Josh Ritter with Elephant Revival

February 16th, 2016

The Phoenix – Toronto

“Winter’s over, be my darling
It’s been a long time coming
But now the snow is gone” – Josh Ritter

Nights prior to the Josh Ritter show, when Classified played at the Phoenix, it was unbelievably cold and on the day of the Josh’s show a snowstorm kicked up, dumping a heap of snow on the city.   But as Josh declared  “We’ve come out of the snow…we made it.”

Elephant Revival, a five piece folk music group from Colorado were missing Charlie Rose, but you’d never know it (sorry Charlie).  Their wearing harmonies and melodies were a pleasure to listen to and a band I’ll be sure to follow from now on.   They’ve been on tour with Josh for quite a few dates and I’d expect to see them on the festival circuit for years to come.

I can honestly say I’ve never seen a musician as jubilant to be on stage as Josh Ritter.   In fact, jubilant doesn’t begin to express his joy, excitement and gratitude.  Taking to the stage to perform “Idaho” as a solo piece he was joined by The Royal City Band for “Birds of a Meadow”.   Josh drew heavily from his fall 2015 release “Sermon on the Rocks” for his 19 song set.  Josh is a brilliant solo performer and his talents are wholly complimented by the Royal City Band.  Ranging form the barest subtlety to a cacophony; they create an atmosphere that draws the audience in.  Josh Ritter’s songs are testimonials and bittersweet love songs to the midwest he was born from, and carry on the legacy of Dylan, Cash and Roger Miller; with of great cover of Miller’s “Engine Engine No. 9” midway through his set.  I’m embarrassed to say that I hadn’t seen Josh perform until this evening but he won me over. And the legions of fans that filled the Phoenix on that snowy night would’ve told me that I’d leave as a fan.

We give this a 5 out of 6ix.