Brilliant Shine

Luminato seems diminished this year, possibly because it has spread out to several locations in the downtown core. There's no central focus, like the Hearn Generating Station last year, or the large outdoor stage with free concerts in previous years. There's some buzz about the famous Spielgeltent where several shows will take place.

On Saturday, I went to see My Brightest Diamond. That tent was tiny in David Pecaut Square. And with nothing else around, nobody would know that there's anything going else, let alone Luminato. Inside it was more interesting with its circus feel and stained glass. But whatever disappointment I felt dissipated from the first song of musician Shara Nova, This Is My Hand. Accompanied by choreographed hand gestures, it was powerful start to the best live show I have seen in years.

First, tremendous kudos to her 2 collaborators: Earl Harvin on drums and Chris Brew on bass. These Jazz musicians, but also well-versed in rock, brought tremendous technical skill as well as artistry to the show. It was probably also the occasion that drew out everyone's best. Apparently despite being on Nova's albums for the last 12 years, this was the first time they have all played together live.

But it all hung on Nova's songwriting, emotional performance, and beautiful vocals. No milquetoast pop numbers for her. Even the ostensibly love songs veered off the usual, such as her "lullaby" for her son. And the political numbers about the current injustices against African-Americans packed such pain and rage, they felt like body blows. I believed her when she said music can save your life. I don't think My Brightest Diamond play live shows often, and I don't know if that level of commitment can be sustained across a tour, but this one-off performance was a privilege to experience.