Vancouver-based folk singer Michael Averill’s most recent album came about because of one old photo.
“I found this old photo of my father that he had shown me as a kid,” said Averill, who plays the Howe Sound Inn and Brew Pub on Friday (Jan. 16) at 10 p.m. “It’s a really good photo of him at about 17, playing the guitar. I put the picture on a blog I write and called it ‘Playing Your Heart Out.’”
Averill’s father Garry was a singer-songwriter who started building a name in the Canadian music scene in the mid-1970s while he was based in the Yukon.
“Before I was born, my family lived in Yukon,” said Averill. “My dad was a musician and did some recordings with CBC, and one of his songs was even used for a short time as the theme song for Peter Gzowski’s program (on CBC). But my dad decided not to pursue a musical career and became a teacher instead.”
After posting the photo, one of Averill’s blog reader’s suggested the “Playing Your Heart Out” caption would make a great song title, as well.
“That gave me the idea to start putting together an album inspired by the songs of my father, who passed away in 2011,” said Averill.
The result, titled I’d Rather Walk, was released in May 2013 and propelled Averill on a unique tour of the country.
“My father was a major walker, as am I,” he said. “So I thought walking would be a great way to share these songs and stories and build community while also promoting the album and an active lifestyle.”
He travelled to the East Coast by train to start the tour, playing music for passengers along the way as part of Via Rail’s onboard musician program.
“I only had two or three shows booked initially when I got to the East Coast,” he said. “But, I ended up playing more than 60 shows – all over PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia – just by meeting people, wandering into restaurants and cafés, and talking to people about my music, the album and my walking tour.”
During the tour, Averill slept in a tent, walked the Trans Canada Trail, and even invited folks to walk with him on the journey. He also met a man with a connection to his father, who led to the discovery of 23 of Garry’s lost recorded songs.
“I went into this Irish pub for a gig, and the first guy I started talking to knew my father and eventually put me in contact with guys who had some of his old songs he recorded,” he said. “My mom and I travelled together to the Yukon to meet those guys. It’s good to get in touch with your roots and family history.”
Averill is now working on a new album, due out sometime in late spring or early fall this year.
“The last one was about finding an open place to discuss death, and seeing how that changes the family dynamic,” he said. “While the new album I’m working on goes beyond the themes of life and death, and delves into relationships.”
Averill said he plans to play songs from both I’d Rather Walk and the forthcoming album when he performs at the Howe Sound Inn and Brew Pub on Friday.
He also said he may show up in town a bit early. “I still walk a lot, so I also hope to take in some of Squamish’s trails while I’m there,” he said, adding he’d like to check out the new Sea to Sky Gondola as well.
Catch Michael Averill at the Howe Sound Inn and Brew Pub at 10 p.m. There’s no cover charge.
For more info, go to michaelaverill.com.
