Lightfoot Celebration @ Hugh's Room-January 2013 - report/videos and pictures are up!

[charlene]

info to date is:

Gordon Lightfoot tribute will be doing 8 Ontario shows next January (4 in Toronto, and singles in Hamilton, Guelph, Meaford and Ottawa).

Hugh's - Wed.Jan.17, Thur.Jan.18, Frid.Jan.19, Sat.Jan.20, 2013
http://hughsroom.com/2012/02/11th-annual-%e2%80%9cthe-way-we-feel-a-celebration-of-the-music-of-gordon-lightfoot%e2%80%9d/ - more performers TBA

[LindaWild]

hohoho got my tickets already!!

[charlene]

From Jory Nash:
here is the line-up for the theatre show version of The Way We Feel.
Confirmed dates are:
Jan 23rd in Hamilton,
Jan 25th in Ottawa,
Jan 26th in Guelph,
Jan 27th in Meaford.
The Hugh's Room shows will feature some of these acts but not all of them, and I'm still one act shy of a final line-up. Will let you know that one when it's ready.

THE WAY WE FEEL THEATRE SHOWS, JANUARY 23, 25, 26, 27 / 2013

Confirmed Line-up will include:
CADENCE: Critically acclaimed 4-man a capella vocal group
LORI CULLEN: Juno-nominated Jazz-Pop singer
RICK FINES: Veteran Canadian multi-award-winning Bluesman
JOHN WORT HANNAM: Juno-nominated Western Canadian contemporary folk singer songwriter
ANDY MAIZE & JOSH FINLAYSON: Founders/front men of Canada's legendary Roots/Rock group THE SKYDIGGERS
JORY NASH: Award-winning singer-songwriter and show producer
OH SUSANNA: Juno-nominated country/folk singer songwriter
SUZIE VINNICK: Juno-nominated, CFMA & MapleBlues Award-Winning singer/guitarist

House Band:
CHRISTINE BOUGIE: Much sought-after lap steel player and percussionist
JASON FOWLER: Acclaimed guitarist and songwriter, leader of John McDermott's band
DAVID MATHESON: Piano/Guitarist, former member of Moxy Fruvous, current pianist in Ron Sexsmith's band
DAVID WOODHEAD: Legendary bass player, producer and multi-instrumentalist

Emcee:
DAVID NEWLAND: co-founder of Roots Music Canada, journalist, songwriter

[jj]

http://www.hecfi.ca/Molson-Canadian-Studio/Songs-of-Gordon-Lightfoot-2.html

great sound at this studio - not sure why the poster shows a Gibson six

looks like there is a new artist added this year

[charlene]

I'll be down on Friday and Saturday @ Hugh's.
(maybe Sunday..)
http://hughsroom.com/category/events/page/3/ (and page 4)

MEAFORD - http://events.simcoe.com/view-event/64425/526961/The-Way-We-Feel-Songs-of-Gordon-Lightfoot

OTTAWA - http://centrepointetheatre.ca/en/events_tickets/january2013/the_way_we_feel/index.htm

GUELPH - http://www.guelpharts.ca/riverruncentre/events_detail.php?eid=3725&date=2013-01-26&view=2013-01-01

[charlene]

hohoho got my tickets already!!

see you there! what nite/nites??

I can't believe it's mid January already!

[Lisa J]

this will sound stupid/naive, but for those of us who have never been to a Lightfoot tribute show, just exactly is it? what happens, who attends, etc? it sounds entriguing. thanks for the info.

[charlene]

They are CELEBRATIONS of LIghtfoot and his music held in a small folk/roots dinner club in TOronto in January. Lightfoot has come and performed several times. Artists submit their requests for 2 tunes and whoever asks first gets the song. They do not do parodies or try to sound like LIghtfoot. THey are all singer/songwriters with their own careers and tours/CD's. The artists tell stories of their connection with Lightfoot/Lightfoot music.
re-caps/videos of previous years:http://www.corfid.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=23107&highlight=hugh%27s+2010
and
http://www.corfid.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=19262&highlight=hugh%27s

If you search HUGH'S ROOM there are recaps going back to the first shows in Jan.2003. I've lost count of how many I've attended.

[charlene]

http://news.ca.msn.com/ontario/mississauga/musicians-pay-tribute-to-gordon-lightfoot
By John Stewart, www.mississauga.com, Updated: January 16, 2013 9:24 AM
Musicians pay tribute to Gordon Lightfoot

Two Mississauga singer/songwriters will help pay tribute to Gordon Lightfoot this weekend.

Mississauga singer/songwriter Lori Cullen will pay tribute to Canadian music legend Gordon Lightfoot during an upcoming show at Hugh's Room in Toronto.
Two Mississauga singer/songwriters will help pay tribute to Gordon Lightfoot this weekend.

Matthew Barber, who grew up in the Mineola community and Lori Cullen, who grew up in Erindale Woodlands, are part of a three-night tribute to Lightfoot that will be held at Hugh's Room in Toronto.

This is the 11th year for the tribute that has become so popular, it now takes up three nights.

Cullen has been part of the show for nine years. Only folk singer Jory Nash, who also organizes the event, has been around it longer.

In an e-mail to The News , Cullen said Lightfoot's rootsy appeal definitely seems to have staying power.

"They keep selling out three nights at Hugh's for this tribute and the man himself did four nights at Massey Hall this past year, so something is still connecting," she said.

Cullen recorded Lightfoot's Pussywillows Cat-Tails on her Juno-nominated CD, Calling For Rain , and also covered Rainy Day People on her latest CD, That Certain Chartreuse , released in 2011.

Cullen will be performing If You Could Read My Mind and the 1980s Lightfoot hit, Anything For Love .

Barber, another Juno-nominated artist, usually records only his own compositions on his six CDs.

But he did record a cover of Lightfoot's Sundown as a special download to promote one of his recordings.

Also performing on the tribute show are Nash, John Wort Hannam, Jadea Kelly, Treasa Levasseur, Andy Maize, Josh Finlayson of the Skydiggers, Scarlett Jane, Kevin Fox and Russell deCarle.

Tickets cost $38.50 at the door.

I believe the photo is by James Dean.

[T.G.]

http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/100048A2C934922D?artistid=1729096&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=52

Songs Of Gordon Lightfoot
Molson Canadian Studio at Hamilton Place
1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y3
Cancelled

This event has been canceled.

Refunds at Point of Purchase only. Internet & Phone orders will automatically be canceled & refunded.

[T.G.]

Any word on tickets for the Fallsview Casino show May 9?

[charlene]

Any word on tickets for the Fallsview Casino show May 9?

No word yet that I've heard...

[Cathy]

Did they give an explanation as to why it was cancelled?

[charlene]

Did they give an explanation as to why it was cancelled?

Apparently because of slow/low sales/venue's not promoting it.

[Cathy]

That's too bad. They had good sales on previous years, didn't they?

[charlene]

they haven't done soft seat theatre shows in years. they do have
Ottawa, Guelph and Meaford shows tho... the 3 hugh's Room shows in TOronto are always standing room only.

[charlene]

I'm in TO and heading to Hugh's soon..It's a balmy day here (46F) but tomorrow will be wicked cold. ugh.
Looking forward to seeing Ron and Kenyon and all the fab talent that Jory assembles for these wonderful shows.
And tomorrow night at Hugh's is the place to be...so that's where I shall be!
;)

[jj]

http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/100048A2C934922D?artistid=1729096&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=52

Songs Of Gordon Lightfoot
Molson Canadian Studio at Hamilton Place
1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y3
Cancelled

that's too bad...i know a few folks (obviously not enough!) who were excited to see this listed in the HECFI promo events way back...would be nice to have heard some of these renditions on a crisp soundstage like this studio room...great for a recording too (if there are ever plans to do a pro video)

i wonder if these out of town event funds are also going to support Hugh's Room...Meaford will be a cool venue...the kid wants to have us trek up there for the Abbamania tribute, lol....it's actually much cheaper also...will check weather

Hughs' is just great when you have good seats...I savour that first special event when Gord was ill...i am wondering what other Hughs' Room regular I'd like to hear do a nifty Gord cover ...I'd like to see Wendel Ferguson in the back up band one year

this year I think Russell deCarle will bring a cool & commanding stage presence

looking forward to the videos and reports as always...sorry I missed ya Ron!

[charlene]

ya shoulda been there JJ ! omigoodness it was AWESOME on SO many levels!
36 bucks is an amazing price to see the number of talented artists onstage over the course of close to 3 hours...oh my it was fab..more to come... 3 special guests....!!

[jj]

:clap:the sound on your camera is crisp! your channel is getting more awesome:clap:

[charlene]

I'm loading videos/pics and writing up the report..should be up soon...'twas fabulous!! That little CANON PowerShot SSX220 HS does have great sound...Meredith said so too!
will post it all asap.

[charlene]

THE WAY WE FEEL – 11th annual celebration of Gordon Lightfoot
@Hugh’s in Toronto on Frid.Jan.18, Sat.Jan.19 and Sun.Jan.20, 2013.
I didn’t attend on Friday night.

Saturday Jan.19, 2013 (nite 2)

Dinner reservations were for 6 p.m. The show doesn’t start until 8:30 but as the room fills up, the artists arrive, sound checks are done and people watching commences so the time passes quickly. Lisa and I spent some time chatting with Jory Nash and David Newland (and his 4 ½ month old son Jasper) as well as Ron Jones, his wife Marion and friend Aileen. Kenyon and his wife Johanna were at the table on one side of us and Ron and folks were on the other. We were joined at our table by our friend Patti.

The staff at Hugh’s are all so gracious and accommodating, doing their jobs so professionally at all times within a small, crowded, hot, noisy room. The dinners are served hot and delicious with quite a variety of choices on the menu. It really is a one of a kind place that I wish I could frequent much more often during the year to see so many fabulous artists.

At 8:30 the lights dimmed and Jory Nash made his way onstage to introduce the first performer and emcee of the evening, David Newland. David has been with the shows since the beginning back in January 2003 and as many people have said over the years, he should win a JUNO for best emcee in Canada!

Jory and Aengus Finnan wanted to do a tribute album early in 2002 but quickly changed that idea to a tribute concert when they discovered how much it would cost and how difficult it would be. They were graciously given one night to have their concert @ Hugh’s Room which had just opened and Holmes Hook was the booking agent – he will be retiring in February.
That first year they also took the show to Ottawa and ended up doing two nights at Hugh’s. That was when I stumbled into THE best music and people out there. And I’ve been going back ever since.

The quality of the shows, the grace and generosity of spirit amongst the artists and deep, deep respect and love they have for each other and LIGHTFOOT moves me to tears every year. It speaks volumes about it when The Man himself shows up and graces the stage to perform a couple of tunes for us.

Jory has lovingly produced the shows on his own for several years now while Aengus was busy starting up the very successful Shelter Valley Folk Festival. Thankfully he shows up and has got on stage and done a couple of tunes in the last few years. The evening is never quite complete for me until he is onstage in some capacity along with Jory, David, David Matheson and Jason Fowler – all day oners. Jory does an exemplary job producing the evenings and it is heartwarming to hear the artists praise his dedication and hard work before they sing their chosen tunes.

House Band – Jason Fowler-guitars, David Matheson-piano, David Woodhead-bass, Christine Bougie-lap steel, drums, percussion.

DAVID NEWLAND – THAT’S WHAT YOU GET FOR LOVIN’ ME. David released a terrific CD in 2012, “Give It A Whirl” and he and his wife Meaghan welcomed a son into their family 4 ½ months ago. Jasper is exquisite!

DAVID MATHESON – RACE AMONG THE RUINS and a call/response with the audience when he sang OH LINDA. WOW – it was quite something to hear THAT tune!

JADEA KELLY – CAREFREE HIGHWAY and as she described it, ‘the saddest song of all time’ – I’M NOT SUPPOSED TO CARE. She said we could all cry along. Her rendition was very evocative and emotional. She is new to the shows and grew up right here where we live in Whitby!

MATTHEW BARBER – he performed a few years ago so it was nice to see him again. STEEL RAIL BLUES and DID SHE MENTION MY NAME. He had a Maple Leafs T-shirt on under his jacket. While the show was on the Leafs were playing the dreaded Habs in Montreal in the first game of the shortened NHL season due to very rich people fighting about who would be richer in 10 years. Matthew said Gord dated himself with the line, “is the home team still on fire, do they still win all the games?” seeing as that was back when The Leafs last won a Stanley Cup in 1967… LOL

KEVIN FOX – this was Kevin’s first time with the shows and hopefully not his last. He had just started his first tune when an audience member suffered some sort of attack at her table near the stage and a break was quickly called while she was carried for and transported to hospital VIA ambulance. A bit unnerving for everyone but she seemed okay when she left and apologized for the commotion. Thirty minutes later Kevin started his song again after explaining it was particularly upsetting for him because last year while he was onstage @ Hugh’s for his own CD release his father collapsed in the audience that night. Oh my goodness…. From his website: Kevin Fox has been spending the last few years composing arrangements for the likes of Justin Bieber & Kathleen Edwards, recording with artists as diverse as Raine Maida & Celine Dion, & touring extensively with musicians ranging from Chantal Kreviazuk & Steven Page to Tom Cochrane & Olivia Newton-John. Kevin sat down with his CELLO and amazed all of us with the most unique and moving version of THE CIRCLE IS SMALL. Oh my goodness again! This was one of the most spell binding performances of all 11 years. So amazing. Kevin then played guitar and sang FINE AS FINE CAN BE. And it too was lovely.

RUSSELL deCARLE – (Prairie Oyster band) – I have always loved his voice and wanted to see him so it was doubly nice to hear him singing Lightfoot tunes! He was accompanied by the house band and Kevin Fox on cello as he sang THE LAST TIME I SAW HER FACE. Sublime. ‘Nuff said. Then he sang HOME FROM THE FOREST mentioning that Ronnie Hawkins did a great version that was a hit back in the day. I was really happy Russell was in the line-up this year!

LORI CULLEN – always a treat to hear Lori and how she interprets the Lightfoot tunes she chooses. She had her omnichord for ANYTHING FOR LOVE which was fabulous and then sang IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND. She’s always a treat to hear.

BREAK - only 10 minutes or so due to the earlier interruption.

DAVID NEWLAND was up again and did a sweet, sweet TALKING IN YOUR SLEEP.
JASON FOWLER performed SONG FOR A WINTER’S NIGHT and MORNING GLORY. Prior to singing Morning Glory he said he did some research and found that Morning Glory is the name for many types of plants that bloom in the morning and fade by evening. You can hear another meaning of the name in the video clip and the third is that it means ‘love in vain’…and that Gord probably meant it in that way plus a bit of definition #2. Lol.

SCARLETT JANE – two solo artists are also a duo! Andrea Ramolo and Cindy Doire sang PROTOCOL and OLD DAN’S RECORDS. Beautiful voices in harmony and lots of energy for ODR.

JOHN WORT HANNAM – from Alberta and thankful for honest Torontonians who handed in his lost wallet at the airport. A couple of terrific renditions – EARLY MORNING RAIN and YOUR LOVES RETURN.

ANDY MAIZE and JOSH FINLAYSON of The Skydiggers sang SPIN SPIN and SUMMER SIDE OF LIFE. Andy is a very ‘intense’ performer and very intriguing to watch onstage. Mesmerizing in fact. Another great ‘old’ tune to hear.

TREASA LEVASSEUR – THE WAY I FEEL (accompanied by Kevin Fox on cello) – a haunting, mournful version; especially with the cello in the mix. She then ramped it up with SUNDOWN, singing the guitar solo along with Jason playing it.

JORY NASH – he told the story of how the shows came about and that artists who said NO to their requests to be on the bill before they had a place and time set contacted he and Aengus when Lightfoot fell ill in the fall of 2002 and the media caught wind of their tribute show and wanted a part of it. Aengus and Jory said NO to them and went with the local folk/roots people who had shown interest from the beginning. Valdy flew in from Salt Springs BC for the two Toronto shows and one in Ottawa. The artists were being paid 100.00 per show and nothing else. They had to arrange lodging and travel etc. for themselves. After those shows it was clear that this was going to have to be a yearly event for as long as people were going to come out to hear the magic of Lightfoot..When asked why he flew across the country on his own nickel to do the shows Valdy told Jory, ‘because it’s the right thing to do.’ And from that Jory said he learned a lot about integrity…And totally fitting the mood he then sang MINSTREL OF THE DAWN and then COTTON JENNEY.

FINALE - The show was ending but not before the customary assembling of all the performers onstage for the finale- a call/response with the audience in the singing of RICH MAN’S SPIRITUAL.

What a show! Every artist was a stand-out! I took no videos other than tonights’ finale due to a very tall guy in front of me who was totally unaware that many people behind him would like to see the stage.lol

Well, Saturdays show was in the history books and the artists were accepting hugs and congratulations from the audience members while they filed out to a cold Toronto night. It’s so terrific that the performers hang out in the lobby talking to everyone, signing CD’s purchased from the merch table and getting pictures taken. It’s abundantly clear that they are beloved and loved for their own talent as well as their dedication to the LIGHTFOOT celebration shows.

We got a very welcome lift with Kenyon and Johanna to the hotel so we didn’t have to take the subway back into the city. We would be doing it all again on Sunday night so hopefully I would get a good nights sleep….time would tell…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[charlene]

pics

[jj]

You should be given a front row seat every show. You provide keepsakes for Jory and Hugh's every year instead of just sitting back and relaxing. I know I couldn't sit in a chair for 5 hours but am sorry I missed the cello vibe for starters!

Nice summary! Lol. I like Matt's line even though I think the song is about a small town like Orillia. Maize is quirky. Goes back to blue rodeo connections and of course Skydiggers. I think Spin Spin worked. Remind me of Steven Page convulsions in BNL performances:)

Like the piano and whining guitar in Not Supposed to Care. Tempo too. Nice voice

Jory and Aengus should do new Gord songs every year. Like Lori. I'd like to have heard her anything for Love rendition.

I have full database of all songs from each year somewhere and will update it thanks to your write ups! I imagine artists get to keep all cd sale proceeds. $50 a song ain't bad and you can't put a price on the exposure. It's a tough genre to survive in especially without Factor or provincial arts council funding and CBC airplay. Many taxpayers object to support the arts.

Glad you enjoyed Russel. I thought he might do Dreamland (country)

I hope the boys were there for Sunday. Great pals all uniting on a cold Canuck night:) cheers, char!

[jj]

man, youve out done yerself this year! wow. can i get these on dvd? pleeease

i was wrong. aegnus can repeat his Lightfoot song everyyear. it sounds just as nice as the first time. His and JP Cormier's Poet tributes are real nice poetry, eh

your close up angle of that tune really bring the show to the worldwide youtuber

and as good as the sound capture and video images are, nothing compares to being close up to the stage in that room. it aint aweful being back at the pub either, or on a stool... if you have a good young back, lol. way to go, woman:headbang:

[charlene]

I'll burn ya a copy...
I've sat all over that room, stood for whole shows, sat on backless stools at high tables...no matter to me...Just being there is all that matters. Jory was snapping pics with his fancy new CANON and another fellow was taking pro pics too-possibly for HUGH'S..I'll pass along my stuff in case they want to use any of it.

BOYS????

[charlene]

click on YOUTUBE ICON TO WATCH THE VIDEOS;
MVI 7847 JasonFowler Morning Glory 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7850 TreasaLavasseur TheWay I Feel 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7853 JohnWortHannam EarlyMorningRain 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7856 JohnWortHannam YourLovesReturn 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7857 JoshFinlayson AndyMaze SpinSpin 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7865 JoryNash MinstrelOfTheDawn 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7868 JoryNash LightfootIntro 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7870 LIGHTFOOT WildStrawberries 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7871 Lightfoot IntroOfMeredith 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7872 Meredith SteelRailBlues 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7873 LIGHTFOOT Restless 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7874 DavidNewland TalkingInYourSleep 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7875 MatthewBarber DidSheMentionMyName 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7876 MatthewBarber ThatsWhatYouGetForLovin'Me 1 20 012 - YouTube

[jj]

boys=kenny and ronny

(legendary duo. when i join them we are the ThreeTones. lol)


wow i thought you got honorary seating starting year two.
didnt know u did time standing or on those stools. next year, wheelchair seating for me. i'm starting to creak

will check out the full suite of vids again in the morn. off to bed. evening glory:whistle:

[charlene]

MVI 7877 AengusFinnan Pussywillows Cattails 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

boys=kenny and ronny

(legendary duo. when i join them we are the ThreeTones. lol)


wow i thought you got honorary seating starting year two.
didnt know u did time standing or on those stools. next year, wheelchair seating for me. i'm starting to creak

will check out the full suite of vids again in the morn. off to bed. evening glory:whistle:

Ron came on Sunday-no Kenyon tho...

[charlene]

MVI 7877 JadeaKelly I'mNotSupposedToCare 12 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7878 AengusFinnan LIGHTFOOT 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

THE WAY WE FEEL – 11th annual celebration of Gordon Lightfoot
@Hugh’s in Toronto on Frid.Jan.18, Sat.Jan.19 and Sun.Jan.20, 2013.
I didn’t attend on Friday night.

Sunday Jan.20, 2013 (nite 3)

Well after very little sleep and a slow start to the morning Lisa and I headed out into the very, very cold Toronto day. We did some some window shopping at the Eaton Centre, had some lunch and eventually made our way by subway back up Yonge St. and along Bloor St. to Hugh’s Room for the final night of the 11th annual 2013 Lightfoot celebration show.

We had reservations for 6 again and were taken to our table down front near the stage, just off the two stairs from the larger dining area. We’ve sat at this table several times over the years and it’s a great spot. Ron Jones had made his way back for the show and was biding his time near the lobby area so we spent some time with him waiting for the 8:30 start time after we had another lovely dinner.

Mr. Bernie Fiedler came in with Jane Harbury who was the manager at The Riverboat that was owned by Mr. Fiedler. She has continued being a major player in the roots/folk scene since those days as a publicist to many artists. http://www.rootsmusic.ca/2011/11/24/unsung-hero-jane-harbury/ I spent some time with them talking about those days back in the 60’s and of course suggested they write a book! At the link there are 2 videos of some of her recollections. She is starting a showcase at Hugh’s of new emerging talent and her “Discoveries” shows will be once a month. http://hughsroom.com/2012/12/jane-harbury-presents-discoveries-7/ Tonight would be the debut at Hugh’s of just one such person.

The evening started off with Jory introducing David Newland and telling his story about how the shows came to be again…cuz he had so much fun telling it the previous two nights! Lol

DAVID NEWLAND – YOUARE WHAT I AM – besides being a talented singer/songwriter and emcee David is also a proficient harmonica, banjo, banjolele and ukelele player as well. These instruments bring a new and fun dimension to the Lightfoot tunes he chooses. I smile the whole time he’s onstage!

TREASA LEVASSEUR – THE WAY I FEEL and SUNDOWN

JOHN WORT HANNAM – EARLY MORNING RAIN and YOUR LOVES RETURN

ANDY MAIZE and JOSH FINLAYSON – SPIN SPIN and SUMMER SIDE OF LIFE
I think this was around the time that Lightfoot came in with Meredith and her b.f. and sat behind us with B.Fiedler and Jane.

LORI CULLEN – ANYTHING FOR LOVE and IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND

JORY NASH – MINSTREL OF THE DAWN and COTTON JENNEY. Jory sings like no one else, he embodies the tune and captures it for us to see in his body language and face as well as his voice. It’s always a ‘don’t look away’ time when he is onstage. LOVE him!
Jory proudly introduced the Minstrel himself, Gordon Lightfoot to a gasp and a standing ovation from those in the audience who had no idea he had been sitting amongst them. He eventually made his way to the stage with two guitars. He had been upstairs tuning them and had to make his way downstairs, thru the lobby/bar area and then through the tables on the main floor, down the two stairs by me and then onto the stage. He settled one guitar onto a stand and sat down with the other. The audience sat and held their collective breath.

GORDON LIGHTFOOT – sitting on a wood chair he sang WILD STRAWBERRIES with a few guitar challenges while laughing them off with a ‘should have rehearsed’ and shake of his head. He then introduced his daughter, Meredith Moon. On her way to the stage as she passed me I said, ‘yay/go Meredith’, she turned for a moment and when she recognized me gave me a nice smile. She came onstage and sat on the chair while her father left the stage to sit on the piano bench and lean on the piano with his eyes closed for the most part while she sang.

MEREDITH MOON – STEEL RAIL BLUES. Meredith was very poised and confident onstage asking for some adjustments on the sound board and mic and her dad passing instructions on to “go light on the low end, this is a very thick sounding guitar.” She asked her dad for something and he reached into his pocket and gave her a pick. Meredith said she had wanted to perform on the Hugh’s Room stage since she was 9 years old and started the song as her dad made his way to the piano bench. With one last look over to him she began a lovely version of this mid 60’s Lightfoot tune. Her voice was strong and clear and her guitar playing was fantastic. There was even some audience sing along happening! She received a rousing round of applause. Dad jumped onstage to do another tune as Meredith made her way to her table, recognizing me on her way and leaning down for a hug. Very sweet! No time to talk because dad was starting tune number 2!

GORDON LIGHTFOOT – RESTLESS. This is such a moving song with evocative images, and the ‘ethereal’ quality that is found in so many of the Lightfoot tunes we love. It really suits just a singer and guitar on a chair in a ‘hear a pin drop’ room of 200 spellbound fans. Especially when that singer is Gordon Lightfoot. Another standing ovation and The Man left the stage with a guitar in each hand. He would come back to see a few other performers before leaving with Meredith and her b.f.

BREAK – I sat with Meredith and her b.f. for a bit and talked about her performance and I made my way to the lobby area to get some fresh air and chat with folks by the bar and check out the merch table. As I was finishing speaking with David Newland, Gordon came down the stairs to head back to his seat as the lights dimmed twice to let us know the show was going to start again. As he got closer he said, “Hi there!” and reached his hand out as he passed to make his way to the stairs and back to his table. I figured I’d better get back too before David had to make his way to start introducing the next act but when I got to the stairs Gordon was still standing there looking into the darkness. I asked him if he wanted to go to his table or stay there. He said he was heading to his table so I said, “follow me!” It’s very crowded and tables and chairs are all turned around every which way so it’s a bit tricky to get through the crowd. He stayed right behind me and when I got to his table I pulled out his chair and he sat down saying, ‘thanks!”… I then sat on the step in front of his table, beside my dear favourite emcee and new daddy, David Newland after he opened the second set.

DAVID NEWLAND – TALKING IN YOUR SLEEP. – a totally charming rendition.

SCARLETT JANE – PROTOCOL and OLD DAN’S RECORDS

MATTHEW BARBER – DID SHE MENTION MY NAME and FOR LOVIN’ ME

JADEA KELLY – CAREFREE HIGHWAY and I’M NOT SUPPOSED TO CARE

AENGUS FINNAN – a surprise appearance by the talented co-founder always makes me smile! He performed PUSSYWILLOWS-CATTAILS and his own tune LIGHTFOOT that is the only song on the tribute CD not written by Lightfoot himself. You know I enjoyed these two tunes!
I think this may have been when Lightfoot and party left the building.

KEVIN FOX – CIRCLE IS SMALL and FINE AS FINE CAN BE. Kevin said he was glad to have got through his tunes without any interruptions and was really pleased with his performance - he really nailed them tonight. B.Fiedler was quite impressed as was the whole audience who erupted in a deafening ovation.

DAVID MATHESON once again did an impressive “OH LINDA and RACE AMONG THE RUINS. He is a perfomer who really enjoys himself onstage and loves audience interaction. Lots of fun!

RUSSELL deCARLE sang THE LAST TIME I SAW HER FACE and HOME FROM THE FOREST. What a great voice.

GROUP FINALE – RICH MAN’S SPIRITUAL

WOW. What a fabulous two nights of LIVE music! I am SO glad I got a lot of tonight’s performances on video. Jory has set the bar very high again and it will be interesting and exciting to see what he comes up with next year for the 12th anniversary shows.

We headed up to the lobby area to get the annual pictures with the boys who are so gracious and generous with their time after such a long and busy weekend. I can’t believe 10 years have passed since the first time I met them and found so much wonderful music and some lovely new friends. They are such thoughtful and kind souls, talented beyond measure and all are adorable beyond description.

I also told Kevin Fox how outstanding his performance of The Circle Is Small was and that it was Bernie Fiedler who yelled out when he was finished. He said Bernie had come upstairs to tell him how wonderful he thought it was. He was very humble and thanked me for the kind words. He really accomplished something remarkable sitting there with only a cello and performing a Lightfoot tune.

The community of artists that I’ve met through these shows is a wonderful family that make music, record CD’s, and tour their butts off all because they have incredible talent and a drive to perform that is partially influenced by one man who lived that same life as a young man. They pay homage to him in the most perfect way they can – writing, singing, playing their instruments and sharing their talent with us.

And once in a while they stop and sing from a different songbook to remind us that we need to, have to, should remember the remarkable Canadian troubadour named Gordon Meredith Lightfoot.

Because as Valdy said to Jory back in 2002, “it’s the right thing to do.”

[charlene]

MVI 7879 KevinFox TheCircleIsSmall 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7881 KevinFox FineAsFineCanBe 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7883 DavidMatheson OhLinda 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7884 DavidMatheson RaceAmongTheRuins 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

GroupFinale RichMansSpiritual 1 19 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

7846 JasonFowler SongForAWintersNight 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

MVI 7888 GroupFinale RichMansSpiritual 1 20 012 - YouTube

[charlene]

photos

[jj]

hey, a few questions:

Fox has a nice voice... was that pre recorded tracks he was playing cello along with or was someone else playing strings and plucking as well? or perhaps it was some sequencer on a delay or whatever... i love his arrangement with the bow..i echo Bernie:)

unless the promo material is wrong for the upcoming Guelph and Meaford dates (which have fairly weak sales...$45) it looks like this years fresh talent is not along for the tour... it sounds like Rick Fines Oh Suzannah etc are on the bill instead... both also worth the price of admission, of course... just wondered

the Saturday night recording and performance and singalong of the finale is great! is that a Jamie McCoun (sp?) #34 that Barber is wearing? I hope his big name sister does the show one year.... he looks like he's related to Aengus!

...Dave Mattheson looks like a cross between TG and Gord Downie:) cool voice

never saw Jory without a hat on before... that's a great pic of the trio with yas!

Mer's gonna get better on guitar... yeah, that guitar they used is sure not Gord's ...what a nice moment with dad...looks like she's in good shape, pretty

i'm glad you got a it of Russel...what a lank...a great stage vibe with this clan...and nice to hear those brunette "Jane" gals with Cullen for that one verse...it sounded like old Chattenooga Choo Choo gal vocals, lol...cool

there are about 190 Gord songs left to tackle so many Celebrations yet to come!

many of these folks do the regular tributes at Hugh's (Tyson, Neil, Joni, etc) but I don't find good video of these on youtube...char, you do a great service:)

sometimes only one channel is recording audio...i don't know if your camera has two wee mics and that one of your fingers is covering one or the other as your juggle your position... you should use a mini table tripod and if video police give you a hassle about it then send them to Richard or Jory...or Gord:)

the mix of the backup band was sweet.... I'm sorry there wasn't a real piano there the years that I've dropped by....its too bad its not a more appealing location but it is subway accessible...im so glad that Hughs' lives on and the new Discoveries series should help...get it broadcast on CBC tv...yeah, put my tax dollars to good use and stop buying syndicated game and reality shows

ok, too much coffee...thanks so much, char...good luck on the road, Jory

(Ottawa to Guelph is a long cold haul, are they borrowing Gord's jet? :) )

[Cathy]

Very nice rendition!

[jj]

ps) nice pic of Ron! always dapper and protecting the vocal chords too:)

...oh, those gals are called Scarlett Jane.... i think they backed up Lori on her cool version of SFAWN years ago...but perhaps they are different brunettes:kiss:

here is a taste of their sound ....what a cool bedroom ....a woman cave:cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlkMTsLSGGQ

and not to derail these amazing Hugh's live videos, but Andy Maize with BR:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIaYF8Lz7CA

[Cathy]

I really like all of Kevin Fox's songs.

[charlene]

Imay inadvertently cover the mic...totally possible cuz the damn things are on the top where I hold the camera! bad ergonomics...and the red button to start recording is microscopic...not always sure it's on as I centre on subject and try to watch LIVE and not in viewfinder thing..lolol So I miss seeing the red REC telling me that in fact it is recording.. add in the excitement factor and age and wine and things can get totally missed/screwed up! lol

easy peasy subway ride to HUGH'S from downtown..after the trek on the GO from whitby..lol

Fox had a pre-recorded setup..no one else was involved - it was breathtaking... even the 2nd nite when I knew what to expect.(other than the medical emerg that is)


I imagine some of the Hugh's folks on the weekend are off on their own tours etc. Suzie was at the Blues event at The Delta and won a couple of awards. We spoke with her in the lobby when we got back to the hotel..she's so terrific. I missed her and RickFines. ultra talented folks! I wanted to see Rick's new baby girl too!

I suggested that a Kristofferson night be implemented...

Russell deCarle has a fab voice - always loved it.

Jane spoke with Mer about the Discoveries showcases - hopefully she'll step onstage again...

[charlene]

it's always fun snapping pics with the boys...happy/serious/sleeping/whatever...we always take lots..LOVE those boys!
I never got any pics on Sat.of Ron/Marion/Eileen and K&J ! damn!
TOOO much going on!!!

[lighthead2toe]

THE WAY WE FEEL: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF GORDON LIGHTFOOT

When that heading appears on the list of events at Hugh's Room in Toronto, anyone who appreciates the works of Gordon Lightfoot would be wise to catch one of these shows.

The artists who perform at those events are as appreciative of the works of this "great composer" as are the members of the audiences that come to see and hear them perform.

The interesting thing is what you get in return for the cost of the ticket is simply unbelievable.

This year I was fortunate enough to attend both the Saturday and Sunday Concerts.

Every time I see the words "Sunday Concert" in print I think back to 1969 when at Massey Hall the "Sunday Concert" album was recorded.

I swear I can hear some of my "whistle sounds" on that album each time I give it a spin.

A host of stars go out to Charlene Westbrook, a special lady with an unyielding will to provide us with information, videos of the performances etc. And thanks also to her loving daughter Lisa who surely does her fair share of the work.

Jory Nash, together with Angus Finnan are the two most instrumental guys responsible for bringing the shows to us and we give them a huge thank you.

The back up band is very tight and it's clear they are really into Gord's material.

This year's bill included Kevin Fox, an artist I was till now totally unfamiliar with.

Hugh's Room does not have a backstage area for artists to ready themselves so they enter the stage from the back of the room which is interesting as audience members have the opportunity to see each one walking through and when I saw Kevin Fox making his way to the stage, cello in tow, well I knew at that point we were going to hear something quite different.

After David Newland, the MC for the shows eloquently introduced Kevin, as he does for all others, I watched in anticipation how he readied himself when suddenly, in "pizzicato style" (with plucked strings) he started into "The Circle is Small."

Well, did this guy deliver with emotion! Really big time emotion, lyric by lyric!

"The Circle is Small" is just one of those tunes; well, when you sit down and have a serious listen, and maybe even depending on the mood at hand, could easily put you on an emotional roller coaster ride where you might just want to go and have that second cup of coffee or maybe even something just a little stiffer.

Luckily for me the waitress was just delivering my last glass of ale at the lime.

He worked his bow the way the lyrics demanded. Wow!

The audience just roared with applause.

Sunday night's performance was extra special of course as the show included non other than Gord himself and fitting it be for a proud Dad to introduce his talented daughter, Meridith who did a great job on "Steel Rail Blues."

Meridith is in leaps and bounds sounding better all the time. No doubt she has the guidance of her Dad being there to keep the home fires burning. He sure is a great Dad.

An interesting point that made me reflect to a comment Gord made in a recent interview about "leaving a clean campsite when he goes."

Well, where I was seated on the Sunday night it was close to the aisle way and when Gord was leaving his table to fetch his guitar to do his tunes he walked by me with his dinner plate in his hand and returned it to the counter.

Now there's a guy with class. What an example! Very very melting feeling it was for me watching that exercise.

To the dedicated folks who make these shows happen and that includes the staff at Hugh's Room as they most definitely are into the music as the rest of us, a huge big thank you!

Ron Jones.

[charlene]

uber talented Jory K. Nash - photographer:

[jj]

Wonderful observation, Ron. The plate metaphor, the artist journey, the tip of cap to Lisa too. All class and so glad you made the Sunday scoop trek

I particularly like the first Mer pic with Gord onlooking, the first deCarle pic and the Bougie pic... what a visage...and a cool Pink hairdo. Gord should revisit APPT hair

Jory and his hat and grin and cheeks remind me of Jiminy Cricket

But I guess he's more of a Gepetto... Pulling all the strings

[lighthead2toe]

It was a weekend like non other JJ. I'm still riding on the high!

Hugh's Room is a treasured place to showcase events such as these and with the upcoming retirement next month of Holmes Hook as the booking agent it will be interesting to see how things unfold.

Holmes is sort of a low profile guy, very talented in many areas, especially poetry.

There's always a feeling of trepidation of course with change which would be considered normal when something of such importance is in the wind.

I would say that Jory Nash would be a shoe in for the job if he would be interested. Boy, if you could just see how he worked that room over the weekend you would be in awe.

Guys like me could learn a thing or two from guys like him.

We would hope that Holmes doesn't venture too far though and maybe even appear on the Hugh's Room stage from time to time.

Best to all.

RJ.

[charlene]

http://frfb.blogspot.ca/

Saturday, January 26, 2013The Way We Feel – The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Lightfoot was still in the relatively early stages of his career as a major folk-rooted singer-songwriter when my own musical interests began to centre on the folk scene. His third LP, Did She Mention My Name, was the first of Lightfoot’s albums that I bought new when it first came out in 1968 and I quickly acquired the first two and many of the ones that followed. His 1960s albums, and several from the ‘70s, still resonate particularly strongly with me.

Over the past decade, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Jory Nash has organized an annual tribute concert at Hugh’s Room in Toronto, in which a revolving cast of artists, and a house band, each do a pair of Lightfoot songs. Lightfoot himself has shown up occasionally and performed a couple of songs – including last Sunday, the third of a three-night stand.

Last night, Jory Nash brought The Way We Feel – The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot to Centrepointe Theatre in Ottawa. Interestingly, although there was overlap, the roster of artists was substantially different from the Hugh’s Room shows last weekend.

MC David Newland, who opened the show with a song and did a great job of keeping the show flowing, and the superb house band – guitarist Jason Fowler, pianist David Matheson, bassist David Woodhead, and Christine Bougie, who switched between drums and lap steel – as well as featured artists Lori Cullen, John Wort Hannam, Jory Nash, and Andy Maize & Josh Finlayson of the Skydiggers, were on the Hugh’s Room bill. The additional artists in Ottawa were Cadence, Rick Fines, Oh Susanna and Suzie Vinnick (fresh from winning a couple of Maple Blues Awards last week). Band members Jason Fowler and David Matheson also took turns in the spotlight with a couple of songs each.

In the hundreds of songs Lightfoot has written and recorded over his long career, the artists had a wealth of material to choose from and included several of his best known songs and several of the more obscure.

Certainly, the evening’s high point was when the entire cast gathered on stage at the end for gospel-style version of “Rich Man’s Spiritual,” which Jory Nash pointed out was the first song on Lightfoot’s first album. Each verse was led by a different artist or group of artists, with everyone else joining in and leading the audience on the call-and-response parts. It was a joyous moment and a perfect finale.

Among the other highlights were Jory’s solo version of “Mother of a Miner’s Child,” Lori Cullen’s jazz ballad version of “Rainy Day People,” Rick Fines’ soulful rendition of “Ribbon of Darkness,” which included some sublime slide guitar playing, Oh Susanna’s country version of “Early Morning Rain,” John Wort Hannam’s lovely solo rendition of "Your Love’s Return" and Suzie Vinnick’s electrified take on “If You Could Read My Mind.”

In all honesty, there were a couple of arrangements that didn’t work for me. Lori Cullen’s disco version of “Song for a Winter’s Night” robbed the song of the beauty of its quiet intimacy. And I really wished that a cappella quartet Cadence had just concentrated on the lyrics to “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” instead of also using their voices to imitate the musical instruments – the net effect was to lose much of the impact of the song’s story.

In a concert that included just 22 songs, there were so many great Lightfoot songs left unsung. No wonder this show can be mounted annually without losing its freshness.

Find me on Twitter. twitter.com/@mikeregenstreif

And on Facebook. facebook.com/mikeregenstreif


--Mike Regenstreif

[charlene]

7885-RusselldeCarle-TheLastTimeISawHerFace-1-20-012.MOV - YouTube

7887-RusselldeCarle-HomeFromTheForest-1-20-012.MOV - YouTube

[jj]

this year I think Russell deCarle will bring a cool & commanding stage presence




oh that thought turned out to be very true it seems. thanks SO much, char!:clap:

[charlene]

I realized I hadn't posted those two clips..DUH... Did the DVD's work??

[jj]

I realized I hadn't posted those two clips..DUH... Did the DVD's work??

just great. i just got mail package too to check out. you r d bestest, char!:clap:

[charlene]

hope they work!