Live Review: Jonathan Edwards at Purple Cat Vineyard
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
Live Review: Jonathan Edwards at Purple Cat Vineyard
Jonathan Edwards at Purple Cat Vineyard
Ian Fitzgerald
Providence singer-songwriter Ian Fitzgerald was a perfect choice to open the evening. Fitzgerald is an “up and coming” artist who played the Newport Jazz Festival the last two summers. (Photo: Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography)
Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards will be celebrating his 50th year in music in 2017. He’s remained fundamentally a folk artist, with a strong country influence. He’s an exceptional songwriter with a dedicated fan base many of whom filled the Purple Cat Vineyard in Chepachet last Thursday December 29. (Photo: Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography)
Jonathan Edwards
His setlist included several from his first album Jonathan Edwards, recorded in 1971. He had the audience singing along to songs like “Emma,” “Don’t’ Cry Blue” and his biggest hits, “Sunshine” and “Shanty.” He also covered a nice version of the Dave Loggins classic “Please Come to Boston.” (Photo: Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography)
Jonathan Edwards
Edwards played several from his 2015 release Tomorrow’s Child. It’s clear that his message remains relevant on newer tunes like “Down in the Woods,” and “Mole in the Ground.” Accompanied throughout the evening by keyboardist Tom Snow, he also sang “Gracie,” a song dedicated to his granddaughter. (Photo: Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography)
Jonathan Edwards
Edwards has a reputation as a friendly “down to earth” individual, and that comes through in concert. He knows how to connect with his audience with just the right amount of good humor to accompany the great music. When a good natured heckler made a clever remark, Edwards replied “I’ll do the jokes here,” to the delight of those assembled. (Photo: Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography)
Jonathan Edwards
The Purple Cat Winery was decked out nicely for the holiday season. The “barn” is a great spot for small shows and the winery regularly hosts events from concerts to comedy. The rural setting was a good fit for Edwards who noted “I do love country music, and I do love wine.” (Photo: Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography)
Jonathan Edwards
The show closed with a tender version of “Hallelujah,” a tribute to the late Leonard Cohen. Edwards brought Fitzgerald back on stage and invited those assembled to sing along. It was a beautiful ending to a special evening. (Photo: Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography)
Ian Fitzgerald
Opener Ian Fitzgerald impressed the lively audience with his tender version of “Trouble, Me and China Lee.” He included a few others from his new album You Won’t Even Know I’m Gone including “Camille” and “Forget the Address.” He shined on “Galveston” and “Melinda Down the Line” both tunes from his prior album No Time to Be Tender. (Photo: Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography)
Mojo Photography
All Photos by Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography)
