Dawn Tyler Watson Live at Harbourfront, Saturday September 2, 2017


2017.9.2
Dawn Tyler Watson Saturday September 2, 2017 Live at Harbourfront, Toronto

      Manchester-born, Ontario-raised, and Montreal-based Dawn Tyler Watson came through town Saturday night at Harbourfront for a boisterous set of soulful blues. There were a few locals, including a Scottish transplant named Alec Fraser on bass, with whom Tyler Watson sang a quick duet while introducing the band.
      Dawn joked about not being able to afford a full horn section, claiming she would fill in herself. With that, she manage
d to play an uncannily trumpet-like solo, with just her mouth and the microphone. Beat boxers and throat singers, stay tuned! She sang an ode to Montreal eating, called “Smoked Meat”, and another lighthearted number called “Greenback” along with some more serious and soulful songs.
      A gospel infused stomper, “Shine” brought the house down. A thumping gospel revival is as good a way as any of reminding people none of these music styles are dead; but a more poplar revival of earthy blues sounds would be welcome in this auto-tuned age.
      As if to reinforce that point, Dawn Tyler Watson emerged for a final encore, a Leadbelly song from some of the earliest blues - delivered acappella.

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