Sorry for being so tardy in posting this. I’ve been traveling and haven’t really had a chance to come in here for longer than a minute here and there.
The show was awesome! Gord and the guys really outdid themselves in Austin last week. The sound was the best I’ve heard in years - flawless, and with a feeling of electricity. I've not heard the guys playing through a sound system like the one last Tues. night in years. You may think I'm biased, since I live here, and the Austin City Limits Moody Theater is my hometown venue. But I've seen Gord and the guys 87 (I know, I'm still a rookie, compared to some!) times now, and that's included a wide assortment of venues, all with varying degrees of sound production quality. I guess, when you think about it, it would be appropriate for the "theater/studio" where Austin City Limits is produced and recorded to have state-of-the-art digital equipment and a powerhouse sound system. It rang true Tues. night. I don't know if the band knew how incredible they sounded from out in the audience, but I hope so. The audience was really “into it,” too, offering standing ovations on several songs (as previously noted) and singing along with all the “Gord’s Gold” tunes. Gord's voice was strong and steady, and his fingerpicking was precise and clear. The “orchestra” was perfect. From Rick's subtle-yet-powerful bass notes, to Carter's flawless lead licks, to Barry's ingenious and varied percussive additions, to Michael's perfectly flowing undertones (played in ALL keys!) - they were brilliant. When Gord said, "I've got 4 geniuses here onstage with me," he meant it, and he was right. They were having fun, and it showed. And it proved the validity of a group of guys who have been together for a long time and take what they do very seriously. Carter may still be the “new kid in town” to some, but he has proved his worth and continues to be such a vital element of the GL sound. From Red to Terry to Carter - Gord sure knows how to pick a lead guitarist.
I’m still in awe of how strong and smooth Gord’s voice was Tues. night. I'll never know how he keeps up the energy to continue to do it, but I'm sure grateful that he does. And I really can’t figure out how his vocals can be stronger now than they’ve been over the past few years. But they are.
Seriously, I’m still shaking my head at how incredible that show was.
So, in case you're wondering whether or not Gord's still "got it?" Yes, yes he does.
And how!
Melissa
