(Photos by Mark Girdauskas)
Gordon Lightfoot appeared at the Timken Centre in St. Thomas on Sunday evening (June 24), and fans were given the chance to hear a Canadian legend and to test out the Centre as a large-scale music venue. Most in attendance would probably rate both performance and venue highly.
Gordon Lightfoot appeared at the Timken Centre in St. Thomas on Sunday evening (June 24), and fans were given the chance to hear a Canadian legend and to test out the Centre as a large-scale music venue. Most in attendance would probably rate both performance and venue highly.
Lightfoot entered the stage to a standing ovation and began his show with “Does She Remember Your Name” and “Carefree Highway”. After three songs he joked, and noted “I am happy to be here,” before proceeding to sing some more.
Though one could be only happy to be hear such an admired music icon in person, the first three songs did seem perhaps disappointingly tentative. The rich baritone voice was sometimes overshadowed with definite shakiness. However, as Lightfoot moved along in the set-list, he may have warmed up a little or perhaps the crowd settled into an appreciative comfort zone. This was maybe not the same voice of old, but what a wealth of incredible poetry, storytelling and music to match those lyrics.
Though one could be only happy to be hear such an admired music icon in person, the first three songs did seem perhaps disappointingly tentative. The rich baritone voice was sometimes overshadowed with definite shakiness. However, as Lightfoot moved along in the set-list, he may have warmed up a little or perhaps the crowd settled into an appreciative comfort zone. This was maybe not the same voice of old, but what a wealth of incredible poetry, storytelling and music to match those lyrics.
The performance was punctuated by short bits of talk, and jokes, most hokey, but in an okay way. Early in the show Lightfoot said, “I hope those chairs are comfortable – they didn’t look too comfortable when I was looking out earlier today.” He and his band had been busy, he said, and he made brief mention of his induction on June 14th into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Huge sails of material behind the show were in constant flux of colour and pattern, a nice complement to the music. The seats were fairly comfortable (better than one would have guessed by appearance), and the acoustics were great. The music at the Timken Centre seems like a good idea and hopefully there will be more there.
Almost every song of the substantial playlist was greeted by immediate enthusiastic applause. Other artists have sung many of Lightfoot’s songs, but the music truly belongs to him and, happily, to us. What a treat to hear him deliver it in person.
Almost every song of the substantial playlist was greeted by immediate enthusiastic applause. Other artists have sung many of Lightfoot’s songs, but the music truly belongs to him and, happily, to us. What a treat to hear him deliver it in person.
Photos by Mark Girdauskas
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