Gordon Lightfoot called Tom Rush the best live solo act he’s ever seen and on Saturday night Tom Rush validated Gord’s assertion.
No stranger to the Toronto music scene, Tom performed at the legendary Riverboat at the height of the folk revival, the original Hugh’s Room and most recently opening for Gordon Lightfoot at his two last performances at the renovated Massey Hall. But this was Tom‘s first performance at the brand new location of Hugh’s Room Live. And what a beautiful venue it is. Great sound, great sightlines, and a perfect listening room.
This was Saturday night, the second night of a two night stand, and there wasn’t a seat to be had. The moment Tom stepped on the stage a hush fell over the room and all eyes and ears were on the performer. And what a performance it was. The adoring crowd hung on every word. It was a wonderful mixture of love and respect for Tom and he returned the love and respect in equal measure. His easy delivery, warm, smooth vocal style wrapped the room in a warm coat and the well paced show rolled along with the time flying by.
Tom started the evening with a great Dick Feller song, “Making The Best Of A Bad Situation’ on his big Guild 12 string from his Trolling For Owls album. This set the tone for the evening and Tom engaged the crowd with his unique blend of stories and songs.
Tom told of a young and as of yet unknown songwriter named Joni Mitchell coming to his show in Detroit and playing him brand new songs and he was so impressed he became the first to record anything of hers. During the course of the two set night he played two of Joni’s songs “The Circle Game” and “The Urge For Going.” He talked of the great talent in Canada and played Canadian David Wiffen’s “Driving Wheel’ and he played the songs he’s well known for; “Drop Down Mama” and his viral YouTube hit,
“The Remember Song.” Standout performances included “Glory Road” and “Siena’s Song” from his latest CD “Gardens Old Flowers New.”
His most covered self-penned composition, “No Regrets” was a highlight of the night.
He closed to a standing ovation and came back for a rousing medley of “Bo Diddley/Who Do You Love.”
It was a magical night combining a great venue, Hugh’s Room Live and a legendary performer, Tom Rush.
Before the show, when I mentioned to Tom about Lightfoot calling him “the best live solo act” Tom said “I hope I can live up to that.”
You did Tom, you did.