Erik West-Millette - West Trainz: Train Songs (2016) Hi-Res

After releasing a bold and acclaimed double book-CD in 2015, Erik West Millette delivers an impressive West Trainz collective. Train Songs, the album released on June 10th, 2016 at L-A be is still a vibrant musical tribute to the “iron colts” and to their rail poetry. Surrounded by First Class travellers—Nanette Workman, Bïa, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Betty Bonifassi, Jordan Officer, Willie West, Thomas Hellman, Steve Hill, The Hangover Lobsters and Chic Gamine—West Millette and his fellow musicians invite you to come aboard. In an overview of the 1940s to 1970s, Train Songs presents 11 selected songs that reflect the railway world. From the classic Mystery Train (Junior Parker) performed by The Hangover Lobsters, to Number 9 Train (Bobby Robinson) reinterpreted by Jordan Officer, Le train du Nord (Félix Leclerc) Bïa-style, The Locomotion (Goffin/King) by Chic Gamine, Nuages (Django Reinhardt) by Emilie-Claire Barlow, Hear my train a comin’ (Jimi Hendrix) by Nanette Workman and Steve Hill or the first single The City of New Orleans (Steve Goodman) performed by the great Zachary Richard, all the ingredients are there for a fascinating musical journey.

To date, more than 100 musicians, singers, and other contributors have taken part in the West Trainz adventure. Harmonist Guy Bélanger, guitarists Jordan Officer, Steve Hill and Yves Desrosiers, drummers Tony Albino, Pascal Racine-Venne and Alexis Martin, Martine H Crispo, saxophonist Charles Papasoff, trumpeter Charles Imbeau and the invaluable multi-instrumentalist and co-producer of the album Olaf Gundel are among the shining performers of Train Songs.

Erik West Millette’s name is found on more than 200 albums as director, producer or musician. He is responsible for the soundtrack of the film Camion by director Rafaël Ouellet, and he is also the bass guitarist and double bassist who accompanies Marie-Jo Thério, Doctor John, Lhasa de Sela, Richard Séguin and many more, in studio and on tour. He has loved trains since early childhood—when his Canadian National rail-worker grandfather led him to discover them—Erik West Millette has added a second volume to the musical project of his life. Until then, the Train Songs album, which is a musical tribute to the “iron colts” and their rail poetry, will be available June 10th, 2016 on the L-A be label.