Meet Al Torrance.
Al played drums on his first paying gig at age 12.
By 15, he and Bob Claremont were a country duo who played together for 7 years.
Also on drums, Al played with fiddlers’ groups in the Ottawa Valley. He played electric and steel guitar with Fred Brown and Blackwater. A multi-instrument musician, Al also plays fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and banjo.
Many will recall his 35 years with Brockville Music Hall of Famer Tom Wilson, in the Western All Stars and Border Bluegrass. Al also performed bluegrass with Ottawa’s Mike O’Reilly. Al was part of the children’s entertainers, H&S Express, who were also inducted into that Hall of Fame.
Al currently performs in Freddy Vette and His Rhinestone Plowboys, where he wears the suit in this picture. You may have seen him at the Havelock Jamboree this year.
When not performing, Al operates Art Audio, providing sound for a myriad of shows. To top it off, this very talented man, with the smooth vocals, is a darn good human with a ready smile. I am pleased to call Al Torrance my friend.
Photo: Mary Rae with Al Torrance, February 23, 2018
