Obit: Red Shea (June 2008)

Subject: Obit: Red Shea
From: bankley
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 02:46 PM

Canadian guitarist, Red Shea died in Aurora, Ontario at 70. He was featured on CBC's TV show "Country Hoedown" in the late '50s. He met Gordon Lightfoot on the show in 1960 and in '65 went on to play in the Lightfoot trio and record all of Gordon's records until the early 70's, greatly helping to define that special sound. He also played with Ian and Sylvia's band,'Great Speckled Bird'....later returning to the CBC and The Tommy Hunter Show for many years...

thanks Red for all that picking... RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea
From: Peace
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 02:57 PM

Oh, man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 02:59 PM

very sad news.

Thanks for informing us blankley.

biLL

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 03:02 PM

I've always felt that Red Shea was probably not as known or appreciated in the States as he should have been. He was a master at his craft and contributed much of the guality guitar work I associated with Gordon Lightfoot in his earlier, acoustic period. Yet, I seldom saw his name in the "best of" lists which pop up from time to time. Moreover, he was a mentor and a CBC stalwart, in addition to all the tracks to which he contributed. At 67, I think of 70 as way too young for Red to have to embark on the ultimate road trip. Thanks for great acoustic memories, Red. Bon voyage!

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea
From: Wesley S
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 03:16 PM

I know what you mean about the "best of" lists. I always thought his playing served the song as opposed to belonging to the "look at me, look at me" school of guitar playing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea
From: bankley
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 04:52 PM

I saw the Lightfoot trio in '68.. it made me realize how powerful a fine song with two acoustic guitars and bass could be. The arrangements sparkled with an understated strength. Red was the ambassador of good taste on the six-string and set the mark very high for back-up on the instrument. Very upbeat and influential musician all around.

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea (June 2008)
From: pdq
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 05:15 PM

He was as important to Lightfoot as Monte Dunn and John Herald were to Ian and Sylvia.

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea (June 2008)
From: maeve
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 07:37 PM

I'm sorry to hear Red Shea has gone, and grateful to have heard his music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea (June 2008)
From: Beer
Date: 14 Jun 08 - 08:20 AM

A favorite of mine since the early Lightfoot days.
Condolences to his love ones.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea (June 2008)
From: GUEST,db
Date: 14 Jun 08 - 09:34 AM

"It's cold on the shoulder, and we get a little older every day"

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea (June 2008)
From: Duke
Date: 15 Jun 08 - 09:30 AM

What you never seem to hear about Red was his ability as a performer on his own. I once heard him sing Dylan's Ballad of Hollis Brown and it moved me to tears. He was a great performer and will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea (June 2008)
From: Mooh
Date: 16 Jun 08 - 09:28 AM

His playing is an excellent example of what ensemble playing should be. Most of us need a reminder once in a while.

God rest his soul.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea (June 2008)
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 16 Jun 08 - 01:21 PM

My wife surprised me on Fathers Day with a pair of front row tickets to a Lightfoot concert here in San Diego in October. I suspect it might be one of the last times to catch him on tour. I am curious to know how his recent illness may have affected his performances. For many who have faced death, having that ultimate "wake-up call" only makes them re-commit to their craft. I am looking forward to the opportunity to hear him one more time.

Subject: RE: Obit: Red Shea (June 2008)
From: bankley
Date: 16 Jun 08 - 04:03 PM

good for you TJ. I feel that Mr Gordon will tour as long as he's able and as long as people want to come to the shows... he's a real 'road hog ' at heart and brings his show to some out-of-the-way places as well as the major cities... for the love of music...

have a fine concert..