#Canada #René Huard #Tail Waggin' #Gently Used #Fort Erie

René Huard Unleashes New Single 'Tail Waggin'

Fort Erie, Ontario's very own blues and roots rocker, René Huard, has officially released a captivating new single titled "Tail Waggin'". This fresh track serves as a preview for his highly anticipated upcoming album, "Gently Used," which is set to hit the shelves on November 5, 2026.

A Look Into 'Tail Waggin'

The song finds its inspiration from an interesting piece of musical folklore. Huard recounts a story involving renowned jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, who, when asked if he found time to practice while touring, humorously replied, "I just open the guitar case every once in a while and toss a chunk steak in." This anecdote triggered a flood of thoughts about the life of a touring musician—filled with weariness, excitement, and sometimes perilous adventures. Huard cleverly ties this metaphor of loyalty found in a musician's bond with his instrument, much like B.B. King's infamous devotion to his guitar, Lucille, even in adverse situations.

"Life on the road can be both tedious and exhilarating," Huard explains. "It's like having your guitar as both a companion and a source of inspiration, reflecting my journey through music and the stories that come alive along the way."

Collaborations and Musical Roots

The single is a promising lead into the upcoming album, which features a total of eleven tracks, all penned and performed by Huard himself. With him throughout this musical journey is his long-time collaborator Rick Taylor, who not only co-produces but also lends his vocal and guitar talents.

The recording is enriched by Huard's Project band—Jeff Muir on bass and Peter Griffin on drums—along with guest appearances from talented artists such as Chris Airyes and Thomas Nelson (vocals), Alistair Robertson (saxophone), and Ed Roth (keys). Each of these musicians contributes to the vibrant sound that embodies Huard's style, melding blues with roots rock.

Career Highlights

Huard's illustrious career spans over four decades, beginning with his time as the frontman for a band known as the Meteors, who had the privilege of opening for legendary blues acts like James Cotton and Long John Baldry. He was also a significant presence at the first-ever Ottawa Blues Festival. To Canadian audiences, he is recognized not only for his musical contributions but also as the previous host of the TV shows "Antique Hunter" and "Antique Style."

His previous album, "Blues Calling," made significant waves, climbing into the Top 20 on the Roots Music Report, where it maintained the eleventh spot for several months. The album's lead single, "Hard Times," gained notable airplay on Holger Petersen's CBC Blues Radio Show, as well as various U.S. and international podcasts and campus radio playlists.

Looking Ahead

With "Gently Used," René Huard affirms his dedication to the music scene and showcases that his creativity has not waned even after decades of performing. It serves as proof that the stories are still unfolding and that his guitar case remains open—not just for steak but for all the experiences that life on the road continues to bring. Fans eagerly await November as they look forward to diving into the complete collection of songs Huard has been crafting, sharing his life's musical journey along the way.