30 YEARS ON STAGE
Rawlins Cross celebrates with a new album and a tour of Maritime provinces
After 30 years of performances, Rawlins Cross is still going strong.
“We love being together and creating music. Because we’re not doing it full time, the pressure’s off. So, now when we get together it’s pure enjoyment,” says Ian McKinnon, a member of the band that includes P.E.I.'s Joey Kitson, along with Geoff Panting, Brian Bourne, Howie Southwood and Dave Panting.
And their fans still love listening to them.
That was the consensus of audience members who crowded the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown earlier this month to hear the award-winning Celtic rock group perform a concert celebrating their 30th anniversary and the release of their new album, “Flying Colours”.
When asked why they had come to the concert, many expressed a feeling of pride.
“I’ve been with Rawlins Cross since day one, so it’s nice to see what they’re up to now. I love
this band, especially the bagpipes,” says Janet Murphy of Charlottetown.
Gloria Large agrees.
“The band writes great music. It’s got a little bit of everything in it. It’s Celtic. It’s rock and, at times, even a little bit funky. But the one I’m waiting to hear is ‘Reel and Roll’. It’s a favourite,” says the Charlottetown resident.
And the band didn’t disappoint.
During the two-hour plus concert, fans were rewarded with the lively music they had come to hear.
Using 21 different musical instruments, Rawlins Cross performed selections from the past three decades, including “MacPherson’s Lament,” “Long Night” and “Rock Steady”, as well as selections from the new album,
“Flying Colours” such as “Love Comes Around the Corner”, “Island Nights”, “Course Correction” and “I Wonder”, the band’s latest single.
To the delight of the audience, the last song was “Reel and Roll”, which made everyone dance in their seats.
“I love listening to Joey Kitson singing. He’s got a marvelous voice,” Large adds.
Near the front row, Scott Mal was also swaying to the music. He had heard the band perform at the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside years before and was enjoying rediscovering them.
“It’s great to see them so relaxed, performing new music. I’m impressed with what I’ve heard. Their sound has matured,” says Mal, who lives in North Bedeque.
The audience’s reaction is important to Kitson, who joined Rawlins Cross in 1993 and toured solidly with the band for 10 years before it took a seven-year hiatus, returning to the stage, once again, with the release of “Rock Steady”.
“The fans are out there, and they’re amazing,” says the band’s front man, adding when Rawlins Cross schedules a tour and band members arrive in a city and see the excitement of fans – on the streets and at the venue – it’s very motivating.
“They’re so excited that you came to their town to play music. So, it makes it worthwhile.”
Fans will have two more chances to catch the band before the tour ends. Rawlins Cross will play Strathspey Place, Mabou on Friday, Nov. 29, and the Highlands Arts Theatre, Sydney on Saturday, Nov. 30.
But their music won’t be stopping for long.
The band is already planning some dates in soft seat theatres in the spring, says McKinnon.
Band members are also looking forward to performing some shows in Newfoundland.
“Next summer our intention is to hit the festival circuit in this region and perhaps, beyond, as well.”