Window On The West Performers

AL KELSALL

My name is Al Kelsall and I'm the guy that's writing all of these words for you.
I have been in the music business since I got my first guitar back '69. By early 1971 I had received my first paycheck for playing music. What an incredible feeling that was! "What!?! You can get paid for this?" 

In 1972 I was fortunate enough to cross paths with some wonderful songwriters and performers who would go on to be Canadian legends in their own rights: David Essig, Ken & Chris Whiteley and the incomparable Willie P Bennett. It was there in the jams, the gigs and the shows, that I began to hone my own abilities as a song writer.

The 70’s were the bluegrass years. I was the guitar flatpicker as well as the dobro player for the legendary Fabulous Duck Brothers bluegrass band in Ontario.

The 80’s were the rock and blues years. Three out of the four 'Ducks' joined the Hawkins brothers and drummer, Jeremy Thomas to become the "QT Hush Rollin' Rockin' Blues Show", a six piece effort that made a quite a name for themselves.

These days, it's a mix of all those years and experiences. It's heartfelt music and it comes from firsthand experience . . . and we all know what experience is . . . it's what you get right after you needed it!

Joining me this year will be an old friend . . . I just met. I love it when that happens! Kenny Pederson from Black Diamond, Alberta is a terrific singer and songwriter as well. Once you've heard "Victims of Circumstance", you'll know what I'm talking about.

Homegrown music, with sugar sweet harmonies, served with a healthy dose of flat-picked guitar, dobro and bass.

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