Musician dedicates CD to mother

STELLARTON -Art Fitt remembers his mother, Sadie Fitt, was like a kid at Christmas.
As he says in the liner notes of his new CD, Art Fitt Christmas, his mother "was as excitable as any child when it came to this time of year."
In retrospect, he supposes his mother's childlike enthusiasm inspired his own enthusiasm for the holiday. He decided it was only fitting he dedicate his new CD in memory of his mother and father, Ned Fitt, as well as in memory of the relatives and friends who helped make Christmas such a special time of year.
"My mom and dad have been gone now for 10 years, but my mother especially just loved Christmas," Fitt says. "When we were growing up, we were always very poor but her and dad always managed to make it a special holiday. They gave us a big Christmas no matter what."
The album is a mix of classics - Silver Bells, Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland - and newer songs, like Garth Brooks' The Gift. One song, The Judge & Mr. Johnson inspired by a friend's struggle with addiction, Fitt penned himself. Fitt was involved in every aspect of the recording process, from production to arrangement. However, he doesn't consider himself to be an exceptionally talented musician.
"It may not be a major production," he says, "but it's me. It's Art Fitt."
When Fitt was growing up, he was always surrounded by music. His father was a musician, in fact. As a young man, Fitt would often stay up late with his father, playing guitar and fiddle. He credits his father, in part, for instilling in him a love of music.
"At our house, we always had kitchen parties where we'd play music all night and we'd sing together," Fitt says. "(Making this CD) brought back so many memories."
Art Fitt Christmas is for sale at select locations across Pictou County, including Big Al's in New Glasgow, Woody's Variety and Sharon's Family Restaurant in Pictou and the country market in Thorburn.
There will be a release party this Saturday at Pacer Social Club in Pictou from 9 to 12 p.m.