When Melissa Etheridge hit the music scene nearly 30 years ago, she took the world by storm with her strong raspy vocals, her fiery songs, her fearless words, and blazed a trail for women in Rock. But last night on the City Stage at Bluesfest, she not only delivered many of her classic hits, but showed us the deeper side of her musical roots that made it abundantly clear she was born to sing the blues.
Etheridge, sporting an Otis Redding tee under a black leather jacket, quickly warmed up the crowd with a classic Sam and Dave number, Hold On I’m Coming, and one of the songs from her latest album, Memphis Rock and Soul, her ode to the artists of Stax Records and the soulful Memphis sound they created during that era. More from her album included her takes on the Staples Sisters’ Respect Yourself and William Bell’s Any Other Way, all of which emphasized the similar traits of fire and brimstone in her own songwriting and lyrics that also ring with the message of equality. A trio of backing vocalists along with a three-piece horn section beefed up the material’s authentic flavour and the audience absolutely loved it. Etheridge donned her Gretsch and got down and dirty with Isaac Hayes standard Born On The Bad Side, brought to even greater badness with the rumble of the Hammond and a deep quaking bass line. Throughout the set, Etheridge broke into several lengthy solos that showcased her truly impressive guitar skills along with her equally impressive guitar collection.
She not only delivered many of her classic hits, but showed us the deeper side of her musical roots that made it abundantly clear she was born to sing the blues.
Of course she pulled out all the hits, many of which flowed from one into another. Chrome Plated Heart, I Wanna Come Over, Come To My Window, Bring Me Some Water, and I’m The Only One which veered off into a smouldering version of Rock Me Baby, complete with a blazing harp solo by Etheridge. The audience chimed in with every chorus of every song, and there was the occasional full stop by the band just to hear the voices raised full tilt. The threat of rain had completely disappeared, and the sun spilled onto the crowd. Etheridge looked out at the cityscape and marvelled at the beauty of Ottawa. Of Canada, she said, “Canada is a gorgeous country. You guys are the shining example… you are leading the whole world, you know that. Send lots of your good vibes to America!”
A longtime favourite in her repertoire has always been Piece Of My Heart, in tribute to one of her idols, Janis Joplin, whose voice Etheridge’s has often been compared to. Her performance was spot on and before we could come up for air, the band delved into another classic from her first album, Like The Way I Do, where she brandished a gorgeous white 12-string. The core band remained to rock this song to proportions I’ve never heard in a blend of 3 guitars, drums, and bass, in a version that went on nearly 20 minutes. It ebbed and flowed through crescendos, rhythmic guitar highlights, and even a shared solo on the kit where Etheridge showed off her drumming prowess. It was an electrifying ending to what was easily one of the top 10 shows I’ve ever seen at Bluesfest.
Bluesfest runs from July 6-16. For more, including schedule and tickets, visit their website. Keep checking back for more Apt613 Bluesfest coverage.
