Flett’s legend won’t fade

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This article was published 24/04/2018 (3004 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For a long time, James Flett’s children didn’t even know their father was a gifted musician.

That’s because Flett, who lives in Tyndall Park, doesn’t measure his success by exposure to the spotlight. In fact, he said having lights shining on him never felt comfortable.

Although Flett tries to keep a low profile, his talents are too great to hide and on Sun., April 29, the Manitoba Fiddle Association will immortalize his accomplishments and contributions as an accompanist. Flett is being inducted into the MFA Wall of Fame.

“I’m not comfortable playing in front of people,” he said. “I just go out there (on stage) and pretend I’m not there. I created a bubble.”

Flett was profoundly influenced by his father, Walter Flett, who was also a famous fiddle player in Manitoba. He started his career as a musician when he was seven years old and joined a band that played in dances in rural Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

“The vibrations of the instrument intrigued me right from the beginning. To make music out of an instrument, and it grew from there,” he commented.

Later on, he was the lead guitar player for several bands such as Country Pride, the Ranville Trio, Reg Bouvette, Harvest, and Red Wine. He also had his own group called Original Minds.

His talent honoured him with several awards such as the MIB Guitarist of the Year in 1978, MACA Country Band of the Year with Red Wine Band, MACA Tony Sianchuk Award with Al Desjarlais Band and won the MACA Instrumentalist of the Year twice in a row in 1981 and ’82.

When asked, Flett mentioned that he felt most accomplished when he went to Aberdeen, Scotland and played his father’s music with Omegwessi Quartet from Toronto at the North Atlantic Fiddle Conference. Playing with Calvin Vollrath, Al Cherney, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra on his birthday is another highlight of his career.

But being recognized by the MFA was never expected.

“I never expected this. I was ready to fade and ride into the sunset, and all of a sudden (they) call me.”

Following his father’s steps, Flett played the guitar sincerely for the love of it.

“I came here as a guitar player, and now I consider myself as a musician,” Flett added. “My dad never got to record, but he’s still a legacy in the northern fiddle players. His music still goes on. I’ll dedicate this to him. That’s why I’m doing this.”

The induction ceremony happens on April 29 at Carman Community Hall in Carman, Manitoba. Admission is $13 and tickets will be available at the door. Supper will be $10 per plate and is being offered by Chicken Chef.

For more information, go to www.fiddling.ca