After the Storm

According to Rick Platz, After the Storm (the CFC’s newly configured house band) served up “traditional Canadian rock music” in the opening set of the October 30th Calgary Folk Club. “Rock,” you say! You mean that kind of music that makes every orifice vibrate? (Thanks, Gary Gregory) No, no! Rock as in traditional music from Newfoundland. Good pun, Rick.

It wasn’t entirely a Newfie night although the evening had a strong nautical/Celtic flavour with a kitchen party element. The CFC tradition of sing-a-longs reaches back to and beyond Pete Seeger leading the audience in choruses. “Sonny’s Dream,” “Black Velvet Band,” and “Fiddler’s Green” gave the angelic voices of the folk club choir the chance they had been waiting for to blend with the mellow tones of Rod Walsh. Singing back-up, indeed.

Graham Tait performed some magic as he made his piano accordion sound like a little five-button squeeze box on the accompaniment to “Fiddler’s Green.” John Thiel both grounded and lifted the band with his spirited bass playing and soaring harmonies. Then when the fantastic fiddlers Ben and Scott let loose with “Calliope House” and “MacArthur’s Road,” it was surprising that an energetic down easter didn’t leap into the aisle for a true participaction step dance.

The storm, if we are talking one of great music, doesn’t seem to be over yet from this entertaining and unpretentious group of five. The club is lucky to have landed on its feet yet again with another talented house band.

Another “traditional Canadian rock” sing-a-long anyone?