The big concert I wanted to see was the Ladies of the Canyon at the Tongue N Groove, May 20.
I was very impressed by the soulful harmonies of the Montreal country/ pop/ folk quartet.
They laughed and told stories abo
ut being dumped by ex boyfriends. Though I don’t know how anyone could dump women this pretty and talented.
One such discussion, lead by guitarist Maia Davies, ended up as a segue into a song about a Calgary ex named “Billy, ” the title of a new song, which they gleefully played.
Their harmonies were absolutely stunning and they had some gorgeous musicianship.
They switched instruments throughout the set. Maia Davies alternated between electric and acoustic guitar and Jasmine Bleile alternated between mandolin and guitar. Anna Ruddick added excellent stand up bass and Senja Sargeant filled in the rest on guitar leading to a full sound and an entertaining show.
They had a respectable sized crowd, many of whom ended up dancing by the end of their second set, which they closed with several covers including “Big Train,” an impressive version of “Me and Bobby McGee,” plus the Rolling Stones’ “Dead Flowers.
But their originals were outstanding.
“Lonely Town,” and “Poet” , another song about a different ex from the CD, stood out.
As well as the first single“ Follow Me Down,” which wound down their set before they were called back for everal encores.
I especially enjoyed the live experience of “No Deliverance,” which came right near the end of the set.
