C'è già un commento al concerto di Hatfield & the North tenuto ieri a Montréal, nell'ambito del primo Festival des Musiques Progressives; lo riporta What's Rattlin'?:
"I saw H & N in Montreal last night. I, for one, loved it as did most of the audience judging by the overwhelming response. It was such a joy seeing artists whose music I've enjoyed for so long. I didn't meet Richard Sinclair but my friend Pascal Globensky of Miriodor spent a half hour with him and said that he is as sweet as his voice. I don't doubt it.
The set consisted largely of familiar pieces played with zest and humour. Some pieces held together very precariously and would finish, perhaps, unexpectedly. The musicians themselves seemed to marvel that they had actually gotten through a particular piece and had a bemused look on their face.
It was a fantastic atmosphere with the band and audience linked in an event. I suppose though that someone less familiar with their music might have been a bit confused.
After the encore Phil Miller politely told us that under the circumstances (R.I.P. PIP) they had not had time to rehearse and were literally out of material to play. With this they bid us a warm goodnight.
Indeed at times the set was messy and lost. But this was funny in its own way and very entertaining. It felt like they were composing a piece there and then. One had to work with them to catch the melody/composition - then all of a sudden there would be that melody you recognised. This only applies to the pieces that didn't work so well.
The rest of the pieces, which consisted of about 3/4 of the set, were tight and great. Richard voice was in top shape although sometimes lost in the mix.
I think I detected extreme frustration at one point from Marc Fletcher but again that is to be expected. Overall a wonderful night that I will cherish for a long time...
Frederic
P.S. There was a Gentle Giant in the audience, Gary Green, and whenever I would glance in his direction, his head would be bobbing to the music, a smile on his face!"