Road Poets gather no dust

They’re a well travelled roots music trio but seldom do the independent paths of the Road Poets cross in Kamloops.

After a tour across Canada then to Europe, Gary Fjellgaard, Saskia Munroe and Darrel de la Ronde reunite on stage Feb. 5 at the North Shore Community Centre.

“It’s was a crazy year and this year is quickly turning into something similar, but we love it,” Munro said from Courtenay, where she lives with de la Ronde.

Munroe and de la Ronde first connected with Fjellgaard when they lived in Revelstoke six years ago. All three are veteran Western Canadian musicians with some common roots.

Munroe, born in Holland, grew up in northern B.C. and honed her voice in country bands and coffee houses. De la Ronde hails from rural northern Saskatchewan and left home as soon as he could hitchike. He cut his musical teeth in B.C. country rock bands in the 1970s.

Eventually their paths crossed, beginning an enduring musical and life partnership. Their debut duo album, Laura’s Kitchen, included a batch of collaborative songs with artists including Fjellgaard, Ken Hamm, Nathan Tinkham (Undertakin’ Daddies), Alison Humphries and Nolan Murray (Tiller’s Folly). The album earned nominations for album of the year and aboriginal artist of the year (reflecting de la Ronde’s Métis roots) in 2008.

Fjellgaard, also from Saskatchewan originally, worked as a faller out of Prince George before his musical career developed. His traditional western style fits him like a well-worn saddle. His rustic and romantic lyrics are drawn from the experience of living on the land. Munroe and De la Ronde find similar inspiration and their harmonies blend well with Fjellagaard’s voice.

“It’s worked out good for him and it’s worked out good for us,” she said. “There’s something really cool about the harmonies and arrangements,” she said. “It really goes well because I used to Swiss yodel, so now we yodel in harmony.”

What’s the difference between a Swiss yodel and cowboy yodel? Is it all in the lederhosen? The close-fitting cowboy boots? Tight jeans?

“It’s got to be what you wear,” she joked. “It’s a higher yodel. It’s really hard to tell the difference.”

There must be a resonance to their voices because they’ve had standing ovations all over, from locales as varied as Prince Edward Island and Switzerland.

When not on the road, the duo of Munroe and De la Ronde divide their time between the Island and Saskatchewan, his home province.

On this particular day the Puntledge River through Courtenay is ready to burst its banks after a freakish coincidence of record snowfall and El Nino warmth.

“It’s just amazing people haven’t started building arks,” Munro said.

That image brings to mind the couple’s latest recording, Sailing Saskatchewan, a title that poetically ties together their two homes.

“You see the grass waving in summer and it’s just one ocean of wheat.”

The duo last performed here at the Barnhartvale coffee house last year. Fjellgaard was here in November with Valdy, doing their duo act as The Contenders at Sagebrush Theatre. He recently released All in a Journey, his 12th recording. True to form, he sings of the cowboy, the long ride, Bill Miner and Horses in Heaven.

Next Friday’s concert is a steal of a deal — all three for $20.

“In order to get full houses, you have to be present, you have to stay on the scene,” Munroe said of the winter tour. “The other thing is, we love the people.”

INCONCERT

WHO: The Road Poets

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: North Shore Community Centre, 452 — 730 Cottonwood Ave.

TICKETS: $20 ($5 discount for members), available in advance at the centre or at the door

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