I apologize for the delay of this concert report. I also apologize for the description of my personal journey and the repeating of facts already in evidence from Jenney's posting. But this is my story and I am sticking to it.
My plan was to travel to Pittsfield through either the Green Mountains of Vermont or the Berkshires of Massachusetts and then south. I went to college up there and loved the area and thought this was an opportunity to re-visit. But we had snow flurries here at home before I left and I ran into snow squalls as I headed south on I-91 to get to either route I needed to travel on for the above plans, so I made the decision to keep on I-91 and then take the Mass Pike and stay in the lower elevations. Problem was that I had printed off the directions for the first two and not for the Mass Pike scenario....and I don't have GPS. But I figured that since Pittsfield was the largest city in Western Mass there would be plenty of old-fashioned signs to get me there. And there was. When I got off the Pike, I was stopped in Lee for a passing train...a couple of the train cars had "Big Blue" written on them and I took that as a good omen.
Not being familiar with the area it seemed to take forever to get from Lee to Pittsfield...and by now it is dark. I passed through Lenox and by the road for Tanglewood...the venue for many beautiful Lightfoot concerts in summers gone by. A little nostalgic sigh and then I pressed on. Two seconds after I passed the sign that announced I was in Pittsfield, was the sign for the Comfort Inn were Jenney and I were staying. So, of course, I zoomed right passed it. But I had time, so I decided to drive on up through Pittsfield to find the theater. Which I did, then returned to the Inn. I settled in and not much later, Jenney arrived. We tarted up and then left to see our boys.
We arrived early enough so that we were the first to be seated in our row. It was the next to last row in the orchestra section, but not a bad spot since it was a small theater and the view to the stage was still great. The crowd was mostly baby boomers, polite and maybe a tad too quiet. Although one guy gave standing o's on many songs, the audience in general did not...even when the concert was over. I chalked it up to old age, bad hips and knees that made getting up with enthusiasm out of the question...lol. Jenney and I stood up of course...being the spring chickens we are.
I cannot express enough how awesome the sound was. So crisp and clear and equalized. I could hear each one of them. Even the backup singers on Sundown! I know the sound quality can vary from venue to venue and Pittsfield tops my list of halls with great acoustics. They really knew what they were doing when they renovated it in 2006.
Gord was very talkative. Probably excited to be going home. He had his rough moments of voice which I totally expected since it was concert #12 in 15 days, but when he nailed it, he NAILED it. It was the Gordvoice of old. The Wreck was awesome as was IYCRMM and Make Way, among others. As many have expressed, Carter has brought his own talent to the band and it's wonderful, especially on Beautiful. But I must admit when he plays the solos in Sundown, etc...I still hear Terry's version in my head. I guess not enough time or concerts have passed for me. Upon giving it serious thought, I have decided that where Carter's style is is more melodic (from listening to his cd "Case Closed") Terry's was all Rock and Roll, baby. And therein lies the difference. Not bad, just different. As it should be.
I noticed the new arrangements since I haven't been to a concert in over two years and I love them. Which is a testiment to the talent that is creating them because I am usually a stickler for the original versions on most anything. Gord has adjusted his phrasing even more to accomodate his wind power. I love that he has acknowledged and even embraced his changing vocal performance. It makes for a much better show, IMNSHO. It is just a shame though that the new arrangement of Make Way will never be published. It so out shines the original, I think.
Jenney had inquired earlier about a place to grab a bite to eat after the show and after a slight disagreement with GPS, we found it. The food was good and it hit the spot. Then it was back to the Inn and lights out. We chatted a bit in the morning over breakfast and packing up in the room, but it wasn't nearly enough time to spend together. We will have to do it again...soon. So Gord, if you are listening, book some time in New England again next year.
The day was cloudy but dry, so I decided to head home through the mountains. It was a beautiful drive, but I made the right decision to not go that way on Friday as the ground was snow-covered in the higher elevations. Oh and while I was listening to Restless and it came to the part "Do you feel that restless feeling when you hear a whistle blast...like an echo from the past...of an old engine flying down a road that's iron cast" I was driving along beside a train that blew its whistle right then. A perfect end to a great concert trip.
Pittsfield MA.Colonial Theatre-Nov.8-2013
