Five Questions with musician Allan McGimpsey of Double Edge

Interview and photo by Jason Setnyk

Cornwall, Ontario – Allan McGimpsey, a local business owner and musician, has launched a new band called Double Edge. McGimpsey owns Bicycle World and is no stranger to the music scene. With experience in previous bands such as Classic Soul and Landmark, Allan’s talent and passion for music have earned him a place in the Cornwall Music Hall of Fame.

Allan McGimpsey reflected on his music career, which began in high school. McGimpsey reminisced about joining a band with grade 12 students and playing in bars as an underage performer. McGimpsey’s career eventually took him to the United States, where he played in Ogdensburg for about a year. Following this, a band from Winchester called him for an audition, and he landed the part, playing in a five-piece band for a few years. During this time, he learned various genres, such as bluegrass-style picking and country picking.

After a while, McGimpsey and two members from that band formed a new group called Landmark, which he played in for about 25 years on and off. For the last eight years, McGimpsey was in a duo with Shelley Harley called Classic Soul, which took off like wildfire, leading to non-stop gigs.

Now, McGimpsey is playing in a duo with Benoît Brisson called Double Edge. They have seen an overwhelming response from fans, and most of the venues they play are filled to capacity. Double Edge is a talented and diverse duo that captivates audiences with their engaging performances. The vocal abilities of the duo are particularly impressive and add a unique dimension to their music. With their wide-ranging musical talent and ability to connect with their audience, Double Edge has quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the local music scene. Fans of the duo can expect to be treated to an unforgettable performance that showcases their abilities and passion for creating great music.

Music enthusiasts in the area can catch Double Edge performing live at the Daffodil Pub for their St. Patrick’s Day Party on Friday, March 17th. The concert is set to start at 9 PM. Double Edge promises to bring a high-energy performance to the stage. Be sure to mark your calendars and come out to support Allan and his new band.

Five Questions with The Seeker

1 – What was your first musical instrument?

“When I first started playing guitar, I had little money to spare. In fact, my very first electric guitar was bought at a yard sale for just 50 cents! You can’t go downhill from there, can you? That first guitar was something else, let me tell you. Someone had painted it with gravel guard black, so as you can imagine, my arms got pretty scratched up. It was rough, to say the least. We played it through a homemade amplifier my brother made in school – just a piece of tin with tubes sticking out, a transformer, and a couple of knobs. We would hardwire it to any speaker we could find, and sometimes even multiple speakers. That’s where it all started, learning chords on a real Frankenstein rig. We were very poor, so that was all we had. I would come home from school and play from 5-8 every day. Eventually, I used money from summer jobs to buy a proper amplifier.”

2 – Did you learn music through classes schooling, or were you self-taught?

“Music came to me naturally; it was all by ear, as many would say. I could listen to a song on the radio, and before I knew it, I could play along. I was already gig-ready by the time I reached grade 9. I remember one particular gig where I even hitchhiked to get there and then had to rent a guitar to perform. I only read chords; I can’t read music. However, YouTube these days is an excellent tool for musicians. When I first started, I had to rely solely on my ability to play by ear.”

3 – Can you tell us about your bandmates and what it’s like working with them?

“Now, I am playing music as a duo with Ben Brisson, an exceptional singer you must hear. Ben’s experience in recording has been great to work with, and we are excited to see what the future holds for us. Double Edge is starting to make a name for itself, and after only a few months of gigs, we are receiving emails and phone calls constantly for more performances. Keep your eyes and ears open for Double Edge. We are ready to make some big waves in the area.”

4- What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

“I’ve always had this strong passion for music. It’s not just about listening to it but also playing and performing in front of people. I believe that through music, I can make the world a better place. It has this incredible ability to help people forget their everyday problems and find peace of mind. And that’s why I love it so much.”

5 – Do you have an upcoming concert?

“For St. Patty’s Day, my band and I have prepared a great mix of Irish, country, and classic rock songs to get everyone on their feet. During our break, we will play some Irish tunes over the PA to keep the festive spirit going. The event will be held at Daffodils, and reservations are encouraged as it will be a night of dancing and celebrating St. Patty’s Day. Don’t forget to wear green and join us for a fun-filled evening.”

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