http://www.masslive.com/entertainmen...in_theatr.html
By Ray Kelly |
rkelly@repub.com
on September 15, 2016 at 11:35 PM
NORTHAMPTON – Gordon Lightfoot lifted a line from his Top 10 hit "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" in choosing a name for his current North American tour.
But "The Legend Lives On 2016" can just as easily refer to Lightfoot's amazing career as well as the subject of his popular sea chantey, which marked its 40th anniversary last month.
The 77-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter, who performed at the Calvin Theatre on Thursday night, defied the odds and came back from a six-week coma in 2002 and stroke in 2006.
"I'm Gordon Lightfoot and the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated," he wryly observed near the start of the night.
Although his once gentle baritone is noticeably worn, Lightfoot continues to tour to the delight of his loyal fan base.
Augmented by his four-piece band, he kicked off the evening with "The Watchman's Gone."
He played 26 songs during two nearly hour-long sets separated by a 20-minute intermission.
The first half was peppered with some of his best known works: "Did She Mention My Name," "Cold on the Shoulder" and "Sundown."
For an inexplicable reason, Lightfoot chose to perform an abbreviated version of one his most popular tunes, "Carefree Highway."
The second half was far stronger with fine renditions of "Sweet Guinevere," "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" and "Rainy Day People." His performance of "If You Could Read My Mind," a song he penned in 1970 about the end of his first marriage, received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd.
He brought the night to a close with "Early Mornin' Rain," which appeared on his 1966 debut album "Lightfoot!" It was covered by Elvis Presley twice, once on his 1972 album "Elvis Now" and a second version found on the 1978 posthumous collection "Mahalo from Elvis."
Lightfoot returned to the Calvin stage for a single encore, "Waiting For You," amid calls from the audience for a return visit.
NORTHAMPTON, MA-Sept.15,2016
