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Review - A+
Gordon Lightfoot Performs at NYCB Theatre at Westbury
May 11, 2012
Markos Papadatos
A review of Gordon Lightfoot's concert at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury, Long Island, which featured "Cotton Jenny" and "If You Could Read My Mind."
On Thursday, May 10, 2012, Canadian music icon Gordon Lightfoot performed at New York’s Capital One Bank Theatre in Westbury, Long Island.
He opened his set with "Sweet Guinevere," and immediate broke into "The Watchman's Gone."
"All right. Thank you!" the Canadian crooner exclaimed. "Don't worry, I'll speak in a moment," the living legend added.
It was followed by "Waiting for You," where the stage was graced with an orange and green backdrop, as well as the fan-favorite "14 Karat Gold."
"It's nice to be back out on the road," Lightfoot said. "We've done ten shows in the past ten days, because that's how we like to do it."
Other outstanding gems from this part of the show were "Shadows," "Rainy Day People," "Beautiful," "Carefree Highway," the upbeat "Hangdog Hotel Room," and the vivid "A Painter Passing Through."
He closed the first half of the show with "Sundown" and "Cotton Jenny."
After a brief intermission, Lightfoot returned and performed his signature tune “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” which was his highlight vocal of the evening, which moved many audience members to tears.
He continued with “Early Morning Rain” and the melodically stunning “Don Quixote.”
Lightfoot noted that although he may not move as much throughout the stage, he still feels the “energy,” which is evident in his soaring vocals.
Equally captivating were “The Minstrel of the Dawn,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Let It Ride,” “Clouds of Loneliness,” “Baby Step Back,” and he concluded with the soothing “Song for a Winter’s Night.”
After an astonishing twenty-six song setlist, he returned for his encore where he sang “Blackberry Wine,” which had a rock edge to it.
“Gordon Lightfoot was beyond amazing tonight!” exclaimed Nancy Venti, a long-time fan. “His songs are real and full of meaning, and to see all of his loyal fans gathered here after all of these years is absolutely impeccable. He is a dream!”
The Verdict
In summation, Gordon Lightfoot’s show at Westbury was a breath of fresh air. Even in his 70s, he still possesses one of the most distinct, clear, and calming voices in contemporary music. It is no wonder that he is one of Canada's best-loved and most decorated artists, who has been inducted into the prestigious Canadian Music Hall of Fame, as well as the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame respectively.
There were no gimmicks: only a man with an extraordinary talent who was able to command the Long Island stage and silence an entire venue thanks to his dynamic voice, honest storytelling, and his prowess on acoustic guitar.
His four-piece band was exceptionally talented as well! He is one of the most versatile artists in musical history, and a true global treasure.
Concert Rating: A+