Photo by Mark Girdauskas
The Midtown Tavern proved it could morph quite nicely into a Christmas concert venue on Sunday, as Meg McTaggart performed a release concert for her brand new cd, Winter Songs. She covered all of the songs from the album, plus a few more, accompanied by Don Baker during packed 4 and 8pm concerts.
Photos from the afternoon show by Mark Girdauskas
Winter Songs is a different sort of "Christmas album". Meg shared brief insights into her song choices, their personal meaning or family connection. One Scottish version of Auld Lang Syne even caught her attention, she laughed, when she was watching the movie version of Sex in the City. The songs she came up with are sophisticated, musically interesting and emotion-prodding. They represent Christmas pared down to its essence, it’s non-frilly, non-silly version - there are themes of hope, faith, joy, helping the hurting, (and also of the feelings of loneliness and a sense of the bittersweet that, for many, are magnified by the season).
Meg’s singing of the pieces is likewise sophisticated, interesting and totally connected to a diverse range of emotions expressed in the words and music. It seems surprising, if you think about it, that she hardly moves at all as she sings - she mesmerizes by channelling her energy into stunningly beautiful vocals and expression of feeling (and flashes of her trademark sparkling smile).
Meg’s singing of the pieces is likewise sophisticated, interesting and totally connected to a diverse range of emotions expressed in the words and music. It seems surprising, if you think about it, that she hardly moves at all as she sings - she mesmerizes by channelling her energy into stunningly beautiful vocals and expression of feeling (and flashes of her trademark sparkling smile).
Photos from the evening show
Long-time friend Don Baker produced and arranged the album and accompanied on most of the numbers. In contrast to Meg’s almost still performance, Don performs exuberantly with animated energy and amazing playing. He also has a very listenable voice, showcased in his rendition of "One Bright Star". The two make a great musical team.
Guest vocals by Don and Meg’s cousin Jennifer Routhier are nice additions to the cd. This is an album to be enjoyed long after the Christmas season is past.
All ticket sales from the Sunday concerts went toward ALS patient care. Meg’s brother, Steve Barber, is one of the owners of the Midtown Tavern and was diagnosed with ALS in 2004. Find out more about Meg McTaggart at www.facebook.com/meg.mctaggart5.
Guest vocals by Don and Meg’s cousin Jennifer Routhier are nice additions to the cd. This is an album to be enjoyed long after the Christmas season is past.
All ticket sales from the Sunday concerts went toward ALS patient care. Meg’s brother, Steve Barber, is one of the owners of the Midtown Tavern and was diagnosed with ALS in 2004. Find out more about Meg McTaggart at www.facebook.com/meg.mctaggart5.
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