As always, Matthew Good played a mix of material from his lengthy career. (Photos by Willie Carroll)
The Canadian domination of the Bell Stage continued on into the eighth day of Bluesfest, as I had the pleasure of seeing both Matthew Good and Great Big Sea.
After seeing Matthew Good in smaller venues and small festival stages in Ottawa, it was great to see him and his band get a crack at the main stage. It’s safe to say he didn’t disappoint, drawing what was the largest crowd I’ve ever seen him play for.
As always, Good played a mix of material from his lengthy career, his set list ranging from classics such as “Born Losers” and “Weapon,” to staples like “The Future is X-Rated” and “Load Me Up” from his days with Matthew Good Band. Not usually one for onstage banter, he was happy to be a part of the festival, going as far as to call it the “last good one in the country.”
“The artists they attract year after year is really quite something,” he said amidst cheers from the crowd.
Those in attendance were also treated to two new songs from Good’s upcoming album, Arrows of Desire, due in September. Both tracks, titled “Had It Coming” and “We’re Long Gone” had a very classic vibe to them.
It wasn’t long before Great Big Sea had transformed Lebreton Flats into a giant east coast kitchen party.
The big draw of the night was Great Big Sea, who were rolling through Ottawa on their 20th anniversary tour. Kicking off the set with their instantly recognizable “Ordinary Day,” the band had the crowd singing along to all the hits, regardless of whether it was traditional Maritime music or contemporary rock stylings.
“Ottawa has always been the number one Great Big Sea city to come to,” said frontman Alan Doyle, reminiscing about his many trips to the nation’s capital on tour.
“Our first gig in Ottawa was at the Newfoundland Pub on Montreal Road, and never in 20 years did I imagine we’d be here,” he said, looking around at the stage.
It wasn’t long before the band had transformed LeBreton Flats into a giant east coast kitchen party, with the band presenting some rollicking renditions of “The Night Pat Murphy Died,” “Mari-Mac,” and “Run Runaway” to get the crowd up and dancing.
An encore of “Old Black Rum” was the perfect send-off from the jovial Newfoundlanders, wishing they could play all night long.
“Keep an eye out for us this fall Ottawa,” said Doyle before he disappeared backstage. “We’ll be back!”
