Last year I attended Andy Kim's Christmas Show at the Mod Theater in Toronto and subsequently decided to review the show. Actually, it was less of a review and more of a rediscovery of a lost musical relic.
Kim was back in 2006 and I enjoyed the concert enough last time around to make the trek back to the Mod.
The line-up was slightly different from last year. However, Ron Sexsmith, Canada's own rock and roll pearl, came back, as did the classy and sharp Haydain Neale of Jacksoul and Newfoundland's own Kim Stockwood, representing one-third of her group Shea.
So, what caught my attention this time around? With Kim's exemplary band hammering the first notes to "Rock me Gently" to open the show, something hit me out of the blue — that Canada's Walk of Fame continues to ignore Andy Kim. It consistently blows me away that Andy Kim has not been presented a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. No offense to Brendan Fraser but I would submit - and many would agree - Andy Kim should have been honored before him. In fact, it's hard to explain why Canada - and specifically his hometown of Montreal - have been cool to his return to his native land. I digress.
As was the case last year, the show offered a solid cast and collection of Canada's indie and pop music scene, a lineup that included strong and spirited performances from Tomi Swick and Stabilo. Concerts such as this one allow fans to meander through the vibrant existence of Canadian roots music without any pretensions.
The Bicycles are a great example. Hopping on stage with their t-shirts sporting the letter B, these cats were a unique and wickedly weird act. A special blend of The Partridge Family meets the Brady Bunch mixed in with the playfulness of Barenaked Ladies, this group could have easily fit into the 1960s eclectic scene. Their rendition of "Jingle Jangle" revealed to me that they are genetically constructed for this sort of music. I enjoyed their energetic and smart musical style. All that was missing was an acid trip with Josie and the Pussycats.
This contrasts with the incredible, evocative voice of Serena Ryder. Watching her sing "Silent Night" was a highlight. The words "sleep in heavenly peace" never sounded more powerful. This gal can move from soft hushed tones to hard notes in a flash.
Article comments
1 - Vern Halen
Think I said it last year - "Rainbow Ride" - an absolute classic, but a lost classic.
AS an aside, I don't get Ron Sexsmith - what is it that anyone sees/hears in him?
2 - alessandro nicolo
Hey Vern, who know what people see in a musician? I can't pinpoint it myself but I just like it. He's very good live.
3 - Vern Halen
S'pose. But what little I've seen or heard of him - ahhh, whatever. You're just plain ol' right - who knows what people get out of any given artist? I still like Motorhead, even though I shouldn't. The Monkees too, for all the opposite reasons.
I wonder if Sloan were ever fans of Andy Kim when they were younger? As far as Canuck bands go, they certainly have a pop edge to them when they want to. They could've done a decent job of Rainbow Ride.
4 - alessandro nicolo
I know someone who thinks about Blue Rodeo in the same way. I like The Monkees and Motorhead too. I may be going off topic here but there is no indigenous 'Canadian' rock music per se. There are roots music similar to what is found in the U.S. but Canada never catalogued and marketed it a-la Lomax. Mind you, bluegrass, blues, gospel etc are exclusively American genres - I think. Whatever we may have may be closer to bluegrass/country. There's interesting stuff in Canada but it's hard to get a handle on. Indie is big. I don't think movements started up here. Unless you consider Neil Young the founder of grunge. Still, all things considered, Canucks do ok. Some of the biggest acts in the world today are Canadian. By the way, I'm looking for a very good blues cite that posts blues lyrics. I'm talking Son House, Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Jefferson stuff. Know any?
5 - Vern Halen
Old blues lyrics? Sorry - not my area of expertise. Something 'bout selling your soul to the debbil & such is all I know about.