René Huard Shares New Album, Blues Calling
Niagara-based artist René Huard is a multi-talented veteran on the Canadian roots music scene. A performer for over 40 years, Huard was a member of the Meteors, a Fort Erie-based blues band that had the opportunity to open for blues legends such as James Cotton, Long John Baldry, and Downchild Blues Band.
Huard has the esteemed distinction of being among the performers at the first annual Ottawa Blues Festival. As a multi-talented musician, Huard is not only a masterful vocalist and songwriter, he performs on harmonica, guitar, and piano. In addition to his extensive musical career, Huard may be familiar as a former Reality TV host on the programs Antique Hunter & Antique Style.
Produced by Jack de Keyzer, and with an insanely talented team of musicians behind him, René Huard has unveiled his newest offering, Blues Calling. The album features 12 original tracks, showcasing Huard’s prowess as a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and harmonica player. Other talented musicians on Blues Calling include Jack de Keyzer on guitar, Alec Fraser Jr. on bass, Al Cross on drums and percussion, Eric Lambier on keyboard, and Richard Thornton on percussion.
“The virtues of a lifetime of labour pale with the passing years, in a tsunami of body ache and regret. I have found these pearls therapeutic. It is never too early, nor, too late to awaken to one’s true purpose. Do what you love, and you’ll never have to work another day in your life.” says Huard.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Where is that dang C.V. when you need it? Well, that will cover what I’ve been “ doing “ for the last 40 years. Who am I? Besides having a lifelong love of music, parlayed that passion into a career of sorts, the proverbial long and winding road, with many detours. Like the black crow, renaissance man cannot resist the shiny object. Avid reader, swimmer, woodcarving craftsman, vinyl record collector, antique hunter, and reality T.V. host ( sounds like I found that C.V. eh? ) I’m a seeker at a stage in my life where more music would be the best thing for my heart & soul. I’m prioritizing wellness, ( as I cope with osteo/arthritic issues ), sexy huh?
So, top of the hierarchy of needs, be kind to myself and others!
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
BLUES CALLING, is the record that almost did not get made. Alec Fraser Jr and I began pre-production, demo recording, and arranging in 2014, and through to 2019. I had a lot of self-penned songs, but not all made the final cut. Booked studio time in T.O. Alec to produce & play bass, Jack de Keyzer, guitar, Gary Craig, and drums, then Covid arrived, and everything we planned ground to a halt. Three years later, in 2022/23, we re-assemble, the same A-team ready to roar, get a call from Alec the night before the session, “ the studio computer system has crashed,” must scrub the mission. Before I had too much time to stew in my disappointment, Jack de Keyzer offered to record the sessions in his home studio, he will produce, Alec on bass, and Al Cross brought in for the ailing Gary Craig. We recorded LIVE off the floor, 3 days X 6 hr sessions, with a minimum of overdub sessions. Most fun I ever had in a recording studio, and I swear, I can hear it in the tracks.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
There are books written, and I’ve read more than a few on “the process “. If there is anything “ typical “, it is the A-typical. I am highly instinctual and intuitive in my process, patient, listening closely for clues that may come from anywhere at any time, conversations, news headlines, books I’m reading, a film, a cataclysmic or joyful emotional experience. It’s a full-time job, that does not pay the bills, but, when the confluence of inspiration collides with the many hours of preparation, (many file folders of lyric threads and notes, and always writing music passages, and riffs), I shepherd this scattered flock along, leading them, and me somewhere, neither of us knows exactly because the magic happens when it’s ready. It’s not always gold on the first draft, but I’m a big fan of editing as much as I feel it may need.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
Rehearsing a touring band to support the LP, ( Rick Taylor, guitar, Louie De Francesco, drums, Jeff Muir, bass). We’ve played out in some local Niagara Region clubs, honing our performance in a casual way. Planning CD Release Event, a “cut for cut“ show of the entire record, sometime soon.
Will shoot a video to support the single & LP title BLUES CALLING, Chris Darton producer/director. Chris has shot a blues documentary film for Gary Kendal, Danny Brooks, and some feature films and has a King Biscuit Boy pet project he’s been chipping away at.
Everything is still pretty embryonic at this stage, to be clear on my intentions, styling a live show, aimed for concert venues, soft seaters, blues festivals, and those unique venues where fans of roots music go to hear it LIVE and support the artists, maybe buy a CD, even if they
haven’t had a working CD player in years. Sure they could easily download it or stream it for a fraction of the $20 CD price, but, is that any kind of “experience“?
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Long time ago….but, performing at the First Ottawa Blues Festival, helped me define my purpose and dedication to the blues/roots. Being among such esteemed legends of the genre, knowing, despite my lack of blues street creds at the time, there was a place for me on that stage. Life-changing event!
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Good question, it’s tough for me to comment on upcoming bands because to be honest, I tend to insulate myself from a lot of what’s sprouting in the field. Frankly, it’s overwhelming, so many brilliant artists, and I do suffer from comparitve-itis. Ooooh, spell check did not like that word one bit. I go to my vinyl record vaults, to the originators as much as possible, in many
genres, world beat, reggae bluegrass, delta blues, texas, swamp, cajun, and of course Chicago. My favourite record right now? ‘ Jimmie Vaughan’s STRANGE PLEASURE (1994 release). This tasty morsel of Texas toast reminds me how great blues guitar can be, and, the blues as a songwriter’s chosen style, can be fruitful without being strictly derivative. Beautiful Nile Rogers production.