Basia Bulat @ CMW 2009

Background / Composition:
Basia Bulat turned heads last year when her under-the-radar full-length debut, Oh, My Darling, garnered a Polaris nomination. Her folky-pop is credited with (once again?) making the autoharp cool.

Grade: 86

Comment:
Bulat had a full band in tow, but it wasn't the sort you see every day. Her primary players were on drums, flute, accordion and violin (and they also threw in the occasional dash of kazoo and keys). Lee's was packed from end to end with anxious fans.

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: G
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: G
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The set's only SNAFU arose halfway through when Bulat tried to tune her ukulele and it wasn't cooperating, which stalled things for a good five minutes. Elliott Brood's Mark Sasso eventually saved the day by donating his uke, and the rest of the performance went off without a hitch.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Oh, My Darling is a fairly laid-back disc, but the Bulat live show is fully rock 'n' roll. She did eventually haul out the autoharp; it's true what they say, she's pretty handy with it. There was a new song in the mix, which Bulat said she'd nicknamed "Canyonero" after the SUV in The Simpsons.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
If performances like this are the norm for Bulat, her future as one of this country's best is assured.