[lighthead2toe]

Well, here we are at 5:44 am (8:44 Toronto time where my biological clock still resides).

So, the gig! Yes, it was some time, believe me. Just being back there in that TO town of mine was a joy albeit the coldest week of the winter so far.

Jory Nash is one amazing and truly talented guy. To pull off something like those tribute shows with the organizing that's involved is a major feat and next year (the tenth anniversary) he's going to tag on a fourth show because of the demand. I understand his artistic friend, Angus Finnan is also involved in putting the shows together as well.

No doubt Char will have a comprehensive post coming shortly as from the vantage points I managed to secure for all three shows, I could see her taking down notes, doing the picture taking, changing the batteries in her camera; all those things she does for us here. I did buy her the odd glass of her fav Merlot, but next gig I'll be sure to include a few sets of batteries with that, as those things can eat into one's cash flow.

But to move on to the Sunday night show, the one where Gord appears.

The folks at Hugh's Room are most accommodating and when they were made aware that I had flown in from Vancouver specifically for the tribute shows, they perched me in the best places where I could see the stage perfectly and also to observe to comings and goings in the room.

For the Sunday night show they had set me on a stool, close to the back of the room, but what a vantage point. I could see a vacant table located not from where I was sitting and rightly assumed it was reserved for Gord and company, and yes, they did arrive; Gord, accompanied by Bernie Fiedler and friend.

Each act performed two songs written by Gord (except Me and Bobby Magee written by Kris Kristofferson) and there were some classic versions. Jory did a really superb job on "Knotty Pine" and I especially loved the version Jason Fowler did on "In My Fashion."

That's a song I've been hooked on and I'm still struggling with it but it's my intention to have it ready for the pub jam. (It's the recitation part that I screw up on all the time).

James Keelaghan is a big man with a big voice. He did his classic version of "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" which is on the tribute CD "Beautiful."

There was a rare version of the rare "Long Thin Dawn" which really was cool performed by a young couple (name escapes me but Char will help I'm sure) decked in "young attire." I recall the lady saying they were originally from Winnipeg, now living in Austin, Texas.

Ron Nigrini, a true gentleman with equal stage presence and one who I'm proud to call friend performed "Steel Rail Blues" and a most classic version of that most classic "If you Could Read My Mind."

Lori Cullen is dynamic performer with the sweetest of voice and did a killer version of "Your Love's Return."

Of course the "Good Brothers" were a big highlight. Their opening number "Redwood Hill" was dedicated to Colleen, the daughter of Red Shea (Gord's former lead guitar player). Colleen was present for one of the concerts

A special reference was made for Red and also of course Barry Harvey; two most influential friends involved in the career of Gordon Lightfoot.

I need to move on here as the morning light is stealing across my windowpane.

There is no backstage room at Hugh's so the entertainers have to walk through the crowd to enter and exit the stage.

On completion of their performance they would have to walk by the table where Gord was sitting and when they passed he would he would, diligently and dutifully get up from his chair, tag along, and follow them back to the dressing room to congratulate them.

Talk about a "down to earth" guy, eh?

But he did fetch his D18 from the dressing room and got up and did his thing.

He was a tad confused as to what to do up there and in his own "down to earth"way expressed that sentiment but he started with "Knotty Pine." He mentioned that Jory had performed it earlier but that he'd worked on it during the afternoon.

The place went wild of course with him up there. It was all very moving.

When he started to sing his voice was similar as the way it would sound the way it does when he starts his concerts. The pipes eventually open up and he's on his way. Char will more on his performance I'm sure.

During the intermission, the lights come on in the room and many are on their way to the washrooms etc. Lots of old guys like me with prostate problems lined up there.

Making my way back up the stairs to my perch I happen to catch a spectacular sighting of our Char, arm tightly around the waist of "Thee Man" both in beaming countenance, and why not? Two pros doing their thing!

David Newland, the MC did a spectacular job. I always learn a thing or two from guys like him. Yes David, I would be honored to nominate you for a Juno award anytime.

The end is now at hand and it's a very cold Canuck night out there. The musicians are packing up their gear and everyone is putting on their woollies. I'm still perched on my stool with my last glass of ale.

Down the stairs from the dressing room comes Gord in his usual winter jacket, D18 axe packed tightly in it's aged brown case. Bernie and friend waiting by the door and out they go. Gord sans hat and gloves (very strange for a guitar guy) and they wait for the traffic to clear and it's them across the street to the parking lot.

No "high flutin' stuff" with this crowd.

It's all about being "down to earth" and it's a great place to hang out!

Char, please fill in the blanks.

Stay loose,

RJ.