The Incomparable Mr. Lightfoot

I felt privileged to be in the audience last night at Massey Hall for the final of three weekend concerts by the incomparable Mr. Lightfoot. He got four standing ovations, to one of which he replied, "Thanks for the encore calls; but we were coming back anyway." That was before the second encore.

I was excited about finally having the chance to see him live, and at Massey Hall no less; but was unsure about whether he'd have the fortitude to stand the test of three shows. Turns out I had no need to worry. Although his voice is certainly weaker than it used to be, it has gained a melodic, gentle quality that I haven't heard from him before. It was but a whisper at times; but they finally turned the mic up between the first and second sets, allowing us to hear all the nuances his voice has gained. The only time the weakness really showed itself was during "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", when the fast parts were slower and the chorus not as raucous and joyful. But it was the encore to a 2-hour show at the end of three nights in a row. Not bad for someone who's been literally putting himself back together for more than 2 years.

He truly seemed happy to be back on stage. He joked around about the day he got his belly button back and sang us a song about his native Orillia (he even mentions Casino Rama, surely a first for Canadian folk music). At the end of the show, he came back out to bow graciously to the crowd and strode off the stage with the confident gait of a man content to be back where he belongs.

The highlight of the show for me was "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," which has always been a significant song in my life. It was released the same year and month that I was born; but its resonance in my life makes it new every time I hear it. He more than did it justice last night if the goosebumps on my arms were any indication.

I'm so glad he's back. The footprints he's left on the landscape of Canada and on the hearts of Canadians are truly something to be cherished.

Welcome back, Gord. May there be many many more Massey Hall weekends for us all to enjoy.