My music career began in 1939 and has continued uninterrupted to the present day. Over and over again I have had to adapt to the changing times to stay afloat. By all calculations I must be on my eleventh life by now. (I get 18 of them, by the way.)
My newest adaptation is not a musical one, but rather a decision to move into the computer age. This is a big step for a man who has long considered himself a “techno-rebel”. I refused to learn the Finale or Sibelius programs, because I prefer to write music with a felt pen and score paper. I do not know how to work a VCR or DVD player. I do not know how to program that funny cable box to record TV shows when I’m not home. But none of this worries me, because knowing things like this are not all that important, really. But I will tell you what IS important — MUSIC !
So I will do whatever I have to do to keep the great eras of music alive. If it means learning how to blog at 92, then so be it.
.
Howard Cable Remembers 
You go, Howard! You continue to be a major inspiration to me day after day since we first worked together in 1987 after I came to Canada. I can’t WAIT to follow your musical travels with us!
I am looking forward to your blogging journey about your accomplishments and adventures through your extensive career.
Ah yes, Orchestra London in 1987. You were the first one to play my arrangement of Taxi Driver.
Howard you continue to inspire me to grow and stay positive. Thanks for all of your encouragement! I’m looking forward to more stories!
So happy to see you here. Can’t wait to read more!
I play in the Thornhill Community Band. For Thornhill’s 200th birthday, you wrote Thornhill 200, which the band has continued to include in it’s performances. I really enjoy it. I am sure the blogging will be no challenge at all. Looking forward to following!
Thought of you tonight whilst at a Jack Jones ‘Farewell Tour’ concert in Edinburgh. This time it was only a sextet rather than the full band. ‘Another gig ruined by a sound man!’ Maybe you would like to blog about the importance of heading out in the house to actually hear what an audience is hearing!
Yes, it’s been 74 wonderful years so far. Lots of great memories to share.
I am so glad to hear that the band is still playing Thornhill 200. Thanks for sharing that with me.
Hello Gwyneth:
To hear that Jack Jones is still singing so well is welcome news. (Unfortunate about the sound problems, though.)
Jack Jones at the Royal York was always 1st class. He always used a large back up orchestra with strings. In my opinion, Jack was born too late. He could have been a huge star in the late 50s and early 60s, before the Sinatra wave caught on.
H.
Thank you Mr Cable for embarking on this project! Your name is legend among the jazz-band youth in these parts (Owen Sound) and I know for certain there will be members of our own Eighth Street Orchestra who will be eagerly tuning in on every post!
Hello Gary:
It is nice to hear that the jazz-band youth is still alive and vibrant in Owen Sound. Thanks for tuning in.
HC
Congratulations to “The Tunesmith” from “The Wordsmith” Let’s keep in touch!
Bill: Just think, if I’d met you in the ’50s, you could have written the words to more of my tunes (or the other way around).
H
Very true- but I am just thankful that our paths eventually crossed thanks to our mutual friend Ralph Jr… Bill
you can bet on that, and getting more vibrant by the day! Should you ever find yourself touring through Owen Sound on a Saturday morning, by all means do cruise by the Market and sit in for a set with us! 🙂
Recently I found an old acetate from 1936 which had a band called Bill McKeag and his Orchestra on it, recorded by Truetone Recordings 22 Grenville Street, Toronto. Now I know Truetone was owned by Ralph T. Snelgrove but there is no mention of this band anywhere, and after consulting several discographers, nobody seems to know who Bill McKeag was. I am hoping you might be able to assist in this matter.
Thanks,
Ken
Hello Ken:
It is great to hear from you.
I remember Bill McKeag from the 30s. There were pick up bands in those days. I remember playing with him in a pavilion in Longbranch and at Ramona Gardens on St. Clair Avenue. I think he was a trumpet player, but I’m not 100% positive. After those gigs, I never saw him again. Sorry I don’t have any more information for you.
As you probably know, the building at 22 Grenville later became the CBC Playhouse Studio. We did the Canadian Cavalcade with Lorne Greene from that studio.
Keep in touch.
Howard
Very inspiring, thank you.
Hi Howard:
A question for you. I belong to the Canadian Antique Phonograph Society and our first meeting is on Sunday, September 15th between 1 p.m and 5 p.m. Would you be interested in being our guest speaker and giving us a presentation about the bands of the 1930’s and 1940’s that you were associated with in Toronto and Ontario in general? If so please leave me a comment on my blog the 78rpmrecordspins.wordpress.com .
Regards,
Ken McPherson
Let’s talk.
Mr. David Lennick is our program director, and would like to contact you directly. Is there an e-mail address where he can reach you, Howard?
I saw your response to me afterwards, Howard. I will send this on to David, who will be in touch.
Thank you so much!
Ken: I sent a message directly to your email. H
Hello Mr. Cable,
I’m the Western University Wind Ensemble Director, and I’m currently writing a score analysis of Ontario Pictures for the Canadian Winds. The WE will also be recording this work for our second CD.
I would love to chat with you about this piece.
It would be great to hear your personal reflections about the work.
Are you open to this conversation?
The article is due in a couple weeks.
So, it would be prudent to chat sooner rather than later.
Sincerely,
Colleen Richardson
Hi Colleen: I would be happy to talk with you about my personal reflections on Ontario Pictures. I’ll message you with my contact information.
Howard
Hi Howard, I was listening to CBC and heard some of your music, beautiful as always. It reminded me of our days at the Royal York. Great memories. Have a great Concert experience in Halifax. Good for you, stay young in this electronic World! God Bless. Maureen Shaughnessy Kitts
Hi Maureen: So great to hear from you! As I recall after the Royal York, you went on to bigger things. Hope you are keeping well.
H