Scotland-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter David Francey is considered one of Canada’s finest tunesmiths and a champion of the Everyman. According to the Edmonton Journal, “He is admired for his less-is-more approach to writing,” adding “It’s amazing how he manages to address deep stuff with such spare ingredients.”
For decades Francey worked across Canada in rail yards, at construction sites, and throughout the Yukon bush. During all that time he wrote volumes of poetry, setting it to melodies in his head and singing to himself as he worked.
An authentic folk singer, Francey is a documentarian of the working person who never imagined earning a living from his music. But when he was in his 40s, his wife, artist (and bee specialist) Beth Girdler, encouraged him to share his songs and sing in public. His new career took flight and thirteen very successful albums later, he’s one of the best-known folk singers around.
“I spent most of my working life in construction,” he said. “A second career in music came as a wonderful surprise.”
Part of a family of hard workers, sitting still was not an option. He recalls his mother’s habit of tapping him on his head, remarking “There’s no rest for the wicked.” That memory inspired him to write the song, “Time for the Wicked to Rest.”
Winner of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Juno Award, the prestigious SOCAN Folk Music Award, he also took home the Grand Prize in both the International Acoustic Music Award and the John Lennon Songwriting Award.
In concert, Francey is a singer and storyteller extraordinaire. His wry humor and astute observations combined with his open-hearted singing style have earned him a loyal following.
After his performance in Bishop Hill, he travels to Minnesota, and then in late February, he will play to packed houses in Australia. Returning home to Canada for several concerts in April, he is off to Ireland in June. Crisscrossing the continent, his clear, simple songs speak volumes to his followers everywhere.
When he is not writing or performing, Francey spends time in his workshop, with his favorite acrylic paints.
“The other day I was painting, and it just wasn’t coming together,” he said. “I didn’t want to waste the canvas, so I covered the whole thing in black. Then, it all made sense, and I created one of my best works yet.”
He plans to showcase his art on his website soon.
John Taylor, who brings talent from all over the world to the small village of Bishop Hill is delighted to bring Francey to the Commons. He is also very happy that the Feb. 5 performance will be opened by the Nova Scotia talent, Terra Spencer.
“Her on-stage ease and homespun wit make each show seem like a conversation with each audience member,” said Taylor, describing the performer as having a butterscotch voice, deft fingerstyle guitar, and gospel-charged piano.
Spencer and Francey often perform together, providing a double treat for the listener.
Funeral director turned singer/songwriter, Spencer performs works from her award-winning albums in the Midwest, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. In between concerts, she holds online and in-person workshops for inspiring songwriters.
According to Francey, “Terra Spencer is a sparklingly intelligent writer, open-hearted, insightful and eloquent. As natural a poet as ever put pen to paper and a soul as beautiful as her melodies would imply.”
The Feb. 5 concert begins at 6 pm with a potluck. “The meal is optional but is a great chance to meet others in the audience and maybe even share a meal with the artist,” says Taylor. “It also helps ensure the artist won’t have to eat a meal from a gas station.”
The Commons provides plates, bowls, silverware, napkins, and serving spoons.
“Feel free to bring anything you like, whether it’s an entrée, appetizer, dessert, or drink to share,” Taylor said.
Music begins at 7 pm and there is a suggested donation of $25 – $35. To make certain seats are available, tickets can be purchased at www.xroadscc.org/events.
