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Oct. 26 - Nov. 2, 2003 |
On The Beat
Honouring Gord
By Kerry Doole
Originally Published: 2003-10-05
GORDON LIGHTFOOT: While the late JOHNNY CASH has been hailed as an icon representing the best elements of America, Gordon Lightfoot has been accorded similar status in Canada. The folk legend knocked on death's door via very serious health problems recently, so it was great to see him out at The Rivoli recently. The occasion was the release of Beautiful - A Tribute To Gordon Lightfoot, the (surprisingly) first tribute album devoted to a great songwriter. Fine independent labels Borealis and NorthernBlues collaborated on the star-studded disc, featuring the likes of BLUE RODEO, THE TRAGICALLY HIP, MARIA MULDAUR, COWBOY JUNKIES, RON SEXSMITH, BRUCE COCKBURN and BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS. Two of Canada's best folk singers had the courage to perform in front of Lightfoot at the party. JAMES KEELAGHAN did justice to the epic "Canadian Railroad Trilogy," while AENGUS FINNAN sang his touching and original tribute, "Lightfoot." Gord graciously mingled with his admirers, posing for photographs and signing autographs. The album itself is beautifully packaged and recorded, and is sure to renew our appreciation of one of the greats.
KENSINGTON MARKET HARVEST FESTIVAL: A gorgeous fall day helped attract plenty of people out to this recent Sunday festival in one of the city's most interesting 'hoods. It was appropriate that there was plenty of old music on display, for the Market has long been the locale of choice for many musicians. One such resident, STEVE POPPYSEED, organized an eclectic and fun lineup at the Bellevue stage. This included the always excellent KURT SWINGHAMMER, JOHN BORRA and SCOTT B., plus good punk and reggae bands and Steve's own fine psychedelic group, THE LOVE EXPLOSION. A dodgy synth-pop band was the one act we didn't enjoy. Let's hope they stage a repeat next year.
PILATE: This Toronto modern rock band has worked hard to build a local fan base, and that has paid off. Evidence was the crammed to capacity Horseshoe for Pilate's CD launch recently. Seems they're getting support from MuchMusic and The Edge (CFNY) as well, and it is not hard to see why. The CD, Caught By The Window (on MapleRecordings), is an impressive piece of work that showcases their moody and heavily British-inflected sound. It can't be denied that the group is derivative, most overtly of RADIOHEAD (especially in singer TODD CLARK's neo-falsetto style) as well as the likes of COLDPLAY and TRAVIS. Fortunately, their songs and performance are strong enough for them to get beyond mimicry. Would be nice to see them take a few more musical risks though.
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