Musician's latest CD his best

Page 9

In Paul Chaput's second CD, Old Lovers, the Metis musician really lets his roots shine through in a lot of his songs.

Chaput, who has been performing for more than 30 years, expresses harmony between men and women, between people and Mother Nature and between the instruments he and his accompanists play.

The opening track, Rosie, really shows what 30 years of playing can produce.

There is great composition in his music and the instruments belong together, something Chaput discusses in his CD notes, which talk a lot about the relationship that we humans share with nature.

"Living in harmony with nature simultaneously fosters a respect for all creation and a clear sense of interdependence, security and peace," Chaput wrote. "The path of harmony is not always comfortable or easy, but it is sound and proven."

Chaput also brings his Metis heritage to the forefront on songs such as The Power of the Circle and Lament of the Child, which both use traditional drums. His culture is also apparent in a lot of his lyrics about nature, which again reveal his experience, as they are very well done and fit with his playing style. He shows it off on the tracks Wave to Your Land and Done so Easily, both of which have lyrics that are deep, and instruments that sound very warm.

Those who may be looking for deep lyrics about nature and relationships will find them on this CD.

Chaput will do more than please fans of blues, jazz and folk music.

Even music fans who aren't into this type of music will find something to like on this album because it's a very well done CD that shows off great musicianship. Anyone who knows music will love the composition and sound.

Chaput, who is from St. Adolphe Man., has been performing and writing music since 1965. His first CD called Sweet Rain, White Lights, Red Blues received two nominations at the 2002 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in the categories of Best Male Artist and Best Folk Album.

Chaput is a man of eclectic interests.

Apart from being a songwriter, radio and television host and narrator, he is a founding member of the Metis Nation of Ontario, chairman of Toronto's Metis Artists Collective, and he works as a facilitator/negotiator between the federal government and First Nations.

Chaput is executive director of the annual Metis Arts Festival, which hosted Evolution of the Voyageur at Black Creek Pioneer Village in July.

The past two years, he has lectured in ethnomusicology and Native studies at universities. Chaput also carves and writes poetry in his free time.

In 1995, Chaput received the Star of Courage from then-governor general Romeo LeBlanc for his efforts in rescuing people from a fire in downtown Toronto.

Old Lovers was launched in Toronto Sept. 9 at The Rivoli.