In a twist that almost needs to be seen to be believed, Memramcook band Open Strum have crafted a new tune that features none other than Dave Matthews Band and Bela Fleck & the Flecktones saxophonist Jeff Coffin, making “What We Need Is Love” a lowkey reggae track with an upbeat message and a sweet sax solo.
For “What We Need Is Love”, Open Strum’s Michel Goguen says he brought out a demo he’d already been sitting on for a few years and decided it was time to do something about it.
With Goguen taking the lead on vocals and guitar he began recording in Memramcook with Danny Bourgeois on drums, Jean-Pascal Comeau on bass, Guy Godin on mandolin, Sebastien Michaud as the producer, and a three-part harmony for the chorus that featured Gogeun, Izabelle Ouellet, and Monette Gould.
But that saxophone solo came out a project that comes with serious head-turning name dropping.
“I connected with Jeff Coffin during my last ‘Music for Critters’ fundraiser in May,” explains Goguen. “Heart, Dr. Jane Goodall, Rosanne Cash, David Suzuki, Sam Roberts Band, Julie Doiron, Les Païens and more also joined my project to help out animal shelters and animal rescues.”
“I was hearing some type of lead/solo in the chorus, either harmonica, sax, trumpet, etc. I tried all of them and found that it was the saxophone that fit the best with the track. The harmonica was nice too, but I preferred the saxophone.”
And the universe provided, putting Goguen and Coffin together, making for a straightforward song of positivity.
Goguen is currently organizing the next round of Music for Critters, which will include a national competition between every school in Canada.
“It asks people to donate to an animal shelter, animal rescue or environmental non-profit,” say Goguen. “In return, they will receive songs, inspirational messages by Dr. Jane Goodall and David Suzuki, and educational material about animals and the environment as a gift.”
Goguen explains that the school that collects the most donations will receive a $500 prize from Long & McQuade, and will help students to purchase musical instruments for their school. Two more schools will also win $200 from Long & McQuade as participation prizes.
Music for Critters will run from April 1st until the 30th.
Goguen also notes that “What We Need Is Love” will also be re-recorded with a French version that will come out in 2020.