at The Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft – Tuesday 16th April 2019
A double helping of great acts from Canada
The audience at the Seagull Theatre was treated to an evening of exceptional harmony singing from 2 of the top artists currently operating on the Canadian roots music scene.
JUNO and SOCAN award winners Good Lovelies were on a UK tour during April accompanied by Fortunate Ones
by Martin Lovett
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The audience at the Seagull Theatre was treated to an evening of exceptional harmony singing from 2 of the top artists currently operating on the Canadian roots music scene. JUNO and SOCAN award winners Good Lovelies were on a UK tour during April accompanied by Fortunate Ones, a duo comprising Catherine Allan and Andrew O’Brien, who kicked the evening off in fine style with a short set which included a number of songs from their most recent release “Hold Fast”. |
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One of the outstanding numbers “Steady As She Goes”, written about responders dealing with a wild fire in Canada in 2016, was dedicated by Andrew to the firefighters who fought the blaze at Notre Dame. It’s been 6 years since Fortunate Ones were last in the UK, but they are planning a return visit later this year and you should not miss them. Good Lovelies (Sue Passmore, Caroline Brooks and Kerri Ough) were augmented on this tour by MJ Dandeneau on double bass and Mark Mariash on drums and percussion. Their set featured many songs from their latest release “Shapeshifters”, including their first Canadian #1 single “I See Gold”, but also went back through their impressive catalogue |
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Sue (vocals, guitar, synth & percussion), Caroline (vocals, electric & acoustic guitars and banjo) and Kerri (vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards, banjo & omnichord) all took turns at lead vocals and employed their wonderful trademark harmonies on everything. This was used to most striking effect during a totally acoustic section of the show, when the 3 stepped away from the mics and sang, including a stunning version of Stephen Stills’ “Helplessly Hoping”. During the amplified sections of the show both the double bass and drums were used in subtle and effective ways to add to the performance without ever threatening to overpower it; as a drummer myself I have rarely seen such an understated yet effective performance as that given by Mark Mariash. |
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The evening concluded with Fortunate Ones returning to the stage for a rousing 7 piece rendition of “Lie Down”, followed by an encore of more totally acoustic songs from Sue, Caroline & Kerri. Trade at the merchandise desk was brisk for both artists - so much so that many items were sold out. The band are now back in Canada ahead of a tour of mainland Europe; they will then be returning to the UK in August for an appearance at Folk East, so don’t miss your chance to see these most talented and engaging artists there. |