Society classes Russell deCarle, 70, as a senior. However, deCarle, who shot to international fame as a founding member of country roots band Prairie Oyster, has no plans to retire.
He’s too busy criss-crossing the country promoting a solo career that blends an eclectic mix of Western swing, blues, jazz, country, rockabilly, R&B and Latin. As part of seven-city tour across Western Canada, deCarle will stop by the Arden Theatre on Thursday, July 6 to launch the summer Plaza Series.
This year the recording artist celebrates his 51st year on the road, and he remains at the top of his game.
“I never think of retiring. I have more fun than I ever did. I’m more creative and I sing better than ever,” said deCarle in a telephone interview from his 125-acre farm in Janetville, Ontario. “I have energy, touch wood. I have my health and I still have a lot to do. And I love being on the road.”
The respected singer-songwriter earned a loyal following during his two stints with Prairie Oyster, first from 1974 to 1978, and again for a more commercially successful second run from 1982 to 1996. In addition, to writing a number of top 10 singles and releasing eight top-selling albums, the band received six Juno Awards and 11 Canadian Country Music Awards.
Although proud of his achievements with Prairie Oyster, deCarle put that phase of his musical career in the rear-view mirror.
“My solo music was not a big departure from Prairie Oyster. We were eclectic and true to ourselves. But it was time to tell my own stories," he said. I tell stories about a variety of things. I’m emotionally connected to everything I do, and I have a story for every song. One of the great things about doing your own thing is having a huge repertoire.”
As well as an extensive catalogue from Prairie Oyster, deCarle has released three albums as a solo artist. Under the Big Big Sky, an ode to Alberta and its warm welcome from local fans, was released in 2010. Live at Loud Mouse Studios followed in 2014 and Alone in This Crowd was issued in 2017. He is also working on a new album titled End of the Road, an autobiographical narrative of his life.
In 2004, deCarle hired guitarist Steve Briggs for a tour he’d planned with Merle Haggard. The event was “life-changing.” Briggs is one of his favourite players and is a regular. He is part of deCarle’s support team on his western tour along with guitarist Paul Pigat and bassist Jeremy Holmes.
At the Plaza Series, deCarle plans to sing a mix of Prairie Oyster and solo-career songs.
“I rarely use a set list. I like to play it by ear. In doing my own show, I get to pick my own material. I get to tell my own story.”
The Russell deCarle concert starts Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on St. Albert Place Outdoor Plaza. Single tickets are $15 and a VIP table for six is $120. Call 780-459-1542 or visit tickets.stalbert.ca.
