Opry North Showcase Review February 1, 2003

by Jeffrey "JR" Reed

Great music, talented independent artists, a wonderful venue known for its festive atmosphere and top-notch acoustics, and a carefully developed format: all of these ingredients combine to make the Opry North Showcase a truly unique vehicle for showcasing Canadian Country music.

The Feb. 1 Showcase at the Stampede Ranch in Guelph was a magical event, continuing what has already become a highlight of the local monthly music calendar. Opry North’s Kim Jamieson and Wayne Tozzi must feel like proud parents when they witness an afternoon of musical entertainment, and a strengthening of a strong circle of friends who renew their bond each month. Picking up where the November Showcase left off, this event once again helped create memories for artists, family and friends.

While the newly-formed (and already successful) Tuesday night Opry North Songwriters’ Cafe at the Stampede Corral in Kitchener provides a weekly fix of independent music, the monthly Showcase remains a solid staple of Ontario’s Country music scene. The entire event – hugs and handshakes, guitars and drums, singing and dancing – has evolved from cult status to mainstream acceptance in just over a year. Judging by the heavily-attended Feb. 1 event, 2003 will see bigger and better things for this one-of-a-kind extravaganza.

As always, The Bareback Riders provided the foundation for the three-hour show. This fivesome are veterans of Country music’s "A" circuit, having shared the stage with stars such as Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Brooks and Dunn. Led by Showcase music director, Smilin’ Joe Allain – steel guitar player extraordinaire – and relying on the talents of Kurk Bernard on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Chris Mancini on bass, Mark Mancini on lead and acoustic guitars, and Colin Connors on drums, the Bareback Riders were in rare form this day. Modest in his quip, Allain said, "We have a lot of fun together."

After The Bareback Riders opened the show, Guelph’s favourite musical son took the stage. Where do you start when discussing the talent of Keith Thompson? Some call him a champion for independent artists. Others describe him as a prolific songwriter with an uncanny knack for pulling at your emotional strings. However you look at his abilities and accomplishments, one thing goes unnoticed, and that is Thompson’s passion for people. It shows in his music, and it was evident on this day as he performed five extraordinary songs.

Thompson appeared at the November 2001 Opry North Showcase, and he’s a frequent member of the audience at both The Ranch and The Corral. A native of Belfast, Ireland, Thompson is without a doubt one of the hardest working members of the Canadian music industry. A carpenter by trade, a family man, and a singer/songwriter who truly loves his craft, Thompson has enjoyed a long career in music, yet he is currently enjoying enormous success on stage and in the studio. However, none of these successes have affected his amiable personality and caring soul, which is why I am proud to call him a friend.

After opening with the upbeat, Righting The Same Old Wrongs, Thompson showcased his new hit song, Because Tonight, the first single from his soon-to-be-released CD, Bayou Lullaby. Because Tonight has already been heralded as Thompson’s best song since the timeless tune, Field of Broken Dreams, from his début CD, If Love Could. His new hit ballad was mastered in one evening, made its début the next day on Country 93 in Owen Sound, and added to rotation within a week of its release.

Thompson followed with, Bayou Lullaby, then Field of Broken Dreams, before finishing his set with, Halfway Home. A true testament to Thompson’s strength as a songwriter is, all five of these songs are strong in both lyrics and music. An emotional songwriter and vocalist, Thompson has a unique style which more and more Canadians will become familiar with in 2003. In late 2002, Thompson won the JR’s Country Kickin’ Country Songwriter’s Contest, and has continued to build upon that accomplishment, thanks to his insatiable appetite for expressing himself through his music. He unselfishly gives of his time, hosting the Songwriters’ Cafe gatherings each Tuesday evening. You can be sure, Thompson and his band, The Rye, will continue to make headlines this year, and for many years to come. And it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

Before the next performers grabbed the spotlight, the Opry North Showcase played a fantastic selection of songs from Thompson, Tara Oram, Heather Smith, Laura Rose (So Long Leon, climbing the Canadian Country music charts), Desert Reign, and the Dixie Chicks (Lil’ Jack Slade) – "no, not Canadian nor Independent, but you’ve got to hear this song!" read the Showcase program. OK, so we adopted the Dixie Chicks as honorary Canucks on this afternoon of music.

The second performer, Samantha O’Dell, appeared on the Opry North Showcase stage in April 2002, and has come a long way since then, preparing for her début CD release later this year. A vivacious young lady with a distinctive, folksy-bluesy voice, and dance moves that rival those of Natalie Maines, O’Dell is the whole package. Raised in Port Hope, Ont., O’Dell moved to P.E.I. after honing her Theatre Arts skills at Humber College in Toronto. She returned to Ontario and studied music at Hamilton’s Mohawk College. In fact, throughout her entire life, O’Dell has enjoyed writing, singing, dancing, acting, and even media and promotions. Today, she publicizes her talents through her own company, So Dellicious Music.

O’Dell thrilled the Stampede Ranch audience with a good mix of songs, starting with an energetic version of Bonnie Raitt’s, Something To Talk About. Following Martina McBride’s, My Baby Loves Me, O’Dell performed original songs, Don’t Say; Isn’t That Goin’ Round; and, Darkness, which she co-wrote with talented songwriter, Tim Fischer. Thompson accompanied O’Dell on guitar during this live performance of, Darkness. Indeed, whenever artists combine their talents during the Opry North Showcases, it always makes for a magical moment, and exemplifies exactly what the Showcase is all about: love of Country music and all of her performers.

O’Dell left the Showcase ready to prepare for a half-hour set at the East Coast Music Association’s 72-hour Jam, Feb. 13-16 in Halifax, N.S. With additional songwriting, contest performances and her CD release on tap, watch for Samantha O’Dell’s name as she boosts her budding career.

Speaking of careers on the rise, the next performer from Lindsay, Ont. is already making a name for himself at age 18! In fact, Donny Anderson has already caught the eyes and ears of many superstar artists. He has opened for Julian Austin, Amanda Stott, Charlie Major and Terri Clark, who invited Anderson to one of her concerts in 2000 after listening to his tape. An informal, hour-long chat followed, and led to Anderson opening for Clark, who was obviously impressed by his enthusiasm and down-to-earth nature.

Everyone, it seems, is falling in love with Anderson’s incredible voice and honest character. He recently returned from Nashville where he was involved with yet another recording venture. Anderson released his first CD at age 14, participated in a compilation CD at 15, and released a demo CD at 16. His original song, Barely, from his Fall 2002 demo is a remarkable effort which flawlessly showcases his extraordinary vocals.

On this afternoon, Anderson showed his versatility as a performer, singing, Wrapped Around (Brad Paisley); Sold (John Michael Montgomery); Somebody Like You (Keith Urban); Don’t Worry (Marty Robbins); and the classic tune, Unchained Melody.

With his positive attitude and professional vocals, Anderson has a very bright future ahead of him. Already, he has toured with his own bands, Freedom Express, and later, Thunder Run. After five years of gigs, Anderson has appeared at numerous venues, including Nashville North in Norval, Iron Horse Saloon in Kingston, and the Ottawa Civic Centre. Here’s betting there’s a larger stage waiting for this young man.

Before the final performer took the stage at the Stampede Ranch, the second intermission featured another selection of great Canadian Country music (and yes, the Dixie Chicks’ Lil’ Jack Slade). Music included songs from super sister act, Jaclyn & Cassandra (good to see Cassandra and her parents in the audience), Homestead, Julie Gibb, and Amy Rose.

Lori Morrison is a Torontonian originally from Sault Ste. Marie. As the last act, she certainly kept the party going with a strong set of songs and fresh voice. Performing since age 8, Morrison is a vocalist and pianist, including amongst her early influences Reba McEntire, Lori Morgan, and Barbara Mandrell. For the past six months, Lori has been busy in the studio, preparing for her début CD (scheduled for mid-2003).

Like Anderson, Morrison included a good mix of songs in her set: Every Little Thing (Carlene Carter); She’s In Love With The Boy (Trisha Yearwood); Pour Me (Trick Pony); and Cleopatra, Queen Of Denial (Pam Tillis). Her fourth song, Keep The Candle Burning, was penned by some of Nashville’s best, and is her début single. Canadian Musician Magazine included Keep The Candle Burning as part of its Great Canadian Talent Search compilation CD, and the song has already received airplay across Canada.

Morrison has recorded, Santa’s Little Helper, for the KX-96 FM (Ajax) Million Penny Toy Drive compilation CD. Offering a combination of modern Pop with Traditional Country music, Morrison is well on her way to winning new fans. Here’s wishing her luck.

Normally, my review would end at this point. However, my Guelph stay was extended on this Saturday, which included a great dinner, and a fun night of dancing at The Ranch with my better half, Beth, Samantha O’Dell, and singer/songwriter, Jody Gibson, a former Showcase performer who made the trek from Acton. My two-stepping is a little rusty, so this urban cowboy was very thankful for the latest efforts from Shania Twain and LeAnn Rimes! A few glasses of cheer, a few old moves in some old boots, and no one knew the difference, I don’t think! Anyways, it was fitting that the long day ended with another performance by The Bareback Riders, who entertained a full house.

See y’all at The Corral on March 1!