Classic and traditional country music fans familiar with the tunes from the 1950s and 60s will be excited to attend the classic country concert by Howard Titman.

 

Titman will be performing some of the favourite all-time songs by renowned country artists such as Charlie pride, Sonny James, Marty Robbins, Conway Twitty, Jim Reeves, Don Gibson, Charlie Rich, Wynn Stewart and Stonewall Jackson.

 

"I remember singing some of the tunes by these men when I was picking rocks for my dad on the farm. These are the songs I grew up with and still enjoy. Dad enjoyed them and had learned to play the fiddle and the guitar. He would, on occasion, play at local home get-togethers," he adds.

 

During a 25 year career as a computer technician in Calgary and Vancouver, however, Titman had little time to pursue music.

 

In 1986, while working in Calgary, Titman met with Dick Damron, a family friend from Bentley, Alberta. Damron is a country music legend who has been the recipient of almost every major music award in Canada as well as multiple awards around the world. Damron one song of the year in 1984 for "Jesus It's Me Again" in the Society of composers, authors and music publishers of Canada Awards.

 

"In 2008, the Deerfoot Casino in Calgary hosted his event celebrating 50 years in country music. Charlie pride flew in from Nashville in his private plane and whispering Bill Anderson was there as well as many others. It was and still is the largest and most successful event that the dear foot casino has hosted. I was privileged to be in the front guest row during the event as one of Dick's special guests. I met and spoke with his music friends in their private after-event gathering.

 

"While hanging out with Dick and his band Stony Creek on a Saturday afternoon jam session, Sam Taylor, his drummer said to me, "Howard, get up here!" I went up on stage and got halfway through the second line of the song I was doing. My knees were shaking and I couldn't even remember my name. I'd never been behind a microphone before," he recalls.

 

"But, for the first time, I heard myself through professional equipment and was amazed. I knew I could do it."

 

The following week Titman went out to a pawnshop in Calgary and bought one of the guitars she still owns. He also purchased a small secondhand public address system and started practicing 50 hours a week.

 

During this time Titman took some lessons from Dartha Thompson, Dick Damron's former manager.

 

"Dartha took me under her wing and drilled me night after night on rhythm and changing chords."

 

"Another friend, Bill Krumes, helped me with guitar techniques. So between Bill and Darth, learned how to carry a good strong rhythm," he says.

 

A year later at another jam session with Dick Damron and his music buddies at the Crossroads Hotel during stamping week in Calgary, Titman had the opportunity to play three songs with the backing of Damron's band. "I filled the dance floor and received a lot of compliments afterward."

 

Titman moved back to Saskatchewan after his employer was a victim to a hostile takeover and his 18-year career in mainframe computer service came to an end. Again his music went on hold. "Traditional classic wasn't cool in the small town where I was living and there weren't any venues that presented themselves for this kind of music that I had grown up with."

 

In 2005, Titman moved to Saskatoon where he started his business Freelance-Media Business Solutions. His specialty in computer support, graphic design, offset printing, web hosting and event sound. State of the art equipment allows for the recording and mixing of artists and songwriters in a small studio setting, as well as CD duplication and jewel case inserts – photography and design for the CD and the insert.

 

More recently, through the encouragement of several all acquaintances, Titman has played at Lydia's and The Roxy on Broadway.

 

"I had university students who told me afterwards they loved what I did. I questioned them because, in my experience, most young people prefer hot country or rock. I was told by one young lady that when a song is well done, they don't care what genre it is, they just enjoy it. So that opened my eyes. Even with 18 or 20-year-olds, there is simply a sheer natural enjoyment for songs that are performed well, where they can understand the storyline and the words are easy to make out," he says.

 

Asked whether he is reliving his second childhood, Titman says is he's already doing that with his hobby – photography.

 

"I love nature photography – wandering down by the river with my camera taking pictures of whatever catches my eye: bugs, flowers, birds, weeds, coloured leaves, raindrops. I've taken over 8000 photographs since April of last year. I do nature greeting cards and have recently utilized by Rosanna Parry to be her photography assistant. In addition to camera shooting, I have been able to apply my Photoshop knowledge and training this past winter through a university class.

 

"Perhaps music will be my third childhood. I spent nearly 30 years in technology. Perhaps now I can spend the last half of my life enjoying music. I love to do the ballads and songs that tell the stories of life where you can put yourself in the moment.

 

"I like to bring back memories for people when they were young – just to enjoy the stories retold in song to an audience that truly enjoys traditional country music."

 

Howard Titman's classic country concert will be held in the coffee house, lower level at 3rd Ave., United Church, September 17, at 8 PM.

 

For further information about the concert, contact Howard Titman at 683 – XXXX or visit www.classiccountrycorner.com  (Website URL updated )