The Power of Music
For many decades John Hewitt as a performer has heard and seen music that has changed him as an artist. The following reflect just some of the bands and musicians that have made a lasting difference for this troubadour.
Jupiter Index: Which concerts/performances have you attended in the past that moved you for the musical ability and skill of the artist/ band? What was it about the show that still stays with you?
Artist/Band: Blue Rodeo/Luke Doucet
Concert: Sault Ste. Marie, Essar Centre
Reason: It was one of my first concerts with friends. I recall Luke Doucet had recently released Blood's Too Rich and we played it in our band. Blue Rodeo opened up with "5 Days in May" acoustically and then the curtain dropped for the electric part. It was a great show.
Artist/Band: Bruce Cockburn
Concert: Edmonton Folk Fest
Reason: Bruce sat down with his acoustic trio and blew the loud noises out of the way. He took control with true acoustic delicacy. It's hard to find that nowadays.
Artist/Band: Bob Dylan
Concert: Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Reason: He was promoting one of his Frank Sinatra jazz records. He came out and swung the mic around like a crooner. It was wild.
Artist/Band: Abigayle Oakley
Concert: Whitefish Songwriter Festival
Reason: I walked into a songwriter round and wasn't really digging it. I stayed to watch the full round and she played a song of hers "I Blame the TV" and I was hooked. She's one of the best songwriters I have ever met, I had that feeling from one song.
Artist/Band: An Old lady I don't recall her name on St. Patrick's Day
Concert: St. Patrick's Day at Frank's in Edmonton
Reason: There was an old lady who looked like she was having a ball. When the host came up and asked if she would like to sing an Irish tune, she sang one her mother sang to her probably 70 years earlier. The room got quiet and her shaky slightly off pitch voice rang out like a warrior cry. It was one of the most emotional moments I have seen in a room. It shows the power, effect and longevity music can have on people.
Jupiter Index: Which concerts/performances have you attended in the past that moved you for the musical ability and skill of the artist/ band? What was it about the show that still stays with you?
Artist/Band: Blue Rodeo/Luke Doucet
Concert: Sault Ste. Marie, Essar Centre
Reason: It was one of my first concerts with friends. I recall Luke Doucet had recently released Blood's Too Rich and we played it in our band. Blue Rodeo opened up with "5 Days in May" acoustically and then the curtain dropped for the electric part. It was a great show.
Artist/Band: Bruce Cockburn
Concert: Edmonton Folk Fest
Reason: Bruce sat down with his acoustic trio and blew the loud noises out of the way. He took control with true acoustic delicacy. It's hard to find that nowadays.
Artist/Band: Bob Dylan
Concert: Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Reason: He was promoting one of his Frank Sinatra jazz records. He came out and swung the mic around like a crooner. It was wild.
Artist/Band: Abigayle Oakley
Concert: Whitefish Songwriter Festival
Reason: I walked into a songwriter round and wasn't really digging it. I stayed to watch the full round and she played a song of hers "I Blame the TV" and I was hooked. She's one of the best songwriters I have ever met, I had that feeling from one song.
Artist/Band: An Old lady I don't recall her name on St. Patrick's Day
Concert: St. Patrick's Day at Frank's in Edmonton
Reason: There was an old lady who looked like she was having a ball. When the host came up and asked if she would like to sing an Irish tune, she sang one her mother sang to her probably 70 years earlier. The room got quiet and her shaky slightly off pitch voice rang out like a warrior cry. It was one of the most emotional moments I have seen in a room. It shows the power, effect and longevity music can have on people.
