Schanzenfeld is a small (used to be smaller) village that lies approximately five miles south of Winkler, Manitoba. A 100 acre yard (if you include the pasture) was as close to a playground-paradise that a young boy could ask for. It is here where I learned about work (flat-bottom grain bins don’t shovel themselves you know). It is here where I learned about play. A yard light pole was home-base and games of hide-and-seek always came to a close the same way; a chorus of mothers’ voices calling us to our respective homes. Each family knew each other, and a sugar-shortage was solved simply with a walk next door, empty cup in hand.
My dad was my hero. My mom was my guardian angel. My younger sister annoyed the hell out of me, but I loved her to death. My older brother... well I couldn’t wait to grow up and be just like him. Sharing a room with him meant that a clock-radio sang me to sleep each night. My lullaby voices? Bob Segar, Elton John, The Eagles, Rod Stewart, Neil Young and even Kenny Rogers. Thanks for being an awesome role model Howard.

As a young boy, I remember spending hours lying beside our huge cabinet record-player trying to emulate my musical heroes. But despite my early love-affair with music, I really only began singing in public at the age of twenty-three. My transition from singing along with, to singing to, involved two key people.
My university room-mate and long-time friend, Arlen Penner, showed me how rewarding writing original material could be. With naïve arrogance we began writing our own songs. Some, horrible and some... well? Pretty decent!

My sister Heather listened to a few of these early works and dared ask the question, “Would you write and sing a song at my wedding?” My response, “Do you really want my first public performance to be at your wedding?” Without a second thought she replied, “Yep.” I am forever grateful Heather! You will never know what that vote of confidence did for me. And to all of you who spoke the words, “Hey, if you ever record a CD, I’ll buy one!” Thanks for your encouragement and for keeping your promise.

I sincerely hope you enjoy Where Wheat Grew Tall!