Angie McMahon finally touched down in Canada for a sold-out show at Montreal’s Bar le Ritz on Monday night. The anticipation was palpable as the tightly packed venue buzzed with a low hum of excitement.
Opening duties fell to Philadelphia’s Julia Pratt, whose music offered a refreshing warm-up. Her delicate blend of jazz and indie-folk cast a spell over the room. Her voice, both soulful and introspective, captivated the audience with each thoughtful strum of her guitar. Tracks like “Gold” showcased her storytelling prowess, leaving the crowd completely won over. This is an artist whose star is on the rise.
Angie McMahon took the stage with a quiet intensity, her signature Harmony Bigsby red hollow-body guitar a familiar sight against the dim lighting. After a brief moment just to breathe deeply, she dove into her set, her powerful vocals filling the room with raw emotion. Tracks like “Fireball Whiskey” crackled with infectious energy, while “Saturn Returning” offered a more introspective glimpse, a moment of quiet reflection amidst the set’s emotional rollercoaster. McMahon’s connection with the audience, however, was undeniable. She shed light on the creative process behind her songs, offering a glimpse into the vulnerability that fuels her songwriting. She even revealed that there were almost no Canadian dates due to budget concerns. The crowd roared with appreciation, clearly happy that she defied the odds to bring her music north of the border.
A highlight of the evening was a surprise duet with Montreal’s own Leif Vollebekk. Their voices, a unique blend of styles, intertwined beautifully on their collaborative track “If You Call.” The chemistry between them was undeniable, creating a moment of pure musical synergy. They followed it up with a beautiful, stripped-down rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In The Wind.”
As the final notes of “Pasta” faded away, a sense of satisfaction settled over the audience. This was a masterclass in raw talent and genuine connection. It was a powerful display of artistic vulnerability that resonated deeply, leaving the audience with a sense of having witnessed something special. Here’s hoping she doesn’t wait too long to grace Canadian stages with her presence again.
Review & photos – Steve Gerrard
