Toronto, Canada – In Canada’s east coast sits a tiny province called Nova Scotia. On January 28, 1968, in the province’s capital city of Halifax, a baby girl was born. The baby would eventually be adopted by the McLachlan family, she became Sarah Ann McLachlan, and she would go on to become the apple of her Country’s eye, and an international star.
Sarah McLachlan eventually moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, and in 1987, she released her first album Touch. But it was the artists 3rd album Fumbling Towards Ecstasy that saw McLachlan become an international star. While the record was released in Canada in 1993, international releases in the United States, Japan, and Australia did not happen until 1994.
So 2024 brings an unbelievable 30 year anniversary for the album, and also brings along a tour to celebrate the milestone. Kicking off in Seattle, Washington on May 25, Sarah McLachlan and her entourage travel through the United States and her home country of Canada for 30 dates, eventually closing in Sugarland, Tennessee on July 6.
It was on June 19 that the artist rolled into Toronto, and I was honored to be a part of the celebration at Budweiser Stage. Getting to the venue is not small feat on the best of days unfortunately, but during this Wednesday evening, amidst the hottest week of the year thus far, and with the Toronto FC, and Toronto Blue Jays also playing home dates, the traffic was horrendous! I did make it early enough however to take in Sarah’s support for this specific show here in Toronto, another Canadian musician Allison Russell.
Allison Russell
Born in Montreal, Allison sadly endured abuse at a young age that far too many in our world have to live through. Unfortunately, many can never get over this early trauma. But then you have those who are steadfast to get themselves to a much healthier state of mind and use their extremely sad situation to fuel a greater cause. Allison has found the strength to do the latter, and in doing so, released her first solo album in 2021, entitled Outside Child. The album garnered Grammy Award nominations and more nominations came for the artist’s follow up release The Returner in 2023. With the second round of nominations, Russell brought home the Grammy for “Best American Roots Performance” for the album’s single “Eve was Black”.
Opening the show for Sarah McLachlan on this night, Allison Russell brought her jazzy soulful sound to Toronto. The multi-instrumentalist showcased her talents through her set, opening the show playing a clarinet, singing, and even playing the banjo. Russell and her three other band mates got the crowd primed for the headlining act in sound fashion. For such a tragic early life, Allison Russell is now thriving and shining!
Sarah McLachlan
With the sun setting, and dusk starting to envelop the Lake Ontario Amphitheatre, McLachlan and her band appeared before the crowd. The opening notes to “Sweet Surrender” are heard over the speakers, and the 16,000 strong roars in appreciation and quickly rise to their feet. Quite honestly, I have never quite heard a roar as this, at the opening notes of a show. The multi-instrumentalist starts this show with vocals only. At the track’s conclusion, McLachlan happily states “Hello Toronto! It’s so great to be back in Canada!!”.
At the show’s second track “Building a Mystery”, McLachlan plays a guitar, and then sits herself behind her iconic piano for the third song of the evening, “I Will Remember You”. It’s a fantastic opening three songs as she plays three of the most popular songs in her catalogue. She looks and sounds amazing, and by the reaction of the crowd, she is dearly loved.
There is a special intimate feeling at shows like this. The artists typically share life moments and let you into their words a little. Sarah McLachlan is no different as she shares stories about stealing friends’ boyfriends, yet somehow getting through those challenges and being best friends to this day. She shares stories about her two daughters and the challenges of being a parent. But there is also comedic moments about her oldest daughter, saying she had a “Fuck You” attitude the moment she was born, but how much they’ve grown and how strong they have become as young women.
The first half of the evening’s set is focused on her whole catalogue, and during the 2003 track “Answer”, the band huddles around the grand piano, no instruments in hand as McLachlan sings her heart out. The band hums the harmonies. The vocalist holds the note towards the end of the track and the crowd goes crazy. It’s one of those WOW moments to hear this singer at her best. After this one, the singer comes out from behind the piano for “Witness”. Fans around me are singing and guitarist Jason Orme gives us a brief solo. McLachlan leaves the stage and her bassist and back-up vocalist Camille Henderson carries the rest of the track. Musically, this track is a highlight for me during this concert, and we’re only halfway through.
The second half of the concert tonight was devoted to the album that the tour is celebrating, as McLachlan and team play through the album front to back. I’ve seen many of these shows over the past few years and I say it every time; I absolutely love this format. After her brief disappearance, Sarah returns with a black dress, and the fans are on their feet for the album’s lead-off track “Possession”. At the song’s conclusion, the vocalist says the she can’t believe it’s been 30 years. She goes on to explain that it is her favourite record, and despite the darkness in her life at the time of the recording, she never felt so free. And with that, the band goes into “Wait”.
Another highlight of the night is during the track “Mary”. With McLachlan and Henderson, it is vocally superb, and the crowd agrees.
This night was a spectacle! We all know that Sarah McLachlan has the voice of an angel, but her band was musically brilliant, the on-stage lighting was amazing, and the crowd was phenomenal. Even after 30 years, the singer makes this recording seem like yesterday.
In closing, The Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame 2024 induction ceremonies will take place at Toronto’s Massey Hall on September 28. Among this year’s inductees is none other than Sarah McLachlan herself. A huge honour that is bestowed to our countries greatest only. With talents like this it was only a matter of time that McLachlan would shine amongst the best!
Set List
Sweet Surrender
Building a Mystery
I Will Remember You
Drifting
Song for My Father
World on Fire
Adia
Beautiful Girl
Answer
Witness
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
Possession
Wait
Plenty
Good Enough
Mary
Elsewhere
Circle
Ice
Hold On
Ice Cream
Fear
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
Encore
Gravity
Angel
Sarah McLachlan Online
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show date: June 19, 2024
