I must say: It’s been a busy week; a total change in pace to my week away in the sun, marinating in Havana Club & Coppertone.
But I'm OK with it.
Sure, it sucked to leave the beauty and splendour of an all inclusive resort; daily highs of 34 degrees, etc, but whenever I spend any amount of time away from the radio, I get anxious to get back to it as the vacation winds down. 4 hours in a Varadero airport will do that to a person especially well.
The night after our return to Fredericton, I was fortunate enough to MC for Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin’ Bastards at the Playhouse*. There’s been so much going on (hockey pools, new albums from Foo Fighters & The Trews; a Foos doc; tonight’s Trews show), I haven’t been able to give a full review of the show, but I will say I was wowed. I know I wasn’t the only one.
When I entered the Green Room Saturday night, Karl was relaxing pre-show, by playing some foosball. He claimed the “ladies” were getting ready (Ross & Shawn). When Ross did finally emerge, he was in a bright white suit; looking sharp and excited to perform (the suit being an allusion to the cleaner, gentler show the band was about to do, I’m sure.). Anytime I’ve had a chat with Ross or the boys, it’s always very laid back, friendly and upbeat. It’s the same personality they took with them on stage last weekend.
Celebrating the release of Live @ The Acoustic Grill, the band did things a little differently than one would normally expect. It was acoustic, yes, but they were still plugged in. Introducing them, I joked that the loudest thing on stage may well be Ross’ attire. Between powerful renditions of songs from the album, Ross was joking; laughing with his band members – even family members in the crowd who got caught for taking video. It was obvious they were enjoying themselves as much as the crowd was enjoying the show.
One particularly touching moment came when introducing Daddy Taught Me, a song inspired by Ross’ late father which came about after realizing that despite his best efforts – and comedically so at times - he was turning into his old man. It’s a story I can definitely relate to. Every day I do or say something that reminds me of my own father. It truly is inevitable; and hilarious to me. As Ross sang the song though, he put his heart into it; the emotion of the song is strong and he conveyed it in spades, taking a moment to wipe his brow as the final note rang out.
After a 15 minute intermission, Ross returned to the stage alone, this time in a black suit – was the night going to get a little more devilish, perhaps? He opened the 2nd set with the title track from Early Grave. I’ve never heard Ross do a capella before, but the dude nailed it! You could hear a pin drop; everyone was listening and paying attention. It’s the kind of moment that make theatre shows special – it brought to mind Neil Young’s ’71 Massey (a personal favourite). Then he played a song or two on a vintage guitar (can’t remember the make, but it was f a 1931 model) Then the Bastards returned.
For two or three songs as a band, they were truly acoustic. Ross on guitar, Shawn on mandolin and Karl keeping time with a bodhrán (a celtic drum) Someone managed to bypass security and get some video of the guys performing Badlands:
After that, the Bastards went back to their respective places behind the drums and bass, and it wasn’t long before Ross picked up his prized guitar, Cherry Sherry. He couldn’t keep her quiet all night.
When Cherry Sherry spoke, the energy - already at a high - increased.
In lieu of the now cliché encore call, the band stated they’d simply stay on stage, rather than ask for an ego stroke. (They got one anyway, as the crowd jumped to their feet in a show of appreciation).
It was a fun night. The band was tight, energetic and having way too much fun. They ended the show in a big way as well. The entire show they had a special guest sitting side-stage. The night before he had opened up for Buddy Guy in Toronto, so Mat Andersen was riding high when he walked out on the Playhouse stage to join Ross & The Bastards for what would be their final “encore” song: a kitchen party style rendition of The Band’s The Weight.
In need of backups singers Ross called two buddies of his from the crowd and had them come up. They all shared the mic; with Mat, Ross & Shawn all taking turns on verses. At the end, the guys - all smiles - walked off stage to yet another standing ovation. Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin Bastards had rocked the Playhouse, and each member of the audience knew they’d seen something special. It’s performances like this that make East Coast music something to be truly proud of. Our musicians can hold their own with the big guns; and can often eclipse them. Just give them the chance.
*Good Luck to all at the ECMA's this wekend*
-Crash-
*The show was a joint presentation between The Fox, Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival and the Playhouse. Thanks to Tim Yerxa for letting me get on stage to intro the band.
But I'm OK with it.
Sure, it sucked to leave the beauty and splendour of an all inclusive resort; daily highs of 34 degrees, etc, but whenever I spend any amount of time away from the radio, I get anxious to get back to it as the vacation winds down. 4 hours in a Varadero airport will do that to a person especially well.
The night after our return to Fredericton, I was fortunate enough to MC for Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin’ Bastards at the Playhouse*. There’s been so much going on (hockey pools, new albums from Foo Fighters & The Trews; a Foos doc; tonight’s Trews show), I haven’t been able to give a full review of the show, but I will say I was wowed. I know I wasn’t the only one.
When I entered the Green Room Saturday night, Karl was relaxing pre-show, by playing some foosball. He claimed the “ladies” were getting ready (Ross & Shawn). When Ross did finally emerge, he was in a bright white suit; looking sharp and excited to perform (the suit being an allusion to the cleaner, gentler show the band was about to do, I’m sure.). Anytime I’ve had a chat with Ross or the boys, it’s always very laid back, friendly and upbeat. It’s the same personality they took with them on stage last weekend.
Celebrating the release of Live @ The Acoustic Grill, the band did things a little differently than one would normally expect. It was acoustic, yes, but they were still plugged in. Introducing them, I joked that the loudest thing on stage may well be Ross’ attire. Between powerful renditions of songs from the album, Ross was joking; laughing with his band members – even family members in the crowd who got caught for taking video. It was obvious they were enjoying themselves as much as the crowd was enjoying the show.
One particularly touching moment came when introducing Daddy Taught Me, a song inspired by Ross’ late father which came about after realizing that despite his best efforts – and comedically so at times - he was turning into his old man. It’s a story I can definitely relate to. Every day I do or say something that reminds me of my own father. It truly is inevitable; and hilarious to me. As Ross sang the song though, he put his heart into it; the emotion of the song is strong and he conveyed it in spades, taking a moment to wipe his brow as the final note rang out.
After a 15 minute intermission, Ross returned to the stage alone, this time in a black suit – was the night going to get a little more devilish, perhaps? He opened the 2nd set with the title track from Early Grave. I’ve never heard Ross do a capella before, but the dude nailed it! You could hear a pin drop; everyone was listening and paying attention. It’s the kind of moment that make theatre shows special – it brought to mind Neil Young’s ’71 Massey (a personal favourite). Then he played a song or two on a vintage guitar (can’t remember the make, but it was f a 1931 model) Then the Bastards returned.
For two or three songs as a band, they were truly acoustic. Ross on guitar, Shawn on mandolin and Karl keeping time with a bodhrán (a celtic drum) Someone managed to bypass security and get some video of the guys performing Badlands:
After that, the Bastards went back to their respective places behind the drums and bass, and it wasn’t long before Ross picked up his prized guitar, Cherry Sherry. He couldn’t keep her quiet all night.
When Cherry Sherry spoke, the energy - already at a high - increased.
In lieu of the now cliché encore call, the band stated they’d simply stay on stage, rather than ask for an ego stroke. (They got one anyway, as the crowd jumped to their feet in a show of appreciation).
It was a fun night. The band was tight, energetic and having way too much fun. They ended the show in a big way as well. The entire show they had a special guest sitting side-stage. The night before he had opened up for Buddy Guy in Toronto, so Mat Andersen was riding high when he walked out on the Playhouse stage to join Ross & The Bastards for what would be their final “encore” song: a kitchen party style rendition of The Band’s The Weight.
In need of backups singers Ross called two buddies of his from the crowd and had them come up. They all shared the mic; with Mat, Ross & Shawn all taking turns on verses. At the end, the guys - all smiles - walked off stage to yet another standing ovation. Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin Bastards had rocked the Playhouse, and each member of the audience knew they’d seen something special. It’s performances like this that make East Coast music something to be truly proud of. Our musicians can hold their own with the big guns; and can often eclipse them. Just give them the chance.
*Good Luck to all at the ECMA's this wekend*
-Crash-
*The show was a joint presentation between The Fox, Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival and the Playhouse. Thanks to Tim Yerxa for letting me get on stage to intro the band.
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