Headed to Hall of Fame
Ace producer Daniel Lanois receives much-deserved honour
By Kerry Doole
Originally Published: 2002-03-31
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Harris recalled that "I really became intrigued with Daniel's work through his first solo album and the Dylan record, Oh Mercy. Then I began remembering his work with others, like U2, The Nevilles and Robbie Robertson. I thought 'god, everything he's done I've really liked a lot.' When the opportunity came up to work with him I was intrigued." The resulting album gave Emmylou's career a big boost, and Lanois showed his commitment by acting as guitarist in the band that toured with that record.
Bob Doidge astutely describes Lanois' strength as a producer. "He draws things out of people. That is a big part of production. Most musicians and singers are very capable on stage, but the studio is a different thing. You need to get the person to believe in themselves again."
Lanois' production philosophy verges on the mystical. "We are just miners for the magic. My job is to catch those moments, recognize and amplify them. There is no formula." He expects a lot of his clients, though. "I wouldn't want to work with anyone who didn't have bravado, desperation, need, desire and passion."
Daniel has always been supportive of Canadian musicians. Junkhouse mainman Tom Wilson can testify to that. "I was inspired to get back into the music business when Dan [whom Tom calls 'a real humdinger'] took me to New Orleans," he recalls. Years later, Junkhouse recorded their album Birthday Boy at Kingsway, the famed New Orleans studio owned by Lanois. That record was produced by Lanois protege, Malcolm Burn, in what Wilson calls "the best recording experience of my life."
The phenomenal success of Lanois has also inspired a new generation of producers and engineers here. His impact on Canadian music will be a long one, and his Hall of Fame induction is an overdue and much-deserved recognition of that fact.
Daniel Lanois joins the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards, April 14. A new solo album is anticipated later this year.
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