JERRY LEGER AND THE SITUATION w/ LORI YATES
@ HUGH’S ROOM LIVE, TORONTO
NOVEMBER 7, 2024
The fans were out, and spirits were high at Toronto’s east-end acoustic/roots venue, Hugh’s Room Live, for a sold-out show featuring folk/roots artists Jerry Leger and Lori Yates. Though both artists regularly play shows throughout the city, this event was headliner Jerry Leger’s annual ‘big show’ in his hometown.
Legendary Toronto alternative country artist Lori Yates opened her set with “The Stray” from her 2015 album, Sweetheart Of The Valley. Sparse and moody, Yates’ vocals and acoustic guitar were elevated and made moodier still by Ken Kelley’s fluid phrasing on electric guitar.
In addition to Kelley, Yates enlisted the multi-instrumentalist Sintia Baba, who filled out the sound with her keyboard work, bass guitar, hand percussion, and spot-on harmony vocals. At times it was remarkable that three musicians were able to great such a full, ‘bigger band’ sound. Together, the trio played a seven-song set, comprised mostly of songs from Lori Yates’ album Matador, which was released earlier this year.
While Yates and band gave an excellent performance, there seemed to be a slight technical issue with the sound. Often, the volume of Kelley’s guitar overpowered Yates’ vocal, and there was an overall muddiness on Yates’ microphone, even when she was introducing songs. Even so, this band played a great set, ending with Yates reading some hilarious and outrageous excerpts from her (as yet unpublished) memoir. It was a treat to see the veteran performer on stage.
After a short intermission, Jerry Leger & The Situation took the stage, coming in hot with the country/pop/soul inflected “Three Hours Ahead Of Midnight”. Leger was in fine voice and his guitar performance were top-notch. With strong support from his stalwart band – Dan Mock (electric bass), Kyle Sullivan (drums), and Alan Zemaitis (keys) – Leger brought the tunes and the fun. There was plenty of variety in the set, as Leger reached into his back catalogue for some favourites and some surprises. The first five songs of the night were performed with the full band, and included Leger’s song from 2014, “Nobody’s Angel”, which featured some outstanding guitar and organ work, and the energetic rocker “Tell A Lie” from 2019.
The band took a break, giving way to some solo acoustic songs from Leger, including his melancholic “Nothing Pressing”, and the dark and traditional-sounding “Raspberry Bush”. After Leger gave a nod to Hank Williams, covering Hank’s song “Why Should We Try Anymore”, the band reconvened onstage, and proceeded to rock out the rest of the evening. The program was so varied, with Leger switching from electric to acoustic guitar, and then to piano and harmonica. Keyboardist Zemaitis added plenty of colour to the songs as well, with his performances on piano, organ, and electronic keyboard.
The last half of the show with full band was excellent. High points such as “Out There Like The Rain” featured Mock and Sullivan’s solid bottom end coverage, and Leger’s plaintive Lennonesque wail. Leger has plenty of great songs, but some obvious standouts on this night included “Have You Ever Been Happy?” and “The Flower And The Dirt”. After the set was over, the band came back for one more song – a blistering version of Leger’s 2014 song “Factory Made”, with interesting guitar and organ interplay, a very strong vocal climax and a heavy instrumental playout at the song’s end.
It was a great night of music, and all present were clearly thrilled to see both Leger and Yates perform. If you have not had the pleasure of seeing these artists, you owe it to yourself to check them out.
(Photography By Oavatos Photo)
Jerry Leger Photos
Lori Yates Photos
SPILL FEATURE: MAN AT WORK – A CONVERSATION WITH JERRY LEGER
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