Passovah 2 Year Anniversary – Il Motore – Saturday, February 6th

Many of Montreal’s finest musicians were on hand to celebrate this special event with Passovah founder Noah Bick and the rest of the Passovah team. Spotted in the crowd were members of Montreal bands Intensive Care, Adam & The Amethysts, Nightwood, Cotton Mouth, Parlovr and the Lovely Feathers. When I arrived at Il Motore at around 9:30 PM the place was pretty much empty, but this is Montreal after-all, where the night doesn’t start until 10:30. Sure enough by 10:30 the place was completely packed with musicians and concertgoers alike all drinking and chatting and having a good time as Shapes & Sizes took the stage. The band went right to work showcasing some new songs for the audience. Lead singer and keyboardest/guitarist Caila Thompson-Hannant sang beautifully throughout the set, showcasing her talents not only as a vocalist, but as a musician as well. The band kept things eclectic throughout the set with songs ranging from mellow, to soulful to down right rocking. Although everyone was still in the mood to chat throughout the set the band didn’t seem to notice, and this was a party after all so I don’t think anybody minded.

By the time The Luyas took the stage it seemed as if people had less to say to each other and were more interested in what was happening on stage. That and I think everyone really wanted to see what The Luyas could do because word on the street is they are pretty awesome. Even though lead singer Jessie Stein didn’t have much of a voice left after a tour in which the band were opening for a Christian rock band, they put on a pretty incredible set, and I don’t think I’m the only one who thinks they lived up to the hype. Voice or no voice Stein and co. powered through playing a nice set of songs that included the atmospheric “Tiny Head” during which french horn player Pietro Amato tweaked away at some nobs to distort his horn (there’s something you don’t see every day). The band also played an interesting cover of Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack”, which was very well received. By the end of the set, Stein could barely sing anymore but I think everyone appreciated her effort, sending her and the rest of the band off with a nice round of applause.

In the end we all got to drink, joke with friends, and most importantly, witness Passovah turn the ripe old age of 2. We wish the guys at Passovah all the best, and hope the next two years are just as prosperous as the first. – Greg Lozoff

The Luyas

Shapes & Sizes

Photography by Kenneth Suss

Tags: 2 Year Anniversary, February 6, Il Motore, Kenneth Suss, Montreal, Noah Bick, Passovah, Shapes & Sizes, The Luyas