DEDICATION:
I know that Jerome Downey made the mountains ring as he sang to the beat of a double bladed axe and the hum of a cross-cut saw at the foot of the Anguille Mountain Range. I know his voice rang out over the clean, clear air by Broom’s Brook while the spring floods roared. I know that he sang as the saw teeth ripped straight and true through the black spruce on his home made sawmill in the winter. And I know he sang as he did the mundane chores around the house and barns.
I know these things because I know he gloried in a voice as true and strong as it was moving and emotional. Unadorned by instruments and unencumbered by measures and beats and rules, his voice carried on in its own sweet and powerful melody borne up by humour and love and pure , unadulterated joy.
I know that Jerome Downey made the mountains ring as he sang to the beat of a double bladed axe and the hum of a cross-cut saw at the foot of the Anguille Mountain Range. I know his voice rang out over the clean, clear air by Broom’s Brook while the spring floods roared. I know that he sang as the saw teeth ripped straight and true through the black spruce on his home made sawmill in the winter. And I know he sang as he did the mundane chores around the house and barns.
I know these things because I know he gloried in a voice as true and strong as it was moving and emotional. Unadorned by instruments and unencumbered by measures and beats and rules, his voice carried on in its own sweet and powerful melody borne up by humour and love and pure , unadulterated joy.
I was lucky. I got to sing with him and trade songs
and one liners long into the night and into the
dawn . This project, (this CD and DVD package), is
dedicated to my Uncle Jerome who, for some unknown
reason , enjoyed singing with me as much as I
enjoyed singing with him.
His was by far the greater talent.
Acclaimed folklorist Margaret Bennett claims he was a “social historian in song” and that his body of songs was “important stuff”. It is lucky that we have people like Margaret Bennett who see clearly and appreciate.
I am too late here – I had said for years to Leonard Downey (my cousin, the guide, and Jerome’s son) that I wanted to record with Jerome before it was too late. Credit and thanks must be given to my “old and feeble” brother Dan who was the catalyst behind this DVD which captures glimpses of the Jerome Downey whom I knew . I apologize to you watchers and listeners that I was not sooner. I have failed to deliver to you the man in his full voice. Having said that I am thankful to have what we have .
I have been blessed.
Blessed in the friends whom I have known for years: Junior Fraser (Mr. Timing and Rhythm), who has been, along with his family, a constant source of support and humour to a rank, and on occasion aggravating, youth who loved to sing.
Blessed to know and call my friend the incomparable Stan Chapman whose pure appreciation of traditional music is only surpassed by his ability to play it .
Blessed with new friends – the technical wizardry and innovation of Tim Robertson and the limitless talent, as well as judicious taste of Ian Bryson.
Blessed to have a daughter like Emma.
Blessed to be born into a family that seems at times as endless as it is diverse.
Many thanks to the brilliant eye of Peter Murphy of Seabright Productions and the tremendous ear (and heart and soul) of sound engineer Bryan Melanson of Highball Sound Productions.
Many thanks to my cousins in the various branches of the Downey Clan, especially Uncle Jerome’s and Aunt Rosie’s tribe who have accepted me, I believe, as the eighth son.
Many thanks to my Uncle James Downey for “Alder Salmon”
Many thanks to my friend , the talented Bruce Holton for “Jack”
Special thanks indeed to Uncle Joe Downey.
Many thanks to Joe and Anne Martin, Joe “Duncan” and Anne MacIsaac,
Many and special thanks to Leonard and Sandra Downey.
It never really was about the moose after all.
Hector Mac Isaac
His was by far the greater talent.
Acclaimed folklorist Margaret Bennett claims he was a “social historian in song” and that his body of songs was “important stuff”. It is lucky that we have people like Margaret Bennett who see clearly and appreciate.
I am too late here – I had said for years to Leonard Downey (my cousin, the guide, and Jerome’s son) that I wanted to record with Jerome before it was too late. Credit and thanks must be given to my “old and feeble” brother Dan who was the catalyst behind this DVD which captures glimpses of the Jerome Downey whom I knew . I apologize to you watchers and listeners that I was not sooner. I have failed to deliver to you the man in his full voice. Having said that I am thankful to have what we have .
I have been blessed.
Blessed in the friends whom I have known for years: Junior Fraser (Mr. Timing and Rhythm), who has been, along with his family, a constant source of support and humour to a rank, and on occasion aggravating, youth who loved to sing.
Blessed to know and call my friend the incomparable Stan Chapman whose pure appreciation of traditional music is only surpassed by his ability to play it .
Blessed with new friends – the technical wizardry and innovation of Tim Robertson and the limitless talent, as well as judicious taste of Ian Bryson.
Blessed to have a daughter like Emma.
Blessed to be born into a family that seems at times as endless as it is diverse.
Many thanks to the brilliant eye of Peter Murphy of Seabright Productions and the tremendous ear (and heart and soul) of sound engineer Bryan Melanson of Highball Sound Productions.
Many thanks to my cousins in the various branches of the Downey Clan, especially Uncle Jerome’s and Aunt Rosie’s tribe who have accepted me, I believe, as the eighth son.
Many thanks to my Uncle James Downey for “Alder Salmon”
Many thanks to my friend , the talented Bruce Holton for “Jack”
Special thanks indeed to Uncle Joe Downey.
Many thanks to Joe and Anne Martin, Joe “Duncan” and Anne MacIsaac,
Many and special thanks to Leonard and Sandra Downey.
It never really was about the moose after all.
Hector Mac Isaac