by Andrew Stephens-Rennie
[Note: This post is the second in a two-part series. You can read the first part here.]
A strange way, a strange way indeed. What a strange way to start a revolution.
The last time Martyn Joseph passed through the Ottawa region was not in fact Ottawa, but Smiths Falls, Ontario back in the winter of 2008. Before that were a couple of stints at the Black Sheep Inn. I honestly don’t know why the Black Sheep hasn’t picked him up since, but really, it was great to be able to host Martyn at Ecclesiax, right in the heart of the Glebe.
From the opening chord to the closing note, the performance was captivating. Taking us on a journey of heartbreak and redemption, Martyn and his guitars opened a portal to the pain and suffering of our world, allowed us to participate in that, to feel it, to truly feel the power of lament (laments have a purpose and laments have a cost, a requiem playing to gather the lost), and the relief and release that come with such weeping, such confession, and inevitable resistance. Read the rest of this entry »
