Daniel Lanois

So, pretty much any self respecting music fan should at least know who Daniel Lanois is...

There's a new documentary out about him "Here Is What Is" that debuted at TIFF and also he played two very intimate shows at The Great Hall here in Toronto to celebrate the occasion. I was lucky enough to get a ticket for one of these shows and found a lovely spot right by the stage for it. The venue is an old church with a balcony all around, a small, fairly low stage and holds about 400 people.

The show started with Lanois stepping to the mic and talking about his new movie, the idea behind it and some of what it shows. He then introduced Garth Hudson, who made his way out to the floor and sat down at an old baby grand, everyone was told to be quiet as we listened to him start on a journey through his years of music. About 5 minutes of gorgeous playing before Lanois took to the guitar and Brian Blades came out to join him on the kit and the piano was moved off the floor. The majority of the show was just Lanois & Blades, sounding amazing.

Go see the movie and the show if it comes through your town...

Devil's Bed
JJ Leaves LA

Buy it here or here.