The last time I saw Allison Russell perform in Montreal was during Pop Montreal 22 at the Rialto, and I remember the theatre being half empty. I was greatly disappointed in my city for not showing up for our beloved outside child.
So now, after winning multiple international awards, including a Grammy for Best American Roots Performance, I was expecting a sold-out show, and I was right. My only disappointment was that the venue was too small to contain the luminous life force that is Allison Russell. If you haven’t already heard her new album, The Returner, you’re missing out.
Supporting artist Aysanabee began his brief yet memorable set promptly at 8:00 and quickly won over new fans while reminding the rest of us why we made sure to arrive early. Humbly thanking us for showing up, he alternated between humorous anecdotes about practicing guitar in a trailer full of kittens during his early years to expressing his deep gratitude for all the important women in his life. He began by thanking Allison Russell for inviting him on tour, his mother for birthing him, and his manager and record label (Ishkodé), who are all remarkable women.
Aysanabee commanded the room with ease, speaking so softly that when he began to sing, people gasped at the power of his voice. Although most of his songs dealt with difficult subjects, like heartbreak and his grandfather’s experience with residential schools, Aysanabee still managed to exude a true sense of warmth and joy. And he knew the feeling was mutual because, on more than one occasion, a fan would call out “we love you” which made him smile.
He played some new songs, my favourite being Come Out. He sang both parts of the duet which was cowritten with Raye Zaragoza. And, of course, his guitar work was ridiculously brilliant. If you ever get a chance to see him, please do.
Setlist
- 1. Demons
- 2. The Dawn
- 3. Miracles
- 4. Somebody Else
- 5. Come Out
- 6. War Cry
- 7. Ego Death
Allison Russell burst onto the stage around 9:20 like a sparkler and opened with an impassioned Montreal. Whether it was due to being late or that she was playing in her hometown, her vocals conveyed an urgency I had never heard before. Even her energy was different. Since the release of The Returner, her artistry and conviction have become more powerful. From the second I heard the title track, and each time after, I am always deeply affected. How can anyone possibly hear such lyrics and not be moved?
I’m a summer dream, I’m a real light beam, I’m worthy
Of all the goodness and the love that the world’s gonna give to me
I’ma give it back ten times, people, are you ready?
If you think you’re alone, hold on, I’m coming
She continued elevating the frequency with each song. Stomping her feet on the intense 4th Day Prayer and dancing freely to the funky, Prince-inspired All Without Within and the disco jam Stay Right Here, Allison was the embodiment of joy. The flowing sleeves on her sparkly leopard top flew wildly above her beaming face as her large round earrings and long braided ponytail bobbed up and down.
Then she toned things down with an intimate acoustic set of Persephone, Super Lover, and Poison Arrow. All her bandmates huddled at the front of the stage and sang together in lovely harmony.
One of the highlights was Demons, where her infectious enthusiasm got the crowd to sing along. And of course, there was the encore, where she was joined by Aysanabee and they closed with Requiem.
My favourite moment of the night was unplanned, so it was a rare and unexpected gift. When her amp wasn’t working, Allison put down her banjo, calmly stood at the front of the stage, and, like a true professional, improvised. She graciously shared a brand new song and sang it a cappella. The entire room went still. We all knew we were witnessing a rare and special moment. And in true Allison Russell fashion, she preached words of love and resilience, unity and strength, and all that other beautiful stuff that she sings about in her songs. Songs that inspire and challenge us to be better humans.
Setlist
- 1. Montreal
- 2. 4th Day Prayer
- 3. Springtime
- 4. All Without Within
- 5. Stay Right Here
- 6. Eve Was Black
- 7. The Returner
- 8. Persephone
- 9. Superlover
- 10. Poison Arrow
- 11. Shadowlands
- 12. Demons
- 13. You’re Not Alone
- 14. Rag Child
Encore - 15. Requiem with Aysanabee
Review – Annette Aghazarian
Photos – Ryan Rumpel
