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Naden Band releases songs of the sea

Pam Lloyd
Staff writer - Lookout Newspaper
October 10, 2006

Fair Winds and Following Seas is a naval blessing representing the ideal sailing conditions sailors wish for; it’s also the title of the Naden Band’s latest CD, released last week.

Dedicated to Canadian sailors, the CD has a nautical theme, with naval marches, songs about the sea, and a new take on the old Drunken Sailor shanty, says PO1 Lisa Paquette, public affairs officer and clarinettist with the band. Another highlight of the collection, says PO1 Paquette, is local tenor Ken Lavigne’s version of Northwest Passage, Canadian Coast Guard Stan Rogers’ classic folk song. “You can practically hear the ice cracking,” she says.

The band held a CD release party at Bastion Square last Tuesday, where they played tracks from Fair Winds and Following Seas. Lavigne sang Northwest Passage, and Stephanie Greaves, another local singer, performed Tall Ships, a song written by Oak Bay resident Doreen Saville-Burles.

After spectators had a taste of what’s on the disc, the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) and the band hosted a reception at the Maritime Museum with Base Commander, Capt(N) Mike Williamson and invited guests.

The MFRC covered the cost of producing the CD and all profits go back to the organization.

“This CD is dedicated to Canadian sailors and the proceeds will go to their families while they are at sea,” said PO1 Paquette.

“The money is earmarked for programs that don’t fall into the usual funding [hard to access funding for], such as casual childcare, youth programs and special deployment progams,” says MFRC director Gaynor Jackson.

Sales from the past three CDs have brought in around $30,000 for the MFRC. Previous recordings include A Navy Christmas, their first Christmas CD, Sailing, which features the symphonic concert band and various ensembles, and Star of Wonder, another Christmas CD.

The Naden Band is a 35-member group of professional musicians under the direction of Lt(N) Robert Byrne. They perform throughout Canada and abroad.

The band serves as a liaison between the military and the public, representing the navy and Canada by performing at military or public events, dances, concerts, and fund-raising events for non-profit organizations.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, along with the Naden Band’s previous recordings, will be on sale at the Esquimalt MFRC and CANEX for $17.