Timaru musician has put pen to paper and proved you are never to old to write a song.

John Sullivan, 61, has spent the last few months compiling an album's worth of songs about local characters.

Now he is about to hit the recording studio with his old Timaru bandmates, Keltic Mix.

The band found notoriety around South Canterbury during the 1990s with their blend of Irish folk music.

They are getting back together to perform one of Sullivan's compositions Phar Lap at the official Phar Lap statue unveiling ceremony on November 25.

After a lifetime of performing and playing other people's songs it had taken some courage to write original material, Mr Sullivan said.

"It's just knowing that if you don't do it now then you'll never do it.

"Anyone who plays music has a go, but it takes courage to put it out in front of others."

The album will feature songs about local characters, including aviator Richard Pearse, world champion boxer Bob Fitzsimmons and harbour master Captain Henry Cain, among others.

"South Canterbury is really rich in history and it's a shame that no-one has written about its legendary figures."

The original Keltic Mix line-up is still in Timaru except for mandolin player Geoff McCambridge who commutes from Christchurch to practise with them.

Keltic Mix disbanded in the mid 1990s after several years of performing and because of other commitments.

"A lot of people have wanted us to come back and it was a chance to go ahead and complete something," Mr Sullivan said.

The new album is being recorded with local audio engineer Richard (Stix) Howie, with an expected release date in early December.

Source: Timaru Herald
URL: http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/2988209/Folk-band-reform-to-honour-Phar-Lap