Just saw Gordon Lightfoot in concert...

[silverlib]

In Austin. He's moving up tornado alley, ending in Minnesota. and I highly recommend that any die-hard fans (like me) take this opportunity to see him. He was incredible! He's marked his 70th birthday and is going strong - more than 2 hours of his best and some new songs - a strong voice, an almost full house on a Tuesday night and a standing ovation at the end.

[aquamarina]

1. I can't believe he's 70.

I saw him back in 1988 and he was fantastic. One of my all time favorite songs is the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - brings me to tears every time I hear it.

[virgdem]

7. I can't believe he's still around...

I saw him in concert in Charleston, SC back in 1977 and he was great back then. I'm glad to see he's still going strong.

[begin_within]

2. Sundown is a huge favorite of mine.

I could listen to it again and again...

[Warpy]

3. I think I still have his first album somewhere

on vinyl. IMO, it was his best.

[saltpoint]

11. Hi, Warpy. Was that the United Artist LP with "Pride of Man" on it?

If that's the one, it WAS a great album. Holy cow.

[Warpy]

16. It was

and it's the only Lightfoot album I kept.

[saltpoint]

18. I can understand that. What a great collection and

what a terrific expression of what great folk music is.

[susanna]

4. I live two blocks

from where the Edmund Fitzgerald was built; my neighbor's dad helped set the rivets into the hull. Lightfoot is a legend here. I adore his storytelling music, and I'd love to see him live, even if he didn't sing "that" song. May have to look into the Minnesota date (closest to me, alas).

[aquamarina]

5. That's amazing about your neighbor's dad. Does he ever

talk about it?

[susanna]

8. Well, his dad is gone. My neighbor was quiet for years; I never knew.

He only opened up about his Dad's job after DH and I brought him back a mug from Whitefish Point on Lake Superior (the last CG point of radio contact with the Fitz). It was fascinating, though; my neighbor was there for the ship's launch as a child. I'm guessing he was around 12 years old, based on what I can figure.

It's a murky history around here. People are proud of the ship, but reticent about what happened. I certainly can't blame them. But I've walked the dock where she was launched, and I still see the Arthur M. Anderson (the ship that tried to get the Fitz to safety) plying the river nearby. I guess it is just a part of the fabric of the place. It's intriguing for sure!

ETA: got the Anderson name wrong...sorry!

[silverlib]

6. Here's his tour schedule

http://www.lightfoot.ca/2009.htm

looks like March 22nd. I hope you can catch it. What a wonderful story about your dad!

[susanna]

9. I think Indiana's the best bet.

I may surprise my DH with a birthday gift of the concert. That would be nice! He's a huge fan too.

Thanks for all the info, silverlib! :-)

[saltpoint]

10. "I would be happy just to hold the hands I love / On this winter's night with you."

Gordon Lightfoot.

"Song for a Winter's Night."


He is one of the truly gifted composers.

[tucsonlib]

19. "And Our Fingers Entwined, Like Ribbons Of Light..."

From "Affair on 8th Avenue"

Truly one of the all-time greats. Ever wonder why it is that Canada, with its relatively tiny population, has produced so many musical giants?

Just a sampling:

Gordon Lightfoot
Joni Mitchell
Leonard Cohen
Neil Young
Bruce Cockburn

and many, many more....

[saltpoint]

20. You are right. They have given the world some sensational

and beautiful stuff.

"Affair on 8th Avenue" is just lovely music.

And I'll stop what I'm doing to hear Neil Young and Joni Mitchell any time.

[catnhatnh]

12. If you could read my mind...

you'd know I'm VERY jealous...

[TheDebbieDee]

17. That's my favorite, too!

[saltpoint]

13. All the lovely ladies...

- - -

To all the little dreamers with a dream that cannot last
To all the sleeping giants who must wake
To every man who answers to the letter of the law
And all the rest imprisoned by mistake

Bless you all and keep you with the faith to let it pass
Heaven can be yours just for now

To all the lonely sailors who have trouble beeing seen
To all of you with heartache that remains
Maybe sometime later you might swim back into shore
If someone could relieve you of your chains

Bless you all and keep you all on the land or on the sea
Heaven can be yours, just for now

Gordon Lightfoot
from "All the Lovely Ladies"
on COLD ON THE SHOULDER (Warner Bros.)

- - -

[hlthe2b]

14. Not playing anywhere near me, darn...

I know he had serious stomach problems years back and nearly died. SO glad to hear he's made a comeback. So many great songs, but his story-telling in 'Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald' captivated me years ago.

[saltpoint]

15. A kick for a Wednesday morning.

If you are into metal you won't find anything your size in the Lightfoot clothes bin.

On the other hand, if you like extremely well-crafted melodies and lyrics, he is an extraordinarily comfortable fit.

I don't know any human skull who wouldn't be improved by having inside it songs like "Approaching Lavender," "That Same Old Obsession," "Bitter Green," "Canadian Railroad Trilogy," "Drifters," and "Did She Mention My Name?"

Among several hundred other terrific compositions.

Thank you, Canada.

[saltpoint]

21. It's Saturday night / We've all got dates / We'll dance all night to the 78s...

/ If Old Dan could see us now, I know he'd be so proud.


Gordon Lightfoot
"Old Dan's Records"