I arrived at the site two hours early and very inappropriately dressed for the sudden climate change: it was cold, very cold, but I tried to derive my thoughts from it. At t-minus forty-five minutes till Bob Walsh’s set, I made my way over to the Loto-Quebec stage. Not long after I arrived, I caught a glimpse of Guy Bélanger getting ready with Bob Walsh and it was as though someone had hit me with a happy stun-gun. For some reason it completely slipped my mind, but I knew Bob and Guy always played together – let’s just say pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.
Walsh has been a major name in Quebec’s Blues scene for over thirty years and through his voice you can feel the seniority that inspires the same kind of respect you’d give a grand father telling a war tale. You just listen to him eyes and ears pealed, not wanting to miss a word, even if you already know the songs he sings by heart. Together, he and Guy Bélanger put on quite the electrifying show. Guy is such a pleasure to watch, every time he gets up on stage, he makes it his own, there’s no overshadowing him. He uses the harmonica in a way you would never imagine feasible and that makes lyrics seem almost redundant. He always playfully engages with the other members of the band creating small fiery duos within a song, whether it’s with the guitarist, pianist or bassist. I will never grow weary of seeing him live. I would also like to mention that the musicians accompanying Mr. Wash and Mr. Bélanger last night were all immaculate.
Not wanting to miss one head bang, I jumped over the security fence for better shots, loving every second.
My personal highlight of the night: getting to speak to Guy in person after the set.
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