MUSIC PREVIEW: No devices at Jack White!
Like communism, a cellphone-free concert experience is a beautiful idea – in theory.
In practice, security will be on your ass if you pull it out at Friday’s Jack White concert in Rogers Place. If one makes a rule to benefit the greater public good, one needs to enforce it. Otherwise what’s the point? Communism has never really been about freedom.
“No photos, video or audio recording devices allowed,” is Jack’s Law at his show, the first date of a Canadian tour behind his new album, Boarding House Reach. He explains, “We think you’ll enjoy looking up from your gadgets for a little while and experience music and our shared love of it IN PERSON.”
In fact, every concert-goer will be required to stow their device in a special lockable “Yondr” pouch you keep on your person. If you want to use your phone, you can go to the concourse to unlock the pouch.
This is a telling decision, just one more exotic herb in the stew of complexity that is Jack White – one of modern rock’s most intelligent yet ornery artists. His music, too, follows his personality. It can be “challenging.”
Jack and his wife Meg made a huge impact with the White Stripes and six studio albums since 1999, changing the rock landscape with songs like Seven Nation Army – before the band (and their marriage) broke up. Jack’s three solo albums since have done very well – each debuting at No. 1 in America – and feature his trademark sound: A flinty, strident mash-up of alternative rock, electronic music and jazzy experimentation, rich in attitude and esoteric social commentary. “Ya hee, icky thump. Who’d a thunk? Sittin’ drunk on a wagon to Mexico.” Shouldn’t that be Icky Trump?
OK, so maybe this no-phones thing is worth a try. Too bad it couldn’t be unanimously voluntary. Just one question: During the inevitable “quiet” moment in the show, what are fans going to hold up to illuminate the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll? Are Bic lighters still allowed? No smoking, either.
Advance tickets to the 8 pm show start at $47.
Thursday 1
Calling All Captains – Proudly “pop punk” – which not a lot of punk-poppers will admit – these Edmontonians have a lot of energy to expend on brisk crunchy catchy songs often topped, candy-like, by dual vocal harmonies. Healthy fanbase, too. Their show at the Buckingham is SOLD OUT.
Friday 2
Dear Rouge – Last seen in this parts at Sonic’s Field Day event, this Vancouver married-couple band showcases the powerful vocals and exuberant personality of lead singer Danielle McTaggart, along with grooving dance-rock songs that have made a significant dent on the Canadian alternative rock charts – even though they don’t really sound “alternative.” Latest album PHASES yielded their biggest single to date, the dramatic Live Through the Night. Opening the show at the Starlite Room are Modern Space (which also played Field Day) and Blonde Diamond. 8 pm, $22.50 advance
Danny Michel – More of an “Interstellar” sort of artist than a folk fest one, if you get our meaning (he happens to be signed to Six Shooter Records, producers of Interstellar Rodeo, so there you go), this Ontario singer-songwriter has a gift for melody and clever turn of phrase – really the two most important things in the singer-songwriter trade. It helps he can sing and play guitar, too. Michel is touring with songs from his latest album, White & Gold. Myer Horowitz Theatre (U of A), 8 pm, tickets $24
Saturday 3
The Pursuit of Happiness – The cat came back! Can’t really say “Prodigal Son Returns” because Moe Berg didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, he could do no wrong – a supremely talented musician with deep roots in Edmonton’s music scene during the early 1980s, before hitting paydirt with his new band in Toronto. His legendary anthem I’m An Adult Now still echoes across the land, and has held Berg in good stead to this day – perfect timing for a reunion tour. The Station on Jasper, 8 pm, $29 advance
Sunday 4
Barney Bentall and the Cariboo Express – Wait, didn’t this guy used to be a heartland rocker cut from the same cloth as Bruce Springsteen, and now he’s a country dude? It’s a more convincing switch than that guy from Default, anyway – and besides, this show at Festival Place seems to have a theatrical element, too. Cariboo Express is billed as an “Old West-styled troupe.” 7:30 pm, tickets $36
Tuesday 6
Drake – Justin Timberlake may have postponed his two-nighter Sunday and Monday, due to “bruised vocal cords, but Drake’s vocal cords are gold-plated. Also he uses Auto-Tune, doesn’t he? Anyway, the results are what counts, and this Canadian rapper-singer has dominated the charts for years with his groovy and low-key romantic musings. The former Degrassi star has made a huge connection with his fans, who have high expectations for his shows at Rogers Place (his second appearance in this building), Tuesday and Wednesday. On the “Aubrey & The Three Migos” tour in support of his new album Scorpion, the group Migos will open the shows. Tickets from $77.
