Despite Bar le Ritz’s modest 300-person capacity, the air was filled with anticipation as Haley Blais and Gabrielle Shonk took centre stage tonight. With a sprinkle of wit and a hefty dose of talent, both artists quickly won over the intimate room of attentive listeners.
The concert was advertised as an 8pm start, but when I arrived at 7:55pm, Gabrielle Shonk had already begun to weave her spell over the crowd. The last time I saw her live, opening for Half Moon Run at MTelus, she had a full band with her. Tonight, armed only with her guitar and an undeniable presence, she effortlessly commanded attention. It’s a rare gift to ensnare a room with nothing but strings and vocals, yet Shonk made it look like child’s play. Her set was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in the wry observation that her final song, Habit, was “for all the narcissists.” Fifteen minutes after 8 o’clock, she was done and dusted, and we realized this could be an early night!
But let’s shift the spotlight to Haley Blais. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, it was abundantly clear—this was her domain. With a knowing glance to the crowd, she set the tone for the evening—relaxed yet entirely in command. Her latest album, “Wisecrack,” was performed in its entirety. She also promised a deluxe version of the album, which would come soon with additional music. One of those extra tracks, “Somebody’s Son,” was a highlight of tonight’s set.
“We’re gonna keep it chill. This is a love song,” she declared before delving into another of her heart-stirring tunes. “Keep cheering while I tune my guitar,” she quipped later. The crowd happily obliged.
Blais possesses a rare talent for turning the mundane into the extraordinary. While her studio recordings may capture the essence of her music, it’s on stage where her songs truly blossom. Backed by her talented band, she transformed Bar le Ritz into a veritable theatre, complete with all the drama and emotion one could desire. Each note was delivered with precision, each lyric imbued with meaning.
On record, “The Cabin” is a poignant exploration of solitude and self-discovery. But in a live setting, it morphed into something altogether different – a raw, visceral experience that left the audience spellbound. And then there’s “Baby Teeth,” a tender ballad that took on new depths of intimacy when shared with a room full of strangers. Blais has a knack for bringing people together and crafting moments that linger long after the music fades.
Of course, it’s not just Blais’s musical prowess that shines through – it’s her personality, too. Whether she’s cracking jokes between songs or cajoling the audience to join in, she exudes a warmth and charm that’s utterly irresistible.
It should also be noted that Haley’s drummer was wearing a Scorching Tomb t-shirt. Scorching Tomb are a Montreal death metal band. A world apart from the nostalgia pop showcased this evening. It’s a random reference but one that needs mentioning.
“Sing along if you know the words, and if you don’t, get the fuck out!” Blais says before the encore, “Be Your Own Muse.” It’s this winning combination of wit and authenticity that makes her such a captivating performer.
And yes, we did get an early night.
Review & photos – Steve Gerrard
