Hey . . . who said I was imaginary? I'm very real- just haven't checked in for a while.
Perhaps you know me as MAH? Anyway, I did go to Gord's concert in Atlanta. Wish I could say it was the best I'd ever seen him perform but unfortunately it was not.
It was playing out to be a great evening ... the weather was perfect, it was a spanking new venue, a sellout crowd, and there was a buzz in the air. So, at 8pm sharp, the band strolls onto stage followed by Gord. The set list w/ comments is as follows . . .
Cotton Jenny (as per usual he stops before reaching the "sickly South" verse)
Carefree Highway
Sea of Tranquility
Gord addresses the audience at this point. Says how great it is to be back after a couple of years. Then he recalls another time in ATL ... "oh, the rain in Chastain", he chortles. And if you were there at that concert you'll remember it rained like cats and dogs until just before showtime, then the humidity was so thick you could cut it with a knife!
14 Karat Gold
Never Too Close
In My Fashion
Another chat w/ the crowd- he informs us that this performance was the 11th in 14 days. He comments on how people assume he's exhausted after so many shows in a row but he denies it, saying he becomes more energized. Well that may be, but his voice was taking a toll for sure. It was cracking and very raspy from the get-go.
A Painter Passing Through
Rainy Day People
Shadows
Beautiful
He mentions knowing Jiggs McDonald (commentator for Atl Flames way back when) and how they went to high school together separately. Laughs at his joke. Somewhere around this time, he switches guitars and makes a another joke about how he better get to playing before he quits- er for the first half that is. I think that was a backhanded remark about his fluctuating voice. Some loud lady down front yells something which got the crowd laughing and him just shaking his head.
The Watchman's Gone
Ribbon of Darkness (abbreviated version)
Sundown
The Wreck
Intermission
Triangle
Hangdog Hotel Room
My Little Love
A loud lady shouts she loves him to which he replies, "that's nice to hear since I never hear it at home". Just kidding he says, but one wonders???)
Clouds of Loneliness
He mentions this is a song he was inspired to write while flying over Nebraska late one night and seeing a rare light filtering through the clouds. He then very loudly said it reminded him also of his estranged wife. Hmmm.
Waiting For You (his voice actually was strong during this song)
Make Way For The Lady
If You Could Read My Mind
Baby Step Back
Gord said he and band enjoy playing this song but it was hard to tell this particular night- they all seem to be only going thru the motions.
Song For A Winter's Night
Early Mornin' Rain
Talks about almost meeting Elvis- but Elvis had left the building, and how he thought Elvis did a nice version of his song
If Children Had Wings
Blackberry Wine
Encore - Old Dan's Records
All in all, it was a pleasant evening. I just shut my eyes, sang along quietly to myself. And despite the fact that Gord's voice isn't what it used to be, he can still bring me to my feet!
Mary Ann (MAH)