November 15, 2014
Publication title: ottawacitizen.com, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Unknown
Writer: Lynn Saxberg
Concert review: Sarah McLachlan’s show a joyous celebration
Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan served up a warm hug of a concert on Friday, delighting the sold-out audience that filled the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall.
Radiant in a sparkly, sleeveless top and skinny black pants, the 46-year-old musician defied her reputation as an empress of slow, sad songs and created a sense of joy and celebration with each tune, beginning with In Your Shoes, the first single from her latest album, Shine On. Inspired by Malala Yousafzai, whom she described as “the most badass teenager in the world,” the song’s upbeat melody set the stage for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Backed by a fantastic band and illuminated by a magical lighting design, McLachlan took her seat at the grand piano for the next few songs, earning whoops of appreciation for the familiar strains of Building a Mystery and Adia. Her gorgeous voice soared to impressive heights, but also revealed a slight huskiness at the low end of her range.
The anguish of lost love was eloquently conveyed in Broken Heart and Fallen before McLachlan switched gears, and stood up with her acoustic guitar, for the robust World on Fire, which came with a poignant message for troubled times.
“We need to remember to be kind to each other,” McLachlan said, suggesting a hug for someone who needs it or a donation to charity. “I think all those small and grand gestures go a long way.”
What helped to alleviate the heavy emotional ride of her music was a light-hearted Q and A session with fans, who were asked to write their questions on a piece of paper and submit them at the merch table in the lobby. In the first half of the concert, we learned, from her answers, that lyrics are harder to write than music, she prefers listening to CDs instead of an iPod, she’d love to sing with Ray Lamontagne, and no, she wasn’t available for a date after the concert. “My boyfriend is here and he’s 6-2,” she said with a laugh, referring to her sweetie, former NHL player Geoff Courtnall.
She spent some time connecting with fans in each half of the show, bringing a few lucky ones up to join her on a couch on the stage. Fielding questions about her children and hobbies (surfing), it made for a goofy but endearing distraction.
When McLachlan went back to the music, she seemed invigorated. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the songstress rock out, but this time she wasn’t holding back, demonstrating an infectious energy that propelled her through Loving You is Easy, Monsters and Stupid.
A lovely tribute to her father opened the second half of the show, followed by the lush I Will Remember You, and a song dedicated to her new love. Other highlights included the psychedelic undercurrent of Fear, the deep groove of Sweet Surrender, featuring McLachlan on electric guitar, and the slinky vibe of Possession. In all, it was a great concert.
