An Intimate Evening of Music and Storytelling
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Steve Vai brings Inviolate tour to Ottawa
Fans packed the Bronson Center to see Steve Vai and his incredible band perform as they brought their Inviolate tour to Ottawa. The room was filled with t-shirts of various famous guitar players names and judging by the number of people coming up pre-show to snap a photo of the pedal boards, I’m guessing the audience was filled with guitar players of all shapes and forms and abilities.
It’s no wonder so many came out to see Vai. He is a virtuoso guitarist, composer and producer, considered by many as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. In over 40 years in the industry, Vai has sold over 15 million records, received three Grammy Awards, and recorded with music legends like Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, WHITESNAKE and many more.
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont
In addition to the rock genre most associate Vai with, he is also a musical composer fluent in the composition and arranging of orchestral music. He has written scores for 80 piece orchestras and recorded and performed often with the Holland Metropole Orchestra as well as other orchestras. He has also created an online streaming website dedicated to bringing free guitar-related content to the community of guitar players around the world and created the Vai Academy where he and other world class guitarists deliver a master class in guitar techniques. Vai has become a mentor to many guitarists delivering messages such as “Use your creativity with courage and no excuses”. His Youtube channel features “Under it All” sessions where he’ll speak about his own personal journey of enlightenment through the pursuit of truth and the use of meditation. When we look at his accomplishments and contributions in this light, it brings us beyond the simple fact of, wow, can this guy ever shred.
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Vai was accompanied on stage by long-time collaborators Philip Bynoe (bass), Jeremy Colson (drums) as well as a recent addition to the band Dante Frisiello (guitarist). When Dante was in law school, his teacher and mentor was Vai’s former guitarist, Dave Weiner. He ended up leaving law school to travel with the band as Dave Weiner’s guitar tech. Last November when Weiner announced his retirement from Vai’s band after 23 years, he recommended Dante as replacement and Dante passed the audition with flying colors.
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Vai told the audience off the top that we were here to celebrate life as a family, leave the world and politics behind and just celebrate. The family theme would surface throughout the show. Vai would take turns with each of the band members in a “call and response” pattern where he would call out with a screaming guitar riff and the band member would answer back whether it be on drums, bass or guitar. This was reminiscent of Steve’s famous appearance as the devil’s guitarist in the famous guitar duel scene in the 1986 movie Crossroads. He even had some fun with the audience as he made various sounds on his guitar for the audience to imitate. The backstage crew came front and center as three of the guitar techs were invited on stage to play some guitar harmony for the intro to the song Incantation. For the last song of the night, Vai brought Danny G, one of the techs on stage to sing some operatic vocals.
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
The passion and energy in his music was evident in his facial expressions which would morph with each bend of the strings. You see this often with guitar players in their performance as they are experiencing the intensity of the moment. However, sometimes with Vai you could see his expression would be softer, questioning even reflective as he would change the sound on his guitar and look out to the audience as if he was asking, “what do you think about this, or perhaps this sound, how about this one?” Sometimes he would move his finger up or down indicating to the audience where the next note was going to be.
Steve Via performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
The Inviolate album was released in January 2022 and the tour is bringing Vai and his band in a fast-paced tour to all corners of the world. Early in the show Vai spoke of the tour and said he told his agent to “get me into Canada and keep me there!” and later he would remark to the audience that Canadians are the nicest people. The album itself is his 10th solo album and it’s one that he wanted to continue to push his boundaries on. For example, the song “Candle Power” has a clean guitar sound, no whammy bar and uses a finger picking style. Vai says “I’m not a good fingerpicker, but I wanted to challenge myself.” The song Greenish Blues originated at a soundcheck and was later built out in the studio. He told the audience, “it’s kinda like blues, but it’s me, so it’s greenish blues.” This is Steve Vai wanting to continually grow but only in a way that is true to himself.
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
One of the most anticipated songs of the evening was “Teeth of the Hydra” from the Inviolate album. This song features Vai playing a triple neck guitar which includes a bass, seven-string and 12-string guitar as well as a 13 string harp. The guitar was Vai’’s vision and was built by the guitar manufacturer Ibanez. It’s every guitar geek’s dream with innumerable features including a glowing “seducer” control, a “dragonizer” switch, and a set of tubes Ibanez and Vai have labeled as the “climax regulator.”
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmmont.
The audience brought the band back for an encore with an enthusiastic standing ovation and they performed “Fire Garden Suite IV” from his 1996 album. At the end of the show, the band took a bow and instead of rushing off the stage, Vai grabbed the mic and thanked the audience and the venue, wished everyone a good evening and said “See you next time”. If the response from the audience was any indication, yes you will Steve, yes you will!
Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Steve Vai and the band are continuing west across Canada on their Inviolate tour. For tour dates check Steve Vai’s official website www.vai.com.
More photos.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
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Steve Vai performs at the Bronson Center in Ottawa. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
54•40 takes the stage at Neat Café
There’s something really special about experiencing live music in an intimate setting. It might be the vibe you feel when you gather shoulder to shoulder with other music lovers, or find yourself eye to eye with the artists on stage; the night is just richer. Add to that the opportunity to get up close and personal with the kings of Canadian rock, 54•40, who bring to the stage every ounce of passion from their 43-year history, and it becomes an even more unique moment to treasure.
That was the scene on Friday night, when renowned performers 54•40 played the second of a two-night gig at Neat Café, an unassuming structure in the tiny village of Burnstown, about 80 km west of Ottawa. Originally built as a schoolhouse in 1889, the venue now hosts a veritable list of Who’s Who in the Canadian music scene. In 2023 alone, Neat Café has booked Big Sugar, Stephen Fearing, Matthew Good, Whitehorse and Wide Mouth Mason, among others.
54-40 performs at Neat Cafe. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
But I digress from the main event: 54•40 which, coincidentally, survived a power outage, a humidex warning and a series of tornado alerts in order to rock the socks off a ready crowd in back-to-back sold-out shows. Frontman Neil Osborne and bass player Brad Merrit, who met during high school in Tsawwassen, B.C., are the two original members of the band. Drummer Matt Johnson joined the band in 1986, and Dave Genn took over lead guitar in 2003
54-40 performs at Neat Cafe. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Despite an impressive legacy of gold and platinum albums, including three new ones this year, Osborne aroused applause when he announced that the band would play some of their favourites from back in the day. These ranged from the 1986 hit “Baby Ran,” to “Casual Viewin,” released in 2000, along with such other hits as “Ocean Pearl,” “Since When,” “Walk in Line,” “I Go Blind,” and “Lies to Me.”
As if the musical walk down memory lane wasn’t worth every cent of the ticket price, Osborne and his bandmates kept everyone engaged throughout the almost 2-hour show with humorous anecdotes and endearing stories, and by pandering to the singing crowd by flipping the stage mics outward as if it were a kitchen party.
54-40 performs at Neat Cafe. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
The crowd found its groove with “One Day,” the lyrics of which Osborne credits to his mother’s advice. When he would call her, weighted down with life’s stress, her response would always be to just wait a day and see what tomorrow would bring.
54•40 leapt into its more recent history with the 2018 track “How’s Your Day Going” which, according to Osborne, is founded on the fact that “yesterday is past and tomorrow is unknown, so ask how’s your day going because it’s the only one you got, baby.”
54-40 performs at Neat Cafe. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
Much of Osborne’s commentary reinforced his assertion that love is the underlying theme of the band’s discography. The frontman certainly revealed a passion deep from his core as the other band members cleared the way for him to take the solo lead on “One Gun,” to which the crowd responded enthusiastically during the catchy refrain.
Osborne told the crowd: “Love is the intersection of anything and everything.” He went on to say that attention–when you really see, hear, and feel someone–is his favourite definition of love. He thanked the audience for giving the band that feeling last night, before ending a 3-song encore with “Love You All.”
54-40 performs at Neat Cafe. Photo by Rob Clairmont.
With another new album being released this October, “West Coast Band,” 54•40 is nowhere near ready to hang up their dancing shoes, and that’s definitely good news for followers and fans. Visit the band on their official website www.5440.com.
Photos from the evening at Neat Cafe with 54-40.
Charlotte Cardin and Fletcher make night 7 of RBC Bluesfest POP!
A much calmer day, weatherwise, than the day before. With it being my dad’s 49th birthday I’m giving him the night off and taking over the review portion for night 7 of RBC Bluesfest. He’s going to help put it together but the thoughts are mine so please go easy on me as it’s my first time reviewing a show.
RBC Bluesfest turns into Foos Fest for one night only!
After a two day hiatus RBC Bluesfest returned on Wednesday with a bang as Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters exploded back onto the main stage at Lebreton Flats in Ottawa.
RBC Bluesfest continues with more stellar performances on day 4
The intense heat finally let go of it’s grip on Ottawa this past Sunday as day 4 of the 2023 edition of RBC Bluefest continued to draw large crowds to Lebreton Flats.
RBC Bluesfest hits another one out of the park
Ottawa’s Lebreton Flats was the hottest place to be on Saturday night as an eclectic mix of musical talent performed across five stages on the lawns of the Canadian War Museum. Last night saw a different crowd as the mosh pit of younger, sweaty bodies from the previous two nights transitioned to a civilised expanse of lawn chairs, ported in by more mature patrons who came to see headliners Robert Plant with Alison Krauss, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, and Steven Taetz on the main stage.
Be sure to check out the previous post covering the first two nights of the festival. The review comes straight from the eyes and ears of Soundcheck’s primary writer, who criss-crossed the Bluesfest grounds in his dual role as Green Team volunteer and music reviewer. This review, on the other hand, brings you a birds-eye view of the main stage performers from the VIP Club area because, let’s face it, why would anyone stray from having your own bar, free snacks and a private loo only a few steps away from a comfy patio lounge chair? Don’t miss the photo gallery below where our roving photographer shares some incredible captures of all the action from the festival’s third night.
The series of acts on the main stage might be described as the Big Chill to the Big Thrill, with Steven Taetz, contemporary roots, jazz and pop singer/songwriter, opening to a skeleton crowd that hadn’t yet fully filled the grounds. Definitely a loss for latecomers, in my opinion, since one could easily imagine the deep, expressive voice of the Toronto-based performer holding up nicely in the company of Michael Bublé or as a musical backdrop to a James Bond movie scene.
Steven Taetz performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Ross Macdonald
Taetz has collaborated with Juno winners Jill Barber, Jenn Grant, Connie Kaldor, and Caroline Marie Brooks of Good Lovelies. Niche in some ways, while versatile in others, Taetz treated us to a musical offering from both his early albums, as well as “Late Bloom,” released earlier this year. At one point, he got a laugh from the audience as he pleaded for the crowd to be mindful of his mother-in-law, if seen to be crowd surfing across the stagefront.
Suffice to say that the vibe on the patio of the VIP Club was pretty chill. Full disclosure is needed at this point: Soundcheck photo contributor Rob Clairmont and myself were on a night off from wearing our beverage cashier volunteer hats, so anything would have been more chill than serving snaking line-ups of thirsty festival patrons (still an awesome gig if anyone is interested).
As more patrons with lawn chairs started populating the green space, the energy started to mount in anticipation of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. Not surprisingly, these seasoned entertainers made short work of getting the crowd into the groove for an outstanding night of entertainment, especially with renowned stage guests Suzie Vinnick and Daniel Lanois.
Well-loved singer/songwriters Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden, and Tom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings brought huge energy to the stage for their performance. Together with special guests Daniel Lanois and Susie Vinnick, they were a musical powerhouse performing a smorgasbord of songs that kept the audience engaged and tapping their toes. The band congratulated Hamilton music legend Tom Wilson and three-time Juno winner for recently receiving the Order of Canada. Later in the show, he would challenge all of us to do our part in leaving the world a better place for our children and grandchildren, rather than looking to the government, corporations or religious organisations to do the work for us.
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
Daniel Lanois and members of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings share a long history and they credit him with changing their lives. Famed record producer and musician born just across the bridge in Gatineau, Quebec, Lanois has worked with some of the most iconic bands of the past few decades, including U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan. Joining the band on stage on guitar, steel guitar, and occasionally on vocals, it was interesting to watch how he used directive gestures to indicate changes in the volume dynamics through different songs.
Daniel Lanois performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
Finally, as the stage lights lit up the night sky and slightly cooler temperatures pushed out the heat, the moment arrived for the perhaps unlikely but certainly beloved duo of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss to command the main stage. By then, the patio lounge seating in the VIP Club was all but moot as it was standing room only. Those who were curious whether English-born 74-year-old Plant of Led Zeppelin fame still had what it takes to whip audiences into a rapturous frenzy would not be disappointed. Plant is a legend in his own right and will always be. Adding sugar to spice, the collaboration with bluegrass-country singer and fiddler, Alison Krauss, baked their shared fame to succulent perfection.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
Plant took the lead on engaging the crowd, while a more demure Krauss stood poised with hands clasped when not shining onstage with her trademark angelic vocals or virtuoso fiddling. Even without a palpable onstage chemistry, the pairing of musical mastery was more than enough to keep the crowd energised and phone cameras alit like beacons of light on a dark sea of fans. The 90-minute setlist sprinkled a few classic Led Zeppelin arrangements among tracks from the duo’s two collaborative studio albums, “Raising Sand,” (2007) and “Raise the Roof” (2021). The outstanding pairing of harmony with all-star backing musicians is the likely reason that “Raising Sand” sold more than a million copies and won six Grammy Awards and “Raise the Roof” pocketed three Grammy nominations.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
Noticeably nostalgic as the performance wound down, Plant revealed that the Ottawa performance would close out their year-long Raise the Roof tour, which included stops in the U.S. and Europe. Plant gave a heartfelt shout-out to their talented band, with special thanks to “the voice of the nightingale and his lifesaver,” Alison Krauss. After an encore song, the Everly Brothers cover “Gone, Gone, Gone,” Plant jokingly asked the crowd to stay looking interested as the entire band gathered, turned their backs to the crowd, and snapped a selfie to send to their kids. Seeing the band members as a parent first, professional second brought a real human dimension to the larger-than-life musical talents and definitely reverberated with the crowd. Hitting all the right notes, my guess is that this night will go down in Bluesfest history as one of the all-time favourites of Ottawa and outlying area fans.
More Photos from Day 3 Including Gabrielle Shonk, Matthew Chaffey, BLAKDENIM, and Sugaray Rayford.
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Blackie and the Rodeo Kings perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Blackie and the Rodeo Kings perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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BlakDenim performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Blackie and the Rodeo Kings perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Gabrielle Shonk performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Blackie and the Rodeo Kings perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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BlakDenim performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Blackie and the Rodeo Kings perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Blackie and the Rodeo Kings perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Matthew Chaffey performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Blackie and the Rodeo Kings perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Sugaray Rayford performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Gabrielle Shonk performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Robert Plant and Alison Krauss perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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BlakDenim performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Steven Taetz performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Ross Macdonald
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Sugaray Rayford performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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BlakDenim performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Blackie and the Rodeo Kings perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Gabrielle Shonk performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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BlakDenim performs at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Robert Plant and Alison Krauss perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
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Blackie and the Rodeo Kings perform at the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
RBC Bluesfest kicks off with a little bit of country and a whole lot of Rock and Roll
Sunshine and hot temperatures welcomed fans to LeBreton Flatts in Ottawa as RBC Bluesfest kicked off it’s 2023 edition with large crowds for an opening night of country featuring Lindsay Ell and Shania Twain and a night of pure rock and roll featuring Billy Talent and Weezer.
Boney M coming to Canada to celebrate 45 years of Nightflight
BONEY M. FEAT. LIZ MITCHELL – THE ORIGINAL LEAD SINGER
THIS WINTER IN CANADA
TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28TH 2023
Powerful, Inspirational, UNFORGETTABLE…Amanda Marshall stuns in return to Ottawa’s National Arts Centre
Although Amanda has popped up on the Ottawa festival circuit a couple of times over the year the current “25 & Counting: The Heavy Lifting Tour” is her first official tour in about 2 decades.
