Royal Wood (Rivoli Oct 20th)

Stepping behind his piano Royal took his natural place with scant a word. The seated, sold out Rivoli crowd hushed immediately and was henceforth entranced by this marvelous performer. Royal Wood was born to sing - I cannot picture him doing anything else when he croons so smoothly and effortlessly that it is like honey to your ears. A consummate performer as well, he introduced songs such as his moving rendition of Pumped Up Kicks, and even restarted On Top of Your Love due to a sound issue, with charm. Being the Sneak Peek tour he did preview a few new songs, employing a recorded drum beat on one to flush out his one accompanying musician on guitar and bass. But for the most part eyes were on Royal as his fingers danced along the keys or strummed his acoustic guitar. Birds on Sunday was another main-set standout and a part of the reason for the enthusiastic ovation that brought on a two song encore, opened with Juliet. His only fully solo performance could not have been more fitting as Royal brought the night to a close with his most lovely acoustic Lady in White - inviting us to join in for the closing refrain. It is no wonder he added a third (sold out) show to this Rivoli residency - this man is in the upper echelon of the talented realms of Canadian singers.