After a fall tour with My Morning Jacket, Toronto resident Kathleen Edwards made a stop at The Phoenix Concert Theatre Thursday night for an intimate show, joined by Joel Plaskett. Now, I knew back in 2003 when I heard "Six O'Clock News" for the first time that this was a singer/songwriter that had a bright future ahead of her. It was when I saw her live for the first time that that feeling was confirmed. Not only did she have the voice, but the girl plays a mean guitar!

This was my second time seeing Edwards live, and The Phoenix is always a great venue for a show, so when I was offered tickets at the last minute, I jumped at the chance. Sitting high in the Loft, with a perfect view of the stage, I enjoyed a great opening set by Plaskett, followed by TSN's Dave Hodge introducing Edwards and her band. Needless to say Edwards (a bit of a hockey fan) was thrilled by the intro.

She started the night with "Independent Thief", and played everything I'd want to hear, from "In State", to "Six O'clock News", to "Summerlong" and "Back To Me" (my personal fave off her most recent album). Of course, she included "Hockey Skates", another of my favourites, with a special dedication to Dave Hodge, and an anecdote on how he ended up at her show.

Edwards even brought up her friend Brad to play acoustic guitar and join her on vocals for one tune, which she said was inspired by Joel Plaskett having his father join him on stage during this leg of the tour. And it wasn't disastrous - Brad can sing, and play guitar without any drastic flaws.

It's always nice to go to a show in a comfortable venue with great sound, and see a talented musician such as Edwards. As the show ended and the last song was played, I found myself thoroughly satisfied. If you haven't been to a Kathleen Edwards show yet, check one out. If what you hear of hers on the radio hasn't piqued your curiosity, her stunning live vocals, gifted musical storytelling, and guitar prowess will be sure to impress.