In Remembrance-PQ-Jan.21.2010
Drums, wires and more wires...
PQ laying it down.
CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE SONG It’s Not Dark Yet, sung by Porkbelly Futures featuring Paul Quarrington with Rebecca Campbell and Chas Elliott, Stuart Laughton, Martin Worthy.
In Sept. 2008 Chas Elliott and I wended our way up to his cottage in the Kawarthas. Chas is the resident “Bon Vivant” in our band Porkbelly Futures and apart from playing the bass, he advises on all the finer things in life. Specifically, food and drink. The menu had been planned, so the talk on the way up was about wine. We were the advance team for the rest of the Porkbellys who were due to arrive the next day.
Adjacent to his cottage is a storage shed. It may have once been a garage of some kind but now it’s where they store the sort of things one finds put aside at a lakeside cottage. Children’s size cross country ski’s, a weightlifting bench with various weights, a rug, two slabs of drywall, a slalom water ski, a chainsaw and couple of old tires, an odd number of snow shoes and a table saw. We emptied out the shed and put its contents outside under the trees and covered it all with tarps and plastic sheets. Inside the now empty shed, we rolled out the carpet and proceeded to set up my drums, his bass gear and our portable recording equipment. Mics, stands, computers and cables were all connected. We did some level checks and waited for everyone to arrive.
The next day Paul Quarrington, Rebecca Campbell and Stuart Laughton rolled in with instruments, groceries and just the right amount of wine. You know how much that is… For the next four days we would be playing, writing, recording and experimenting. These recordings were going to be for our ears only. No one but ourselves would hear them and with that in mind we could truly let our guard down and be as bad or as brilliant as providence would allow. Not much thought was given to what we’d actually play on each song, although often there was at least a short discussion about song structure. I guess you could say that these sessions could be called “pre-production” sessions that would eventually lead to a new record. But truthfully we were just hoping to have some fun, find out more about each other musically and perhaps take Porkbelly Futures to places we didn’t think was possible.
We had done this a few times before and each time we had discovered something remarkable. On this occasion we had an assemblage of new songs, half finished songs and a notion to try a couple of cover tunes. We had talked before about doing some covers and it seemed to make sense that we should do at least one Dylan tune. Paul had chosen “It’s Not Dark Yet.”
At the end of the recording, as the strains of the final chord faded, I remember looking up and into the eyes of my bandmates. It felt, as the spell melted away, like we were slowly surfacing from some deep immersion. I can clearly recall turning and looking out the window to my left, through the trees and out onto the lake. There was a sense of calm and gratitude for the privilege of sharing such a moment with these gifted musicians and friends.
Dylan’s lyric “It’s not dark yet…but it’s getting there” hung in the air. And as Paul had sung those words, no one in that shed was aware that he was already gravely ill. Eight months later our dear friend would be given a fatal cancer diagnosis. Inspired by his courage and lust for life, we would climb aboard his bandwagon and go careening through the next eight months, at an ever frenzied pace. Straight at the precipice that lay ahead, January 21,2010, without letting up.
I believe there was only one take of this song. There’s only one on the hard drive and I think that if we had done another, we would have at least fashioned a proper ending for it. Oh well…
When I listen to this, I am transported back to that precious moment and at the same time, I find myself looking ahead. Looking ahead wistfully to what might have been. But also looking forward, as Paul would’ve done, to what might be. Oh the possibilities! But most of all, I feel love and gratitude.
So as you listen to this, if you find yourself dwelling on the past, cherish it. And if your eye sets upon the future, run headlong into it. And if you’re near someone you care for, tell them you love them.
MW
Maple Blues Lauds The Crooked Road
The December issue of Maple Blues Magazine had this to say about PBF’s latest recording…..
This quirkily named supergroup was formed by four close friends: Canadian Brass trumpeter Stuart Laughton, novelist Paul Quarrington, veteran drummer Martin Worthy & classically trained bassist Chas Elliott. Hanging out at the yet-to-be-renovated Gladstone Hotel, they performed songs that drew on their diverse backgrounds, calling themselves ‘a thinking person’s bar band’. Rebecca Campbell joined as a vocalist for the self-titled second CD. Meanwhile, Quarrington had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and, as was his fashion, went into overdrive mode, recording his solo CD among his diverse other projects. Many of his new songs were too personal for a Porkbellys album and most of them are outside the scope of this column as well, although you’ ll enjoy the fishing song, “Big Ol’ Bass”, with Colin Linden on dobro and “Hey Hollywood” will stay with you for days. Quarrington had been the lead vocalist for the band and wrote many of their songs. One gap has been filled by Worthy & Campbell, who now share vocal duties. As for the writing, Quarrington and his passing dominate the disc. Three songs were written by him, three were written with Worthy and another about him. The CD opens with Worthy’s rollicking tribute. He had been with Quarrington on the day the diagnosis was delivered. They were sitting in the back yard and Quarrington brought out a lot of wine. The song is “I Ain’t
10 MapleBlues December 2010
Leaving (‘Til The Wine Is Gone)”. Two of Quarrington’s are excellent rockers, “Nothing Costs A Nickel” had been on the set list for a long time but never recorded and “It Deals With You”, which came to him after watching a game show. Martin Worthy and longtime producer/ collaborator David Gray contributed “BooCatDo”, which all cat lovers will relate to. It and the opening song point to Worthy as the one picking up the torch. He has big shoes to fill. He does have help, though, and that includes the full band: Teddy Leonard continues on lead guitar and Chris Brown replaces the late Richard Bell on keyboards. The concluding song is by Quarrington & Worthy. “The Crooked Road” is the route to the journey’s end, gently & beautifully sung by Worthy & Campbell over a couple of acoustic guitars. No other song would have sufficed. There’s lots more at www. porkbellys.com.
The Crooked Road
The Crooked Road CD Launch-Hugh’s Room Nov.16
Porkbelly Futures will be celebrating the release of their 3rd. CD “The Crooked Road” at Hugh’s Room on Tues. Nov.16. After 3 weeks on the road in the western provinces we’re back and ready to party. Please join us!
For tickets and reservations call Hugh’s Room 416 531 6604 or www.hughsroom.com
The Crooked Road
Banff Wordfest PQ Tribute
Last night friends and colleagues of our dear pal and bandmate Paul Quarrington gathered to remember and sing Paul’s praises. PBF was joined on stage by Dave Bidini, Jane Urquhart, Peter Oliva, Rob Sanders, Catherine Govier and other literary luminaries. It was a beautiful night capped off with a terrific rendition of PQ’s “All The Stars”
Bragg Creek Friday Might
Friday night in Bragg Creek Alberta has to be one of the wildest affairs! The dance floor was packed and the good times rolled. We’ll be back!
Twin Beauty!!
What a great night in Twin Butte Alberta. These folks know how to host and have fun. We love it here! Tonight, Bragg Creek.
Porkbellys Rock Regina!
Tuesday night we rocked Regina on our first stop on The Crooked Road Tour. We got a standing “O” at the end of the night and everyone there bought a CD. Great fun and a great start!
PBF Celebrates PQ at Kingston Writers Fest
What a terrific outpouring of love and respect for our dear friend Paul in Kingston recently. His writing and songs were feted all evening at the gala opening of The Kingston Writers Festival. Throughout the night, readings and reminiscences from fellow authors (Nino Ricci, Dave Bidini, Kim Moritsugu, Stuart Ross, Dan Hill and many more) were interlaced with scenes from PQ’s plays along with music from us Porkbellys. Dave Bidini joined us for a version of his song “In The Rock Hall” inspired by Paul’s poem of the same name. The night also featured Dan Hill and myself performing in public for the first time, the song we co-wrote with Paul “Are You Ready?”
We’re all smiling in this photo because I had just averted a musical disaster by noting that I had put my capo on the wrong fret!
Marty
Whew that was close...
Crooked Road Song Notes – It Deals With You
Porkbelly Futures photo by Lance Gifford
Paul was inspired to write this song after watching a game show in which the contestants must stand with their hand on a brand new pick-up truck. After hours and sometimes days, the last person standing with their hand on the truck, would win it. At some point early in the game, one fellow dropped out. When asked why, he said that he turned to the person next to him and saw the devil staring back. “When you look at someone and the devil is staring you in the face, it deals with you!!”
IT DEALS WITH YOU LYRICS
The law had me on the run
So I’d gone into hiding
I was out on the bum
Down by the railway sidings
I was makin’ the measure of a southbound train
I had my fill of pleasure, i had my fill of pain
When nothin’ works out like you want it to…
It deals with you
I was down by the river
Where the cool waters flow
I was hungry and shiverin’
I had no place to go
I took the rivers’ direction
I did not trust the wind
I was lead to reflection on the nature of sin
When the lord tells you ten things that you shall not do…
It deals with you….it deals with you
It deals with you….it deals with you
I was down in the valley
Where the devil met the christ
Both had asked for a talley
Of my virtues and vice
I was had a loved one but i had one no more
All the things that i have done, wore upon me like sores
You know that eternity is overdue
It deals with you…it deals with you…
It deals with you…it deals with you…
CREDITS
Composer – P.Quarrington
Publisher – Cordova Bay Music Publishing- Pork Belly Music
Martin Worthy-Lead Vocal-Drums
Rebecca Campbell-Harmony Vocal-Ac.Guitar
Stuart Laughton-Slide Guitar-Harmony Vocals
Teddy Leonard-Elec. Guitars
Chas Elliott-Bass Guitar
Megan Worthy-Harmony Vocals
Performed on the CD The Crooked Road released by Cordova Bay Records (Oct 19, 2010)
(Pre) Purchase THE CROOKED ROAD CD from Cordova Bay now!
Crooked Road Song Notes – The Difference You Make
Porkbelly Futures Rebecca Campbell Recording in Creemore
I was determined to have a few Q/W songs on this album. So I wrote this song with a view to collaborate with Paul. I played it for him and asked him to write a lyric for the second verse. We were in the studio doing a demo of it. It took him 5 minutes….and it’s the best verse. Rebecca sings this song so well!
Listen to an excerpt of the song >> The Difference You Make (Excerpt)
Performed on the CD The Crooked Road released by Cordova Bay Records (Oct 19, 2010)
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
Composers – P. Quarrington-M.Worthy
Publisher – Cordova Bay Music Publishing- Pork Belly Music
Rebecca Campbell-Lead Vocal- Ac. Guitar- Percussion
Stuart Laughton-Pedal Steel-Harmony Vocals
Martin Worthy-Drums-Harmony Vocals
Chas Elliott-Bass Guitar
Teddy Leonard-Elec. Guitar
Chris Brown-Hammond Organ
LYRICS
Funny how the rain comes every time you go
First I’m standing in the sunshine
Then I’m standing in the shadow
Of a cloud that seems to follow me
It’s one I’ve come to know
The temperature’s falling
And the wind, it blows…
And when it blows I bend and bend
Til I feel that I might break
Oh you don’t know
The difference you make
Funny how the sun goes down
And disappears from sight
First I’m standing in the sunlight
Then I’m underneath the streetlight
The skies so full of shadows and clouds
It can’t even hold the moon
Morning ain’t arriving
Any time soon
And when it does I bend and bend
Til I feel that I might break
You don’t know
The difference you make
And when the storm is raging round my door
And the ground begins to shake
You don’t know
The difference you make
Oh, I don’t need to know that you’re here beside me
It’s enough to know that you’re somewhere out there
And when it blows I bend…