He was a truly proud Canadian and loyal friend. I will miss our monthly get together.
Rest In Peace John
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An evening for Veterans / September 6th
Watch the livestream video September 6th (online) of John and other great entertainers perform for this fundraiser and raffle with cash prizes. Click for more info and to register
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Michael Peter Smith, 1941-2020
The first time I heard the song “The Dutchman” it was a rendition by Tommy Makem. The song immediately drew me in and I wanted to know who the writer was. I soon discovered Michael Peter Smith, born in New Jersey and residing in Chicago, his songs and stories were as personal as you could get. He spoke and sang about life and he could make you feel he was talking about you. When he sang his warm and enveloping, soft and deep voice and his strong and gentle spirit came through. Somehow he managed to sing to an audience of hundreds and you felt like he was singing and speaking directly to you. He had this wonderful ability to lock eyes with all of us at once and touch our hearts with every word.
I soon became a Michael Peter Smith fan for life and asked him to tour with us. After touring with us five times in Canada and the U.S., I asked Michael if he would like to get together and make a recording. We would highlight him and his masterful songs and storytelling. He agreed. On February 11th, 2005 we performed a live show at the Glen Gould Studio in Toronto with some of the finest musicians in Canada. The evening was titled “Just Plain Folk with John McDermott and Michael Peter Smith” and the result was enough songs and stories for 2 CDs, the first of which was released in 2005 as Just Plain Folk.
I recall being in Chicago for a show and I called Michael to see if we could connect. I told him my musical director Jason Fowler was a big fan of his – placed him in the same ranks as Steve Goodman and John Prine – and would he be able to meet us for a few minutes. He most graciously did and when he arrived of course he had his guitar with him. We had a wonderful visit and Jason in passing asked him about a song the “Wonderful World Of Sex”. Michael explained how he would get together with Steve Goodman every time Steve came through town and they would write together. He then played the song and followed it up with a mesmerizing piece on life’s changes called “ZIPPY”. He had such a sharp and witty mind and we were blessed to have had that time with him.
On August 3rd at 4:00 p.m. Michael passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends. His impact on my life and career is immeasurable and I will be forever in his debt for the lessons he taught me. I will miss him very much and will keep him with me in my music and life.
In tribute I am putting two of the tracks from Just Plain Folk up for a free download on my website today, so you too can sample his genius.
Download
RIP my good friend. Your light will never be extinguished, for you shine on in so many of us.
– John
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Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
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Abbey Gardens (Haliburton) Event
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Recent photos
Robert Herjavec, David Foster and John
The great Mark Messier
John and the Sisters
Moonlight over the lake
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A special salute to Veterans
Join beloved Canadian tenor John McDermott for an unforgettable 3-night performance with the John McDermott Trio, which consists of John with guitarist Jason Fowler and Mark Lalama (keyboards) at Toronto’s Hugh’s Room on Thursday February 7, Friday February 8, and Saturday February 9. For more information, visit www.hughsroomlive.com
As is John’s tradition, he will be giving a captivating and engaging performance filled with tasteful remembrance tributes, songs from his illustrious career, and many highlights from his own personal songbook.
John will also be joined by special guests for each show, which include famed guitarist Paul Langlois on February 7, the award-winning duo Dala Girls on February 8, and PEI singer Chad Matthews for all three performances.
Paul Langlois is perhaps best known as the guitarist of The Tragically Hip, though with two solo albums under his belt and cross-country tours to support them, Paul has been quick to make a name for himself independently from the band. Known for his powerful lyrics as much as he is for is tight guitar riffs, Langlois’ current solo album, Not Guilty, is a collaborative effort with fellow musicians Jeff Montgomery, Mauro Sepe and fellow Hip musician Rob Baker. It was the fact that Langlois is a huge John Prine fan which initiated a friendship with McDermott and his musical director Jason Fowler. This led to the two inviting Paul to record a beautiful rendition of Prine’s, Speed At The Sound Of Loneliness, on John’s album entitled, Just Plain Folk.
Juno nominees and winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, the Dala Girls Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine write and sing in harmony best described as angelic. These two best friends met in their high school music class in 2002 and have since released five albums and toured extensively across North America. Drawing upon influences like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Amanda’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Sheila’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark. www.dalagirls.com
Originally from Elmsdale, PEI, performer Chad Matthews is perhaps best known as Stompin’ Tom Connors in the show My Island Home: A Stompin’ Tom Story, on regular performance at the Stompin’ Tom Connors Centre in Tignish. The show has been a fantastic success, with over 3,000 people coming for Matthew’s incredible and uncanny performance as the Canadian Icon. Recently, he made an appearance on the hit CBC television show Still Standing, where Matthews gave host Jonny Harris a taste of how to do things the Stompin’ Tom way.
John McDermott is an international recording star and household name – known as much for his successful musical career as for his commitment to veterans’ causes. He has been nominated for a number of Juno awards and received the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Bob Hope Award for his support for veterans’ causes.
Current albums include Some Other Time, a finely-curated stylish recording of classic jazz selections that feature some of Canada’s finest musicians of the genre. Among the selections are renditions of such standards as On Days Like These, Moonlight in Vermont, Autumn Leaves, Put Your Dreams Away, and The Shadow of Your Smile; Raised on Songs and Stories, a collection of songs with a remarkable history attached – some very old and some more contemporary – each song a story to tell and a memory for the ages.
His first album, Danny Boy, garnered strong sales in the U.S. and Canada and reached number one in New Zealand. This success, won through a tireless touring schedule, led to his participation in the PBS phenomenon, The Irish Tenors. John has gone on to record numerous albums, including Journeys. This extremely moving album includes songs such as The Dreamer and The Gift of Years, both written by renowned songwriter Eric Bogle. Proceeds of the sales went to McDermott House Canada, a charity that John created.
McDermott House Canada is a project close to John’s heart, and he says: “Every day the men and women who serve our country, and the police, firefighters and first responders who serve our communities put their lives on the line and themselves in harm’s way. When asked why, they simply say: “It’s what we do”. They serve freely and willingly, asking for very little in return.” to learn more about McDermott House Canada visit www.mcdermotthousecanada.org
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
May 11, 2018 7:30pm
Performing songs from the new CD Some Other Time as well as some other great standards. Performers include: Guido Basso, Dave Young, Jason Fowler, Robi Botos, Reg Schwager, Davide Direnzo and Tom Szczesniak.
The concert is a fundraiser for the YPBC Refugee program.
Order Tickets Online or call 416-949-9211
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All Those Years (Preorder)
Now available for pre-order – All Those Years – a handsome, 2-DVD compilation of documentary and concert film from early in John’s career. Order now to receive your autographed copy by March 2018.