Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Guy Clark

Wanda and I went to see Guy Clark (with Verlon Thompson) at the Knox United Church last Friday.  What a great venue to see an artist described as the greatest living American songwriter.  When you are new to Clark's music it is surprising to hear how many of his songs were made famous by other performers.  He opened with one of my favourites: L. A. Freeway.  The back story he told was very funny.

It was an excellent show.  His sideman, Verlon Thompson, played one of his songs which was very well crafted and touching.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Sports served it's purpose



This photo is of Hannah running her GS race at the Provincials.  She was skiing beautifully and was headed for a great time.  Unfortunately she lost a ski and crashed spectacularly soon after this picture was taken.

She was heartbroken and has had difficulty matching the racing form she had going into the competition since the fall.

While she may look at this as a failure on her part, I am thrilled with her performance.  She regained her ski-mojo, she found it within herself to push the envelope and she competed and went for the win.  It didn't work out with a story book finish but the gains she made will last longer than a bit of medal or a ribbon would have.

The challenges she faced by pursuing her dream led to a lot of growth.  She can be proud of what she has accomplished.

Nathan Rogers - Home Routes

Wanda and I went to a Home Routes concert on March 26.  And the artist was... Nathan Rogers
In addition to the usual anticipation that is part of hearing live music, we were definitely intrigued to hear how the son of Stan Rogers would measure up.

And it turns out, the answer to that question is: Very well.  I really enjoyed his original songs.  He has a distinctive voice that is his own but when he wants to he can invoke the unique qualities of his father's voice to an extent that is spooky.  When he finished with "Northwest Passage" and we sang along, Wanda and I looked at each other in amazement.  We never had a chance to hear Stan live but this was an experience related but different and special in it's own right.

I have been listening to his album "True Stories" a lot over the last three weeks.  It is very good.  The follow-up will be released in time for the Canmore Folk Festival.  We can't be there but I have asked a friend to grab a copy for us.