Jon-Rae Fletcher @ CMW 2009

Lee's Palace

Toronto, ON

on Mar 14 2009

Scott Bryson (CHARTattack)

03/16/2009 11:58am

Background / Composition:
Jon-Rae Fletcher used to front Vancouver-then-Toronto collective Jon-Rae & The River, but recently struck out on his own and released a disc of old-timey folk-rock titled Oh, Maria.

Grade: 80

Comment:
We may never know for sure what went down with The River, but let's face it, we wouldn't have been going to those Jon-Rae & The River shows if there hadn't been a Jon-Rae Fletcher. He's still the centre of attention and he's still just as talented as when he was fronting a band.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Fletcher was certainly polite, but banter was mostly limited to saying thank yous and announcing song titles. He seems like the sort of guy that would make a good storyteller; he should work on some stand-up material.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Fletcher had a three-piece band in tow and it definitely added some girth to his solo material. He was as vocally impressive as ever and his new songs are as well written as his River stuff (albeit a lot less rock 'n' roll). Near the end of his set, he appeased a crowd request and started playing a stripped-down version of "Just One More" from Jon-Rae & The River's Knows What You Need, but forgot the lyrics after the first verse and had to quit.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Fletcher was looking practically ministerial in his button-up shirt and tie, with his hair gelled and slicked back. He's the son of a preacher, so that look probably runs in the family.