Shadows and Light

The audience at the Evergreen Theatre was expecting the great performance they got from David Myles, as last year many had seen him when he opened for Charlie A’Court. They were NOT expecting to be part of an impromptu CD release party!

He started off his set with an old favourite, “Things Have Changed” and proceeded to fill the venue with his unique voice and energy to the delight of the audence. See the photo gallery of the performance here or read on for my impressions of the performance.

David was accompanied on this occasion by drummer Josh Van Tassel from Toronto and by Tom Easley on acoustic bass and sang many of the songs that were known and loved by his audience as well as a good selection from his new CD “On the Line”, which he announced that he had just received. He promised to keep the night “warm and fun” and kept this prmise to the end in spite of the snow storm outside (déja vu? we had the same weather last year when he played!).

Tom Easley, who is part of the New Brunswick group Hot Toddy was an intuitive and experienced accompanist filling out the sound of David’s voice and guitar, while Josh Van Tassel reminded me of a master chef, preparing a gourmet meal, as he thoughtfully used his brushes and sticks to add just the right touches here and there to the mix, seasoning with syncopation exactly at the right moments.

Of the many songs that David played that night, some of my favourites were from the new CD including one taking us on a wonderful detour to Cape Breton with the song of that name. Another was a song that you won’t hear except in live performance, as he calls it a ‘song without a home’, “I’ve Been Had”.

View the gallery of images here. This gallery features a track that from the new CD entitled “If Today Was a Year”.

As expected, David played to a packed house again and we all hope he will come back to entertain us another time soon. Besides, David, you have promised to come back and tell us the latest tales of where your life takes you. Thanks for a great night, David, Tom and Josh!

Ellie

The 2008 performance season at the Evergreen has started – with a sell-out performance!

Why Friday night on Sunday afternoon? For those who don’t know, Stan Carew is a well-known Maritime CBC radio personality – host of Weekend Mornings . As he is on the air from early mornings on the weekend, Sunday afternoon is his “Friday Night”. So when he gets out and about with his band, the Magpies to perform at special community venues like the Evergreen, we get to share his “Friday night” on Sunday afternoon! See the photo gallery of the performance here or read on for my impressions of the performance.

Sunday afternoon really did feel like a breath of Spring, with Stan and the band as the early birds (to quote Stan, but does that make us the worms, Stan??) launched into “Jungle Life” and really got the afternoon off to a great start. Their performance was full of toe-tapping rhythms interspersed with his fascinating tales and amusing anecdotes. Stan is not just a radio host and raconteur, but also a songwriter of considerable talent as the audience found out that afternoon.

Stan, playing guitar and singing lead vocals was ably accompanied instrumentally and on backup vocals by his band, the Magpies – Richard King on guitar, John Sayre on keyboard, Rick Jones on bass and Steve Brown on guitar. One of my particular favourites, “When the Money Came Down” , composed by Stan, was a moving commentary on how a small community and its values are changed when money becomes a focus. Other real crowd pleasers were the medly of 50’s country tunes that had the place rocking as well as the great Western Swing piece, “So Many Songs about Texas”.

Many of Stan’s regular listeners were delighted to meet the man behind the voice and two were particularly pleased to win the bidding for a poster signed by Stan and the band, to help raise funds for the Evergreen.

View the gallery of images here. This gallery features a track that I particularly enjoyed in their performance by Stan and the band from their forthcoming CD – Elvis and Marilyn.

Thanks for starting off our season in such a great way, Stan, Rick, Richard, John and Steve! Come back soon!

Ellie

What a fantastic ending to the season!

When it was announced that Lennie Gallant would be playing in Margaretsville – and for two nights, we were asked the question “How does the Evergreen Theatre attract so many high profile performers?” Perhaps the question is best answered by Lennie and many others in comments during their performances: “You are very lucky to have such a special venue here”. We certainly felt that way that first blustery, snowy night for those of us who attended Lennie’s first of two sold out concerts – a very exciting finale for 2007 season. View the gallery of images here or read on

Singer songwriter Lennie Gallant is a nominee and winner of a host of music awards from Junos to ECMAs and has been inducted into the Order of Canada for his contribution to Canadian culture. This impressive list of achievements is easily understood during a live show by this seasoned performer. A PEI native whose roots are deeply embedded in both French and English cultures, he moved easily in his performance between the two languages in song and narrative. We were treated to many of the tracks from his seventh and latest album “When We Get There” as well as his earlier records.

Margaretsville is situated on the Bay of Fundy and “The Pull of the Fundy Tide” and “Peter’s Dream” about the crisis in the fishing industry in the Maritimes had an added poignancy for the audience, while the track “I Want to Save the World for You”, written for his young daughter, Amélie, was a passionate cry of hope and fear that is shared by all parents in this world today. Many other songs had the audience clapping in time and becoming the ‘horn’ section when needed, as well as singing a single chorus line in French, much to everyone’s delight. A particular favourite of mine that he sang that night is the French/English song “Destination” sung to the haunting rhythm of the bodhran, mimicking the sound of a Canadian train crossing our vast country. Beautiful, Lennie. Thank you so much for two magical evenings. We all hope that you will return to the Evergreen Theatre soon.

Lennie was accompanied by Brad Davidge on guitar and backing vocals.

View the gallery of images here. This gallery features a track from his latest CD.

Ellie