I’ve realized it to be common amoung many Victoria musicians to refer back to their home when speaking about their songs. Beyond references to the habitual rain as found in the banter of Vancouver musicians, Victoria musicians consistently allude to the slow lifestyle of B.C.’s capital. Victoria’s folk artist Aidan Knight made his Monday visit to Montreal no exception.
Filled with sincerity and humour, Aidan expressed his gratitude to his audience, letting us know that he hoped we were ready for the show with “a beer in hand, smile on face, and pal at side”. Aidan and fellow guitarist Dave joked about their absolute lack of the French language, suggesting they should try to fulfill entire conversations with “Je suis Dave” and “Jambon”. The crowd enjoyed their humour.
“So this song-guess what? It’s about Victoria! You asked for it.” This tender ballad beared a more direct reference to his hometown. Singing about his local corner store, Aidan sang gently, letting the notes making up “sour key” sustain. In addition to singing about Victoria explicitly, Aidan sung of knitting for loved ones, an Alberta river and the tale of his hotmail correspondence with the girl of his affection visiting Hawaii in his younger years.
The show featured three musicians (Olivier Clements, David Barry, and Jonathan Anderson) who played the guitar, bass, violin, flugelhorn and organ to join Aidan on his guitar. Aidan Knight’s vocals are soft, yet gripping. His voice bares a resemblance to the haunting quality of John Vanderslice and the rich tones of Andrew Bird. This comparison translates most effectively in Knight’s live performance.
After providing a supporting role in several bands on the West Coast, Aidan Knight is celebrating the release of his own debut album, Versicolour.
Aidan Knight: http://www.myspace.com/aidanknightmusic
John Vanderslice: http://www.myspace.com/johnvanderslice
Andrew Bird: http://www.myspace.com/andrewbird
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