Monday, May 23, 2011

Burton Cummings in Thunder Bay May 22/2011




















Burton's rendition of "When you wish upon a star"
Returning to Thunder Bay for the first time since "Rockin the Fort" with Randy Bachman in June 2006, Burton played the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and as usual delivered the goods. What a voice the man still has! Starting with a video of pictures to the tune of "Pretty Pictures" from his recent "Above the ground" Cd, Burton took the stage to "No SugarTonight/ New Mother Nature". Performing other classic's from The Guess Who, such as "Laughing" "Albert Flasher", "Runnin Back to Saskatoon", and dedicating "These Eyes" to the late Guess Who producer who recently passed away. Telling how Jack had showed great faith in four guys from Winnipeg, mortgaging his home to take them to NYC to record "Wheatfield Soul". Jack Richardson produced all of The Guess Who albums for RCA. Performing his solo classic's "Stand Tall", "I'm Scared" and an extended version of "Break it to them Gently" with its nostalgic homage to the music that inspired him. The show stealer was of course the extended version of "American Woman", where Burton proved again he can steal an audience at any time! Having played here numerous times through the years, Burton told how "The Guess Who" played here just before Christmas about seven years straight, then returned home to Winnipeg driving all night to spend Christmas at home, and flattered Paul Schafer mentioned in his book that he had attended all of them. My son's attened the show with me ages 11 & 13, great music crosses all age lines. Burton, you are truly a Canadian treasure, look forward to the next return to TB!