Life’s highest highs often accompany its lowest lows. Regina, Saskatchewan pianist and singer-songwriter Jeffery Straker knows this well. He’s opening up about some of the lessons he’s recently learned on his new single, “The Time You’ve Got,” out everywhere now.
“In the past five years I’ve watched both of my parents pass away,” Straker shares. “I’ve also found love in my partner of four years, Michael. Losing my parents has made me reflect on where it is that I was born, then decided to leave, and then felt drawn back to in recent years. All throughout this I’ve become cognizant of time: how precious it is and how important it is to use it wisely.”
Co-written with Beverley Mahood and Mac Shepherd, “The Time You’ve Got” reflects on that ever-profound common refrain of the bereaved– That we have to appreciate every day that we’ve got. Straker and Mahood were initially inspired to write the song while co-hosting the annual Telemiracle Telethon on CTV, where they both shared a profound sense of awe witnessing Canadians contribute their hard earned dollars to a good cause.
The single is the third off Straker’s upcoming album Great Big Sky, following “Brand New Light” and “Sing Your Song.” On Great Big Sky, Straker shares his story as Saskatchewan’s prodigal son in his signature folk-roots style, with eight self-penned tracks and two co-written with Nashville-based producer Steve Dawson. The full album will be released everywhere this July.
“In spite of the deep loss I’ve experienced,” Straker concludes, “an optimistic tone rings from these songs and I think it comes from gratitude. I feel lucky to have been raised in a beautiful place by wonderful parents. I’m lucky to be from and to call the prairies home. A place that reminds, inspires, lifts, and grounds me. Great Big Sky is about being lost and then being found again, it’s a whisper painted on a giant canvas, and the gratitude for not knowing all the answers but being able to ask all the questions.”
Jeffery Straker is a celebrated pianist and singer/songwriter hailing from small-town Saskatchewan. He received his licentiate diploma in piano performance from Trinity College, London when he was just 19, and has gone on to perform over 100 shows per year across Canada, Europe and Latin America. His music has been featured on CBC radio’s ‘Canada Live’, and he has twice been recognized as the Saskatchewan Music Awards Roots/Folk Artist of the Year.
