Harmony in Lightfoot Songs- Back Up Singers

JohnStinson · 12-15-2007, 09:37 PM

Just a thought.

Wouldn't it be nice if GL would have those wonderful back-up singers that all the other artists use for live shows.

You know the 2 girls and a guy sitting on stools providing magical harmony lines in his live shows.

I've been recently listening to how many of his recording have harmony in them. There's alot of them.

High and Dry...was that supposedly Cathy Smith doing the singing.
Did She Mention My Name
Second Cup of Coffee
Sundown
Carefree Highway - Its subtle ..but I think its there.
many more.

I think we should petition him and then convince him that its good.
He eventually added a drummer then the keyboards..now its time for the sexy back up singers ...I'm quite serious ..I think the shows would take on a whole new look.

Oh While I'm at it....Since the tour dates are a modest number..less hectic..Red Shea should get out and do some with Terry. Wow the sound would be great.

John.

.

Jesse Joe · 12-15-2007, 10:10 PM

Right on for Red Shea. You know in the Maynard Collins book, "If You Could Read His Mind", Cathy E. Smith's voice was added to "Sundown" by Lenny Waronker without Lightfoot knowing about it. She then went on to sing with Murray McLauchlan.

Kerstin · 12-15-2007, 10:36 PM

I think I prefer to listen to him in concert without the back up singers, just him the way he does it now. Sometimes Terry and Rick seem to be singing harmony, but as they don't have mikes I couldn't really hear it. I bet they would sound good.

Dream Street Rose · 12-15-2007, 11:29 PM

Hi Kerstin,

I agree with you.

DSR

BILLW · 12-16-2007, 08:31 AM

I think it's an idea that would be a lot of fun John. And they might add those notes he can't hit anymore. I've been close enough to hear Rick on Sundown and while I love his bass playing I think there's a reason Mr. Lightfoot does not provide him with a live mic. His band has certainly changed over his career and the addition of some harmony might be cool.

It might make an interesting poll question. I know there's more than one member here that would prefer he leave the band at home and just play the whole set solo and acoustic, LOL.

Bill

Jesse Joe · 12-16-2007, 10:09 AM

I for one do love to see any good artist solo. Another song would be 'Stay Loose,' without back up signers it's just not the same.

JohnStinson · 12-16-2007, 12:54 PM

Its hard to compare these apples and oranges. They are both great...that is.
One.
Great solo performances....I personally haven't heard GL do this as many here seem to have experienced. Don't need any harmony here. Just great solo sound. I also enjoy these very much.
Two.
A full stage production sound. Its here that I think the harmony thing would be that added spice for GL shows. Its on the records for goodness sake. ..or many of them.

I'll have to listen to Stay Loose again didn't know it had any.

dorkdog · 12-17-2007, 07:00 PM

Regarding Gord's current band providing any backup...

Take a listen to Live in Montreaux once - the vocal harmonies (Terry, Rick?) are WAAAY off in a lot of places. Granted, it's a raw mix, but still...

JMHO

Landon

Patti · 12-17-2007, 08:34 PM

What ever they want to do is most likely nice.

BILLW · 12-17-2007, 10:35 PM

Exactly !

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patti

What ever they want to do is most likely nice.

joveski · 12-18-2007, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorkdog

Regarding Gord's current band providing any backup...

Take a listen to Live in Montreaux once - the vocal harmonies (Terry, Rick?) are WAAAY off in a lot of places. Granted, it's a raw mix, but still...

JMHO

Landon

ah, you mean Race among the ruins? :-)

dorkdog · 12-18-2007, 07:11 AM

Yes, exactly - and 'high and dry' is a little bent also...

Jesse Joe · 12-18-2007, 09:40 AM

Maybe because the guys were drinking in those days. They were not always sober on stage.

JohnStinson · 12-18-2007, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorkdog

Regarding Gord's current band providing any backup...

Take a listen to Live in Montreaux once - the vocal harmonies (Terry, Rick?) are WAAAY off in a lot of places. Granted, it's a raw mix, but still...

JMHO

Landon

What is Live in Montreaux????

John

joveski · 12-18-2007, 03:59 PM

a common bootleg from a 1976 show..

Borderstone · 12-18-2007, 07:47 PM

I'll see him in concert,with or without back-up harmony singers.

Jesse Joe · 12-18-2007, 08:17 PM

I will second that 'B'

gwen snyder · 01-27-2008, 10:18 PM

Ya know Gord is the artist we are going to see and hear. When he starts jammin on Sundown that's all the concert I need (the rest, baby, is just the CREAM-y topping).
Our dude Gord still jams, you just must be jammin' at his level... I for one think it's all good. I think those sexy singers you speak of are there, Gord! He's "oh yeah" in most of our opinions. Right? In my opinion he is.
Sexy back up singers? that's Gords job, completely! And he does it. I have never compained once about his performance and I never will.

Dream Street Rose · 01-27-2008, 10:44 PM

Right on Gwen.

DSR

Kelly Davis · 01-28-2008, 11:12 AM

If you've seen Gord live recently, you know that Rick sometimes chimes in with some harmony vocals, especially on "Sundown".

Gord most often dubs his own voice for the harmony vocals in studio recordings, especially the high harmonies. I realize this is impossible for a live performance.

I asked Rick once about this - why Gord doesn't give him a mic. on stage - he replied, "Oh, I don't think Gordon's ready for that yet."

As we know Gordon's voice is not as powerful as it used to be (we all age). I know this subject is beaten to death by us Corfidians.

My point is this - I think a harmony singer with a mic would overpower Gord's voice as it is today. At the last show I went to (Sept. '07) I asked Terry why they don't turn his guitar level up a bit at least for his solos - he replied , "Oh no, Gordon sets all the levels."

I told him immediately," I won't ever say anything about it to him (Gordon) then!"


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