It was a busy Tuesday in Lethbridge, Nov. 22. With Ron James bringing the laughter to the Yates Theatre and Amy Nelson hosting the Owl Acoustic Lounge’s open mic.
So it wasn’t too surprising that Toronto musician John Borra and Calgary based songwriter Emily Triggs didn’t have the audience they deserved at the Slice, Nov. 22.
I always seem to miss Quebec born, Calgary based singer songwriter Emily Triggs, so was glad she was still playing when I arrived.
She told some stories and praised tour mate John Borra.
She introduced a song “ Summer in Las Vegas” about Las Vegas in the 1960s by telling a story about her and her husband hated it when they visited it a few years ago.
She noted her song was about Las Vegas in the 1960s, and featured the chorus “ Drop the bomb.”
She sang beautifully and talked about growing up in Quebec with her mom and sang a song in French.
John Borra sang a short, but sweet solo set including solo songs and songs from his Cassettes in Common” CD, featuring a songs from a who’s who of the Toronto punk and alt country scene.
He opened with a catchy number “ She Leaves Like a Train” which included one of many sweet harp solos.
He sounded like a mix of Canadian talent including Murray MacLachlan, Gordon Lightfoot and even Gord Downie in places.
One of the highlights was a cover of Art Bergmann’s “ Sleep” from “Cassettes in Common.” Another highlight was “ Marie” from the same CD which also had a waltz feel.
Emily Triggs joined him to sing harmonies for the last couple of songs including “Blue Wine” and “ Who’s Picking On You.”
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
