Bryan Ferry Concert Review

Massey Hall, Toronto, Canada - 9th November 1999 by Unknown Author

Music Insight, November 1999

Die-hard Roxy Music fans who attended the Tuesday's Bryan Ferry show hoping to hear their favourite Roxy tunes most likely left the show disappointed. You see, Bryan isn't exactly out there catering to his fans who are living in the 80s. He's more interested in the 30s. His latest album, As Time Goes By, includes 15 tracks originally recorded in the 1920s and early 30s. Ferry interprets tunes made famous by Cole Porter, Marlene Dietrich and George Gershwin. They are given a light, acoustic jazz treatment and sent on their way.

Tuesday's show began with a harp solo played by a solitary woman (a harpist? harper? harpy?). She was soon joined by a string quartet, a horn section, pianist, and finally the traditional bass, guitar and drums. Ferry's opening track, "The Way You Look Tonight", was performed with a subtle, vintage feel. The show continued in this vein, with richly rendered versions of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", "Carrickfergus", "Havana Moon", as well as some of the more obscure Roxy cuts. The band didn't really rock, which was actually a good thing. Aging musicans rarely capture the vitality of their early years, but Ferry and his ensemble proved that old standards, lovingly and skilfully presented, can easily stand the test of time. His talented band and his love for the material helped breathe new life into some very old songs.

Bryan then entered the "we gotta play..." section of the evening. Depression-era covers were replaced by makeout tunes of the 80s, with faithful renderings of "Avalon", John Lennon's "Jealous Guy" and a lively "Let's Stick Together". The crowd responded with some "we've sat politely through your covers, we even clapped. If you don't play Do The Strand, we may riot"-type applause. So he played "Do The Strand", and the fans went home happy.

If you're wondering whether you should see Bryan Ferry on his current tour, keep the following points in mind. You'd better not expect to hear lots of Roxy Music cuts. There will be trombone and harp solos. Your grandmother will probably know more of the lyrics than you do. And finally, remember that Ferry's CD releases are few and far between , and his tours are even more rare. Miss him this time, and you might wait more than a few years for him to return.

Text copyright Musicinsight 1999, used without permission

Last Updated: 16 August 2008