At 70 years of age, country musician Paul Valdemar Horsdal, commonly known as Valdy, still believes he's got what it takes to be a touring musician and based on his track record it's easy to see why.
With 14 albums, 22 singles, four gold records and two Juno awards, it's clear the man knows a thing or two about making music.
Perhaps that's why his latest album, set to be released at the end of October, is called Contenders Three: Off The Floor.
It is the third album he has recorded with fellow Canadian musician Gary Fjellgaard, a country singer and songwriter who has released 15 albums of his own.
“When we started playing together, Gary had written a song called ‘Contender’ because we are still contenders, in other words, we’re not ready to quit just yet, even though there’s a bunch of people waiting to take the mics away from us,” said Horsdal.
The new album includes 12 tracks and was recorded live in a studio in Duncan, B.C. over a three-month period.
“There are more covers on this than anything I’ve ever recorded,” said Horsdal.
“We decided rather than just write our own stuff and put it on there, let’s do songs that people have been wanting us to play.”
One of those covers includes “Sin City”, which was originally performed by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Another cover song includes “Rider in the Rain” by Randy Newman.
One of Horsdal’s original tracks is a tribute to Canadian legend, Stompin’ Tom Connors, called “Oh Tom, We Miss You,” while Fjellgaard penned a song called “On the Riverfront,” which is a tribute to an Aboriginal friend.
“We chose songs that we’re comfortable with, that we like the content of,” said Horsdal.
Horsdal first played in Jasper in the late 70s at the Astoria Hotel and even skied at Marmot Basin in his younger days. He also has fond memories of Whistlers Hostel, where he would stay as he passed through town when it was too cold to stay in his van.
As a two time Juno award winner and seven-time nominee, he took some time to reflect on his success during a telephone interview from his home on Salt Spring Island, B.C.
“It’s certainly not a be all end all, but it is a milestone and it’s a mark of honour,” said Horsdal.
“It also shows you’re in the game and you’re in the mainstream. You’ll notice I haven’t had a nomination for about 20 years,” he said with a chuckle.
Despite the lack of attention he’s received from pundits, he isn’t slowing down with 16 shows booked across Canada, including a show at the Jasper Legion on Oct. 18.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
