Two of Canada’s finest country musicians from Morinville are heading to Country Music Week. Held in Halifax from Sept. 10 to 13, it is this year’s hotspot for the Canadian Country Music Awards.
Bass player Travis Switzer and drummer Chad Melchert are nominated in the All Star Band Awards for their respective instruments.
Melchert won the All Star Band Award – Drums in 2012 and 2014. Switzer also picked up two trophies concurrently in 2013 and 2014 for the All Star Band Award – Bass.
“It’s a total honour,” said Switzer. “It’s not something you plan for. You go out and do the best you can and if you get nominated that’s great. But when it does happen, it’s nice. Not all awards shows recognize musicians, but the Canadian Country Music Association does a nice job of putting everyone – the artist and musicians – on the same level.”
Melchert added, “I like that at the end of the year, a nomination is a good reflection of the body of work you’ve done. And when you get nominated, it says you’re doing the right things.”
Melchert is part of the Gord Bamford camp and spent a large part of the year recording and touring with the award-winning artist. Bamford is planning a foray into the massive American market and recently recorded a full-length album.
“It’s been a slow summer, but next year will be crazy,” Melchert said adding that a Canadian tour is in the works for 2016.
The freelance studio drummer, who clearly favours session gigs, also put his sticks to work for George Canyon, Beverly Mahood, Brett Kissel, Jess Moskaluke and the Boom Chucka Boys.
Switzer instead turned his attention to Deric Ruttan and was on the road for MacKenzie Porter and Jason Blaine. Porter has made headlines as a rising star and as sister to Kalen Porter, the 2004 Canadian Idol winner.
One of Switzer’s most enjoyable gigs this year was filling in for Dallas Smith’s bassist Scott Cooke for five shows while the band was on tour.
“He’s (Dallas Smith) really done well this year and it was a fun experience,” Switzer said.
When not on the road, Switzer continued to polish his chops recording demo tapes and DVDs for other country and blues artists.
In addition to the nominations, both Morinville musicians are tapped to play at industry dinners, public events and private gigs. Bamford will sing during the nationally televised CCMA Awards Show on Sunday, Sept. 13 and Melchert will provide backup.
The televised gala event will air on CBC at 8 p.m.
