As many of you know (especially if we’ve worked together in a creative capacity), the now legendary music producer Daniel Lanois is perhaps the single most iconic, prolific and relevant figure in my artistic sphere. A tremendously powerful creative force, his approach to music — both in composition, as well as production — lyrics/ poetry, and philosophical musings have gently mentored me through at least three growth phases in my adult life.
He has both directly and indirectly influenced my musical path for over 20 years, and continues to do so on a daily basis (So much so, In fact, that if I was a religious person, I’d assign supernatural agency to him… *insert smirk here* ).
I had the good fortune to spend an evening with Dan back in November of 2008, following a fantastic performance at Massey Hall. I was invited to attend the after-party at the Cadillac Lounge here in Toronto where, among other things, he gently reminded me of the importance of a good song — all other things aside (a fun story I’ve recounted to many of you).
“So what? What’s the point of this post?” you might be asking right about now.
I just found out via a voice mail about an hour ago that he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in L.A a few days ago, and is currently in intensive care.
Loss has visited me in a big and fantastic way recently, and frankly, I’m selfishly not ready to lose someone else that has had such a profound affect on my life (while painfully aware of how I have absolutely zero control over it).
The sick feeling that started to form in the pit of my stomach as I ‘googled’ around, trying to find out as much as I could, is only now dissipating.
Eventually, I tired of the vague descriptions, as the media is only ever allowed to know so much, so I “stepped it up”, and called Adam Vollick — Dan’s right-hand man, co-production partner, and visual artist extraordinaire — directly (If you’re interested in amazing photography — I mean AMAZING — and fresh film/video expressions, GOOGLE him!!).
After a solid and detailed conversation where I learned of Dan’s specific injuries, head space, and plan of convalescence, I was relieved to learn that he would — in time — be alright.
I know that several of my readers are also great fans of his, so if any of you feel inclined to join me and send Dan a personal note/card wishing him well and letting him know that your thoughts and prayers/energy are with him, please feel free to write to me personally, and I’d be happy to provide you with the private contact info Adam passed along to me.
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“I hope you’ve got good songs, brother…?”
(Dan to me, over a ‘Blanche de Chambly’ — Nov 15 2008)
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Ride on, Danny boy — you still have to critique MY next album, after all… 😉
With a loud exhale, I’m going to sign off…
Is it to the Beer store now, for a six pack of ‘Blanche de Chambly’, and a solo viewing of ‘Here Is What Is?” this evening…??? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm… we’ll see… 🙂
With a great sense of relief I send much love to you all…
Jon Mychal — Toronto/ June 8 2010
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