Tight Corner

On a pouring Wednesday evening, I headed to the CBC headquarters for a free First Play show to see Rich Aucoin play from his upcoming album. I have heard about his manic shows, but the closest I've come to it was the tail-end of an outdoor concert. Several times before, I was already heading home because he comes on so late.

It was a smaller crowd because likely some people bailed due to the weather. But given the small studio, and a nine member band, there really wasn't much room anyway. This specially-formed band was full of local musicians including Maylee Todd (vocals), Robin Hatch (keys), Anna Ruddick (bass), and Christine Bougie (guitar). Aucoin was grateful for the occasion, as he usually plays with more samples and tracks and less live playing. Over the course of the next hour, the audience got some wonderful music from this band.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting from Aucoin though hopefully not the "white man whining" genre. It turned out to be a cross between Bahamas and Arcade Fire: sometimes funky, sometimes anthemic, always with a catchy groove and interesting sonic layers. Aucoin alternated between a light voice and a sweet falsetto. He admitted he wasn't good with banter, though I enjoyed his joking insistence that some of the new songs were Glenn Gould covers. Given the tight surroundings, it probably wasn't the same as his usual concerts though a small parachute did come out for some audience participation on Are You Experiencing?.