Things That Have Sharp Edges

Things That Have Sharp Edges

the harlequin inside of you cannot soften things that have hard edges

your pointed collar, your puffed chest, your servant character unable

to dull the ends even with one hundred inclinations of body language

things that have sharp edges are not as eager to entertain as you are

they don’t let you fall in love handsome faces or dance around in time

things that have sharp edges strain you into odd shapes headlong into

distilled regret burnished by bad hands, drunk processions, sad enemies

improbable is a gracious response from the things that have sharp edges

the things that leave you hungry for details and for the greatest escape

the heart inside of you cannot ease the disorder of my trenchant story

the things that have sharp edges are deceptively casual and cut in deep

the singular purpose of my long inner monologue is to not accept the truth

things that have sharp edges are revelatory

even the unspecified parts of you recognize

 **

Trying to keep my noodle working by writing poetry.  I tweaked this while loading my iPod, doing laundry ans nursing a beer, relief from the muggy weather.  I was given a writing prompt, make a list of things that have sharp edges.  I didn't feel like making a list so I did what I usually do when I break the rules, I write a poem.

I was listening to Serena Ryder but switched to my favorite Canadian band, July Talk.  Check them out below if you don't know them yet.  They are AMAZING live.  

In propinquity,

Nic

Learning To Lose Control

Matt Epp at The Carleton, June 23rd, 2013

I feel as though every time I write about Matt Epp I sound like a big ol’ sappy broken record.  But, my vastly talented friend from Winnipeg deserves the accolades, the praise; he deserves world domination.  There simply is no one else like him, Matt Epp is an exceptionally rare artist who fortifies his audience and writes songs that reach into the core of your humanness and culls the best of you out and upward.

This was a unique visit to Halifax for Matt.  He’s fond of Halifax and said he’s never come for a show without at least spending a week.  This time, his band van pulled up in front of The Carleton at the same time we did to secure good seats for the show, sip on sangria and enjoy each other’s company.  Watching bands load in, I always feel bad, like I should be grabbing a bag of cords or a guitar case to heave in.  It comes from carrying gear for my brother throughout the years.  My friends and I sat and nibbled on our fine food and drink while the band busied themselves with turning the tiny Carleton stage into ‘Amoria’ complete with Turkey’s flag, a sign of love for Matt’s wife who hails from that country and as a sign of solidarity for their people who are facing trying times. 

I had a few minutes before leaving for the show to listen to a few songs by French Press, Matt’s opening act.  I was impressed with her songwriting style and the unique loveliness of her voice.  Her live performance did not disappoint.  She performed for us a set of songs she sang beautifully with an acoustic guitar and won the room over with her delicate presence and her talents.  Our table was in unison, unanimous in that we predict big and wonderful things will happen for Chantal Emond.  She is graceful and lovely and added those exact qualities to an already exceptional group of traveling musicians.

It was wonderful to be present for Matt’s Halifax return because he brought with him his brand new record ‘Learning To Lose Control’.  This tour was in support and celebration of a record that hundreds of people made possible.  To make this record, Matt enlisted the help of his fans, family and friends.  Using online fundraising to reach a specific goal in order to pay for the recording etc.  With each donation he created this fantastic youtube ‘thank you’ videos to each and every person who put money in the pot to pre-order the record.  I was so pleased to see him reach his goal that allowed him to release such a tremendous record.  It’s beautiful.  The songs, the artwork, the packaging.  Simply gorgeous, an important extension to his already inspiring and indelible body of work.

The last time he played at The Carleton it was just he and his guitar.  This time around, he brought his band, The Amorian Assembly’ with him.  In addition to his most excellent bassist Joel Couture, he had The Wooden Sky’s drummer and a guitar player called Mike Tuyp (tagged as ‘The Best Tuyp’) with him.  Delightfully, Chantal Emond joined them all for the duration of the show, her voiced added such a beautiful texture to the new songs and the ones I love from his past efforts.  It was a full, vibrant sound with Matt’s soulful voice at the helm.  Together, they played several songs off of ‘Learning To Lose Control’ and a handful of his best songs and there are many.  I was particularly pleased that he played ‘Too Cool’ from his ‘Safe or Free’ record.  It was one of the first songs that really drew me into his music so it has a special place for me.  During the song last night I was busy jamming in my seat, singing along as happy as could be, so much so Matt acknowledged my singing from the stage.  It’s just one of those songs you can just groove to, feel the salt of the earth absorb into your soul, it just takes you like a wave and you’re surfing on its crest in complete peace.  And really, that’s what I derive from all of Matt’s music, peace.  Inner peace.  It makes every fiber of my being feel content and blessed to be alive.  That’s the power of good music, the architecture of a passionate artist.  Matt is indeed one of those.

He took a moment in the night to speak about Jay Smith, the grave loss we all feel, he shared some of his thoughts and feelings, but mostly he remembered Jay for being an exceptional songwriter and broke into ‘Romantic Fool’.  I sucked back the tears but felt the love filter through the room.  Further proof that the strength in music does indeed sustain us, it lets us feel every single thing as we should because life is emotional and painful and joyful and ongoing and most importantly, it aids us in our healing.  It’s altogether poignant and beautiful.  Needed, crucial and life affirming.  I am certain that Jay was there in every note.  He certainly was in our hearts.

It was another night of absolute elevation for me.  I really respect and believe in the music Matt writes and shares.  He is consistent with his positive essence, his innate storytelling ability and his reasons to rock.  One of my favorite Canadians brought a new record, a superb band and the love of music with him.  If you weren’t present, you missed out.  Truly.

I left the bar not only inspired, peaceful and blessed but full of a great sense of creative purpose.  I showed up with dear friends for a dear friend and came away a little bit of a better human being for having been there.  If music is magic, Matt Epp is an efficient magician who dazzles and dares one to delve deep, for love of self, each other, God and the world.  For those things am ever grateful and continue to revel in his work and pay it forward any chance I get.  He deserves that.

The Carleton really is the best venue in Halifax for live shows.  I am a big believer in the ‘listening room’ concept and really appreciate that I can spend my money on a show and as a serious music lover, sit and listen without having to hear people banter over the band.  I want to experience a song, an artist when I buy a ticket.  I can do that at The Carleton and it’s amazing.  Major props to the owners and staff for always being so hospitable and for booking world class artists like Matt Epp.

‘Learning To Lose Control’ is a phenomenal record.  It even features Serena Ryder.  It’s available on iTunes and if he comes to your town, at the merch table.  I know you’ll want to add it to your music library.  Be warned, if you buy one record, you’ll want them all.

In propinquity,

Nic

Careful Abandon

I am firm believer in music, a devoted patron.  Last night my best friend Erica and I spent a peaceful evening stationed at The Carleton (in Halifax, Nova Scotia) to see my creative comrade Matt Epp play a one-man, acoustic show, part of his ‘Careful Abandon’ tour in support of his new acoustic record of the same name.

It’s always a happy occasion when Matt comes to town and that this time he was playing Mike & Mike’s premiere ‘listening room’ was a coo (that’s Mike Campbell and Mike Rhodes of Much Music fame).  The Carleton, for those of you who haven’t been, is a spectacular venue for intimate and interactive shows between artists and their audiences.  You are required to arrive, seat yourself, hydrate and heed the one rule of the room, ‘reserve quiet chatter for between songs’.  I am a BIG fan of this concept (like that of The Company House where I’ve also seen Matt perform).  I appreciate it because so often I’ve gone to shows and miss some of the power and the essence because senseless nattering is interrupting my intake.  I want to ‘listen’, absorb what an artist is sharing, not what so-and-so did on summer vacation.  I’m sure the stories are wonderful but I paid admission to see someone play, we can all talk later.  And, with someone like Matt, who shares straight from the deepest part of himself; it’s a privilege to be able to be still, be content and just listen.

Matt Epp is charismatic, a gentleman who makes music with a grateful heart.  His shoes are well-worn, touring and exploring the world, collecting stories, accumulating experiences and setting them to gorgeous music, always excited to be able to share them with others.  His extensive travels and expert story-telling ability make him an artist to be excited about, one to watch, follow and admire.  He is prosperous with the natural ability to communicate with others in earnest felicity through his unique soul-inspiring songwriting.  The songs he composes are rife with temperate ardor, kind-hearted humanity, spiritual reflection, tender in their goodness and always touch me.  His particular brand of artistic integrity, his effervescence and his soothing, angelic voice are only a few of the wonderful characteristics that make up the awesome-ness that is Matt Epp.

Erica and I sat ourselves at a cozy table next to the window overlooking a Halifax city street.  We shared a few delectable items from the menu, talking quietly until Matt took the stage, draped with two red heart red flags of ‘Amoria’ and set with a microphone stand, his guitars and simple stool holding his harmonica and a glass of water.  Every person present was there to see Matt.  They anticipated his arrival and welcomed him with a warm Nova Scotia reception. 

(performing a gorgeous Ryan Adams cover)

As usual, his show (of two sets and a short intermission) filled my heart to the point where it started to overflow.  I sat most of the time listeing, dangerously close to spilling tears.  It isn’t uncommon for me because his voice moves me.  He played two beautiful sets of songs both old and new, shared clever and silly stories in between with ease, audience participation included.  Particularly poignant was the story he shared about trip to Berlin where he was playing a show at the embassy.  He witnessed a tragic accident involving a young man on a scooter and a larger vehicle. He started his show with ‘Love Is Forever’ and talked about how the lyrics of the love song started to take on a whole new meaning to him because he watched the injured man’s clothes being cut away by paramedics.  It’s stories like these that bring his audience so close to the songs he shares.  It’s what I love the most about his shows.  My favorite moment though was when he played his last song of the night and realized he had nowhere to go when the room demanded an encore.  Being the cheeky guy he is, he hid behind the curtain on the stage.  For his encore, he asked what we’d like him to play.  Someone suggested more Bob Dylan (he shared a cover earlier along with a Sam Cooke tune and a lush Ryan Adams tribute after talking about working with his producer on his up-coming record with his full band due out next year).  After the Bob Dylan mention, someone else asked for ‘Orphan Horse’ followed by the suggestion he do ‘Orphan Horse’ AS Bob Dylan.  This struck Matt’s funny-bone and got everyone giggling.

It’s safe to say, after some quality time with Erica, taking in Matt’s show, talking with him a bit and two generous, bone crushing hugs later, my soul was well fed with kinship, music and laughter.  I really appreciate Matt’s generous spirit. He’s such a lovely human being and an exceptional artist.  I wish the whole world could sing in harmony with him because he understands the human heart, human decency and he believes in love, life and the whole crazy thing.

With careful abandon, I lost myself in his calming presence and his meaningful music.  I was touched by sincerity as he humbly thanked each of us for the accolades and for sharing the evening with him.  As with any event so anticipated, it went by so fast.  For now, I have a new acoustic record to enjoy until be passes through town again.  That and I snuck the gig poster from the front door of the bar as I left. But shhhh, don’t tell anyone.  It’s proudly displayed on my rock wall along with our ‘gangsta’ photograph we took together at the back of the bar.  If you want to see it, you’ll have come visit.  It’s pretty rad.

I strongly encourage you all to acquaint yourselves with Matt’s music.  You’ll be happy you did.

My next musical adventure:  The Stanfields this Saturday at the Sea King Cub.  I’ve been looking forward to that since August!

Heads are sure to roll.

In Propinquity,

Nic

PS - Matt recorded a song with Serena Ryder that I am SO pumped for!  I LOVE her.  And to have two of my favorite Canadians singing together is just solid gold.