An Evening with Gowan in Kingston

February 22, Canadian music icon Gowan stopped by Kingston and treated us to an amazing show.

Gowan was born in Glasgow but raised in Scarborough where he graduated from The Royal Conservatory of Music. He took part in the Toronto music scene in the 70s and released an album in 1982 but with limited success until the 1985 release of his album, Strange Animal which contained his hit Criminal Mind. In 1999, Gowan was asked to tour with Styx for a series of shows and has been a member ever since.

The show at Kingston’s Grand Theatre was nearing the end of his tour as a solo artist. March will see him returning to Styx to tour until the end of August. Gowan is maintaining a busy work schedule these days.

The first half of the show was made up of familiar songs, beginning with “Cosmetics”, “Desperate” and “Wake the Giant” but honestly, the highlight for me was the song that ended the first half of the show, “A Criminal Mind”. This song took me back to a different time, it was a song that I remember from my 20s, has it really been that long?

Gowan, into his 60s these days demonstrated that he still has it and he delivered it. His voice is nothing short of unbelievable and he loves to be active and move around onstage, making great use of his unique pedestal mounted piano. I couldn’t find the names for his backing band, but they were also amazingly good. I love shows where the quality of musicianship leaves you speechless.

The second half of the show picked up with “Soul’s Mind”, “Dancing on My Own Ground” and “All The Lovers In The World” which were all loved by the audience but “Khedive” was a highlight where Gowan’s classical training shone. I must admit, I listen to little classical music, but I liked this, live music has a way of making you listen. If that wasn’t enough, it led right into a drum solo!

Another song I enjoyed was “Radical Super Jam” which lead into “Strange Animal”, another rocking number for sure. Not to mention one that everyone in the room immediately knew. Another 80s moment came to life.

One thing to be sure is that Gowan is having a great time doing what he is doing, both solo and with Styx and that translates to a great experience for the audience.