Four musicians present their re-imagined interpretations of Gordon Lightfoot’s music during Impressions of Lightfoot.
The show features drummer James McRae, bassist Rene Worst, pianist Miles Black and vocalist Jennifer Scott. The quartet performs on Gabriola Island at the Roxy Sunday (March 19).
McRae said he thought it “might be fun to re-imagine” Lightfoot’s work and over the past few years has been creating arrangements out of the music as well as creating his own original compositions.
There was something that drew him to the music. Having grown up in the ’60s and ’70s, McRae said he listened to Lightfoot’s music in his formative years.
“It sort of just becomes part of your musical landscape at the time,” he said, adding that there is a “certain Canadiana” element to Lightfoot.
One thing that attracted McRae to Lightfoot’s music is the melodies.
“The melodies are so strong … even if you change the rhythms or harmonies you still recognize the melody,” said McRae. “It gets stuck in your system and it’s hard to let go of it. When you look into Gordon Lightfoot’s words they are really put together in a poetic way.”
McRae said the show is an alteration or inspiration of Lightfoot’s work.
Impressions of Lightfoot is at 2 p.m. at the Roxy, located at 401-427 Berry Point Rd. Tickets are $20 in advance from North Road Sports or by calling 250-247-9998.
Prior to performing on Gabriola the musicians play in Courtenay March 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Avalanche, March 17 in Chemainus at St. Michael and All Saints Church at 7:30 p.m. and March 18 in Victoria at 8 p.m. at Hermann’s Jazz Club.
For more info, please go to www.jamesmcrae.ca.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
