Keeping It Rielle

Tuesday night, I dropped by Theatre Passe Muraille for a vocal performance in the upstairs bar. An intimate crowd of about 30 were there to hear Rielle Braid sing.

I first heard Ms. Braid in Ride The Cyclone, a twisted musical comedy about dead teenagers. Tonight was a true cabaret with not just songs but also confessional stories. She was encouraged to put together this cabaret to open herself emotionally. And though there were some musical theatre mannerisms during her banter, it was a deeply felt performance. Braid teared up several times as she introduced each song with a personal story. There were classics including Fascinating Rhythm, Wayfaring Stranger, and The Miller's Son, but many songs were original compositions. She was joined throughout the night by musical guests.

The modest sound system wasn't entirely needed as she could really belt out a note. In a regular venue, Braid would outclass most singers (though powerful vocals aren't a necessary requirement of pop/rock.) Before her encore, where she sang her most "coveted role" of Gypsy Lee Rose, the set ended with her rousing spiritual from Ride The Cyclone that involved a winged Karl Marx and her Cyclone cast-mates. If I didn't mis-hear Braid, and this number has been actually cut from the newly revised Ride The Cyclone, then I'll  shed a tear or two, too.