Local singers join in 'Not There' CD
CD release will be at a concert Thursday
GUELPH MERCURY - 07/08/05
by Alan Ferris
Sometimes, the stars just seem to align.
As proof, next Thursday at 7:30 p.m., a CD launch concert at Chalmers United Church on Quebec Street will feature a who's who of the area's musical scene.
Sam Turton's latest CD is aimed at getting Guelph to sing a different tune about Wal-Mart.
Many of the 17 musicians and singers who added their voices and their songs to the anti-Wal-Mart compilation will be part of the show.
"It's like our own Guelph Aid," singer-songwriter James Gordon said. "It's a great experience to have all these Guelph musicians from different music genres available at this time of year with all the festivals and shows that are taking place."
Turton, a music producer and songwriter, said sales of the album will help offset the legal costs for Residents for Sustainable Development which Turton says is now the only official Wal-Mart opposition.
"To raise funds and awareness—and express the support of Guelph's rich musical community—I decided to produce this CD. The title track, 'Not There,' was written as a vehicle for many voices."
On the CD, 12 artists use Turton's lyrics to Not There in their own way.
"I am honoured that they have given their time and talents to this song and this benefit compilation," Turton said.
Proceeds from the sale of this CD will go to Residents for Sustainable Development in Guelph to assist in its legal battle against Wal-Mart.
"This is our mini Live 8," Turton said. "We're not telling Wal-Mart to go to Mars, but we want it to stand up and work with the community. It's very much in the Live 8 theme of 'think globally and act locally.'"
The CD includes such familiar local voices as Ken Brown, Nonie Crete, Dave Teichroeb and the Plaster Cowboys, James Gordon, Sandy Horne, House of Velvet, Jiwani, Norman Liota, Andrew McPherson, Craig Norris, Passenger, The Sam Turton Band with Jane Lewis, Heather MacRae, Drew McIvor and Jesse Turton, Tannis Slimmon, Jesse Stewart and Well-Charged.
Many of those artists will be part of the July 14 concert.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available on the Internet at
www.not-there.ca/cd
Tickets are also available at The BookShelf, Thomas Entertainment and Music In Orbit, all in downtown Guelph.
