Basia Bulat, originally from Toronto, schooled in London and currently residing for the summer in Montreal, made her trip adjacent to the 401 on the VIA rail to see farmland, "old tractors and run-down barns." As she got closer to Toronto, she said she saw tress and forestry. Things didn't become darker, but they became comfier.

Basia Bulat and her band of love played The Silver Dollar last night to many patrons, friends and newbies. Praised by the legend of Spadina & College himself, Dan Burke praises Basia as "a crown jewel on Toronto's current bandscape." Having invited her to play Toronto (this time not being the first), Dan Burke has his aim squarely-set on this wonderful performer and what she can do.

Basia and her band kicked off their set at around 10.45 with many onlookers gathered around to hear her fill the Silver Dollar, and the open ears involved, with closed-eye tunes for the ages. Her music is of the folksy kind, using an acoustic guitar for her followed by her band that used a ukulele, a piano, drums/percussion, two violins and sweet backing vox.

Probably one of the better moments of last night was how her set kicked off: a simple strum of the guitar and vocals to boot, then a kick of the drums and the rest of the band were off and running -- a lively starter to a great night. As the night progressed, Basia couldn't help but throw smiles and laughter to everyone she could see. She went very deep during every song but every time she would finish, she would grace the audience with a welcoming beam of happiness and comfort knowing that everyone was enjoying themselves.

Basia and the band have a record coming out around the beginning of next year. Having already heard just a bit of it (but probably my favourite part of it), I think the new listeners are going to enjoy getting to know who Basia Bulat and her band of love really are.

Photos:
here