Sound of Music Festival, Burlington (June 15/13)

Dan Griffin
Tucked off the main strip Dan Griffin, best know as a former member of the Arkells, was about to begin a set of music under his own name. I hadn't heard any of his music but was open to what appeared would be a solo male acoustic set. Often times this is a yawn, with so many only moderately talented men attempting this and failing to engage. But not Dan. Dan had a snide confidence that endeared the smallish but engaged crowd seated around the tables and chairs. His music was performed solely on the guitar but had some heart to it and he lyrics told relatable stories, plus had a damn good Dylan impression. Besides that his banter was random and amusing, allowing him to win me over easily. A fine set that really turned me on to his music. Often I'm looking for an escape after a couple of singer songwriter's songs but in this case I will go out of my way to watch him again. 

Ill Scarlett
Ill Scarlett seem not to have changed much in their years since the mild success of All Day With It. In fact they are still a few months from the release of their next album so the set still pulled from the aforementioned primarily. Perhaps it is me and my musical tastes that have changed but the punk rock reggae sound doesn't draw me all that much these days. That said the live show, and the energy of the performers did draw me back, at least momentarily, to those raucous late nights of especially youthful partying and road trips. It truly was enjoyable, even if the majority of that was for nostalgia. A nice touch was their loyal Nirvana opening into Nothing Special. Granted I caught only a couple off the top as well as a few near the end, like Mary Jane, but it was decent fun.

Abrams Brothers
There seemed to be a gaggle of Abrams Brothers playing your classic folk country assortment of instruments. However where I was expecting touches of Mumford and Sons I really was getting mostly country and not much to catch my ear. Mind you the distraction of friends whose catching up was in my ear may have played into that. 

USS
A hype squad the boys in USS have unbelievable stage presence. Their music is undeniably upbeat and fun too but their onstage antics really push the point across. These guys were literally bounding across the stage, doing round-offs and headstands. Actually the headstand was while clapping his feet AND reaching up to scratch a record on the table - impressive! It's all over the top right down to the dressed up Santa doll but it sure is fun.

Royal Wood
Royal sets the tone in his fashion. An elegant, romantic set of music awaits as you sit down to watch and he sits down to play. From the piano bench he can bring such emotion forward and draw it out of the audience. This show was no difference. Being an afternoon set at the Sound of Music festival the crowd was primarily middle aged parents but the music touches home with most anyone with a heart, for friends, family, loved ones. Stay classy.

Royal Wood presents Glory in the Garden (Winter Garden Theatre, Nov 10/12)

The gorgeous Winter Garden Theatre, with its leaved ceiling and storied history, makes seeing just about anything (soft core) a special experience. Taking in a performance by one of Canada's premier crooners pulling from his entire catalogue with a full band is something else altogether - extra special. Royal Wood has a voice that is rich like Romney, smooth like sailing and so perfectly controlled that each live song could have taken hundreds of studio takes from any lesser singer.

In various degrees of formal wear, from the Save Ferris tee/jeans/sneakers/sports coat of the bassist right on up to Royal's vest and tie, the five entertainers for the night took their positions on stage. This bass player lives his life shoulder width apart, entertainingly rocking a power stance at almost all times. The guitarist got his licks in and the keyboard player also added flourishes from his xylophone, trumpet and horn while the drummer played his part well - especially with the quick clicks of his towel-covered drum on I'll Be Gone. But the price of admission was paid to watch Royal do his thing, or more accurately 'things', as he seems nearly as proficient with an acoustic guitar as he is seated at the piano. As it is the We Were Born To Glory tour this well-received album was naturally strongly represented in the set list (including I Want Your Love, The Thick of It, great Not Giving Up) and met with audience approval. However Royal knows his audience and understands that they crave cuts from his previous releases also. Much-clamoured-for I'm So Glad was featured in a special arrangement with Royal up front on acoustic while the keyboardist took over light piano duties and the other three surrounded a communal microphone for backing vocals. Alongside this was a solid list of others like Juliet and go-to Lady in White.

Mr. Wood commands attention by his sheer presence and was engaging with his banter though relied on goading us into interaction by comparing us to other cities, however he later gave us the line that we were a tour highlight. It was a rather subdued crowd that wasn't for lack of appreciation but rather rapt, respective attention in the beautiful settings of this concert hall. The latest album does have a fair amount of upbeat numbers that rock more than previous releases, especially when brought to life with a full band, so there were a few clap alongs as they amped it up.

Nearing the end of the evening Royal introduced the rumoured special guest as the only person he could hear singing with him as he brought out his lovely wife, Sarah Slean, to use her operatic voice in album-closer The Glory. Shortly thereafter, having concluded A Mirror Without the entire band left the stage as a slight surprise due to this somewhat unexpected set closer. Naturally it wouldn't be the final note to send us off with as a partial standing ovation had them return. Absolute highlight of the night was Royal's piano brooding on Acting Crazy (It's a Breakdown) that opened the encore and was simply stunning. Tough to follow he did valiantly with The Waiting's Do You Recall from which they collectively took their bow to a higher buy-in standing O. Leaving the nature versus nurture debate aside, the We Were Born To Glory tour was propelled to glorious heights for this charming concert.

Elisapie

The punctual in the audience were treated to an opening act worth arriving on time for as Elisapie Isaac performed with her two male backing francophone musicians. Her tassled high heels and rambling banter may not have been top notch but that's not too bad considering those are the only negatives to the set. Her voice is strong and she is self-assured singing both French and somewhat straightforward English lyrics, as her spoken accent all but disappears from her singing voice. Elisapie herself did not play an instrument, barring the melodica on one song, leaving that up to her comrades. They did a mighty fine job of keeping it interesting as in addition to their handheld instruments (guitar, drum) both used their feet for percussion including more than just a kick drum - tambo tapping, mic'ed guitar-case stomping as well. Considering they were only three musicians in a large, semi-filled room they nicely filled it with pleasing sound. Elisapie played her 'hit' Out of Desperation last which was a nice touch of familiarity that resounded within the Winter Garden.

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.