Gentleman Reg @ CMW 2009

Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Mar 12 2009

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

03/13/2009 12:34pm

Background/Composition:
Gentleman Reg is everywhere these days. Ads for his Jet Black album pop up on virtually every site on the internet, and if you take a walk in just about any neighbourhood in Toronto, there's a decent chance you'll cross paths with him within a couple of hours. He tends to take years to make discs, but his gentle pop is always worth the wait.

Grade: 86

Comment:
Vermue had a three-piece band in tow that included Bicycles drummer Dana Snell. It was just what was needed to bring the songs on his new album to life. Land Of Talk's Elizabeth Powell even came flying out of the crowd to sing backup on one tune.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: G
Image: G
Appearance: S
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Gentleman Reg was the first performer of the night that took the time participate in a conversation with the audience. It was obvious that one of the secrets to his success is that he's a likable guy. He promised there would be sweating and he delivered.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It was an interesting two-guitar, no bass set-up, but it worked. Reg was focusing on new material and the crowd had no problem with that; it was obvious from their reactions to the songs that they love Jet Black. There was only one misstep, musically: mid-show, Reg decided to play "Rewind," a slow-burner that could have potentially put the crowd to sleep. He recovered well, however, and finished the night with a rocking rendition of "The Boyfriend Song" from his third album, Darby & Joan. Reg's vocals are just as pristine and note-perfect in person as they are on disc.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Reg's unnecessary indie-boy scarf did at least come in handy for wiping the sweat off of his brow.