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Daniel Lanois
This was the only performer I was familiar with before attending the 30th Vancouver Island Musicfest: Lanois’ 1989 debut album “Acadie” lives on my CD stacker. It was a gift from my brother many years ago.
(Click to start Still Water by Daniel Lanois.)
The morning started early, with the rousing sounds of Sunday gospel and Sacred Steel from the American South. The evening rounded out with silky smooth songs by Canadian legend Daniel Lanois.
Sunday at the Vancouver Island Musicfest in Comox, BC, featured a diversity of musicians from countries around the world performing a range of genres. From Northumbrian clog dancing to flamenco footwork; Latin rhythms from Brazil and Chile; and story-songs from one end of Canada to the other.
The weather was glorious and the setting – clearings among the trees of the Pacific Northwest – was beautiful. There were several performers I didn’t see, and some favourites I saw more than once: whatever your taste in music, the quality was superb. If it hadn’t been for the over-zealous volunteers who shuffled people around indiscriminately and the fact that my intended companion had to withdraw, the weekend would have been perfect.
Daniel Lanois was the only performer I was familiar with before attending. Clearly, I had been living under a (non-Canadian) rock: I had no idea how accomplished and well-known he actually is! A member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (2002), Canada’s Walk of Fame (2005), and the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame (2012), he’s the winner of five JUNOs and seven GRAMMYs. He has produced albums by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Spoons, Brandon Flowers, U2, and others, as well as his own.
Possibly his best-known song, “The Maker” has been covered by Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Jerry Garcia Band, and the Dave Matthews Band.
I just knew it as a track on the CD “Acadie” in my living room!
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Sunday Morning Gospel Set with the Lee Boys (and Leon Timbo)
What could be better than some old-fashioned gospel in the sunshine?
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Modern Keyboards
John Mang, keyboard player with the tribute band Stealing Dan, has had a life-long love of the Hammond organ. His Sunday morning workshop on the Crossroads Stage walked us through the science and history of modern keyboards.
In the Woods
Between sets, I took the opportunity to explore a short walk through the woods to the Tsolum River.
Drums for Kids
In The Barn, Christy Vanden was demonstrating different drum patterns to a young and attentive audience.
Sound Checking
Meanwhile, on stage, the performers and crew were getting ready for the Sunday Song Circle.
Sound Mixing
Once everyone is happy with the balance, the set launches.
Gordie Tentrees and Jaxon Haldane
These guys, who I had enjoyed the day before (see: From Folk to Fusion), were a treat!
Moira & Claire
Sisters Moira & Claire deliver enchanting, angelic harmonies. Their original, Delaney’s Dad, deserves all the praise that’s been heaped on it.
Marianne Grittani and Rose Birney
Beautiful story-songs continued with Marianne Grittani and Rose Birney rounding out the Sunday Song Circle.
Tio Chorinho & Flavia Nascimento
Back at the Concert Bowl Flávia Nascimento sings her heart out in Portuguese.
Flávia Nascimento
Failing to get the seated audience on its feet for the energetic Brazilian rhythms, the former actress, circus artist, and clown, jumped down off the the stage to get us dancing in the grass.
Introduction to Northumbrian Smallpipes and Folk Tunes
This was the workshop I didn’t know I needed! Kathryn Tickell, OBE and recipient of the Queen’s Medal for Music, introduced us to the workings of the Northumbrian small pipes.
Kathryn Tickell & Amy Thatcher
There’s nothing like a traditional clog dance to make you smile!
Accordion and Fiddle
The performance by Kathryn and Amy was joyful and fascinating – as we learned about the traditional music of Northern England.
Clarinet with Chola y Gitano
Change of venue and change of continent: Chola y Gitano come from Chile, with distinctive Latin sounds.
Belén Rojas
I had enjoyed Chola y Gitano so much the day before (see: From Folk to Fusion) that I bought one of their CDs. I couldn’t resist seeing them again.
Fancy Footwork
From my (mandated!) seated position, I couldn’t get a good view of Damián Gallardo’s feet …
Damián Gallardo
… but his flamenco passion was unmistakable!
Kathryn Tickell and the Darkening
Having snared a good spot, reasonably central in front of the main stage, I stayed planted while the outer stages wound down for the evening. I was looking forward to hearing Kathryn Tickell again – this time with her full band, the Darkening, named for the Northumbrian twilight.
Josie Duncan On Clarsach
The Celtic harp is a traditional instrument across northwest Celtic regions.
Amy Thatcher
JigJam
The next performers to take the stage were also in the Celtic vein: …
Irish Meets Ole Opry
… JigJam are described as Irish-Bluegrass. They are wonderfully energetic!
Daniel Lanois
This was what I was waiting for! Delightful story-songs and magical harmonies – Daniel Lanois lived up to my hopes. Johnny Shepherd and Jim Wilson helped out with vocals on The Maker.
Pedal Steel
I had lost my central spot (long story!), and when Daniel Lanois moved back to his slide guitar, I had trouble getting a good view of his hands.
Having been thrilled by Daniel Lanois, I had no desire to stay for the last two sets. I would have bought more CDs, but the Merch tent had packed up early!
Never mind. I was humming the sad refrains of The Maker as I walked back to my car.
To the Music
Pictures: 14July2024
