Country troubadour meets classical Pro Coro

Jim Reader, a true blue cowboy folk singer, is not someone who immediately comes to mind when pairing an act with professional chamber choir Pro Coro.

After all, is it even possible to blend a curly classical motet with tunes about cowboys riding the vast range before fences were built?

“Why not?” asks Reader, a troubadour who has sung cowboy folk on and off for the past 35 years. “If Ian Tyson can play with the symphony, I can play with Pro Coro.”

The Saskatchewan-based troubadour plays predominantly in the United States. In 2011 he won the Western CD of the Year from the National Traditional Country Association in large part for a unique pickin’ style that’s been described as a cross between Chet Atkins and James Taylor.

But on Sunday he saddles up with Pro Coro at the newly constructed Morinville Community Cultural Centre for a ride back in time.

Reader and the full 24-member choir, also consisting of St. Albert’s Trent Worthington and Carol Kube, are supported by Josh McHan (bass), John Calverly (fiddle) and Ron King (mandolin), another local musician.

Worthington has arranged a half-dozen of the Saskatchewan troubadour’s songs for them to sing. As an added educational component, Reader is preparing an audiovisual presentation with 218 PowerPoint slides depicting the lyrics.

“This is going to be a peach to do. Not many singers have the opportunity to sing with a world class choir,” Reader chuckles.

Worthington first met Reader during a jam session at an old farmhouse and was impressed by his talent and the message of his songs.

“When you listen to his music and words, it’s about a code of conduct, how we should treat each other. His songs are about a time when all you needed was a handshake and your word was trusted. It translates into how we should behave.”

Pro Coro also sings a set with three school choirs: Laura Winsor leading the Notre Dame School from Morinville, Michael Kurschat with Camilla School from Riviere Qui Barre, and Darwin Krips guiding Sturgeon Composite High.

“Pro Coro is based in Edmonton. For us to come to Morinville is outside our normal audience. We didn’t want to sing stuffy choral music. We wanted to meet the community on the same level. The school choirs bring music to families and Jim’s music is good, down to earth music that will have a very meaningful message and is very worthwhile.”