Jenn Grant and the Night Painters @ Rivoli
By: Bill Alexander
Toys, sing-alongs and allusions to Romper Room—with so much silliness going on, one could have easily mistaken the back room at the Rivoli for the set of their favourite childhood TV show. Alas, Canadian Music Week is anything but, and yet the highly anticipated performance by Jenn Grant and her band, the Night Painters, proved that if you can expect anything from this homegrown event, it is the unexpected.
Sporting short hair and a long black dress with one big shiny butterfly across the front, Grant took the stage looking more Lilith Fair than indie fare. But kicking things off with one of several new and unreleased songs to be played that night, it was immediately clear that it didn’t matter what this Halifax singer-songwriter had on, she had her audience hooked.
Supporting her ownOrchestra for the Moon, one of last year’s best Canadian albums, Grant used her CMW showcase to treat the audience to some of that work’s most enticing offerings, and gave everyone in the room a taste of things to come. Letting her playful side shine bright, Grant announced that her next song was all about “glow bugs,” whipping a large number of glow sticks into the crowd. Not two songs later, Grant brought out more toys from what looked like a miniature version of Mr. Dressup’s prop truck. This time they were little percussion instruments, which the audience were to use to chime in and be “part of my band,” as Grant put it. Then later it was campfire time, as everyone was taught a line from a song and asked to sing along with Grant and her band. By that time, it was obvious that this was not your typical Thursday night rock show.
While her vocals may not be quite as breathtaking live as on record (those high notes in particular), Grant nevertheless amazes with her story-like lyrics, big sound and endless wells of talent. With the pleasure of playing not once, but twice during this week’s Canadian music blowout event, Grant will take the stage at the Rivoli for a second show on Saturday at 10pm as part of a showcase of acts from the breadth of Nova Scotia. If you’re looking for a night of east-coast flare coupled with well-crafted songs and perhaps some sassy and spirited props to play with, Jenn Grant and friends can surely offer a great escape from the cold, snowy sidewalks of the big city.
Click here to view more of SoundProof's CMW 2008 Festival coverage
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