Proceeds from CD will benefit life and family

By Linda Burns

Love the Dark Away, musician Phil Main's latest release, promises us hope in a darkened world, joy for the journey, and a glimpse at the abiding faith that directs this young man's life - and it delivers.

Love the Dark Away is the culmination of two years of writing, and two solid months of meticulous recording. Set to be released later this month, it holds particular meaning for advocates of life and the family, since all proceeds from the sales of tapes and CDs are destined for organizations concerned with life and family issues.

Main is best known as the morning man on CKNX-FM radio in Wingham, Ont. He's also known for giving his time and talent to many good causes. His first recording, All That Surrounds You, a collaborative effort with Andrea Grant and Amy Bateman in 1994, raised funds for children in Rwanda and projects at Wingham United Church, where the three are members.

For the last three years, he has performed benefit concerts in aid of palliative care projects, churches around the province, and Camp Menesetung, a summer camp on the shores of Lake Huron.

In 1996, with the release of his second album, Roots and Wings, came more offers to perform, including one from David Mainse of Crossroads Christian Communications, producers of the television program 100 Huntley Street.

Does all this activity create a conflict at home for the devoted husband and father of three? "My first obligation is to my God and the second to my family," says Main, but he quickly adds that he now carries a pocket calendar wherever he goes in an attempt at to manage his time, and is careful not to overbook.

He credits his family with providing the inspiration for his music. As his lyrics point out: "So much time spent trying to get ahead, you can leave so much behind." He keeps his priorities in perfect order.

Love the Dark Away has been a very personal project for Main. From the photos on the cover, taken from the Main family album, to the childhood stories told in song, we are carried back to a simpler time, when family meant everything and coming home was like a warm embrace from an old friend.

Main describes the work on this CD with a good deal of pride and more than a hint of boyish enthusiasm. Providing instrumental support on several tracks is steel guitarist Pee Wee Charles, a former member of Gordon Lightfoot's band. As a high school student, Main used to travel to Toronto's Massey Hall to hear Charles perform with Lightfoot.

Working alongside such talent has been just one of the perks. A remake of the Alabama hit "Angels Among Us" features backing vocals from the fabulous Soundsation Choir. Other support comes from Scott Woods on violin, Scott Sebber on keyboard and vocalist Abigail Benninger. Mark Hussey and Wayne Taylor of Renaissance Productions in Blyth, Ont. were responsible for the recording and provided detailed technical and artistic support.

So, what was the reaction of everyone when they found out where the money was going? Nothing negative - responses ranged anywhere from "Hey, great!" to "That's cool."

While Phil remains a steadfast defender of the sanctity of life, he would rather sing his message (such as through the song "The Little Spirit") than debate the issue. "After all," he says, "God tells us to choose life. What's left to say?"

What, indeed?