Before attending last night's Patrick Watson concert at Alix Goolden Hall, I considered their latest release, Adventures in Your Own Backyard to be a front-runner for my favourite album of 2012. Last night's show sealed the deal and, judging from the comments I heard coming out of the theatre, everyone else in attendance would likely say the same.
As most truly incredible experiences go, it's hard to pick highlights; the entire set was a 90-minute long highlight that I wished would never end. Fittingly, opening numbers included the first five songs off of Adventures - a mesmerizing performance of Lighthouse was a particular standout. We were also treated to a sweet rendition of Into Giants - slightly interrupted by a fits of laughter from the band who struggled to maneuver out of each other's way as they as they performed the piece around a single microphone in a cramped space at the front of the stage.
A neat extended version of Luscious Life was one of my favourite moments - partially because it was one of the songs I was hoping we'd hear. Somewhat surprisingly, Watson also lead the audience in the obligatory sing-along offering. The results were as you might expect. When someone of Patrick Watson's artistic caliber commands you to sing along on one of his best-known songs - in this case, Big Bird in a Small Cage - you might hesitate at first but, once you realize that he's actually serious, you take a leap and give it your all.
The real "pinch me I think I'm dreaming" moment came during the encore. The band performed Cinematic Orchestra's To Build a Home, the original recording of which featured Watson on vocals. If you're familiar with it you'll know it's an epic, emotional roller coaster of a song and it lost none of its hypnotizing drama in a haunting stripped-down rendition.
After the crowd's second standing ovation we were all left wanting more. Remembering the experience now, I believe that had it gone on forever it still wouldn't have been enough. Check out one of their live concerts and you'll see what I mean.
