Nov.11 In Ottawa

[Doug Letcher]

It's been some time since I've been around the forum, but I just wanted to touch base and give my oppinion of the GL show on Saturday. I was dissapointed. Now, before you send the angry mob to lynch me, hear me out. I've been listening to his music for many years, and have seen many concerts. I have never been dissapointed with an album or a concert. Saturday, however, is a different story. I knew his voice wasn't the same, and that's fine with me, I loved Harmony, the album that introduced us to his new voice. I questioned the choice of songs. Songs that are now, too difficult for him to sing. Many of the big hits were ommited from the show, songs that would have been more suited to the voice he now has. The volume was so low, I literally could have heard a pin drop beside me. He did do a fantastic job, I thought, on The Wreck, and Never Too Close, bit something was missing from this show. I will say however, it was an honour and a privelage to see Gord perform again, I will go see him again, and now, thinking about it, If I could turn back time, knowing it would be a poor show, I'd still go... he is Gordon Lightfoot. Hope everyone is well

[RM]

Doug,

I find your review to be a refreshing breeze of reality. I hope to see him in Tucson, Az in January and await the concert with less than high expectations. Regardless, as you said, I will be thrilled to just see him again. The music has meant so much.

[Yuri]

If we didn't have bad days, we wouldn't be human.

I would buy tickets to go hear Gord read the Phone Book! Let's hope he realizes that fact and he doesn't decide that at 68 it's time to 'end the call and hang up the phone'.

Ususally his live performance and audio mix rivals what the best engineers and producers would take months to perfect on his vinyl records (those are large black plastic CDs for you youngsters out there)

I can only think of two performances in my many, many years, where he just fell short of perfection.

One show was a few years back at Massey where Terry seemed be "playing different tunes to the band he was in" (to paraphrase 'Pink Floyd'). By God, Terry never makes mistakes!

The second time was at the 'Hamilton Place' concert given in benifit of McMaster University Hospital where he received treatment for his abdominal aneurism. The band was not coordinated, Gord's voice was understandably weak and the sound level was to low for his music and the venue. This was an early, if not the first appearance on stage after his long absence. Understood!
(John Fowles was in attendance and perhaps can give his perspective on this particular concert)


Unfortunately, on both occasions I had brought along a new "live" recruit. Lightfoot fans that had never seen him perform in person. Both were once again guests of mine at later dates but this time at "immaculate concert-ions"

Some better than others, but he never dissapoints!

Yuri