Friday April 6, 2001

   Those who are diehard fans of the incredibly talented Jamie Warren know of his habit of recent years concerning the birthdays of his whirlwind manager, wife Beth and himself; why not have a party?  This year was no exception.  For the celebration this year of Beth’s (April 6^th) and Jamie’s (April 8^th) birthdays the world at large (plus some close friends and colleagues) were invited to Nashville North to celebrate, party and be treated to a concert by one of the guests of honour, his band of top notch musicians (known collectively as The Warren Commission) and as an added treat, singer-songwriter Vince Roy would be performing too.  The show/party was promising to be one of the best and we were really looking forward to it and I made the decision that while we were going to ‘cover’ it, I was really going to have some fun too…so if you were there and I missed something good, it was because I was probably having fun at that time…you know what they say about all work and no play?

   The show had a flexible start time so it wasn’t until 9:50 PM that Joel Christie from 820 CHAM headed up to welcome everyone to the event that CHAM had probably been looking forward to too, having given away at least a dozen tickets in the week prior.  Joel is one of the movers and shakers (if not the main one) at CHAM and he did a great job of injecting that level of enthusiasm into the crowd…he’s a real country supporter and you would be hard pressed to resist his urges to show your support too.  He introduced one of the local favourites who would be opening the show, seen most recently at the Showcase held at the same venue in March, singer-songwriter Vince Roy. 

   Vince and his partner-in-crime for the evening, Paul Chapman, headed up armed with their acoustics and from the rapturous welcome they got, they either had lots of fans there or all of those women were just waiting to be entertained.  Vince led off with one of the songs from his CD, “What’s Wrong With You?” and it was very well received.  For the second song the crowd in front of the stage seemed a little larger from I was standing, either the music was getting to them or they were flashing Vince’s picture on the big screens – I don’t know which…but it seemed to be working.  Something with a little different twist – “I Want A Woman Who Treats Me Like A Dog” (HUH??) was the next song, and I spent half the song trying to reconcile to the title and I don’t remember how the song goes now.  (Maybe, if I ask real nice, he’ll sing it again.)  But it makes you wonder, doesn’t it?  “Mr. Fixit”, a song that radio had been giving some attention to was next up and seemed to be another crowd favourite.  Lots of cameras came out for that one all of a sudden.  The ballad (and good dancing tune) “If Only” was next out and it’s a really beautiful song, if you get a chance to see Vince request it.  One of Vince’s latest compositions (it’s a little different but quite good) “I Thank You Girl” was followed by the last song “My Heart Is Stuck On You”, another fairly recent tune that seemed to leave them wanting more…if the calls for “Encore” at the end were any indication.  I don’t think Vince will have any problem getting them out the next time he plays anywhere (if you have any doubt look at our photo spread) and I hope he keeps writing as well as he has been, that much imagination could be a dangerous thing without an outlet (yes, I’m back to that song title again…).  All in all I’d say it was a very good ‘warm up’ for all those ladies out to see Jamie next…great job Vince!

   Jamie and his fantastic “Warren Commission” exploded onstage to the cheers of the crowd and immediately launched into hit song after hit song – these guys don’t waste any time.  Jamie looked great (as usual) and his band included some of the Canadian favourites we know and love (like that oh-so-lovable Jason Barry) and the ubiquitous Paul Chapman.  Uh oh, special guest alert…is that Thomas Wade spotted slinking along the side of the stage?  Yep!  And guess what?  He’s armed and dangerous…but first, he sang a very sexy ‘Marilyn version’ of “Happy Birthday” to Jamie – before they brought the large, lit cake out (remember – it’s for two).  “Sunny Day In The Park” brought my attention back in a hurry; I absolutely love this song!  They really did a great job of that one…not that they do any other kind.  “She’ll Find Someone To Love Her” is another favourite of mine, Jamie’s voice is amazing on this one.  You know how you’ll hear a song on the radio and think, “It’ll never sound just as good live?”  WRONG – Jamie has sounded incredible every time I’ve been lucky enough to hear him and he sounds just as good every time…that’s real talent folks. 

   “Words You Can’t Take Back” stood out due to the excellent harmonies of Jason and Paul, this song is so intricate and is another of my favourites – come to think of it, most of Jamie’s songs are favourites.  “Fallen Angel” was followed by “Man I Used To Be”, and some songs from both albums including the infamous “Sea Monkey Song”  - the recorded version of which features the lovely Beverley Mahood on background vocals.  “What A Woman Wants To Hear” slowed the pace down a little with the next song, “Can’t Get Your Goodbye Back” – the latest single from “Just Not The Same” being up next. 

   Uh oh, here comes Thomas again…and did I mention he was armed and dangerous?  Yep, I sure did…and here it comes…Silly String, and all over the birthday boy while he’s onstage singing too!  Much to everyone’s amusement, as Thomas danced around spraying Jamie liberally from head to toe (and managing to decorate Jamie’s guitar too) the band kept going until the end, at which time Thomas managed to cover himself pretty well too.  (I do hope Beth got away – I didn’t see her covered with anything so I’m figuring Thomas used it all on Jamie.)  Following the Silly String interlude the guys continued with “Cried All The Way Home”, and I’m afraid that’s where my note taking ended.  But I can tell you that everyone who attended had a GREAT time, Vince and Jamie had them all riled up and dancing the night away and I’d advise you to keep the first week of April open for next year – you won’t want to miss this party next time!

   We’d like to thank some of the folks who helped to make this such an enjoyable night; Jerry and staff for their warm welcome; Vince – anywhere you need us, we’ll be there, that’s what friends are for; Beth and Jamie, an all around great team who exemplify “The Best”, it’s been such a pleasure every time (and Vince’s message goes for you two too).  Thanks to all of you.

Written by Kim Jamieson

Photos by Wayne Tozzi