LOCATION: Saskatchewan, Canada
LINEUP: Karin, Linford
REVIEW BY:
Karin & Linford joined the train in Winnipeg late Sunday afternoon and were scheduled for Sunday night. Even seasoned performed have to be a bit nervous about getting settled in for a train show, having no idea what the sound would be like.
I was excited. Ever since OHIO was released I've been checking the tour schedule hoping they would come within a 3 hour drive of Toronto. With no luck. When I saw the list of bands on the train I just knew I had to be there. I've never believed in fate or karma – it's seems unlikely if there is a God that she would care what concerts I attend. But something about this trip was meant to be for me.
Karin had me with the opening notes. Chuck might be by with the setlist later. As they played the train rolled down the tracks. Part way through the too brief set they did a slow version of 'Fever' and as if on cue the train slowed. And then stopped. Silence so we could drink up each note. And we did. If the bartender could bottle this drink he would be a rich band. My favorite 'Lifelong Fling' wasn't played, but many favorites from OHIO were along with at least one new song. The music, Karin's observations in between songs and the voice. I could barely take it all in.
I've always been uncomfortable talking with bands after a show. The clichés like 'great show' don't seem to express my true feelings. Interestingly at dinner with Charlie (train organizer) and Jenn (fellow music lover and soul) that night we talked about the fact that each performer on the train was there because they love music. Not for the fame. Not for the money. The shows are honest. Real. The performers pour out their hearts and expose themselves. There are no flying pigs. No flashing lights. Just pure raw emotion and energy exposed for all. This time I knew what to say. I told them both that their music has touched me and moved me deeply since OHIO. I got a smile of appreciate that was also real.
Sometimes when you wait for something a long time you build it up in your mind and reality can never match it. This night exceeded my dreams. Those of you who get to see the band regularly are so blessed. We are all blessed to have this music in our lives.
I'm in. Hook, line and sinker. All in. And thrilled. Well I'm off to order Snow Angels.
ChuckS:
Drunkard's Prayer
Born
Anything At All
I Don't Want to Waste Your Time (new)
Nothing is Innocent (new)
The Trumpet Child (new)
Jesus in New Orleans
Trouble (new)
Fever
Orphan Girl
Hush Now (Stellas's Tarantella)
Latter Days
OTR also took part in Monday afternoon's "Favorites" set. No room for a keyboard (heck, the on-stage setlists were only 4-1/4" wide!), so Linford played guitar as well. The OTR portion was as follows (Jeff Bird, Mike Timmins and Josh Finlayson joined on some of their tunes):
What I'll Remember Most (AKA River Song Trilogy Part 2B)
Poughkeepsie
North Pole Man - Karin said this was a debut performance. Linford,
Mike and Josh played guitar on this bluesy Christmas tune. Jeff played
magnificent harmonica at just the right spots, the song ending with him
and Karin "howling" at each other.