I can’t say I have ever knowingly listened to Jimmy Rankin, but after the Aurora Borealis Arts Council’s recent presentation of his Back Road Paradise Tour, that could easily change.
Over 150 patrons took in Rankin’s Nov. 6 Snow Lake show, and I’m sure no one left disappointed. Perhaps, like myself, there were even a few new converts.
The Lawrie Marsh Hall was buzzing prior to the event, as people settled into their seats and doffed their winter gear.
Rankin and accompanist Jamie Robinson took to the stage after a glowing introduction from the arts council’s Sylvia Zamzow.
They began the show softly and Rankin and Robinson’s harmonies put me in mind of a 1970s act called Loggins and Messina (“Danny’s Song,” “Your Mama Don’t Dance”).
Robinson is an exceptional guitar player and proved it often on this evening. He was no slouch with the mandolin, either.
Rankin was more a strummer than a picker on the two acoustics he brought with him to stage, and his voice is strong and pure whether he is holding the low notes or hitting the high ones.
It didn’t take the performer long to warm up to the audience; after the first two songs he seemed eager to engage and even had a little back and forth with the crowd.
After a 45-minute opening set, the second set began a bit up-tempo from the first and this was dialed up even more as the show progressed.
By the time Rankin started into the beginning notes of “Followed Her Around,” people were swaying in their seats, clapping their hands and singing along.
It was obvious that many at the show were quite familiar with Rankin’s vast catalogue of music, and there were many attending on this night who shared his Maritime roots.
As the music got louder and faster, the old Lawrie Marsh Hall never sounded better. Rankin’s man on the mixer this night earned his wage and more, as the sound was crisp, clear and pleasing to the ear.
When the performer and his accompanist came to the end of their presentation, the crowd showed their collective gratitude and clapped, whistled and whooped till he offered up an encore.
Rankin had obviously contemplated this final three-song set, beginning with a soulful and relevant Remembrance Day tune followed up with one of his Christmas songs. He closed with “Whiskey When the Sun Goes Down.”
After another rousing round of applause, the two gents left the stage and went down into the main hall to talk with audience members and sign CDs.
It should also be mentioned that the members of the Aurora Borealis Arts Council once again outdid themselves. The shows this fine group brings to our little town are always top-notch and this one was certainly indicative of that.
They deserved some of the applause rendered on this night as well. Bravo.
My Take on Snow Lake runs Fridays.
