennie Gallant’s new album, ‘Time Travel’, to be released tonight during a concert in Indian River
The stars align for Lennie Gallant’s new album, “Time Travel”, to be released tonight during a concert in Indian River
P.E.I.’s Lennie Gallant is having the time of his life.
Fresh off the heels of a 140-date run of his show, “Searching for Abegweit”, the Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter is playing East Coast concerts this summer.
This past spring Gallant was recognized by Gov. Gen. Julie Payette for his CD, “When We Get There”, which orbited Earth with her on the International Space Station about 250 times.
He also appeared in “A Blessing from the Sea”, a movie by Adam Perry, starring Bryde MacLean, Lennie MacPherson, Joel Thomas Hynes and Jonathan Torrens.
Now, after nine years he’s releasing his first studio album.
“I can’t believe it’s been so long…. It’s refreshing and exciting to hear the songs come alive. It also feels very timely,” says Gallant, who will release “Time Travel” today during a concert at St. Mary’s Church, Indian River, at 7:30 p.m.
Produced by Daniel Ledwell, the 13-track CD explores journeys of the heart, life on the planet and current events.
“There were many occasions in the past where I felt I missed the boat because I didn’t act on a particular event that was happening or a song that I had written, and it was too late. This time I feel in sync with what is happening,” Gallant says.
Whether it’s “Sequoia”, a passionate ode to the ancient evergreen trees that are burning in California wildfires, “Nothing Makes Sense”, a satirical look at the world today or “What Are You Waiting For”, a song about love, the themes and the music are “very textured”.
“This is the best album I’ve ever made in so many ways and having
so many wonderful guests lend their talents to it, has made the process rather magical and special,” says Gallant, adding guest vocalists included Rose Cousins, Jenn Grant, Mary Jane Lamond and Maria Ryan.
Part of the magic in creating the album were the coincidences that happened along the way.
As songs were being recorded, the subject matter would often
appear in a newsfeed or an online post the same day.
For instance, the first single “Selkie”, is a love song that takes place on a blood moon and refers to an ancient Celtic myth. By chance the decided date for the song’s release was coinciding with the longest blood moon to occur in this century.
“Things were happening like that all the time. So, we felt like
we were definitely in the right moment.”
Another time, they were working out sessional musician details and Gallant told his producer that he wished that Fretless would show up.
He met the British Columbiabased string band four years ago when they played the P.E.I. Mutual Festival of Small Halls.
“I pulled my guitar out. And these guys pulled out their instruments and started playing along. The music sounded so great we all agreed we have to do something (together).”
Gallant looked them up and discovered they were touring in Nova Scotia, so he called them up.
“They had the next day free, so they came over to the studio to play on ‘Selkie’ and ‘Time Travel’. They were perfectly in tune, in sync with the music.”
Gallant is looking forward to being in sync with the music at tonight’s concert.
“I’m excited. St. Mary’s Church is such a wonderful venue. The sound is great, and it feels like a special, hallowed place.
“I’m honoured to be there, especially with the wonderful players who have shown up on my CD. I’m fortunate that a few members from the Atlantic String Machine are going to play (with my band) that night.”