John & Michele Law

by Sharon Dudka
Copyright 2001 - Cosmic Debris Musicians Magazine - Issue #70 - Dec, 2000

They came out west together with a common desire, each other and escaping cold Ontario winters. Their love for each other and for music has blossomed and matured on our islands. Not only has this duo solidified their relationship, they have laid the groundwork and dedication necessary for success in a very competitive business. Possessed with striking looks, talent, skill and intelligent eyes on the industry, the future of the Laws is indeed bright.

Hot off a successful Canadian tour and the recent release of their awesome CD 'estimated time of arrival', I met with John and Michele Law on the island of Salt Spring where they are now permanently rooted.

Professional, directed, a good sense of humour and a deep abiding respect and love for each other without pretense, apparent both onstage and off, the Laws are well ahead of the five-year-plan they administered when they moved to the west coast in 1995.

From Kingston, Michele grew up in a vocal household, where she states she instinctively sang the harmonies, took some piano lessons and learned to play rhythm guitar.

From Chatham, John got his first guitar from his father, played street-music and in several bands, finally discovering his love for the 'fast picking and tight harmonies' of bluegrass.

At a fate-filled meeting on the Delta Fairgrounds outside of Kingston a harmony of love and music was born and within weeks the decision made for the couple to move out west.

John's abilities were quickly recognized on Vancouver Island and he became a sought-after player, writer and studio musician.

Michele was attending bluegrass 'picks' with John and naturally fell into harmonies and realized that there was a need for bass players. So while John was away gigging, Michele filled her time working on vocals and the bass. Soon both were backing up other musicians.

The couple formed a group, One Track Mind with banjo player Terry Moorehead. The band got plenty of festival work and opened shows for Fred Eaglesmith.

John had already worked with Joe Charron, but when Michele was asked to sing harmony on a song Joe was recording, a connection was made and soon the musicians were a trio working festivals across the country.

After jamming with Tammy Fassaert in the parking lot at the Islands Folk Festival, the three were soon gigging.

Soon thereafter, banjo player Jordy Sharp moved to Salt Spring and opened a music store, where John started to teach guitar and mandolin lessons. Jordy started playing with the trio and John and Michele decided to move to Salt Spring.

Both audiences and musicians alike saw something special between John and Michele on stage and encouraged the couple to work a duo act.

When they moved to Salt Spring Island, their second day there Willie P. Bennett was playing and asked John and Michele to join him onstage. With that kind of introduction, they immediately started getting inquiries about gigs and folks wanting to purchase CD's.

The five-year-plan was ahead of schedule, but all systems were go, and with dedication and the 'luck' that comes to folks who work hard and maintain focus, they have arranged their lives to fit their musical aspirations. Both with stable flexible jobs, family behind them, a home, and personal commitment all firmly in place, they could pursue creative endeavors diligently. Concentrating on writing and their duo act, swiftly the opportunity came to record.

Switching from harmonies to lead vocals is something Michele found both intimidating and exhilarating, but all you have to do is listen to her perform or the CD and you will see it is a transition made easily. Together they have 'one' voice, something you can't manufacture. They are both precision players, their timing and vocals so finely tuned, it is hard to tell where one leaves off and the other begins.

Recording their CD at Randy Bachman's studio on Salt Spring was an absolute delight for John and Michele. They certainly utilized this world-class studio, thoroughly enjoyed the experience, working with Jordy and producing one of the finest CD's I have heard in a very long while. The recording is so clean, so subltly mixed, no interference whatsoever. Songs like "Hobo Trail", "Willow and the Dove", "Stone, Glass and Wood" and "One Track Mind" remind me of my childhood when my father played the likes of Bill Munroe, the Stanleys, the Louvin's and Doc Watson. This CD is a must for every fan of bluegrass, country or folk music.

The success of their first tour not even settled, already they are off to Barrie, Ontario to showcase for promotors booking festivals and clubs across Ontario. Receiving fabulous reviews during the entire tour they have been approached by inter-national booking and recording reps.

Last summer I had the good fortune to see John and Michele perform at the Islands Folk Festival and at Longevity John's 50th birthday party. Live they are true to their CD. There is an honesty and grace in the presentation of their music that is unique. They have that special spark that stands out. You don't have to take my word for it. Just buy the CD or see them live. You will agree.

For bookings, CDs or studio work: JML Music, Box 357, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2W1. pickin@gulfislands.com

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