Norm Hacking's Albums:
Stubborn Ghost

The Stubborn Ghost project was undertaken after a long break from any recording, sparking a quote from Joel Wortzman that "if eight years is how long it takes to produce a work of the exceptional quality, then let it be another eight years 'til the next one..."

Canadian songwriter Norm Hacking comments, The interesting thing about albums is that the process varies drastically because of attitude, circumstances - you name it. In the case of Stubborn Ghost, we spent one year and five months from first recording session to final product. I've never maintained an intense focus on one project for that length of time before. The result was an album where we never settled for anything less than what we wanted.

The album is dedicated to his son Ben, then turning seven. Read the album dedication letter. It reveals Norm's thoughts on being a songwriter and musician and the value of his musical friendships. A photo of young Ben with Norm accompanies the text..

The wonderful album art - photography by Keith Beaty and design by Wellington & Wolfe - was nominated for a Casby award.

All songs are originals by Norm Hacking.

Musicians:
Norm Hacking - acoustic guitar
Kevin Bell - electric/acoustic guitars
Kirk Elliott - violin, mandolin, acoustic guitar, accordian, recorders
John Arpin - piano
Doug McClement - bass
David Woodhead - acoustic bass & electric fretless
Kid Carson - drums
Matt Zimbel - percussion
Chris Whiteley - horn
John Adames - drums
Paul Corby - electric guitar
John Sheard - synthesizer and piano
David Whitten - cello

vocals:   Norm Hacking, Kevin Bell, Ron Nigrini, Dyan Maracle, Michael Smith, Caroly Larson, Tim Harrison, Jim Layeux, Jennifer Bell, Shine Choir (additional voices Joe Zelney, Cathy Greene, Jan Caswell, Susan Serran, Simon Richards, Mildred Wooton, Paul Corby, Bill Tymchyshyn)

The reviews certainly confirmed that Stubborn Ghost was something special:

"Title track, an account of a meeting between the grizzled, aging writer and the spirit of his childhood ambitions, is as fine a piece of songwriting as has ever been committed to vinyl."

No longer available (vinyl). All except tracks 7 and 12 are included on Skysongs... A Writer's Collection (1996), remastered and reissued with lyrics on November 14, 2001.