Information/Write-up
Musicians
Mac Beattie: vocals
Gaetan Fairfield: rhythm guitar
Reg Hill: fiddle
Al Utronki: steel guitar, Spanish guitar
Jim Mayhew: piano
Ralph Carlson: bass
Songwriting
All songs written by Mac Beattie
Production
Distributed in Canada by London Records of Canada (1967) Ltd.
Liner Notes
1968 marks 25 years of entertaining the public for Mac Beattie and his Ottawa Valley Melodiers. Although it was way back in 1937 that Mac formed his first group, this unit was disbanded when World War II came along. Mac spent three years overseas in action with the Canadian Army and, on returning home, reformed the Melodiers, and in 1948 they began their radio career at CHOV in Pembroke, Ontario.
With Mac in 1937 and still with him today is Gaetan Fairfield, who is, without a doubt, one of the greatest rhythm guitarists in the business.
Mac and his Melodiers spent five years at CFRA in Ottawa with the late Frank Ryan and then branched out to a network show with CBC Dominion Network. Public appearances have been many through the years, Mac and his boys having appeared many times on TV with Don Messer’s Jubilee, CJOH-TV in Ottawa, and the CTV Network with The Haylofters and Cross Country Barndance, where they starred on both of the latter shows.
Known far and wide for his Ottawa Valley songs and other fine compositions, Mac composed ten new songs to commemorate his 25 years of show business.
Assisting him is Gaetan Fairfield on rhythm guitar, Reg Hill on fiddle, Al Utronki on steel and Spanish guitars, Jim Mayhew on piano, and Ralph Carlson on bass.
For his many friends, Mac’s anniversary album will be a welcome addition to their collection.
Photo caption: Left to right: Jim Mayhew, Al Utronki, Gaetan Fairfield, Reg Hill and Mac.
No Comments