It might not be an ode exactly, but Martin Russell and his musical friends are bringing their unique form of joy to Cochrane in the form of a Christmas concert at St. Andrew’s United Church on Dec. 3.
Anyone coming to the doors of the church that evening (with a non-perishable item for the food bank) will be able to experience what has come to be known as a concert with ‘Martin and Friends,’ where 20 local musicians will provide seasonal cheer starting at 7 p.m.
Russell gave a Christmas concert as a new member of the St Andrew’s congregation nearly 30 years ago. Unbeknownst to him at the time, an annual tradition had been born.
Year by year, more musicians got involved, and now every holiday season, Martin’s musical friends gather again for ‘an evening of festive fun.’
Russell’s zeal for the project resonates as he describes the talented musicians taking part in rehearsals he’s spearheaded in recent weeks.
“My enthusiasm this year is way higher than it normally was,” he said.
Just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Russell was almost at the point where he was wondering if he wanted to continue with the concerts.
But then the pandemic took away the chance to do the concerts live, and now that live music is allowed again, it has became clear how important the concerts are – to him and everyone else.
“Now my enthusiasm will never ever wane, at being able to share my music,” he said. “And the response – everyone’s so happy about being a part of this again.”
Call it a positive outcome from the pandemic, just in time for Christmas. The only thing infectious here is Russell’s fervour.
He describes himself as a world traveller. En route to Belize in 1988, he got word that his brother had cancer and was only given a year to live. Russel promptly cancelled his plan to “be a beach bum,” and came to Calgary to be with him. His brother not only made it a year – he is still alive today.
Russell’s Belize plan was put on hold permanently the first time he drove down the hill on Highway 1A into Cochrane and was blown away by the mountain vista. It was love at first sight.
The British-born troubadour said Canadians in general (and Cochranites in particular) are a caring, sharing people.
“I was going to live on coconuts and mangoes in Belize – I’d had it with the human race,” he said.
“[But] Canada is a special place. There’s a spirit here that’s not in other parts of the world. Most of the people here just want to help each other.”
The concerts are his way of saying thank you to the people of Cochrane, who have made him forget about wanting to travel the world.
“I feel like I’m home now,” he said.
The Christmas concert went online the past couple of years, but it just wasn’t the same. Russell is clearly jazzed they’re gathering to perform for a live audience again.
“A wonderful group of people (and me), will be making Christmas come alive with music,” said the lead guitarist and promoter.
Russell also teaches guitar – online and in person.
He said because of the COVID-caused hiatus, his friends are focused on making this year’s concert extra special.
The group is working hard at rehearsals. The concert will be broken out into quartets, trios, duets, solos and singalongs.
A lighthearted, comedy-infused performance will feature the piano stylings of Cindy and Shari.
Russell calls keyboardist Brooks Tower one of the most gifted musicians he’s ever met, even though he’s had no formal training in the instrument.
Some of the other performers include wind quartet SAUCIE, Will and Brad on violin and guitar, Carole on clarinet, and Celtic band Yaldi. (Yaldi is a Scottish slang interjection meaning joy).
The newest addition to the annual concert lineup will be St. Andrew’s own Rev. Matthew Heesing, who plays the violin. Heesing will be accompanied by his wife Marlee on piano.
Admission is free with a non-perishable food donation. Monetary donations will be accepted as well, and will go to the Cochrane Activettes food drive.
When asked how they arrived at the food bank as the charity to support, Russell replied, “We do what we can, don’t we?”
“Love and music, man, love and music.”
