I want to thank Factory Grind for bringing in Romi Mayes a few weeks ago.  Those there experienced a quality performance by this young singer / songwriter from Winnipeg.  She was accompanied by Dan Walsh on dobro and Chris Carmichael on guitar and backing vocals. They were premiering to Perth Romi’s new cd “Sweet Somethin’ Steady” that was released the end of July.  Their arrangements are tasty and effective, always wrapping her lyrics in an understated way to allow us to catch her gist.  Romi’s writing style tends to be effectively minimalistic , painting clear scenes and emotion within the confines of few crafty words. 

 

Dan Walsh played with Fred Eaglesmith since 2001 and has recently left to back Romi full time.  His dobro work is great to watch and even more fun to watch him create.  Filling holes with pleasing riffs or providing background rhythm, his efforts help create their lovely sound. 

 

This latest cd is produced by none other than Gurf Morlix, an in demand magician from Texas who spent @ 10 years as guitarist for Lucinda Williams before going on to produce a virtual who’s who of roots music including Buddy Miller, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Mary Gauthier and Eliza Gilkyson.  He also does some guitar soundscaping that works nicely.  It’s tighter than her last cd “Livingroom Sessions Volume One” though both have that relaxed sound that encourages repeated listening.

 

It was a pleasant surprise to see our own Dawson Willsey sit in for a few tunes on stand up bass.  Just when I thought the sweet sounds couldn’t get better, in comes Dawson providing that bottom end to fully complete the experience.  I hope Dawson gets that big rig of his out playing more often in town.  I look forward to her next visit here.

 

Lyle Lovett and his 17 piece band graced the NAC stage the middle of August, playing almost 3 hours straight through.  Backed by 2 saxes, trumpet, trombone, electric guitar, mandolin / acoustic guitar, fiddle, cello, grand piano, lap steel, a percussionist, 3 male singers and Francine Reed, all following the remarkable groove maintained by the “played with everyone” duo of Russ Kunkel on drums and Leland Sklar on bass. 

 

It’s interesting that Lovett hasn’t had a hit on the radio in years, gets little play on local radio stations yet can almost fill the NAC.  It goes to show just how genres of music can seem to hold their own, on their own. 

 

Lyle was his usual chatty self, once he got the show underway.  He started with cello player John Hagen backing him on “Don’t Cry A Tear” and during the tune the other players appeared and joined in building a gripping sound.  During the show which offered gospel, country, swing, jazz and fusions of each at times, all players had opportunities to solo and strut their stuff.  A remarkable man, blending his humorous stories with emotionally pleasing adventures of sound.  I feel lucky to have been there.

 

Locally we have the sweet harmonies of The Laws playing at Music on McLean House Concerts on Saturday Sept 23rd which will kick off their season of monthly shows.  Check out www.perthhouseconcerts.com for more information.  Also, an old acquaintance, singer / songwriter Eve Goldberg, who I first met many years ago at one of the early Ontario Council of Folk Festival Conferences, is playing at The Studio Theatre on Friday September 29th.  Her silky voice presents her poignant writing through several styles, as she kicks off her new cd release of “A Kinder Season”.  She’s one of those who you sit and listen to her original music and, when the song ends you find yourself nodding acceptance of her approach to a theme.  Great music continues to invade our lovely town.