Playing as part of North By Northeast’s Parks & Airports concert series, Montreal native and talented songsmith JF Robitaille – joined by bassist Tavo Diez de Bonilla – put on a mighty fine show Friday at Market Lane.
Yeah, that’s right, from noon to about 12:40 p.m., the gifted musicians could be found in the quaint downtown neighbourhood, playing a nice mix of selections from JF’s 2006 EP The Blood in My Body, his soon to be released LP Calendar, and a loving cover of “Silver Dagger,” a traditional made popular by legendary folk songwriter Joan Baez.
To say the least, the outdoor performance – at the fountain across Front Street, opposite Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market – was quite the intimate little affair, as fans and passersby were free to take a seat close by along the lane’s low stone benches and get lost in the soothing sounds of JF’s tender guitar and Tavo’s warmly resonating bass.
The low-key and acoustic affair was made all the more endearing by the pair’s effortless interplay and good humour – having been introduced to the diverse group of fans and onlookers, Tavo jokingly noted that he was “a great inspiration” for JF.
However, the songs and their execution were ultimately what made the show. From proven numbers like “The Blood in My Body” to newer fare like “Everything’s Broken Here” (which featured gorgeous harmonies from Tavo), JF’s songs proved to be just as timeless in a live setting as they are on record.
It didn’t hurt, either, that the 14-song set was brought to life by some rather confident playing; at no point did the dress shoe-tapping Robitaille or the head-nodding de Bonilla come off as anything other than comfortable.
Arguably, the show’s standout performance would be the aforementioned “Silver Dagger,” which proved deeply haunting and moving as Robitaille delivered it with fragile emotionality in both his subtle vocals and focussed guitar playing.
Right up there with “Silver Dagger” was JF’s own “The New Girl” (#8 on the Toronto Star’s Anti-Hit List for June 11), a more pop-sounding gem which remained exceedingly catchy despite the absence of its insistent drums and on-record instrumental flourishes.
Though JF Robitaille and Co. have had a week in Toronto that’s found them playing Market Lane and other such venues as the beautiful Berczy Park, the elegant Union Station, the Drake Hotel, and the legendary Horseshoe Tavern, they clearly haven’t gotten enough of the lively city as they’re set to return for a gig at the Tranzac on June 30 at 10 p.m.
It’s pretty much safe to say that T.O. fans will be glad to have JF and the band back.
For the latest news, updates, and tour info, be sure to check out JF Robitaille’s official site [http://www.jfrobitaille.com/].
