A few nights ago I was fortunate enough to see one of my favourite Canadian artists accompanied by an orchestra. I must admit I almost didn't go because the tickets were $80 and I've already seen Joel about four times, but when it came down to a few days before the show I just knew it would kill me to be sitting at home while Joel is in my hometown playing with AN ORCHESTRA. So I got a pair of last minute tickets at the back of the floor section and made it a date night with my boyfriend.
The show started out with a piece performed by the Calgary Phillharmonic Orchestra on their own to showcase their incredible talent and musicianship. Then, after a warm introduction from the orchestra conductor (also from Nova Scotia), Joel came on stage and performed Harbour Boys with the orchestra. I must say it through me a off a bit when he walked out with a mop of long grey/brown hair. He looked much older then when I saw him a couple years ago in Edmonton - maybe the grey is just more noticeable when it's long or maybe it was the light - but none of that actually matters because he was still the same charming, talented, funny artist with the awkward dance moves who always has me smiling from ear to ear whenever I see him.
Joel had a few band members on stage with him along with the orchestra and alternated between solo songs and songs accompanied by the orchestra. He played quite a few slower songs such as "When I Close My Eyes", "Lying on a Beach", "I'm Yours" and "Old Friends". These slower songs were so much more epic with the orchestra and sounded like they were part of a movie soundtrack. I loved all the string instruments and the flutes. He also did a great slow rendition of "North Star" which I think may be my favourite of his songs - the funny/clever lyrics are just so frickin good and fun to sing.
He also fit in lots of story telling - which is one of the things I love most about a Joel Plaskett show. My favourite was a story of him and three friends in a kids summer camp when they first discovered Led Zeppelin and sneaking into the woods at night to perform a secret ceremony to honour the band and each saying a speech to a different band member and then burning the four corners of a Zeppelin post card - too funny.
The best moment of the night for me was the last song of their set - "Lightning Bolt" which started off with the cellos playing the opening guitar riff - it sounded so deep and incredible - the crowd actually cheered! The orchestra really took that song to a whole nother level and it was awesome.
After the show Joel received a standing ovation and came out for an encore where he read an incredibly touching poem that he wrote for his friend Gord Downie when he was diagnosed and then performed a song dedicated to him. It was very beautiful.
All in all it was a wonderful night with a stage full of talented musicians, wonderful instruments, comfy chairs, and one of Canada's finest singer-songwriters - worth every penny.
