Steve Elliott & Lucie Walker

Where the Magic Happens

There is one thing than an audio CD will never replace. The communication that flows between the artist(s): weaving and soaring through the audience and back. A foot-tapping here. A sigh over there. Nodding heads. That’s where the magic happens. In the age of high technology and almost instant gratification it is most tempting to stay in the isolation of our homes. The dozens of audience members who chose to come out and hear Steve Elliott and Lucie Walker were very glad they came to the Snoring Sasquatch on October 17th. To be part of something bigger than the sum of its’ parts.

One of the quotes on their promotional material drew me in. “…heartfelt harmonies that could pry a tear from a tumbleweed….” I wanted to hear and experience that. They did not disappoint. Steve Ellioitt is an exceptional songwriter and guitarist and Lucie Walkers’ vocals took us on a ride I will never forget. The dynamics! When they sang together it was as one voice: split second timing, spacing, absolute clarity whatever the dynamic range. No need for hearing protection with this duo!

The Snoring Sasquatch is an intimate, inviting space. Kinda like bein’ in your livin’ room. Steve and Lucie knew how to play here — welcoming us to share their journey, inviting us to dance a little, or set a spell. Rest yourself. For those of us putting our hearts and hours of work into saving this venue it was a great reminder, a huge sigh: This is why we do what we do. So people like Steve and Lucie can do what they do best. And we all breathe in the magic.

On that long ride home I popped in one of their CDs and started singin’ along. The addition of their band on the CD adding and complementing the original sound I’d just heard. Pickin’ out my favourites and lovin’ ‘em all. “Rockin’ country blues.” I am a convert. Now, where did I put those cowboy boots?