By Mike Archer. His work with U2, Bob Dylan and Brian Eno is legendary but he remains one of Canada’s least known musical geniuses. Daniel Lanois was born in Hull, Quebec and, before the age of four his parents had separated and he was moved to Hamilton, Ontario.

Trixie Whitley

The rest, as they say, is history. His work with he Neville brothers in New Orleans and his work with Robbie Robertson exploring the roots of the Acadian and tobacco music strains in Canadian music have made him one of the most sought after record producers in the world.

His biggest gift is his ability to understand the essence of a song. That essence is sometimes a surprise to the artist recording the song.

His album Acadie remains one of the great works in Canadian music and his song ‘The Maker’ is one his best.

Neither French nor English nor Eastern or Western, Daniel Lanois has touched a vein in Canadian music history and moved us forward along that vein. His latest work with Trixie Whitly is a perfect example.

Check out his work. Tell me you disagree.