Exposed in public

Prolific songwriter Dan Frechette releases his first solo live recording

Local singer-songwriter Dan Frechette emerges from the woods with a smile on his face and, no doubt, a song in his heart.

Dan Frechette, one of Winnipeg’s foremost songwriters, will be releasing a CD of live recordings at the Times Change(d) on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The recording, Dan Frechette – Performer, features solo performances on harmonica and guitar by the Winnipeg troubadour.

“Most of the people over the years have been whispering to me that they would prefer to have a solo recording, since I usually play solo when I’m live, as opposed to in a band. I’m happy to offer something that is just me and still has a full sound.”
Frechette’s decision to release these recordings, which were recorded in 2006 and 2007, was a practical one.

“In the summer I broke my wrist out at the lake and was in a cast for two months. Since I wasn’t able to play, I decided to compile some of my archives. It took the whole summer to do and I came up with 2,600 recordings. Everything under the sun.”

[My wrist] was in a cast for two months. Since I wasn’t able to play I decided to compile some of my archives.

Dan Frechette, musician

Known as a prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Frechette has played upright bass, dobro and mandolin on previous recordings.

In this latest release, he focuses on guitar and harmonica, which arguably portrays him as a folk performer and shows his interest in the traditional folk genre.

“My big heroes have always been Woody Guthrie and John Lennon – people whose lyrics said things that were brutally honest and made people stand and look at themselves or rethink their own beliefs or motives.”

“Lately I’m listening to Cannon’s Jug Stompers and a vast variety of old blues from the ‘20s,” Frechette responded, when asked about what inspires him musically. “I still love the great melody writers from the early pop era, Dixieland, jazz and the upbeat pop of the mid-‘60s.”

Frechette starting playing guitar in 1989 and has been playing music all his life. He has toured throughout Europe, as well as all over the U.S. and Canada.

Frechette currently resides in St. Boniface, and is working to book next year’s shows. In the meantime, his calendar is peppered with a healthy amount of upcoming shows in Winnipeg, just to keep him busy.

Published in Volume 64, Number 8 of The Uniter (October 22, 2009)

Related Reads