A Gene MacLellan Tribute

Musicians
John Gracie: lead vocals, backing vocals
Ken Enman: nylon-string acoustic guitar
Gordon Stobbe: acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo
Suzanne Morrison: backing vocals
Trina Fredericks: backing vocals
Doris Mason: piano, backing vocals
Skip Holmes: banjo, guitar
Dave Isner: bass
Garth Proude: bass
Greg Simm: bass
Shimon Walt: cello
Don Chapman: drums
Rick Edgett: electric guitar, acoustic guitar
Brendan Hall: pedal steel guitar
Ross Billard: piano, keyboards

Songwriting
All words and music by Gene MacLellan
Published by Beechwood Music Canada/EMI
SOCAN

Production
Produced by John Gracie

Technical
Recorded at SoundMarket Studios
Mixed at SoundMarket Studios
Mastered by Kurt Hahn at The Kurt Hahn Co.

Artwork
Cover and photography by Georges Hébert and Gordon Hawkins
Photography by James Ingram
Graphic design by Doug Aucoin

Release
Atlantica Music 02 50492
℗ & © 1995 Grey-Sea Entertainment
Manufactured in Canada
Distributed in Canada by Atlantica Music & Distribution Ltd.
Unauthorized reproduction, copying and rental of this recording is prohibited by law
Barcode: 7 7657-50492-2 4

Back cover note
This album is a tribute to the musical legacy left to us by Gene MacLellan (1938-1995). A portion of the net proceeds from record sales will be donated to Gene’s favourite charity, World Vision, in his name.

Liner notes
The legacy of music left by Gene MacLellan is an example of authentic Canadiana. His songs are 100% Canadian yet they are recognized world wide. The creation of a third element by the union of words and music is magical and often rare. It becomes an internal, personal, intangible experience that many times goes unwitnessed but never unnoticed. He could, by using sad melodies and sad words elicit joy from a listener that is magical.

As a boy growing up in Cape Breton, I heard a lot of Gene MacLellan songs on the radio sung both by Gene and other recording artists. His standard of songwriting inspired many Canadian artists to dig in and reach for the stars.

Gene’s love for his fellow man manifested itself in many ways. Stories his friends tell about Gene all have the same theme; how Gene cared for others. One story which tells of how an elderly man’s home needed insulation before the winter temperature set in, is typical. Insulation Gene was planning to use, suddenly and unceremoniously appeared in the walls of the old man’s home. Along with musical visits to hospitals, orphanages and prisons, Gene’s quiet giving has become legendary. Gene often gave until it hurt.

He was a man amongst men, a musical genius and a premier Canadian musical foundation builder. Few have reached his success (Snowbird sold over 30 million copies and Put Your Hand in the Hand, over 35 million). His songs are classics that set a high standard for the rest of us. Gene MacLellan deserves to be remembered and honoured by all Canadians. That is why Gene is tributed with this collection of his songs that will hopefully remind all of us of the genius of Gene MacLellan.

That final wording “Gene is tributed” is exactly what is printed, so I would leave it untouched in the transcription rather than silently correcting it.