Casino Rama. Orillia, Canada October 21st and 22nd October 2011
There is much debate as to what is the best format for Roger's shows: solo with Aaron Macdonald, with band or an orchestra show.
The shows at Casino Rama are very special. Roger does perform other orchestra shows during his touring year but Rama has the added bonus of wonderful backing singers and a choir. The additional layers of instruments and voices make for a very full and rich sound.
The performances that stand out are the classical songs such as: Lord is it Mine; If Everyone was Listening; Only Because of You and Fool's Overture. This is because they are beautifully crafted songs that flow from Roger so effortlessly and are supplemented by all sections of the orchestra and voices. Tribute must also be paid to the talents of Aaron MacDonald, Ian Stewart and Bryan Head, who give superb support with their contributions of soulful sax, rhythmic bass and beating drum.
Roger loses himself in these extraordinary compositions. There are times when you look at his face, it makes you wonder if he realises he is playing to thousands, or is he lost in his own thoughts and emotions. For the crowd, they too close their eyes and take themselves to another peaceful, tranquil place.
These performances do not differ from any other of Roger's shows when it comes to sharing anecdotes between the songs. The wit, warmth and heartfelt emotions are all very evident. Roger reveals how he feels when he receives correspondence from his fans about how Hide in your Shell has helped individuals through their difficult times just as Roger was experiencing troubled times when he wrote this song. Roger has the crowd laughing when he says asking him which is his favourite song is like choosing a favourite child and informs the crowd they mustn't have a favourite child!
The lively atmosphere is always helped along when Roger sings, Give a Little Bit and Its Raining Again. Everyone gets up on their feet, singing, dancing and clapping. There is such energy and happiness at this point that it's so sad that these songs signify the end of the show. No-one wants the performance to end.
Place des Arts, Montreal, Canada October 28th and 29th October 2011
The crowd went wild with an enthusiastic roar as soon as Roger walked on to the stage. Eventually Roger got to strike the first chord and play the introduction that so many fans recognise...Take the Long Way Home. Roger then took the first of several opportunities to describe his love for the people of Montreal; a love that is returned many times over.
In Jeopardy is a fairly new addition to live performances. This song has taken on such a rich quality with contributions from all band members making this a stand out number. One of the many amusing anecdotes is when Roger explains how London was written after a brief (very!) bout of homesickness for England in 1987. We are then gifted with a track, that isn't often played live, but the French title seems apt for tonight's audience. C'est le Bon is a beautiful track that deserves airing more often, with its melodious guitar and Aaron's haunting sax. For the second part of the evening we launch straight in with Child of Vision. This song includes a stunning piano solo by Kevin Adamson. Roger points out at the end of the song that Kevin and two other band members - Aaron MacDonald and Ian Stewart hail from Canada and a loud cheer fills the hall.
The exquisite Even in the Quietest Moments is another song that moves many in the crowd... yet another standing ovation. This crowd love every minute of the performance. Don't leave me Now features a powerful and rhythmic drum performance from the American in the band...Bryan Head.
The crowd finish this evening as they started...standing up, acknowledging this artist whose songs have been with them as they journeyed through their lives. Their emotional heart strings have been tugged, they have laughed and cried but they have gone home with their hearts full...