Concert Review: Winnipeg
I guess I had the same, brief, opening act that others talked about. I believe the boy's name was Greg McPhearson and he was from Winnipeg. Begging to differ with two earlier reviews, I thought that he showed great promise. He spoke of Chris kindly and politely exited from the stage, thanking us for giving him the opportunity to play.
We waited. We had listened to Eric Clapton's "Unplugged" for quite some time and heard it for a while longer after McPhearson left, watching various stage hands scurry across the stage, adjusting this, testing that. The audience held their breath as yet another sauntered into view; just when would the show start? Wait a minute! That man's smiling and waving at the audience..... he isn't wearing a suit, but.... it's Chris HIMSELF!!!! Oh, let me tell you, list friends: the wait and the anticipation brought Chris DeBurgh quite a thundering Winnipeg welcome! I liked the dark slacks and dress shoes - the stylish shirt and beaming smile. Chris was dressy without being flamboyant and he really felt at home. I won't go through the musical set because I know we all shared the same glorious repertoire, barring personal requests. (Ed:See other reviews for the list of songs) However I offer you my reaction to Chris' performance. You know what? I knew he was a great performer with a voice that would carry far across the greatest of halls, and I was right. But I had never before given thought to his ability to play musical instruments. I know that writers compose their songs on something and that most artists can strum a guitar or tink a few piano chords, but Chris DeBurgh had me stupified with admiration. He played with no back-up what so ever, save for the pianist and quartet for a brief part of the show. We had no choir or orchestra like some of you described and I am glad! For us, our evening with Chris in Winnipeg was very much an evening with him as a guest in one shared living room. And to see him play songs I know so well, his compositions and others, was a great honor. I am reluctant to play the albums or see the videos right now. I experienced Chris DeBurgh live and I want him back!
Yes, Chris played his piano with nothing less than expertise and sang right along, as though voice and piano were one great instrument, flowing naturally. Chris played his guitar with such invigorating rhythm, that he replaced drums and all back-up alike! You could swear that not another instrument was needed! Some artists work wonders in a recording studio but have something lacking on a stage. Though I had never thought to doubt it, Chris DeBurgh unexpectedly proved to me and my Mom, that he was very much the man behind every recording. He stood alone and shone. I'd like to add Mom's comment, as this was part of my birthday gift to her (real day being today): there is something called a stage presence and she feels that Chris has got it. :) One thing more: Mom didn't know nearly the repertoire of songs that I did, but here is proof that a person can form the audience hearing unfamiliar pieces, and still be blown away. She was the first to jump up for Chris' earliest Winnipeg standing ovation: the first of four. Let me tell you, I wasn't spared an emotional response either! I can no longer recall the few songs that almost had me crying, save for "Borderline" at the piano and.... "Lonely Sky". :) Quite unexpected, hearing it on guitar. Congratulations to Brian for what must be a memorable experience. I'd have found the courage to sing "Lonely Sky" with Chris, but was too far away and someone else had requested it. As for rushing the stage, the way down from the balcony conveniently scooted all of the Walker Theatre guests out of the door and onto the street. I would gladly have had my "Into The Light" cassette cover autographed, but there is nothing to bemoan here.
As for "The Traveller", I had come to love that song after joining the list and giving my less familiar albums a better go at it. But after hearing Chris play it in front of us, I have acquired even more respect and affection for the song! Yes, he played it vivaciously... but by that time, we Winnipeggers were clapping along violently with him and the strong, rapid rhythm was appropriate for the energy level by then. As for "In Dreams", I miss Roy Orbison as Chris seems to, given his comment on him being "sadly departed". "In Dreams" was one of my favorites and both Mom and I really loved the way Chris DeBurgh paid triumphant tribute to the piece, with the string quartet.
Oh, for those of you who didn't care for "Danny Boy" - we are part Irish and Mom has always loved that song. Let's just say Chris played it for her, for missing Ireland! :P He pretended to sob on his arm over being away and was very funny. Anyone who has ever mistaken our Chris for Dudley Moore, must have been referring to his sense of humour. The man is a comedian too folks! Indeed a great entertainer. He said that he had fond memories of Winnipeg from before and sang that he'd "come back soon". I suspect that the evening he shared with us September 17th will have him looking on us with even more fondness - and we upon him.
CAROLYN M. RIEDEL