Gig review, Maple Creek News by Marcus Day Greg Herman likes to take his audience on a journey. In Maple Creek last night, the singer-songwriter led listeners along drought ridden landscapes, wind - swept prairies, wide rivers and historic railroads. It was as if he were turning the pages of a novella recording a world that rustic folk will recognize. Added to this are tales of romance, a love of movies, and a tribute to Dad, his mentor and source of strength. For many, this was the emotional high point of a thouroughly entertaining and thought provoking evening. Herman, who comes from a family ranch north of Medicine Hat, performed to more than 30 people at the Jasper Cultural and Historical Centre on Thursday, February 16. He played two 45 minute sets featuring self-penned, well-crafted compositions. Songs included 1935 - based on a photograph of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 30's - One Day Closer, Let it Blow, Don't Mind If You Do, Little Did I Know, Best Movie Ever, and It's OK. Following The Rail reflected an interest in history, inspired by William Cousins, who arrived in Medicine Hat in 1883, and became one of the first merchants in the area, and was mayor in 1907-1908. Although most of the songs struck a thoughtful tone in the traditional style of a guitar playing folk-singer, Herman also threw in a swing tune, and a waltz. There was even a cover: Gordon Lightfoot's Early Morning Rain, which contained the refrain " I best be on my way in the early morning rain. By the time the Jasper audience were on their way, Herman had added to his growing fan base. He would certainly be welcomed back to Maple Creek in a song beat.
Active as a musician since 1985, Greg writes about the land, family, history and any ideas he can catch. Home is the family ranch north of Medicine Hat.
A Mercury Zephyr, Peavey T20 bass, and a hundred pound Yamaha amp were the tools to get started at the Medicine Hat Elks club, with an old time band, Common Country. A hard lesson that first night, I did very little right, but as mature musicians always are, the group was very encouraging. This was a great education as recently my interest has swung back to old time flatpicking, becoming more part of the set.
After a year with Common Country, Tim invited me to play with his band Wichita, a well known group on the club circuit in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Tim was gracious in letting me play drums, guitar or whatever spot was needed. Some recording with the band and playing on Tim’s record started an interest in writing, which continues to this day. More recently, and thanks to Ye Olde Jar Bar, and Liquid Listening Lounge in Med. Hat, I've been fortunate to open for Martyn Joseph, Garnet Rogers, Russell DeCarle, Andrea Ramolo, and Lennie Gallant.
Since 2015 my focus has been playing mostly my own songs when and wherever possible, between spending time with my family and helping to operate the ranch.