the alberta sessions
What a week.
Here are my comments.
Luis Emilio Rios brought me to Cuba with him for 35 minutes and I could almost smell the air there as I sat in rapture in the Engineered Air Theatre.
Heather Blush has lyrics that stir me in ways I am rarely stirred. Her stage presence is captivating, as are her impressive vocal stylings. I was in awe.
Ronnie Hayward brings such an honesty to stage with him that he succeeded in making me feel uncomfortable...I don't know what else to say about that.
Rachelle van Zanten is everything I have heard about her and more. I am blown away by her "guitaring", to say the least. Solo, her voice rings true and she had the hairs standing up on the back of my neck.
Tim Hus has an amazing smile and it shows the side of him that hasn't changed since he was five. Give him time for two songs and a story, and he will win your heart completely.
Anne Loree was nothing short of outstanding. Her presence was cool, sophisticated grace, and she was honest and engaging with the audience. Her songs are the best that the Alberta Sessions has to offer...nothing less than brilliant. Her voice was clear and expressive and her audience was rapt.
Jay Crocker made me feel immediately comfortable, and it was the closest thing to a living room performance that I have seen outside a living room. He is passionate and connected to his instrument, his audience, and his songs.
James Keelaghan brought me back to a time many moons ago when I would fall asleep feeling the music of the Edmonton Folk Festival through the ground under the tarp and the fuzzy blue blanket. His storytelling is superb and his voice is so strong and soothing that you are wrapped in a pair of warm arms, totally at home.
Terry Morrison made me cry some tears that have been sticking around inside me for much too long. Her melodies take me on a trip along rolling hills and curves before flying up with the lilt and grace of a swallow. She is someone deeply connected to the soul.
Shane Ghostkeeper dried my tears and put a perma-grin on my face. He was endearing, funny, shy, and rambunctious all at the same time. I have work for him, I think.
Unfortunately I missed Andrew Wedderburn and The Choir as I had a prior commitment.
Tim Williams is prolific. I loved the song about the two car family, but unfortunately, I could only be soothed absently by the music drifting backstage, as I was sweating buckets backstage. We were talking about it kind of feeling like waiting for the firing squad...soooo nervous.
Tariq's new cd was playing on Friday night and I highly recommend it. It is a record for many activities and purposes by a man who gets better every time I see him. It is the kind of music you can dance to when you're sitting down. Maybe even lying down.
Mark Davis was masterful in his execution. He is a seasoned musician, confident performer, and he writes darn pretty songs.
That's all for tonight. What a mouthful.
Everyone look to the sun now, and ask it to stay.