March 2022 marks the third anniversary of the death of Justin Haynes.
Biodad was a duo comprised of me, Felicity Williams (voice), and Justin Haynes (guitar). In many ways the project had already failed; we couldn’t seem to get it off the ground. We made and then abandoned a plan to record 100 songs. All that survives from those sessions is a handful of half-finished mixes, the best of which are available here. Thanks to Jean Martin for sprucing up the mp3s, and to Deirdre O’Sullivan for her support.
For much of his adult life, Justin faced significant challenges with mental health and addiction. As I'm sure many have experienced in many contexts, with him there were moments of sublime collaboration and deep pitfalls of hurt and confusion. It's hard to assess what it all amounts to. I miss Justin, as I know many people do.
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"This collection is being released as a fundraiser for the Tranzac (a non-profit arts centre in Toronto that is a real hub for a sprawling community of musicians). Justin had a special relationship with the Tranzac. He performed there often in the early-mid 2000s, and eventually worked there as a cleaner. As with many of Justin’s special relationships, this one became complicated, and Justin was banned from entering the premises for the last ten-plus years of his life. This might be a stretch, but I see that relationship as symbolic of Justin’s involvement with the music community as a whole. He stood apart and was in constant dialogue with it, even when he was (at times) not welcome. As someone who loves both the Tranzac and Justin, I see this recording as an appropriate reunion."
-Nick Fraser, March 2022
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"Biodad is not a singer plus accompanist, but two musicians in dialogue; two musicians engaged more than anything, in listening.
Biodad is a great admirer of the duos of Ran Blake and Jeanne Lee; Norma Winstone and John Taylor; Ornette Coleman and Charlie Haden; Gary Peacock and Bill Frisell; Sidsel Endresen and Django Bates; Ivor Cutler and Phyllis King, Loren Mazzacane Connors and Suzanne Langille, Arto Lindsay and himself."
- Justin Haynes
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"Low Road" is a demo Justin had sent me, which I only recently discovered when I was going through old emails. I hope many more remnant Haynes recordings surface in the years to come.
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1. Time Remembered 04:52
2. Rise Up, My Love 01:51
3. Down The Line 05:07
4. Low Road 01:26
5. I'll Never Stop Loving You 03:57
Felicity Williams (voice)
Justin Haynes (guitar)
