An Enchanting Night With Bell Orchestre and SoCalled – St-James United Church May 18th

Posted on May 18, 2008

I have so much to say about last night’s Bell Orchestre and SoCalled concert, I don’t even know where to begin. Like I said about my previous article, I was really excited about this one, but my hopes certainly weren’t at the height of what took place at St-James United Church on that rainy and humid Saturday night. I never really want to make statements like this, having been to so many concerts over the years, but this is probably the best one I’ve ever seen.

The venue was splendid and superbly fit for the occasion. The sounds traveled through the room in an enrapturing and delicate way that just crept up on me, wherever I was in the room. It can’t be easy to balance the sound for such a big and echo-y space, but it was just perfect. Not once was it ever too much or did I think about pulling out my earplugs.

I think even if we were all gathered there for mass, the audience couldn’t have possibly been more quiet or attentive.

The first part was SoCalled with his funkier beats and richly inspired music. I love this artist and the way he doesn’t take himself too seriously and makes the crowd comfortable. It must be said that event though the venue was huge, the atmosphere was very intimate. SoCalled plays a lot with the grand piano and his little sampling machine. The sound of the piano traveled through the room in ways that made it stand out and really gave a different feel to his music. He was playing with some great musicians, including a fabulous violinist and his partner in crime, Katie Moore. He led those musicians like a conductor and their chemistry was excellent.

Then came the main event of the soirée, the return of Bell Orchestre. Saying that I was amazed with this performance wouldn’t even begin to cover the overwhelming feeling of enchantment that I experienced. The band’s hiatus not only made them better musicians individually, but also seems to have brought them closer together. They have grown so much as a group. They offered the audience a generous set filled with both old and new songs. The band is so tight and great together, which is clearly demonstrated by their wonderful work in the more recent compositions.

Last time I saw them they were excellent, but now they really live up to the name “orchestre”. They can barely be considered Indie anymore. Their sound is grave, magical and the musicians have an exceptional sense of modulation. Sometimes very dark and intense, the sounds of their various instruments were brought together with originality and style.

Some songs kept closer to the classical style while others threw you down with a rock-solid intensity. The drums were strong but subtle, which is something Stef Schneider masters perfectly. They also welcomed two new members to the band: Mike Feuerstack on lap steel guitar (Snailhouse and Wooden Stars) and Collin Stetson on horns (Arcade Fire). Listening to them felt like walking through an enchanted forest. It was like a dream.

I also finally wish to tip my hat off to the Montreal Chamber Music Festival for having put together such a wonderful evening.