Cathy Dobson
It’s finally here, Sarnia.
The music video featuring Mike Stevens’ affectionate ode to his hometown is already being widely shared on social media.
And on May 20, Stevens’ 13th album entitled ‘Breathe In the World, Breathe Out Music,’ will be released on Stony Plain Records.
‘Livin’ In Sarnia’ is the album’s third track and the harmonica virtuoso’s salute to the city. Co-written with bluesman Matt Anderson, it reflects Stevens’ love for his community, its beauty, and the roots he’s put down, he said.
Because he prides himself on “keeping it real,” the song also embraces the fact a big chunk of Canada’s petrochemical industry is located here.
Using his unique skill of forming words while breathing in and out on the harmonica, he sings: “I’m living in Sarnia and I’m living there still; If the air don’t get me, then the French fries will.”
“It’s meant to be funny as well as honest,” he said. “Everyone knows we live in Chemical Valley and our air quality does suck some days, but it does not define us.
“Same with the fries under the bridge,” he added. “If you ever leave Sarnia and you come back, you’re probably going to try to find fries. Those things are real.”
Stevens has toured professionally for 35 years, performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Grand Ole Opry more than 300 times. Yet he keeps finding new ways to express himself in multiple music genres.
For the ‘Livin’ In Sarnia’ video he worked with pal Richard Beland, a music photographer and prof at Lambton College. During the summer of 2020 they invited dozens of local residents to spend a day dancing to the song on Christina Street. They also taped at familiar spots around the city and Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
“We did it to make people happy and to be a distraction during the pandemic,” Stevens said. “We tried all these impossible things and produced something that makes you feel proud of Sarnia.”
Throughout it all, he was fighting late-stage Lyme disease, which caused serious physical problems and impacted his cognitive abilities.
“You wouldn’t know by looking at me that I have it now, but my memory is the worst,” he said.
He powered through the recordings with the help of musicians Polly Harris, Cory James Mitchell, Kevin Breit, Jeff Getty, Jesse Wells, Art Hratchian and Jeff Bird.
On four tracks, Stevens provides the vocals - something he infrequently does. Even some previously recorded songs came out fresh because of his memory impairment.
“I was just reacting to what was there in the moment,” he said. “It wasn’t about muscle memory, or licks, or things I’d thought about, or lines or anything. It was strictly reactionary.”
The album’s eclectic style includes the reggae-tinged ‘Like A Little Bird,’ the funky ‘Bad in a Good Way,’ and the bluegrassy ‘Grumbling Old Man, Grumbling Old Woman.’ A few cover songs mixed in are unlikely candidates for the harmonica, including The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and Amazing Grace.
What stands out on the new album is its danceability, Stevens said.
“The entire record grooves really hard. That’s what I like about it,” he said. “It’s super unique.”
Stevens’ health is steadily improving and he will soon start touring to support the record with Tillsonburg musicians Darrin and Alison Schott.
A record release is planned for Sarnia, with no date yet announced.
‘Breathe In the World, Breathe Out Music’ is available for pre-order at Stony Plain Records. Here’s the link to the’ Livin’ In Sarnia’ video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=liHU7dU7eMY&feature=youtu.be
The Arts Journal is all about Sarnia’s cultural fabric. Send your ideas to [email protected].