On Tuesday, September 29, singer-songwriter Theo Katzman came back to Montreal for the first time since 2023 as part of his Solo tour. Last time, he was here with his full band playing at Theatre Beanfield, and that night, I was there unaware that I would discover one of my now-favourite artists. Theo was accompanied by his fellow Vulfpeck bandmate Joe Dart, and his stage presence, along with his band’s, was truly something special. That night in 2023 felt like a house party, and we were all just friends watching a band of friends play. Theo has that spark and charisma where you can tell his favourite thing in the world is to be on stage playing music.
Last night was no different, though it was a completely different experience and show than three years ago. When he announced his solo tour, it sounded a bit redundant since he is already a solo artist, but when he said solo, he really meant it. The show is a completely stripped-down version of his songs. All night, it was just him, electric guitars, a piano, and his voice, which he uses as an additional instrument.
The show started in true living-room-show style: “Where’s my guitar pick?!” he said with a smirk right after he walked on stage and picked up his guitar. “Damn, can I get a guitar pick?” he yelled to the side techs, but the crowd beat them to it. Multiple people yelled back, “I have one!” and two or three picks flew onto the stage. He laughed, picked one up, thanked the owner, said, “Ok, now we’re ready to go!” and started his set with “Pop Song.” This was quite a nice surprise, since he has been changing the setlist per city and I was a little bummed that he hadn’t played it at the previous shows.
He then moved to the piano to play one of the crowd’s (and my) favourites, “Be the Wheel.” He went back to his guitar next for “5-Watt Rock” and “Don’t Want to Be a Billionaire,” where we got our first taste of how two riff-heavy songs with funk beats would sound with just slow electric guitar strums. The first thing I thought was, “Damn… that must be so daunting to have to hold a crowded venue playing rock ‘n’ roll songs with just a guitar and vocals.” But Theo has such a stage presence that he makes it look easy, smiling and laughing with the crowd throughout the set.
For a couple of songs, he also stopped to chat with the crowd and talk about his process and his thoughts when writing certain songs. “Lisa Never Wanted To Be Famous” is one of his latest releases, and it’s a playful song that talks about how the Mona Lisa probably never wanted to be in a museum for centuries, having people stare at her and take pictures. The chorus lays out Theo’s plan to sneak into the Louvre at night, steal her away, and take her to the beach to see her smiling when she’s finally free.
Throughout the night, it was an impressive display of his multiple musical talents, but his voice was something else. Theo’s falsetto is incredibly smooth and can reach incredibly high pitches, truly reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s. He used his voice not only to sing his lyrics but to perform the guitar solos, since he was the only person on stage. It was even more impressive considering his music is so playful, funky, and soul/jazz-forward. Hearing this music in a completely quiet setting was beautiful, with the crowd joining in only when Theo encouraged it during choruses like “My Heart is Dead” or “Don’t Want to Be a Billionaire”; and, of course, at the ends of the songs, when the crowd would inevitably burst into applause to support the New York native.
Personally, this was one of the best shows I’ve seen this year. I have been waiting for Katzman to come back to Montreal for three years. Still, it’s a bit crazy to me that someone so talented was playing in such a small venue; like a well-kept secret that most of Montreal hasn’t discovered. Theo bowed and told the crowd, “I promise I’ll be back with a full band soon, Montreal. Thanks for letting me play these songs in this format. It means the world to me. I love you. Good night,” before disappearing off the stage. I, for one, will be waiting for him to make good on his promise and to see such an amazing live act in the city once again.
Review & photos by Andres Amaya
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