The last time we saw Big Sugar live in Kelowna, Gordie Johnson and the band were resplendent in all white in full-on rock reggae mode, but anyone who knows Big Sugar knows that no two tour-runs are the same, and Johnson follows his heart with his music, not the status quo.
This night’s show was spectacular. A two-fer of two sets with intermission (the bonus of seeing the band at a community ‘soft seat’ theatre!). The first set was the band’s album Heat in its entirety, celebrating the 25th anniversary of its release. “I wrote Heat 25 years ago, and 25 years ago I met my girl. She’s still with me, and so are most of these songs” quipped Johnson after the first song ended.
One of the downfalls of a sit-down venue, is… people sitting down. But one lively fellow jumped up into the second song to dance in place, and Johnson showed his appreciation by pointing him out with gusto, “this dude KNOWS this is a Big Sugar show” and fans caught on quickly, getting out of their seats for the rest of the evening!
Digging a Hole garnered an impromptu singalong from those less familiar with the other songs on Heat, but people jammed softly in place to the songs they didn’t know, watching Johnson rip on guitar; so much so that he suddenly had issues and laughing joked that he broke it – to which someone yelled, “I have a Gibson at home!” Laughter and smiles from Johnson and a quick comeback, “I have one at home too but it ain’t much good there.” Massive laughter from the audience and Johnson took the brief interlude to introduce bassist Ben Lowe, the late Big Sugar bassist Garry Lowe’s son, and Root on drums. By this time the guitar issues were sorted out, and back into the tunes.
A brief intermission followed, “enough time to hit the restroom and go peruse the merch” and then on to the second full length set! Johnson and the band had changed wardrobe to a bit more casual, and this set spotlighted Johnson’s prowess on guitar; he uses finger picks and pinky slide a lot, and his double neck guitar featured frequently. Halfway into the set, the drum kick had a meltdown – and Johnson jokingly referred to the Okanagan as being a tough audience. Someone yelled out ‘guitar solo’ and he gleefully obliged… wowing us with some blues and rootsy type noodling that was just fantastic. As he was playing (with his back to the drummer) the rest of us could see the drum kick replaced and ready and the anticipation was palpable. When the drummer and bassist kicked in to match what Johnson was playing we all cheered and laughed at Johnson’s expression of surprise and delight.
A few more songs and then the encore. “Do you want a Beatles song, or a Stone’s song” Johnson asked, mock shocked at the overwhelming response for The Stones. “You must all be bad boys” he laughed with a wry grin. One more introduction of the band at the end, a bow from all three performers linked arm in arm and the evening was done! Big Sugar is always a surprise, always a treat and always worth a road trip!
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