The dedicated Madison fans of Kathleen Edwards were gathered in front of the Majestic Theatre last Thursday with high expectations. As a rare occasion, the Majestic offered a money back guarantee if the audiences were not amazed by the angelic voice of Kathleen Edwards after two songs. As expected, there were no refunds issued as the accomplished Canadian Americana singer/songwriter walked on the stage and did what she does best.
With her new album Voyageur becoming a huge success, the audience was ready to hear all of her new songs that are fueled up with emotions and excitement of new beginnings. Voyageur is the fruit of a divorce and a new relationship for Kathleen Edwards, and during her live set, it was clear that this new album meant more than a musical accomplishment.
Her set was fearless and ambitious with songs from her old albums and Voyageur. As “Buffalo” made the crowd sing and cheer, “Going to Hell” almost brought us to tears.
It was clear that Wisconsin had a different meaning in Edwards’s heart, the home of Justin Vernon, the front man of Bon Iver, who produced ex Edwards’s latest album. Thus, her songs were sung more passionately and the crowd responded the same way with fervent sing-alongs.
Kathleen Edwards had a very strong band playing with her that took the show to the next level but when it was time for “I’m So Cool,” a new song that was recorded for Voyageur but did not make the album, Edwards preferred to sing it solo as her acoustic guitar gently cried. “I’m So Cool” created a new level of empathy and connection between the audience and Edwards as she sang about putting the pieces together and moving on.
As the emotions were running high, Edwards showed her humoristic side as she told stories from her personal life, a Canadian musician who is deeply in love with her but who did not stand a chance since Edwards does not date anyone “whose pants she can’t fit into.”
Overall Kathleen Edwards left the audience wanting more of her incomparable voice, hot-blooded lyrics, and witty sense of humor and she started the Majestic’s fifth anniversary weekend the right way.