Big Sea makes big splash
Friday was no ordinary day at RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest. Yes, Great Big Sea was on the main stage of an Ottawa festival for the umpteenth time this decade, but did they punch the clock and serve up a routine show? Not a chance: they always make it feel like a special occasion.
What made the day even more memorable was a spectacular earlyevening set by the Waterboys, who happen to be musical heroes of the lads in Great Big Sea. (More about the Waterboys’ first time in Ottawa in a moment.)
As fans will know, Great Big Sea is touring to celebrate their 20th anniversary as a band. That means a crowd-pleasing show, filled with all the hits.
Sure enough, the Newfoundland trio fronted by Sean McCann, Alan Doyle and Bob Hallett kicked off the festivities with the life-affirming Ordinary Day, followed by the revvedup folk nugget Donkey Riding. When I’m Up I Can’t Get Down had the crowd bouncing along, while McCann’s ancient-sounding ballad, England, inspired thousands to help out with the harmonies.
“Shall we whoop the crowd into a frenzy with a song about a dead horse?” queried Doyle, receiving a roar of a positive response. The tune, Charlie Horse, sparkled with folk energy and a sense of humour.
Great Big Sea has been to Ottawa dozens of times over their 20-year history. In the past week, a long list of artists has played our city for the first time, starting with Paul McCartney, but also including Bluesfest performers such as Belle and Sebastian, the Joy Formidable and the Zac Brown Band, to name a few.
Add the Waterboys to the list. The influential Scottish folk-rockers made their Ottawa debut on the Claridge stage with a stellar concert, and a nod of appreciation from singer-songwriter Mike Scott, who was stylishly attired in a dinner jacket and striped trousers.
“Well, Ottawa, it’s a pleasure to finally get to play here after all these years,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see you all. Thanks for sticking with the Waterboys.”
Backed by a tight band that featured the amazing Steve Wickham on fiddle, Scott led them into solid versions of classic numbers Strange Boat, Fisherman’s Blues and the fiddle-laden A Girl Called Johnny.