Just before winding up his set and packing away the guitar, Zachary Lucky called forth from the audience the talents of a girl named Steph. As all eyes in the room glanced over to the girl sitting at her table on the far side of the Annex at Red Brick, she rose from her seat and made way to the stage, where she provided for us a new dynamic to Zach's already moving style. Within this simple action of calling out a name, it became irrefutably clear that Steph and Zach together are not only inspiring to the audience, but also to each other, building on each other's talents in the most natural way possible. On this tour they've embarked upon there is no opening act, only support, shared vision and wonderfully syncopated music.Beautiful and captivating as it was, unfortunately this collaboration of theirs had to strum its final chord, but when it did, there was a sense of growing excitement for the next portion of the evening. Within the structure of this duet we had been teased with the talents our the next performer, and it seemed that from that point the minutes refused to tick by anything but slowly as we awaited our next fix.
During the ten minutes between Zach and Steph's sets I had the opportunity to converse with another spectator at the venue, and we both seemed to agree that, while many performances can impress, it is pretty rare to witness musicians who fit so perfectly well with the crowd to which they play, specifically in small venues where your songs are still unknown. It takes courage to wear your heart on your sleeve as Steph was about to do for us, and that in itself is a talent for which I feel extreme admiration and applause. But I digress, the ten minutes are up, and so on with the show.
As many of you already know, and are likely learning just how true this statement has become, a woman with a guitar immediately has my undivided attention; a woman with a guitar, a voice, a craft with words, and the talent to showcase all three on one platform, however, has more than just my attention, they have my shared passion for art and the subsequent respect that stems. Steph Macpherson, in other words, was the focus of my existence while she played out to the world surrounding her.
Steph and her folk/acoustic talents hail from beautiful British Columbia where she has studied music since roughly the age of five. It seems clear that she has used those years of practice and study wisely, and her desires to make those obvious talents a journey into lifelong experiences is something we as listeners can be grateful for. Her inspiration has been drawn from some of the great songwriters we've come to know and love through our stereo speakers, but that should never suggest or imply that her talents are not her own. After listening to her music fill the room, I can definitely appreciate and connect with the roots of her style, but when she ended the night with Jeff Tweedy, I became a man of weakened knee - more on that in a moment.
On the subject of her abilities, just as the performer before her, her lyrics and voice matched the emotion with which she shared them. As she sang, I came to believe and understand that, no matter where she travels, there is an ability and beauty within her to make any space her home. She seems to understand the imagery and complexities within any moment of her life and possesses the ability to translate that into song. Her stories, personality and fun-loving nature came out even more so in the moments between songs; moments which I can describe as nothing short of sweet and sincere, strengthening her connection with the entire crowd.
When her set came to an end and we all hoped for that final encore, Zach and his guitar made way back to her side, just as she reached to her bag and pulled out a songbook. Before they began playing their final number, there was hesitation from them both because, as they explained, they had never rehearsed what they were about to play, and therefor could not guarantee its accuracy; but, and I hope they are both reading this, the performance they gave of Golden Smog's Radio King (enter Jeff Tweedy), was enough to win me over for repeat performances and support in any way I can. Not only was the song itself an impressive one to pull from the repertoire, it was also the fashion in which they performed it: completely unplugged and in a way you would expect to be heard in a friend's living room, with everyone closely acquainted and listening intently. With that spirit in mind, it may not have been executed with perfection, but it was that imperfection and amicability which made it the highlight of the evening for me; as I mentioned, a man with weakened knees.
Just as it did with Zach, my conversation with Steph after the set was incredibly comfortable and inviting, and as they head off across the country for the next leg of their tour, I hope that the audiences to which they play grow and get to share at least a moment of their time. With any luck, I will be awarded an opportunity not far off to meet up again, share an evening of music and drinks and add more of their talents to my collection.
Until that time, I thank you both for the inspiring performance and wish you the best of luck as your tour continues.
Cheers
-Phil
For Steph's music please visit
Recommended listening:
Too Dangerous
Best Of UsSomething In You
That should get you on track to a great discovery. Enjoy.
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