Don Messer: His Land and His Music

19711 h 9 min 45 secFilm: Documentary

G

Direction: Martin Defalco

Production: Martin DefalcoGeorge Pearson

Script: Martin Defalco

Don Messer: His Land and His Music celebrates the king of Maritime fiddling. It's 1969, and Messer's band is on a poignant, cross-Canada farewell tour. Poignant, because CBC-TV has just announced the cancellation of the long-running Don Messer's Jubilee. But if Messer's upset, he isn't showing it. Instead, he's in top form, packing them in from Halifax to Whitehorse: one curling rink, hockey arena and small-town theatre after another. More than a musician, Don Messer was a genuine folk icon, idolized by millions of fans who felt as though they knew him personally. Although he died in 1973, Messer has remained a vital presence in Canadian music. Fiddlers continue to be inspired by his old-time style. Don Messer: His Land and His Music marries cinematic innovation with irresistible, toe-tapping music - taking us on the road, into the studio and backstage with a one-of-a-kind, fun-loving band.

Subject categories


  • Music > Country MusicPortraits

Credits


director
Martin Defalco
producer
Martin Defalco
writer
Martin Defalco
executive producer
George Pearson
photography
Tony Ianzelo
sound
Hans Oomes
editing
Martin Defalco
Lucien Marleau
George Pearson
sound editing
Lucien Marleau
re-recording
George Croll
Ted Haley