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Johnny Reid is an interesting dude. Born in Scotland he emigrated to Canada as a teenager and then went on to attend University in Quebec. He lived in Toronto and has recorded in Nashville, where he now lives. Add to this a heavy Scotish accent and you got a new Canadian country singer. Yeah.
Now it seems Johnny Reid is making in-roads in the music industry, and EMI is paving the way having signed the singer for his latest CD, A Place Called Love, which in concert he explains was written about his late Grandmother and also his youngest daughter. In fact, his entire performance is somehow connected to his upbringing which by the way he explains you would think he was brought up on porridge and potatoes. Nevertheless, JR brings an honesty, (if not embellishment) to his songs based on a working mans life, the old country way. It's almost like you were hearing a story about Johnny Cash growing up in the depression. VIDEO: Johnny Reid sings "Dance With Me" Live at the GM Centre in Oshawa on November Let's just say that Johnny Reid is long winded. However most people in the audience had no problem with JR interrupting the music with stories that could have easily been replaced with 3 or 4 other songs. I mean most of what he said was funny, and the guy could be a comedian - really. BUT the stories about his relatives were often just way too sappy for me. I have no problem with injecting some humility and humour into a live performance but I obviously wasn't one of the 40+ females who got teary-eyed every time he wiped his brow. I came for the music. And the music was very good. Backed by a group of very capable musicians, and a couple of sleeky soul singer babes, you did get your money's worth. And this in one of JR's connections to the audience as he comes right and says "Thank you for spending your hard earned money to hear me sing tonight" spoken with a Scottish sincerity for penny pinching. How can you NOT like someone who acknowledges the cost of your ticket? He went through most of his hits such as Dance with Me, Missing and Angel, Let's Go Higher, Love Sweet Love and finished the concert with Thank You. He also mixed in a little 60s cover, but sadly - the song I wanted to hear was left off the playlist for some reason - Kicking Stones. Other than the too-much-milf-smootching, I really did enjoy the concert and the sounds of the band were superb. I would see definitely see him again, but will be reminded to bring my feminine side. |