You may not instantly know the name Vance Joy, but you definitely know the song Riptide. Featured in a GoPro commercial it became a massive hit in 2013 that launched his career. Joy – born James Keogh – is no stranger to Alberta. In addition to opening for Taylor Swift on her recent 1989 World Tour he’s performed at venues like the Republik, Edmonton Folk Fest and as recently at the Calgary Stampede Coke Stage in July 2015. It really shouldn’t be a surprise that his January 18th Calgary concert at the Jubilee Auditorium was a quick sell out.
With 2 albums under his belt – 2013’s EP God Loves You When You’re Dancing and 2014’s Dream Your Life Away the show focused mostly on songs from the newest album. A sparse stage featuring Vance Joy backlit behind him, the singer took the stage with Mess is Mine and Riptide. Backed by a solid group of musicians tucked away into the darkness behind him, the focus was on Vance and the music.
It became easy to see why Vance Joy has achieved such success rather quickly. The outgoing Australian chatted between songs about life, telling stories from back home and experiences like travelling through southeast Asia. He managed to make the Jubilee feel intimate as he continued on with songs like Straight Into Your Arms and Play With Fire. Emmylou which started being written as a lullaby showcased the depth of his songwriting.
The audience was mixed, showing Vance Joy’s mass appeal. The clean cut 28 year old appeals both to adults and younger ladies, of which there were many in attendance. Familiarity wasn’t just reserved for Riptide although it did get the loudest reaction – and people out of their seats – when it appeared late in the set. A cover of Paul Simon’s Call Me Al wrapped up the main set before Joy returned to the stage for the tour’s namesake – The Fire & The Flood.
Vance Joy showed on this night that he has certainly learned from the opportunities he has had. He has a multi-album deal and it will be interesting to see how his career progresses. He certainly has the personality and songs to continue to draw. This could be one of the last times he plays a venue like the Jubilee Auditorium.
Calgary’s Reuben and the Dark were clearly ecstatic to play their hometown and a venue they undoubtedly had been in attendance at many times. There is something special about seeing a local band on a stage like the Jubilee, and it was evident by how many of the audience showed up for their set that many were there to see Reuben and the Dark as well. Their studio recordings – lush and beautiful in their own right – do not do the band justice as they are absolutely stunning live. Songs like Winter’s Widow and Rolling Stone echoed through the hall as the audience took note in. The band is on the road for the entirety of the tour in cities like Chicago and Toronto. Hopefully it leads to more eyes on one of Calgary’s best recent additions to the music scene.
