Thanks to a timely,thoughtful gift from our friend Janey and her brother Dave, my far better half and I joined the sold out, appreciative crowd at the Brooke Valley School Fundraiser, featuring Sarah Harmer and opened by Ana Muira.

 

Ana Muira, from Ottawa, is a young singer / songwriter who’s starting to see results from her hard work.  Voted recently by Ottawa Xpress as Best Singer/Songwriter,  she was also a Finalist in the Galaxie Rising Stars event where her haunting voice and transporting lyrics won many a pleased ear.  Her expressed influence by Sarah Harmer’s style became quite obvious both in lyrics and composition.  She handled her guitar in a confident manner, picking some very creative jazz licks.  Hope to hear more from this lass.

 

Sarah Harmer gained a quick relationship with the audience with her casual, relaxed manner. Her professional skills honed on the road that have earned her past appearances on David Letterman spoke volumes as she worked the mike.  She was playing to a crowd  that were obviously quite familiar with her work and showed it by the variety of requests shouted out.  Recognized as being very lucky to hear Sarah in such an intimate venue when she is now selling out Massey Hall, the crowd hung on her every word.  Their accepting snickers soothed an embarrassing moment when some words alluded her.  That already established folksy ambience shone through, just like her lilting voice. 

 

Sarah carried the bulk of the show on her own highlighting many new tunes off her recently released “I’m a Mountain” disc.  Interspersed were some old favourites she played in response to the many requests.  She was joined onstage by Chris Bartos whose mandolin skill I thought was under - appreciated and by her honey, Luther Wright who played harmonica and guitar, adding some tasty harmonies but noteworthy was the even bigger smile he brought out on Sarah’s face with his presence.  Nice to see her play a couple of her favourite tunes by other artists including Oh Susanna who played here last summer.

 

A big round of applause goes to the sound quality created by Steve Foley.  These sound guys often go unnoticed but have a huge role in helping the audience get the most from what is being presented. 

 

I’d also like to thank the jerk who felt the necessity to add his own ongoing Sorel – type back beat throughout the show.  I know I’m not the only one who was perplexed by his questionable rhythmic ability.  You’ll be happy to know even your wayward stomping couldn’t take away from the musical magic of the sweet harmonies and fiddle of “How Deep In The Valley”.  Though not arriving as a Sarah Harmer fan I can say her quality songwriting and graceful presentation won me over and championed a wonderful evening for me and my loving bride. 

 

I hope you’ll mark on your calendar Friday Feb 17th as Ottawa’s own Jim Bryson is playing at O’Reillys.  Jim’s just back from playing in Kathleen Edwards band where they played worldwide, did David Letterman, opened for Willy Nelson, played FarmAid and opened for John Prine on Austin City Limits.  One of Jim’s songs is on Kathleen’s latest disc and his musical talents have been heralded by her in many interviews. This is a ticketed event, available at O’Reillys. 

 

I also can’t wait for an upcoming show at the NAC on Feb 11th.  Often songwriters go unnoticed but the four presenting are heralded by their peers as some of the best.  Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Guy Clark and Joe Ely each have their own musical lives but occasionally get together to share their acoustic scripture with one another and we’ve been blessed with them coming to Ottawa to share their magic. 

 

Many thanks to those who’ve shared their comments with me about my columns.  It makes me feel good to know I’m not the only one who has been kissed by the magic of live music.  Feel free to share at:  tennants@sympatico.ca 

                           

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