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The Watson Museum will once again play host to a wonderful concert featuring two well-known Canadian folk and roots artists. Saskatchewan’s Zachary Lucky is touring his way across western Canada with musical compatriot Richard Inman. Inman hails from ranch country in southern Alberta, and the two have crossed paths musically over the years, so it made sense to connect for a leg of this fall’s tour. The pair will be playing their original songs at the Watson Museum on Sunday, September 24.
Zachary Lucky’s throwback roots sound resonates with stories of dusty prairie trails and southern folklore. There are tones of Johnny Cash, a hint of Mississippi Blues, and a melancholy leaning in his finely crafted tunes. Indeed, the shifts in country music leave Lucky sometimes pondering a description of his own catalogue.
“People ask me what kind of music I play, and I sometimes get labelled as country music because the songs sometimes come across that way, but I’ve always considered myself more of a folk singer. I’m a bit more concerned with telling a story of people I meet out on the road. I don’t think that’s what country music is doing these days.”
Lucky lists Texas storytelling bluesmen Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt among his early influences. Bob Dylan’s ability to weave stories in his songs also sparked a number of Lucky’s works. The grandson of country performers, Lucky sees himself as carrying on somewhat of a tradition.
In a similar fashion, Richard Inman has a story teller’s soul. His roots are in gospel music, having grown up in a Mennonite family in southeastern Manitoba. His early influences include the likes of Johnny Cash and George Jones.
“They may not have been great influences when you’re trying to raise Christian kids, but if they’re singing Gospel music, then it can’t be that bad,” laughs Inman. He agrees the Texas duo of Clark and Van Zandt provided a basis for him, but for his money, Kris Kristofferson opened the door to a story telling world and its possibilities.
With musical spirits so in sync, it was almost inevitable that the two would put together a tour where they could play backup on each other's songs, swap them or perform them as duets, depending on how the mood strikes them.
“Richard and I have known each other for a bunch of years, and when your friends are songwriters, you don’t often get to hang out – you just see each other’s faces on posters.”
It was on one of those rare get-togethers, this one at Inman’s home in the Alberta foothills, when the guitars and the playing cards came out that prompted the decision to tour in tandem. The pair has written songs together in the past, and Lucky reckons a few new ones may come out of this tour.
“I think it’s safe to say there’s going to be no set list on this tour, and every night is going to be a bit of a different show,” Lucky says. “I think we’ll start it off with a ceremonial coin toss to see who goes first. It’ll be a bit of a choose your own adventure every night.”
It’s the first time to the Watson area for both performers, and surrounded by the rich history and stories of the Watson region in the museum setting, it’s a visit both artists are looking forward to. Both have a stellar reputation and songwriters, guitar players and story tellers. Don’t miss a chance to hear a pair of talented artists joining creative forces as they make their way on their “Live at the Kitchen Table” tour.
For tickets, call or text 306-287-7130. Don’t delay; seating is limited.
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Copyright 2023 Golden West Broadcasting. All rights reserved.
