Calgary Folk Club 10 26 12

Steve Seskin

Liz Longley

Calgary Folk Club 10/26/12

The Saturday Morning "Somebody-Asked-Me-To, So-Here-I-Go" Entertainment Review: 

Steve Seskin & Liz Longley at The Calgary Folk Club

It's hard to believe that Mrs. That Dan Guy and I see as much live entertainment as we do, and yet it has taken us so long to discover one of the most prestigious folk clubs in North America.

Well, better late than never, especially when we get to discover new-to-us talent like the stellar lineup offered last night.

On her website, last night's opener Liz Longley indicates that she has also opened for artists like Shawn Colvin, Amos Lee, and Nanci Griffith to name just a few. Vocally, I'd be inclined to describe her as a blend of the best aspects of Ms. Colvin and Ms. Griffith. Loads of emotion and power - and during a three-times-is-the-charm cover of Van Morrison's Moondance she hit a high range that was crystal clear. Between guitar and piano she nailed engaging melodies and lyrics that are setting her career on a path to success, along with filling her trophy case with affirmation of her musical instincts. A couple of highlights were "Unraveling", and a hilarious Girl Scout gangsta rap "Dough For Dough".

Find out more about Liz at her website. I'll be anxiously awaiting her new album, due early next year..

Like being late to the party for the Folk Club, hard to believe I hadn't heard Steve Seskin perform before last night - however, I have heard his handiwork. We've been "hot country" fans since the 90's - which is when he was penning hits for the likes of Tim McGraw, Neal McCoy, John Michael Montgomery, Collin Raye - and the list goes on. If you've heard "Life's A Dance", "Grown Men Don't Cry", or "No Doubt About It" - those ditties are from the efforts of this songwriter who has penned SEVEN number one hits - so far...

Writing lyrics that combine warmth, humour and slice-of-life moments that everyone can relate to I could compare Steve to Shel Silverstein and Jimmy Webb, a couple of personal favourites that write songs that have proven staying power. He is however a talent in his own right, as those number one singles (and over 450 songs so far) speak to...

As a matter of fact, he's more like a male Erma Bombeck, navigating the human condition in song - especially in something like the hilarious "It's A Jungle Out Here", where a male gets into the doghouse with his partner. Literally...

His banter between songs was as good as the songs themselves. Like Jimmy Webb, other artists have made his songs big hits - but if you ever have a chance to catch him live in your area, DO NOT hesitate. You will relate to hearing him sing about your own life, as he shares his own.

Be sure to visit Steve's website - and he apparently has a few free downloads. Once this is posted, I'll be downloading "How Easy I Forget"...

Another stellar evening indeed, at the Calgary Folk Club - check them out as well!

Chow for now...