Lennie Gallant is a prolific East Coast songwriter with a career spanning fifteen albums of original songs, celebrated with numerous awards and nominations from the JUNOs, Les Prix Éloizes, and The ECMAs. His music is revered for its poetic storytelling and emotional depth, capturing “true slices of life” with a rugged sensibility.
Notably, his song “Peter’s Dream,” tackling ocean conservation, was honored in the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
A member of The Order of Canada, Lennie Gallant is not only recognized for his musical achievements but also applauded for his humanitarian contributions.
Lennie will be playing at Stanfest in Canso, NS, through the weekend of July 25-28.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey everybody… For those who don’t know, I am a songwriter performer from PEI and have been writing and recording music professionally for quite some time. I released my first album in 1988 and now have 16 out there, mostly in English, but a handful in French (recently as Sirene et Matelot ). I have been fortunate to play on stages in many parts of the world and with several symphony orchestras as well as with many talented East Coast musicians. Won some awards and got to work with wonderful people near and far, such as Measha Bruggergosman, The Rankins, Ron Hynes, Bruce Guthro, Stan’s son and brother, David Foster, and most recently Jimmy Buffett on his last album. I have been fortunate to play Stanfest many times with my wonderful band and my partner Patricia, and am really looking forward to returning this summer!
What does it mean to you to perform at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, a festival known for its dedication to celebrating songwriters?
I believe Canada has made a massive contribution to popular music in the world. When you ask songwriters who their biggest influencers were, the names that often come up are Canadian songwriters who worked in the folk music genre at one time or another. Writers such as Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Serge Fiori, Gilles Vigneault, Bruce Cockburn, Sarah McLachlan, and of course, Stan Rogers, to name but a few.It’s really amazing that a country with a relatively small population has had such an impact and influence globally in terms of writing songs in this genre. I think it’s I think it’s fantastic that we have a festival that recognizes how important songwriting and in particular folk songs have been in our history.
As part of a festival that honors the legacy of Stan Rogers, how do you incorporate storytelling into your performances to connect with the audience on a deeper level?
-I have written many story songs throughout my career. I feel stories are a way to really connect with people on a deep level. Good stories have played an important role in the history of man from the time of first gathering around campfires to present-day stadium concerts. People love a good story and if you give it a melody and rhythm it can become timeless and last through the ages. I love it when people tell me that my songs have affected them and been part of important moments in their lives. Sometimes it’s a wedding or the loss of a friend, a moment of overcoming hard times, or perhaps celebrating something. Good stories can take you places you never thought of and see things from someone else’s perspective. While it’s not all I do, I think I’ll always want to write story songs.
Stanfest is known for its intimate and community-oriented atmosphere. How does performing in such a setting differ from larger venues or other festivals you’ve played at?
I grew up in a village very much like Canso in many ways, so being here is kinda like being home in Rustico. We have had many of the same issues with the fishing industry and are both small towns, watch out for your neighbour-type communities. You can feel the community vibe here like you can in the village I’m from on PEI’s north shore. I’ve often said it’s the kind of attitude we need more in the world in general. It’s a small planet. In the end, the only way it’s gonna work for anyone is if it works for all.
What new projects or upcoming releases are you working on, and will Stanfest attendees get a preview of any new material during your set?
Yes… We have just released a new Sirene et Matelot francophone album, and I was fortunate to write and sing a couple with Jimmy Buffett on his last album just before he left us. In addition to this, I am presently getting ready to go into the studio to record a new English album, and am excited about that. I will likely be doing something from these recent endeavours.
The festival is kicking off with “The Circle Continues – Stanfest Celebrates Bruce Guthro.” What’s your favourite song by Bruce?
There are so many great Bruce Guthro songs. Falling is a masterpiece and I always get the chills when I hear him sing his song about Stan. Lately, I am super impressed with his song about Vincent Coleman, the telegraph operator/ train dispatcher who saved many lives during the Halifax Explosion by staying behind and giving his own to warn a train full of people of the impending disaster. A powerful song!
Collaboration is a big part of the folk music tradition. Are there any artists on this year’s lineup that you’re particularly excited to collaborate with or watch perform?
There are many artists on the bill that it would be fun to collaborate with and a number with which I have done so already. You never know what a conversation over a few 2:00 AM beer and lobster might bring about.