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Songs are like short stories, a musical snapshot of a life event that may involve family, sorrow, joy, and of course... love; or the pain of a lost love. In addition to passion and emotion, I think there's room for a little sense of humour in music. Here are some of my stories...

1) Ballad of Russell Briggs - This is based on a true story of a blind piano player who used to come and play at my grandmother's house in Amherst, Nova Scotia. He had known my mother since she was a little girl, and had followed her musical education. Mom was a paid soloist at St. James United Church. When we visited Amherst in the summer, Russell used to absolutely love to play for my mother and hear her sing; as well as my Great Aunt Ruby. His old hands really did "dance across the keyboards". There's a gospel influence in this song, and I have an arrangement that could be tagged onto the end that is pure Gospel.

2) Hard To Say Goodbye - A classic "last dance" ballad with room for a wailing sax solo. A love affair - the first one - has come to an end; but we're having trouble saying that last 'goodbye'.

3) Billy Joe's Dream - I think a song should tell a story, and this one has both a narrator and a central character. I can hear some Paul Simon influence in this one, and I think it could work well with a kind of zydeco rhythm. My son Andy says this one is 'a classic'. He's my very own cheering section.

4) Affairs of the Heart (With apologies to Jacques Brel) - Bobby did some very tasteful guitar work here and we should have given him space for a solo.

5) Saturday Night in Louisiana - Imagine Rainey Night in Georgia and you're more than halfway there. The central character has been released from doing hard time prison in Louisiana and is making his way back to New Orleans. It's a hot night with humidity so thick that the air is liquid. He withstood the 10 years of hardship, but may not be able to handle losing her love. It's a Saturday evening - but he's on the outside looking in; no joy for him tonight.

Guitar: Bobby Cohen on all songs except Billy Joe's Dream
Piano & Vocals: Peter Kerr
To reach Sam Slick, please call his alter-ego - Peter Kerr: 514-369-7000

Sam Slick Bio

Careening around Quebec and Atlantic Canada in a black Cadillac followed by a truckload of equipment (including a huge Hammond B3) Peter and his fellow musicians in Sam Slick played nearly every club between Montreal and Newfoundland. Performing seven nights a week and Sunday matinees for 2 to 3 months at a time, it was a demanding way to make a musical living. Sam Slick performances included a wide range of music - from Johnny Winter to James Brown. Hot, gritty, and a pile-driving beat.

Along the way some very fine musicians cut their musical chops in Sam Slick; including Montreal blues legend Jimmy James. Keyboard player Michael Leggatt went on to play for years with the late Dutch Mason. Others went on to become sought after studio musicians.

Between extended tours, Peter did solo performances in Montreal clubs and colleges. It was an opportunity to showcase his own songs; and the audiences always responded positively. This was a different Sam Slick, a chance for a greater vocal range and expression. Even a little tenderness.

Peter took a hiatus to marry, have children and a career in publishing. But the music never stopped. The songs kept coming - each containing a story, and often with a little wry humour.

The kids are grown up, the songs are still there, and Sam Slick hears the siren call of the stage, life on the road and those special moments when the music, his voice and the audience are one.

Sam Slick

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