MEDICINE HAT & DISTRICT LIVE MUSIC CLUB

Live Newsletter NOV 2019 Music Club Editor: Betty Bischke [email protected] In Memoriam

Albert William “Billy” Jones, beloved husband of the late Nina Mabel Jones, passed away peacefully on Thursday October 24, 2019 at the age of 88 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his children Carolynn and her daughter Lindsay, and David (Tammy) and their children Alexander and Connor. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years Nina, his parents Doris and Henry and his sister Margaret.

It is difficult to capture the depth and richness of life in so brief a span. Billy’s life was dedicated to his family, friends, music and to God. Originally born and raised in Toronto, ON, Billy early on became dedicated to music. Although he also explored talents in Tool and Die Making, electronics and other passions, music and the steel guitar were the consistent theme of his professional life and for most that knew him, they were an inseparable combination. It was in Toronto that he met his wife Nina and together spent years touring the continent driven by the country and western sound that dominated his musical focus. His talent for the steel guitar was legendary. He played with some of the greats: Stompin’ Tom Connors, Hank Williams Sr., King Ganam and Tommy Hunter (to name but a few).

Billy and Nina went on to pursue a family, with their children Carolynn and David, eventually moving out to Medicine Hat, AB, where they enjoyed the remainder of their lives building new relationships with great friends discovered there. Billy was very dedicated to the local music community, as it was important to him that live local talent needed to be seen and heard. The Bar 10 Ranch Party, The Live Music Club, involvement with service clubs such as the Moose and Elks clubs, were all very dear to his heart. In 2007 he was recognized by the City of Medicine Hat with its annual Cultural Award for his contribution to the community. He was an immensely talented, giving and humble man who lived life the way it was meant to be lived. - Carolynn Jones

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The family of Billy Jones would like Thank Youto express our gratitude and appreciation to the Live Music Club for all their help and food donations for Billy’s Celebration of Life service at the Legion on November 2nd. The Live Music Club was very dear to our father, and the coming together of friends and musicians to honour and remember Billy touched us deeply. Your kindness and generosity during such a difficult time will never be forgotten. Dad would have been proud. - The Jones Family TRIBUTES

We were all saddened to hear of Billy’s passing. As a charter member of the Medicine Hat & District Live Music Club, Billy played a huge role in the success of our club. Since the first meeting in the summer of 1990, Billy has tirelessly devoted countless hours to promoting Live Music and helping fellow musicians. He served as the first club President, from 1990 to 1994 and again in 2007 and 2008. The club became incorporated as a non-profit society in February of 1992.

The first edition of the Live Music Club Newsletter was in October of 1991, with June Bertrand heading the committee of Publicity and Promotion. In February of 1992, Billy Jones took over as newsletter editor, and continued in that role for many years. His many articles were always an interesting read. His last contribution to the newsletter was December of 2018.

Billy often said that the people in the Live Music Club were like family to him, and we can certainly see by the many tributes, that everyone feels the same way about him. We have lost part of our family.

It goes without saying, that Billy was a friend and mentor to many musicians in Medicine Hat, including myself. He was always happy to share his talent, and pass on his knowledge. “You have a verse and a chorus to learn the song,” is advice he gave me, when I first started attending jams. Anyone who has ever played with Billy, can verify that’s exactly how long it took for him to learn a new tune. He was an amazing talent. His dedication to the club, fellow musicians and friends was tremendous. We will miss him. - Betty

So sad but now he can rest in peace with no pain. He will be missed by all of us. - Carol Eisenbarth

Billy was such an interesting individual, and I loved hearing his stories of life and music. The world is a richer place because of people like Billy. - Brad Pavelich

I am truly sorry to hear the news. Let me know if there is anything the Elks can do for LMC and his family. - Kim Rausch

Billy was significant in the local music scene and well-loved. He will be greatly missed. - Wayne Spackman

Sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. We were lucky to have him this long R.I.P. Billy. - Emilie Landrie

Sorry to hear of Billy ‘s passing. A great talent has left us to play for the Angels. He will be surely missed. - Ray Harris & Dorothy Patry

I am so sorry to hear of Billy’s passing Although I haven’t been there for a few years I think of all of you often. - Bernie Girardin TRIBUTES

So sad! A great loss for the music community of Medicine Hat. - Rachel McGean

I’m really sorry to hear that Billy passed. I only knew him through the club newsletters and know he had a long and rewarding life in music. I’m sure he was a positive influence on a lot of musicians. - Bill Glockner

Fortunately I was able to see Billy the day before he passed. He looked very peaceful and I had the opportunity to express my love and say goodbye. Unfortunately Brian and I are away on Nov. 2nd and will not be able to attend the gathering which has been arranged by the family. - Ali Sellin

It’s been a long time since I heard Billy Jones play, but I will never forget his wonderful steel playing. l last heard him at the Patsy Cline tribute at the South Side Centre. What a wonderful musician and individual. Yes, he will always be remembered and greatly missed. - Wayne Bodin

Unfortunately, we are in Ontario and unable to attend. Patrick played in a band with Billy for probably 50 years. Please give Carolynn & family our condolences. - Patricia & Patrick Vitelli

So sorry to learn of the passing of our good friend, Billy Jones. Billy was a professional in the true sense of the word, personality and musically. Billy was always around to lend a hand or help a new musician get started! He was a wealth of knowledge and he didn't hesitate to share it. He was a hit at our steel guitar shows; a more lively showman you couldn't ask for! Just remember, memory is a gift of God that death cannot destroy. Forever in Memory, - Wayne & Joan Link

Billy worked for us in the store for approximately 25 years. He was so good at it, that after 2 weeks he was better at it than I was. He was excellent with the customers and became a very good friend. He always had a hug for Sheila. - Ken Chisholm

I heard Billy Jones perform with his steel guitar at the ground floor Imperial Room, while I was employed downstairs in the Piano Room at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. His musicianship and smile were a perfect example of true professionalism. Occasionally, while I was a student in Toronto and playing piano for income, we would meet, or hear each other perform and say it would be nice to get together. Twelve years later, both of us having left Toronto, we met by coincidence on 3rd street in Medicine Hat. Finally, I got to play with Billy Jones. The ability to teach and share in music and friendship is missed in Billy's passing, never to be forgotten. - Bill desBarres

He was the best, and he will be missed. - Len & Eileen Wotschell TRIBUTES

I can't remember exactly when I met Billy Jones. I was interviewing country star, Orval I know it was a while before Aug 8, 1989 (I know Prophet at CHAT one day, and he said, that date because I searched my home videos “Did you know there’s a guy that is a great and Billy and Jan Schmall were at a party at Tim steel player and part comedian, living in and Darlene Hermans' house in Redcliff.) So that Medicine Hat?” I said, “No, where?” He makes it more than 30 years ago. Wow, how time said, “Come to the Legion tonight, and I’ll has flown by. introduce you.” That night I met Billy Jones, It seems like yesterday we surprised him with his and this was the start of a long personal 60th birthday at the Eagles, hosted by Bob and and musical relationship. Sharon McNabb (the first Metronome award). He seemed to me an old man back then. (he he) Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with many very good musicians, I am glad to say we became very good friends and working with Billy was also an amazing over the years. I spent may hours and many time. Aside from being the musician he coffees at the Jones' house. He and Nina said to was, I found a dear and precious man. A all of us that we should just walk in. Everyone was man who dearly loved and cherished his always welcome. wife and family.

I guess because of my moving here so far away It was an honour to know and play music from my family, Billy and Nina were like a Mom with this grand individual. He went through and Dad to me. many trials and tribulations, but put him I spent many hours listening to his fantastic stories behind that steel guitar, and it would melt of his musical life with Pete Brady, Orval Prophet, those problems away, for a while. I am/ King Ganam and of course Stompin’ Tom was proud to know him. Connors. Also his endless stories of growing up in Toronto, his father, his cars, and gigs. Thanks Billy, for the memories. Love Always. - Ron Larson. I never met anyone who was so talented, knowledgeable of building guitars, amplifiers etc.. A genius. I was glad to help him any way I could, be it computer issues etc. A true friend to me and everyone. He never had anything bad to say about anyone and brought the best out in all.

I will miss him dearly. - Brian Bowery 2019 WAYNE’S PICKS

WAYNE’S PICKS – November 2019 – “DANCING IN THE STREETS” As much as I love music, I never listen to tunes while working on a mentally demanding task. Many times I’ve tried – but the music engages my mind so completely that I can’t focus on anything else. That said, I still lose the battle from time to time. I was working on a technical project the other day when my brain went out for a walk and I found myself thinking of the many ways in which music impacts our lives. For example: • Music relieves boredom on the job – whether landscaping or washing dishes. • In movies and drama of all genres, music drives and supports the emotion of the scene. • Music shortens a long road trip. • Most people at the gym use music while working out. • Music over the sound system adds energy to sporting events. • Music has been an important component of many worship styles over the years. • Every TV series I ever watched had a theme song. • Music adds ambiance to your dining experience. • A romantic encounter is enriched or even instigated by appropriate music. In short, music provides important emotional context to many of life’s events and experiences. And then….... I had an “ah-ha! moment” and realized that music also invites us to dance. Not all of us are dancers but it’s a good guess that each of us has a favorite song or two that tempt us to sashay around the kitchen or skippity-hop down the street. So, this month’s picks focus on songs about dancing, or music that folks are dancing to, or music that folks should be dancing to. COUNTRY Here’s Suzy Bogguss and Chet Atkins with a cute official video of “One More For The Road”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkv9B3zXhp0 BOOGIE WOOGIE "Dancin' The Boogie" composed and performed by Swiss pianist Silvan Zingg. Dancing by French couple, William Mauvais and Maéva Truntzer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWDfxgngrNc& TEXAS SWING “Dance With Who Brung You” by Ray Benson on Country Road TV. In a league of his own, even without his regular band. (Ooh – 5-string fiddle) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q9mhdW550w ROCK In 2008, Billy Joel commemorated the closing of the New York Mets stadium, Shea Stadium, with a legendary two-night concert of his top tracks as well as amazing guest performances. Here, Billy and his band perform The Beatles' song “I Saw Her Standing There” off the 1963 album “Please Please Me” with Paul McCartney. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e66X5DlfUE0 INTERNATIONAL In May of 2007 the Library of Congress gathered an unprecedented group of musicians together in Washington, D.C., to honor Paul Simon as the first recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song – a multicultural tribute to the music of a great American artist and a great American art form. “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes”. Love those (fretless) bass lines! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAhHGYrzj2M&t=3s JAZZ Always fun to dance with the Sant Andreu Jazz Band – a great group of dedicated young musicians mentored by director & founder, Joan Chamorro; sax player, Scott Hamilton; and guitarist, Josep Traver. Featuring Elia Bastida. “Minor Swing”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1exF8HB6dXs

“The job of feet is walking, but their hobby is dancing.” Amit Kalantri A Tempo Bringing you up to speed on club activities

Our jams have been in interesting mix this past month, but always an enjoyable way to spend a Tuesday evening.

October 22 - The jam was late in getting started, as there were only a few on hand for set up. It was the first night of trying a “Tag” format, as we have had difficulty with finding a volunteer to MC. We asked each performer to choose and announce who would follow them to the stage. It went pretty well, and although we may have to make some adjustments as we go forward, we will most likely follow this format when necessary. Welcome to Ray and Iris Jackson, who attended for the first time this evening.

October 29 - The theme for this evening was “Weather.” Ken Emery was apologetic as he introduced, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow.” Jane Milner sang a sweet little song called, “Little April Showers.” Bill desBarres and Wayne Spackman wowed us with a beautiful jazzed up version of, “Over the Rainbow.” Wayne Bodin asked to play early in the night, “so no one would steal his songs.” All in fun, of course. As is always the case, the theme jams are an opportunity to learn a few new numbers and to have fun doing so. It was a good night.

November 5 - Well wouldn’t you know it? A week after a theme jam about weather, and mother nature produced an icy mess for everyone to deal with. The weather was so terrible the smart people stayed home, which is to say, almost everyone. Between audience, performers and bartenders, there was a total of ten people. Bob and Jane found an amp to plug into, I pulled out the piano, and that was the extent of the set up. Ken Emery arrived later and played a few fiddle tunes. We closed shop pretty early.

November 12 - It was a small turnout. Ken Emery and Bill desBarres teamed up to do the opening theme of the Don Messer show. It was a lively number that all enjoyed. Later, Bob Cote had us all smiling, with his performance of, “I’ll Never See Maggie Alone.”

*************************************************************** Our Christmas Party will be held on Thursday, REGISTERED MUSIC TEACHERS December 19. The dinner will be catered by Patio ANNUAL AWARD PRESENTATION Cafe. Tickets are $20 each for members, $32 for non & STUDENT RECITAL members. Please purchase your tickets early, as the Wednesday, November 20 caterer would like to know the number of guests by 7:00 p.m. December 12. Tickets will be available starting at the The Library Thursday, November 21 meeting, at the jams, and at Bill desBarres office in the 13th avenue Co-op Mall. everyone welcome (LMC sponsors several awards)

LMC MONTHLY MEETING Congratulations to Eileen Wotschell Thursday, November 21 on the release of her new CD, 7:00 p.m. “His Mercy and Grace.” The Elks (Please note earlier start time) There are fifteen new original songs on CD, USB or downloadable card. Contact Eileen [email protected] LMC CHRISTMAS PARTY Thursday, December 19 MEDICINE HAT & DISTRICT Cocktails 6:00 LIVE MUSIC CLUB Dinner 6:30 Promoting and Enhancing Tickets $20 for members Live Music as a Part of Our Community and Our Heritage $32 non-members Box 23092 Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 4C7