THUNDER BAY review
 

http://www.thewalleye.ca/2011/12/05/...p-to-his-name/
Gordon Lightfoot…Living Up to His Name

There are very few musicians that can roll through the years, sparking up a tune and letting it catch on fire. The few who can do this are legends, such as Gordon Lightfoot.

By Larry Hogard

Mr. Lightfoot walked on stage last night with a gait as distinct as his voice. His four-piece band, made up of drums, guitar, bass and keyboards, quickly fell into place and the music started instantly with “Did She Mention My Name.”

From an early age, Gordon’s singing emulated a songbird. His voice is sweet, strong, subtle and flawless. Now in his 70′s, his singing is closer to a whisper, but his voice, like his music, has grown and aged gracefully.

He led his band into every song, picking from his 6- and 12-string guitars. Most songs were short, under 2 ½ minutes, but this allowed for more music on a night you knew couldn’t last forever.

During the first set, about one minute into “Ribbon of Darkness,” Lightfoot and the band stopped playing. There was a slight pause and no one knew why…until they kicked into “Sundown.”

The musicians articulated a balance between sound and silence, weaving around, between and underneath Lightfoot’s vocals. There were many moments of brief instrumental soundscapes, hypnotizing and elevating. This was a band helping Lightfoot offer fresh renditions of ol’ familiar songs.

They performed two breathtaking 50 minute sets and an encore. Gordon Lightfoot took a final bow, waved and walked off stage exactly the way he walk on…with distinction.