Daniel Lavoie: official website

Hats off to Daniel Lavoie !

1st Edition, Suzanne Gagnon
October 1997

Daniel Lavoie gave a show in a bar, «Chez Maurice», on October 1st 1997, here is an article about the show.

Daniel Lavoie is as handsome but not as laid-back as you’d think. He was right to say that people would be surprised by his show. Although you expect something good, you’d never thought you’d be so uplifted by a few musicians and a singer who takes such obvious delight in what they’re doing. But best of all, they manage to share their pleasure with the audience.

Those who were not at Chez Maurice last Wednesday evening missed a very good show. Superbly supported by gifted musicians, Daniel Lavoie unveiled a side of his talent many people did not suspect.

It’s true to say that in this show, based on his latest album ‘Divan Vert', music, good music, takes place of pride. Music and the singer, a Daniel Lavoie at ease, humorous, immensely likeable, entertaining, playing up to the audience at times, and always so at ease on stage that you feel he’s really delighted to see you there.

The obvious rapport with his musicians makes for spectacular results. Daniel Lavoie starts his show with ‘Tous les bateaux’. Then, to uphold his reputation as a ‘sentimental and romantic singer’, goes on with ‘Nantucket’ followed by ‘Jours de plaine’ and the beautiful ‘Qui sait’. Of course he introduces new songs but could not deprive us of ‘J’ai quitté mon île’, a favorite with the choir he points out with a touch of humour. He’s also unearthed a beautiful old text by Théophile Gautier, ‘Carmen’, put to his own brand of music.

Let’s mention as well ‘Cap Eternité’ and the hectic rhythms of ‘Hello Louise’, then an unforgottable Gospel ‘Here in the heart’ sung with Warren ‘Slim’ Williams, a superb musician and singer, son of a South Georgian American preacher. The result is as convincing as it is catching.

Daniel Lavoie couldn’t leave out ‘Je voudrais voir New-York’ and please, don’t ask him if he’s seen New York, the answer is YES, he said, half-amused half fed-up as not a day goes by without him being asked that very question. The show ended on ‘Tension attention’.

Those who wanted more were not disappointed. The singer came back for three more songs. ‘J’aurais voulu être un artiste’ sung as you’ve never heard it before, staged and performed to perfection.The same went for the magnificent ‘Ils s’aiment’ and it all ended on a rather juicy blues as Lavoie and his musicians started partying on stage. So much so that the whole audience jumped to their feet, dancing, clapping and waving. Who ever said that Lavoie on stage could sing people to sleep? Must be someone who’s never seen him live. Let the real Daniel Lavoie be revealed!