Old Mare

by Malcolm Petch
Old Mare is the latest project/identity of prolific Abbotsford-based songwriter Chris Janzen. Having embraced many different genres and styles over the years, in this latest rendition Janzen hits the airwaves as an Alt. Country artist – or the Internet equivalent of airwaves, anyway (onlinewaves? digiwaves? webwaves?).

The words “old mare” conjur up images of a horse well past its prime. In a world where young and energetic is everything, an old mare would seem to be something good only to cast off – but in a world that knows horses, an old mare can be seen as a comfortable ride and a reliable friend.

I have no idea why Janzen has embraced the title “Old Mare” – but in checking out Old Mare’s music, I’d say the ‘comfortable ride’ imagery fits. The band has a couple of acoustic videos online, and each of the tunes I’ve heard so far is accessible and enjoyable right from the get-go.

Check out Old Mare at the Streaming Café on March 12 at 7PM Pacific time; and as always, if you can’t be there in person, you can always watch and comment (and ask questions of the artist) online. Asking why the band is called Old Mare could be a good place to start.