A great musical performance balances content and showmanship. Much like cooking, the right ingredients make a good meal, but the presentation is what takes it to the next level. Having recently reviewed Terra Spencer’s new album, “Sunset,” I knew I was in for a treat content-wise. But would the presentation match? I found out on November 2nd at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre in Fredericton, NB.
The excitement was palpable as we took our seats just before the show. Some of Fredericton’s well-known artists were also in attendance. Spencer was introduced by Emma Chevarie from the MRTI Agency and opened with “Twenty Years In.” Her guitar skills were the first to capture my attention. Spencer crafts her songs with care, and it shows.
“Taking the time” was a fitting theme for this performance. Her stories and anecdotes were a perfect blend of depth and humor, making it easy to anticipate the next song. Unlike some artists who rush or overly embellish their sets, Spencer knows when to speak and when to let the music speak for itself. Her presentation matched the quality of her material.
Spencer later moved to the grand piano, performing “You’ve Got a Way” with a fuller sound than the recorded version, where the guitar is more prominent. Similarly, her acoustic guitar on “Valentine Blue” sounded richer than the ukulele-dominated version on “Sunset.” Without a band at her side, she maximizes her material’s potential, clearly dedicating time to achieve excellence.
I was also impressed by her interactions with fans at the merchandise booth. Unlike many artists who delegate this task to venue staff, Spencer’s presence strengthens her connection with fans. While waiting in line, I noticed her listening intently to each person’s stories, without any signs of impatience. There were so many of them! Spencer treats everyone as an equal, reflecting her remarkable character.
So, next time you’re cooking a good meal, remember to focus on presentation – it makes ALL the difference.
Set List:
- Twenty Years In
- Seventeen
- Valentine Blue
- Real Love
- Brick And Mortar
- East To West
- Other Side Of Goodbye
- Coyotes
- Lunenburg Moon
- Moses Mountain
- You’ve Got A Way
- Something About Paris
- Temporary Tattoo
- Angel From Montgomery (John Prine cover)
- The Circus
Ollie LeBlanc, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, discovered his love for music in his parents' basement with a box of classic rock LPs. A lifelong fan, his fascination with music has only grown over the past three decades as a musician. Ollie has worn many hats, including bassist, producer, engineer, and photographer. As he matures, his journey has become more about contributing to the musical community and sharing its richness. What better way to give back to the medium that has given him so much!
