Venue: The Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver

Reviewed by: Lauren Eldridge (Port Moody Correspondent – BC)

When my friend told me Joshua Radin was performing at the Commodore, I immediately said I would go. When she told me he was opening for Missy Higgins, I thought, “Who?” Little did I know that she would jump into my top five artists the first night I heard her perform.

I had read the Missy Higgins album review on A ‘n’ E Vibe and was looking forward to hearing her in concert. I considered buying her album first, but when it comes to an artist I have never heard before, I prefer to pop that particular cherry in a live concert, since it provides a wonderfully intense venue for truly absorbing and appreciating his or her music.

Joshua Radin came onstage at nine thirty and played for about half an hour. I had never seen him before, and he reminded me of a younger, Jewish Clive Owen. His voice, however, was more beautiful than handsome; just a man and his guitar, Joshua is the epitome of love songs. Sounding just as good as his recordings, he swept me away in a sea of crooning. The girls went crazy, not surprising considering such a hottie can sing and play guitar so well. Unfortunately, apart from the crowd around the stage, the people sitting at tables in groups were quite loud. Joshua seemed a little bitter about this reception, making comments about the drunken people in the back being rude and loud. As a statement against such debauchery, he played a song without the microphone, hoping to quieten the inattentive. It was quite a treat for those of us eagerly swarming the stage, but I felt bad that he wasn’t received as most artists, with quiet respect. Then again, I had come for Joshua and not Missy Higgins, so it is not wrong for others to come for Missy and not Joshua. In either case, respect for all artists is the proper decorum in any concert. Joshua promised to come back in January or February for his own show, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who enjoys mellow tunes, love songs, and good-looking men who play the guitar.

Missy Higgins didn’t come onstage until almost ten forty-five, but she was well worth waiting for. The Ellen Page of the music industry, Missy hails from the land down under. This young Aussie is not to be underestimated. A talented singer-songwriter, she is proficient at both the guitar and the piano. Heartfelt and emotional, her songs present a variety of styles and feelings. Amazing on her own and with her band, Missy is star-bound as her fame spreads. Having travelled all across North America, she is winning hearts with her charming personality and wonderful performances. Engaging us with funny stories about her experiences and inspirations, Missy knows how to connect with her audience. Never has an artist won me over quite so much as Missy Higgins. I would highly recommend both of her albums, and to follow her career as this young woman blossoms into international acclaim.

All in all, this was one of the best concerts I have ever attended. The combination of Joshua and Missy, especially when they sang a duet, is the making of some wonderful music. I eagerly await their return to Vancouver.