Alan Doyle, Boy on Bridge

Writing blog posts isn't always easy, and this post is no exception. Why is it that something is harder to write about when you feel strongly about it? Maybe you want to do justice to the thoughts you're thinking; you want those thoughts to transfer well to words, but the words fail you. Such is my problem in trying to write about Alan Doyle's Boy on Bridge documentary film that aired on CMT Canada on Friday night. The film follows Alan's journey as he writes and records music for what would become his debut record of the same name.

LIGHT THE WAY

Keith Power, a good friend of Alan's remembers that he always wanted to Alan. Power, nearly six years Alan's junior (the same age as his baby sis Michelle) says that Alan was always the centre of attention- forever telling stories and entertaining people. And now, some 25 years later, he still wants to be Alan, for those same reasons.

For actor/musician Scott Grimes, (E.R., Band of Brothers, American Dad, Mystery Alaska, etc) working with Alan is a thrill. You see, Scott is more than Alan's friend, he's also a fan of his music, having been introduced to the music of Great Big Sea (www.greatbigsea.com) back in 1997. Since then, the two have worked together on a couple movies ( Robin Hood and A Winter's Tale), and several episodes of Republic of Doyle (CBC.ca/RepublicofDoyle).

Alan knew that he wanted Grimes and Power to sing backing vocals on the track Light the Way (co-written by Sean Panting), but given the schedules of the two, it would not be easy to do. So, knowing they were coming to a GBS gig, Alan brought them backstage, where he recorded it in his laptop. Scott, as a joke, had gone up an octave on one set of backing vocals, clearly not expecting it to be used. However, Alan loved the sound of it, so it stayed in.

WHERE I BELONG

Despite all his worldly travels, there is one place that Alan truly belongs, and that's the small fishing village of Petty Harbour (est pop 924 in 2011), located approximately 15 minutes south of St. John's, Newfoundland. It was here that a young Alan Doyle got his start, filling in on rhythm guitar in his Uncle Ronnie's band, The Ringdelles.

Ronnie Doyle, Alan's Uncle and Mayor of Petty Harbour at the time Boy on Bridge was being filmed remembers that day. He called up his brother (Alan's Dad) Tom and asked if Alan would like to fill in for that gig. Tom passed the phone to Alan, who agreed, and did indeed fill in. Ronnie still remembers Alan's amazement at being paid a few dollars like everyone else. 

While sitting with his Uncle Ronnie in the Mayor's Chambers, Alan reminisces about days gone by- Sundays at The Squid Jigger, and said that depending on who was playing with the band on that night, the tunes would vary. One fella in particular, you'd be playing a lot of country songs, whereas with another there would be a lot of accordion tunes. It always changed.

It was in Petty Harbour that Alan got his first movie credit as well- although he'd not know of that until many years later- in A Whale For The Killing, where he was listed as Alan Doyle- Boy on Bridge. That bridge played such an important role in Alan's life. He couldn't go anywhere without that bridge; it brought him to school, and later to St. John's, where he would attend university, help start Great Big Sea, and meet the woman who would eventually become his wife- and a brighter future. In retrospect, he supposes that's what Boy on Bridge really means.

JIM CUDDY JUST SANG ON MY RECORD

There are many Canadian musicians who, when writing songs, try to emulate Blue Rodeo. Alan is no exception to that. Hawksley Workman of who Alan says: don't get his way and let him do his thing- wrote and recorded several songs together for the Boy on Bridge record (Sorry, Love While Love's Awake, and one of the bonus tracks Somewhere In The Love We Made), including the song Northern Plains. As he was recording it, Alan thought like many others, "Wouldn't it be cool if Jim Cuddy sang harmonies on the track?" So he called up Jim, who agreed to do it. Obviously ecstatic at this happening, and rightly so, after Jim does the harmonies, exclaims "This record is now called 'Jim Cuddy just sang on my record' and that Jim's picture was going on the cover. "I'm the worst performer on my own record!"

Oh, and a couple pieces of advice. 

1. Never challenge yourself to write, sing and record a song about a cruise ship while on a cruise ship, because the free beer and wine slows it down. 

2. Hit record before you get the audience  to participate in said recording.

The end result was Mutiny on the Dawn, a bonus track available through Alan's website alandoyle.ca. The link for the bonus tracks is alandoyle.ca/bonus 

It's a song about the people on the cruise ship the Norwegian Dawn, who plan a mutiny. The audience all sings along, clapping, cheering, singing, and adding in "crazy noises of celebration", making a rollicking tune that much more fun. 

ON THE INJURED LIST

Towards the end of the Safe Upon the Shore tour, the slipped disc in Alan's back ruptured, causing him a lot of pain. When he got home and got an MRI to see what happened, the news was revealed, and he was told that he would need surgery or he'd face having nerve damage in his legs. With no other option, he had to go under the knife. Said a source that I won't reveal, he suffered with the pain after. He had a bed in the living room for weeks, and had to use a walker to get around. It was the first time I'd seen him in such incredible pain and it broke my heart. I hope he never has to go through that again.

WORKING WITH THE MAN OF A THOUSAND SONGS

It's unfathomable to me that there are people out there who have never heard of Ron Hynes. Here in Newfoundland, he is a legend, and is also one of Alan's idols. In Alan's opinion, Ron is, he thinks, the best songwriter in Atlantic Canada if not all of Canada. As a young boy in 1978-1982/83, Alan grew up watching the Wonderful Grand Band on TV, as did many others.

This time was not the first time that Alan had attempted to write a song with the great Ron Hynes. The first time, Alan admits that he was too young and excited for the opportunity to get anything done. The second chance came during a time when Ron was battling his drinking addiction. But luckily the third time was a charm and the sad but lovely tune (one of the bonus tunes available on Alan's website) Heart So Longs To Know was born. Written on a postcard of all things, in Ron's kitchen in Ferryland, it became another notch in his songwriting belt. 

STRUGGLES AND THE TRIP TO NASHVILLE 

GBS manager Louis Thomas, a good friend of Alan's, and also his personal manager, calls him up one day, challenging him to do better and write better songs, not a bunch of GBS B-sides as he put it. Alan was clearly frustrated, not wanting to have to work like a dog to get his own songs on his own record, but he pushed through. He says that the people he has around him are horrible ass-kissers; won't tell you that you're great. He knows its because they're trying to help, but in his mind all he hears is "You suck, I hate your songs." But on the advice of Louis, he heads to Nashville to work with fellow Atlantic Canadian and songwriter extraordinaire, Gordie Sampson. 

He didn't know anybody besides Gordie, but somehow he managed to write three songs- Where the Nightingales Sing, I've Seen A Little, and My Day. Also coming out of those sessions was an original, and personal favourite of mine, Break It Slow.

ANTHEMS AND WORRIES

Singing anthems is terrifying, Alan admits, because if you do it well, nobody notices. But if you screw up, everyone loves to make fun of you. This was said of singing the anthems for a Detroit/Toronto game, where he was doing press with Republic of Doyle co-creator and good friend, Allan Hawco. Although the American anthem is difficult for someone that doesn't have a "range-y" voice, Alan delivers (for those interested, there is a clip on YouTube).

There were worries on Alan's part about the whole project. As he and GBS were now at the end of a contract with Warner, they were technically deemed free agents, and he had to find someone else who was willing to release the record. But even if they did, would it be in a limited capacity? Luckily for Alan (and for us fans, Universal Music Canada was,  and released the project in full.

I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS (RUSSELL CROWE AND COLIN JAMES)

Russell Crowe helps out in Vancouver, and while he loves to tease Alan, ("take another lap around the building", "we're all here to make you look good-notice how many people that takes?") it's clear the two admire each other. Crowe says that when he knows he's writing for Alan, he goes to a higher gear... A place of brevity, because after 24/25 songs together, he knows what Alan wants to hear, and that it comes down to being touched by a song. He also says that Alan lives for his audience, and deserves the big one. 

The pair, who met during the 2004 NHL Awards, have fast become good friends, writing many songs together, with Alan producing Russell's only solo cd, My Hand, My Heart. Since then, Alan has appeared in two movies with Russell, and also on Republic of Doyle.

Alan is clearly blown away by Colin James who plays a mean bluegrass style guitar on Testify (sparked by the infamous phone throwing incident in NYC, and written while Crowe was doing press for Cinderella Man), giving it the feel it truly deserves.

Colin, who knows GBS well loves that Alan stepped out of the box and the way he did music.

MORE NERVES

Because of his back, the opportunity to work with great TV composer Mike Post had to be postponed. Alan, was worried he'd lost his chance, but luckily things worked out, and although nervous, he is is glad for the chance.

Post, who became a fan of GBS after seeing them at the HOB in L.A. about 6/7 years ago says that he was immediately blown away by the band. They weren't just rock, folk or pop, but all things combined. He also said that he knows Alan is really smart and talented- no BS. And he knew it when they were fooling around in the studio. He was sick, so they hadn't started until 2 that day, and 3 hours later they had a song. Later that night, Alan finished the lyric. 

Says Alan of the experience: I wanted to do something I'd never done before; not something I could've sang somewhere else. 

BLOWN AWAY AND GREATFUL

When it comes to the performers on his record, Doyle is blown away. They (Russell, Jim Cuddy, Hawksley, Mike Post, etc) did it for nothing whereas others would've had to pay a lot to get the help he did.

He's very thankful to Great Big Sea too, because if not for the band, he a young man, just out of university, never would've met his wife. And if he'd never met her, they wouldn't have their son together. He tries to pass off his strong emotion here by blaming it on dust, but its clear his family means everything to him.

When asked what advice he'd give his younger self on that bridge, Alan pauses before giving his answer. Even if he could, he wouldn't give any, because that young man found his way on his own and has done very well for himself.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

After watching the documentary, many thoughts have filled my head. 

1. I love the behind the scenes look to making the album and seeing how it all came together. 

2. It was hard seeing him in pain, and struggling to get around while using a walker, but was touched by his strength. 

3. I laughed quite a bit when he was working with Ron Hynes, there was obvious boyish delight on Alan's part, working with an idol of his. 

My overall impression is one of awe, wonder and pure delight. I feel as if I was taken on a journey, seeing all the ups and downs, highs and lows and everyday things that can get in the way of your dreams. But Alan is an inspiration, getting through everything and making his dream come true. I can honestly say now that I'll never hear the Boy on Bridge record the same again, and I'll always appreciate and love it more than before because of everything he had to go through to make it.

Two thumbs way up, and five stars here. 

Your thoughts?

Alan Doyle- Right Where He Belongs (Club 1, St. John’s)

Okay, for anyone who follows this blog regularly, you’ll know that on Sunday past (June 10^th), I attended Alan Doyle’s show at Club One. But it was not just the show that was fantastic, the whole day was. So, if you’ll permit me, dear readers, I’d like to tell you about the whole day.

It all started around 9 in the morning in my hometown of Garden Cove. My sister-of-the-heart Sile (pronounced Sheila) and I had gone up there the night before as we were going to be getting a ride in with my mother and stepfather. We got up, got ready, and then we left Garden Cove around quarter after 11. We made it into St. John’s a little after 1, where we met up with my cousin Donna. She had agreed to drop us off at the hostel so we could pay for our accommodations for the night.

So, we get to the hostel and pay for said accommodations for the night (Hi-City Hostel, St. John’s- fabulous place by the way. Great staff and wonderful service) and then drop off our things. Wouldn’t you know it that the overflow house (where our room was) for the hostel is right across the street from the house the Doyles live in on the hit CBC show Republic of Doyle? What luck, and what a view! Anyways, I digress. We left the hostel and then headed to Leo’s Fish and Chips because she and I both wanted it. Too bad that I forgot it’s closed on Sundays. Oh well, we’ll hit it up next time for sure.

Seeing as how Leo’s was closed, we decided to start walking back. We had time to kill, so we decided to pop into the Duke of Duckworth pub to eat. As we were nearing the Duke, who would my eyes spot but the opener for the show that night- Dustin Bentall, with his girlfriend/band mate and also fiddle player for the Alan Doyle band- Kendel Carson! I didn’t say hi though, as I was too nervous to. They left the Duke, as it was busy as all get out, and after a few minutes, Sile and I left as well.

On the way back to the hostel, we got lost (oops!) and had to use Sile’s phone to get Google Maps and find out where the hell we were going. We eventually did, and although we got back there later than we had planned to, it didn’t bother us all that much. It was then that we decided to start getting ready for the show (it was only nearing 4 in the afternoon!) as we had planned to meet up with a friend before the show for a meal and a drink. As we got ready, and I was charging my phone, a tweet came through from Kendel, who I had tweeted earlier in the day “ya should have said hi! See you tonight at club one! :) ”, she said. I squealed, not believing my luck!

By 5 minutes after 5 we were ready and made our way back down to the Duke of Duckworth pub. It was still busy, but not as bad as before, so Sile and I sat in a booth and waited for my friend, and another sister-of-the-heart, Amelia, to arrive. That was around 5:30 or so. Amelia and a friend of hers, Sara (not sure if that’s the correct spelling or not) showed up just a few minutes later. We sat and chatted for a while,  had something to eat, and then about 6:30 we left the Duke and headed towards Club One, the venue for Alan’s show that night. We got there a little before 7, and then the waiting started. By quarter to eight, there was a pretty decent lineup for the show, and you can only guess who was at the very front of the line. If you guessed me, you’re right. Yours truly was the very first person in through the doors of Club One that night, with Sile hot on my heels (literally). As soon as I got inside, I made a beeline straight for the stage. I looked at the set-up of the mikes- there were three of them, and quickly determined that Alan was in the middle. I took my spot there, and it was there I stayed for the rest of the night.

As the staff at the show were a little late in opening the doors, the show was a little late in starting. The opener for the night, Dustin Bentall, came on around 25 minutes to 9. He did several songs on his own- Emmy Lou and several others that escape me right now if anyone is reading this and knows the titles, please tell me) and then brought on his girlfriend Kendel to do a few songs with him! It was during this time that I was truly impressed with the youngest of the Bentalls! For those of you who don’t know, Dustin’s father is Barney Bentall; a very well-known musician! I think with songs like Sharpshooter and Emmy Lou, Dustin is well on his way to following in his father’s footsteps and have a wonderful career in music!

At about 20 minutes after 9, the man we had all been waiting to see took the stage. Alan was in fine form this night; dressed in a dark shirt and vest, and a very nice pair of jeans (the view from where I was standing was quite pleasant). The crowd, including myself, was at fever pitch, and we were more than ready to rock by this point. The set list for the night looked like this:

With the crowd ready to rock, Alan and his band (Cory Tetford- guitar and keys,  Kendel Carson- fiddle and tambourine, Kris MacFarlane- drums, and Shehab Iliyas- bass) launched into the first song. From the outset, anyone present could tell that this was going to be one hell of a show, and certainly Alan could too. At one point he remarked that it was the last night of the tour and that he was going to leave it all on the stage. And leave it there he did, but that part of our story is later to come, dear readers.

The next song was Break It Slow. Since I first bought the album on release day, this song had quickly become a favourite. Seeing it live has only strengthened my opinion of the song. I love it even more now than I did the first time I heard it! The crowd was already bouncing by this time, and showed no signs of letting up! My Day, perhaps a very fitting song for this night, as it was truly Alan’s day, and nothing was going to ruin it, not on this, the most important night of the tour. Alan was beaming from ear-to-ear, and if he was tired at all (which I think he was) he never let on for a moment.

The next song was Where The Nightingales Sing or as it was titled on the set list, Nightingale. Alan told the story of how he wanted to write a song that his mother could be proud of, and that since nobody wrote waltzes anymore, that he would write a waltz. And with his parents in the crowd, there was no more fitting a song to do that night.

He talked about being on the Newfoundland Herald, and me, knowing that I had the perfect reason to hold it up, did so. Alan came over, and with my camera rolling and capturing the moment, plucked said Newfoundland Herald from my hands. It was then that he gleefully held it up on stage for everyone to see, because as everyone in Newfoundland knows, you’ve truly made it when you get your picture on the cover of the Newfoundland Herald!  He returned the Herald to my hands, and then proceeded to launch into the song.

Nightingale was one song that I had wanted to get video of, but because of the stumbling drunk, screaming-not singing lady (and I use the term rather lightly) behind me, there was no way that the video would have been any kind of decent. This particular person was a thorn in the sides of a lot of people this night, what with her call of “I love you Alan” every five seconds. Uh honey, I think he got the message the first dozen times you were calling his name. Anyways, I’m not going to waste my breath ranting about her; she’s not worth it. Instead I’ll smile at the picture in my head of the two dancing lovers behind me. No prettier sight to see than that (and perhaps the smile on Alan’s face).

The next two songs were songs that were familiar to anybody who is a fan of Great Big Sea. Alan said that he had thought that since these were songs that GBS does not often do, that it would be cool to slip them into his own show so that fans could get a chance to hear them. First up was Dance Dance, a fun song that this writer has loved since its release on the 2008 Great Big Sea record, Fortune’s Favour. The crowd was especially bouncing along with this one, and my friends and I couldn’t help but beam from ear-to-ear as we danced along and sang every word.

Hit the Ground and Run was next and had a very delightful intro. Mr. Doyle was saying that if you look on the package (of a condom) that it says on there that it’s 99.9 percent effective. And he supposed that if you beat those odds, and were that 0.1 percent, that you were likened to Superman. This got no shortage of giggles from band mate and fellow guitar player Cory, and master of the drums, Kris MacFarlane. Kendel was snickering too, come to think of it. Not surprising from the man that Russell Crowe (co-writer of the song) refers to as doubly funny; both ha-ha and peculiar. Towards the middle of the song, Alan launched into intros. First Cory, who he supposedly met in Clarenville in 1917, all the way from Central Newfoundland. He thought he had a great voice then, and still thinks so now. Next was Kendel, hailing all the way from Vancouver Island, BC. She did a wicked fiddle solo; methinks Bob better watch out- he might have some competition). The whole song in total lasted over 7 minutes, and I promise that as soon as I get the chance, I will be uploading video of this spectacular song to YouTube.

Northern Plains  was next, and I have to admit that when I first heard a clip of the song on Amazon, I was a bit iffy about it. I was not sure if it was my cup of tea. But when I got the CD and heard the whole song, it fast became a song that I fell in love with. It was especially lovely on this night, and Kendel’s fiddle made the song just that little bit more haunting. It was a treat for the ears on this night. Even I was swaying back and forth with this one.

Next up was the part of the show that I was looking forward to the most; the twitter requests section. The first request on this night was Something Beautiful, a song that Alan said many people had requested, and that he was more than happy to do, but that he also had a personal reason for performing the song. I’m not sure if you all know who Dr. Jack Hand is, but he passed away earlier in the week, and as Alan had admired the man for all that he had done, Something Beautiful  was the perfect way to honour him. 

When it came time to do the second twitter request, Alan asked us if it was okay if he could be selfish and do his own request. Of course we didn’t mind. Alan called his father to the stage, that gleam in his eyes. “I know what he’s thinking,” Alan proclaimed gleefully. “He’s thinking ‘that bastard is gonna pay me for this!” Well that certainly got the crowd laughing. A spotlight went out on the crowd, searching for the older of the Doyles, and Alan grinned and proudly said, “You can call him Tom, but I call him Dad.”

Tom got to the stage then, and tested the mikes to see which one was working best. He chose his son’s mike (not a bad one to choose, in my opinion) and laughed, “We’re gonna do Three Dog Night.” Alan laughed at his father, as did several people in the audience (Sile would have loved to have heard it), and then said “Say something amusing while I tune my guitar.” Tom grinned, obviously loving the idea, “He still can’t tune a guitar,” and “What happened to all your roadies; they all gone?” And with that all-too familiar gleam in his eyes (methinks it’s where Alan gets it from) turned and looked at the crowd and said, “He’s broke.” Alan hung his head, laughing, clearly embarrassed by his dear ol Dad. He finished tuning his guitar, and then started playing Berry Picking Time. I don’t think either of them could have smiled bigger if they had tried. The crowd was absolutely loving this, and you could hear people singing along. My camera was on them the whole time, not wanting to miss a thing. At the end of the song, there was an embrace between father and son, and Alan proudly declared “70 years old and he still commands the stage.”

This was followed by an absolutely lovely The Rules Will All Be Broken, simply called The Rules on this night. Cory played keys on this one, and Alan poured his heart and soul into it. I fell in love with this song at first listen, but it was far more impressive live. It’s a moment that I won’t soon forget. Then came Paper In Fire, a song I had only seen on video, never live. The band was on fire for this one, and I’m sure that it was clear to everyone present that the band was absolutely enjoying themselves on stage, as well they should.

The electric came out again, and my eyes were on that lovely Gibson 335 and the man holding it. As I could see the set list the whole night, I knew that he was going to do Light the Way. “Let’s have a sing along” Alan declared, and started singing the chorus. The crowd sang along with every word, and there was no way to wipe the smile off the face of a man who was truly in his element.

As he introduced Testify, the next song of the evening, Alan joked that he wrote the next two songs and the last one with a struggling actor named Russell Crowe. The crowd, including myself busted out into a fit of laughter. He went on to say how he thinks he had his big break on Republic of Doyle and that he has a bright future. Poor Russell, not even there to defend himself from his buddy’s teasing. Oh well, I’m sure he gives as good as he gets. The song, on which Alan played acoustic guitar this night, was haunting. Kris’s drums made it even more so, and it was a treat for the eyes and the ears to see all hands so into what they were doing. Sile and I waved our arms at the word “Down” (watch the video for Russell’s version) only adding to our fun.

Not long after he left the stage, the crowd started chanting his name, “Alan, Alan, Alan, Alan!” Well, let me tell you now, it didn’t take him long to respond to that. Not two minutes after he had left the stage, he came back out a smile spreading from one ear to the other. Cory went back over to the keys and they started Lovers Hands. This song done live is far more impressive than on the CD, and had me nearly melted into a puddle by the time Alan had finished performing it. I don’t think I’ll ever hear it quite the same way again.

Our opener, Dustin, came back out for the next song, 3000 Miles, a song I had not heard (despite the fact that there was video of it). I am glad that I had never seen it before that night, because it gave me the chance to listen to the song with fresh ears, and to have no outside opinion. It was a delight to watch, as the whole band frolicked and played up on that stage like they had done it a million times.

Straight to Hell; my beloved Straight to Hell; I can’t tell you how much I missed this song. For all my proclamations about loving country music, and that Newfoundland music is what I’m all about, I am truly a rock girl at heart. This was no different on Sunday as I banged my head along with the music. Alan did a devilishly-wicked solo on this night (also caught on my camera) and had the crowd eating out of his palms (as well they should have). If he was aiming to please this concert goer on Sunday night, he picked the perfect song to do it with. As the band left the stage for Alan to do the night’s final song on his own, drummer and fellow GBS band mate Kris was seen patting him on the back, a well-deserved “well done” on this night. But the very best was about to come.

Alan sang Belong then, and I’d heard accounts from friends who had seen other shows on the tour that there are usually tears in his eyes when he opens them. Well this night was no different. He started into the song, his voice nearly spent; his energy reserves nearly depleted. His eyes closed, Alan put his all into the song, clearly not wanting to disappoint the home crowd. When he opened his eyes, there were indeed tears in them, and you could feel your heart break for him then. The passion and intensity he puts into the song isn’t there by accident, and it’s plain to see how much the song means to him. He got a second wind then as the crowd cheered him on, helping to bring him across the finish line of the show. When he finished, he was beaming. He thanked the crowd for coming (when it should have been us thanking him- and indeed many people did) and then finally left the stage.

My feet were killing me by this point (piece of advice: never wear 4” heels to a club show) but I was on a mission. There were several people that I wanted to meet and get pictures with. So Sile and I set out around to walk around the club floor and see who we could see. First up was Dustin Bentall, with who I got both a picture and a chat. He was so sweet; I sure hope that he comes back this way again.

I was talking to Amelia after that, saying that I was looking for celebrities, and she pointed out to me that Mark Critch (of 22 Minutes fame) was standing over near the bar. I waited til he was finished talking to his friend, and then politely asked for a picture, to which Mark agreed. As he was getting a picture with Sile, I was telling him that she was a new Newfoundlander, had only been here three months; moved here in March. He was impressed with me for getting her to move here, and even more impressed with her for moving.

Next up was Cory, whom I had tweeted earlier in the week asking for a picture. He had agreed over Twitter, and so a picture was clearly in order. I waited until he was finished talking to who he was talking to, and then he turned my way. “Hi there!” he exclaimed, giving me a hug. I beamed. “My mother told me that I had to tell you to tell Alan that it’s about time that he had a good Pentecost boy playing for him.” Cory laughed, “I’m going to tell him that,” he said. I told him that I had tweeted him earlier in the week asking for a picture. “That was you?” he grinned, and I nodded. “Well are we going to get a picture?”  Of course I agreed, and we got a shot. After Sile got her shot with him, I introduced them, and then Cory thanked us for coming. We smiled back, and then headed across the room, to my main focus of the night.

Alan; there he was, dog-tired, but still hanging around for his fans. I waited for him to turn my way, and when he noticed me standing there, he came down the couple stairs that separated the table area from the floor. He pulled me in for a hug (which shocked the hell out of me as it was something I had always wanted) and said, “Thanks for coming tonight love.” I grinned back, glowing from the hug, “Wouldn’t have missed it.”

He saw my Newfoundland Herald again and looked over at me, boyish delight clearly showing in his green eyes, “Can I read that? I haven’t seen it yet.” I nodded and passed the Herald to him, and he flicked through it to find the article about himself. Now for anyone who hasn’t read it, right next to the last page of the article about Alan is a short one page review of the recent Chris Deburgh show in St. John’s. “Holy Shite,” Alan exclaimed, “It’s me and Chris Deburgh! That’s friggin awesome!”

My CDs and his set list (which I had managed to snag as it had been right within my reach) all got signed (Safe Upon the Shore got a ‘Cheers’ as did the Newfoundland Herald, and the Boy on Bridge CD with ‘Thanks’) at this point. As you can see by the picture of the list posted above, he signed it with “Last night of the tour” along with his signature smiley face. He had to confirm with Sile that it was indeed June 10^th, and once he had, wrote down the date on it as well. We got a picture together (for the first time in over three years) and so did Sile (her first time meeting him). Now I’m not normally a girl that likes photos of herself, but the picture of me and Alan was the best one that we’ve ever had together (and we’ve had three previous ones). We (Sile and I) got a photo with him in the middle, one that we have both agreed gets blown up to an 8” by 10” and framed for our new apartment.

As it’s a surprise, I can’t say who he signed something for, but I’m pretty confident that when said friend gets said item that I will be in the running for “friend of the year” and that I will hear her scream all the way from her hometown! Also got a birthday autographed for Carolyn (like we said we would), and then left Alan alone.

Kendel was next, and she was incredibly sweet. She loved Sile’s dress and agreed that they were hair twins. We both got pictures with her, and then chatted some more, and then after looking but unsuccessfully locating Kris, I finished the last of my second drink at the club, and we headed outside. Right outside the Club, someone spoke to me. At first I couldn’t understand why he was or who he was, but then it hit me, “Spencer!” He had noticed me in the crowd as he was recording the show for CBC, and had to let me know by in-boxing me on FB; totally sweet.

All in all, Sunday June 10^th will go down as the most magical night of my life. I still can’t believe it all happened, and it’s been almost a week. I even wrote a poem to sum up my thoughts about the show, and if you’ll permit me, I’ll share it here with you all:

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My day had been amazing

I'd hung out with my friends

But little did I know

The best was yet to begin

You left it all on the stage 

On the last night of the tour

And if you could have given it

You would have given us more

After the show was over

And people had started to leave

I made my way over to where you stood

And then you noticed me

You smiled and pulled me in for a hug

Something I've always dreamed of

And then with that same smile on your face

You said "thanks for coming tonight love."

You'll never know what that meant to me

It's a feeling that can't be put into words

Your lyrics they rang true that night

You have to dream out loud to be heard

If I could relive that night again

I'd do it without hesitation

Six hours and heels and hurting legs

But you surpassed my expectations

If I could bottle up Sunday

And keep it for the ages

I would keep it close to my heart

And I would call it magic

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Krista

pictures from the concert can be viewed here

Boy On Bridge- New Music From Alan Doyle!

New music alert!!!

For anyone who follows my blog, you'll all be aware that yesterday, May 15th, marked the release of the debut solo CD from Alan Doyle. And let me tell you all, it is most certainly worth the wait.


The CD is an eclectic mix of tracks. There are several rock tracks, some that sound country (as they should since they were done in Nashville) and even one track that sounds sort of reggae. I can tell you this much right now; I love it! It is uniquely Alan! Check it out if you can. Bonus tracks can be found here! You'll have to download the tracks to your computer, but trust me, it is so worth it!


Here's my track by track breakdown so far:


#1- Sorry- I love the raw edge to Alan's voice here. He sounds vulnerable and exposed, and I think that this is when Alan is at his best. I can't speak for all my fellow fans, but this is one of the many reasons that I adore the man and his music!


#2- I've Seen A Little- The first single off the album, and a real rocker. I've been enjoying this song since the single was released in March, and I still enjoy it now. I used to think I was a country music girl (and perhaps there is still some country in me) but I think I have become a rocker. And it's all thanks to songs like this! The guitar solos have me hooked, and bonus points to Alan and Gordie for leaving the laugh and commentary in after the song is done!


#3- My Day- This is the song that has the reggae feel. You can't help but have a bounce in your step when you listen to it. It has a positive message as well: that no matter what happens, nothing is going to bring me down. We could all do with an attitude like that. Two thumbs up, Mr. Doyle! This is one of two tracks that the lovely Maureen Ennis provides backing vocals for. Her voice sounds so nice with Alan's. Would love to hear them do more together!


#4- Where The Nightingales Sing- For the longest time, my favourite love song by Alan had been 'Boston and St. John's'. I would now like to inform everyone that's changed now. 'Where the Nightingales Sing' is my new favourite. Buy the album and listen to the track, and you'll see why I think so. This song is a lovely waltz, written with Gordie Sampson and Kelly Archer, who also provides backing vocals on the track. Alan wanted to write a song that his Mom could be proud of. I think he succeeded!


#5- Testify- Russell Crowe fans will recognize the title of the song from his 2005 release 'My Hand, My Heart'. As this song was co-written with Alan, it only seems fair that Alan would take a stab at recording it. Now I might be a little biased (ha, understatement, right?) but I always thought that Alan could do a better job with it, and at first listen on this CD, I was proven right. His voice and the guitars work together perfectly to create the southern vibe that is the overall feel of the song. You can't help but rock out when you listen to this song! For music aficionados, Colin James also appears on this track playing guitar and doing backing vocals!


#6- Break It Slow- The only song on the album that Alan wrote on his own. It's a song that anyone who has ever been through a break-up can relate to. Nobody wants the break-up to linger; to drag out and die an undignified death. I think most people would agree with the words of the song "If you've made up your mind, don't you waste our time/If you're leaving won't you go/ And if you're going to break my heart/ Please don't you break it slow". Quite simply put, make it quick. It's going to hurt, but get it over with now so I can move on. A very easy song to relate to.


#7- Love While Love's Awake- Very beautiful lyrics in this one :) The more I hear it, the more I like it. Very much looking forward to seeing how this one is going to be done live (this blogger has her fingers crossed that it gets performed live). Only time will tell if that's going to happen.


#8- Light the Way- Another rocker; yay!! Since 2004 and the release of When I Am King, I have been transformed into a fan of rock music. It's been more than eight years now, and I love rock now more than ever! And I have Alan to thank for that. If you by chance read this Alan, thank you for your positive influence music wise :) This song is co-wrote by Sean Panting, and this blogger thinks that Alan and Sean Panting should collaborate more often! Backing vocals on this track are provided by Alan's friends Scott Grimes and Keith Power. This is definitely one song I CANNOT wait to hear done live!!


#9- Northern Plains- I'll admit that when I heard the sample clip of this on Amazon I wasn't too keen on it. But upon listening to the full song yesterday, my mind has been completely changed. This is a lovely song, and Alan is joined here by Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. Could ask for a better man to back you up on vocals!


#10- Lover's Hands- A beautiful ballad co-written by Russell Crowe; it sounds like it could have been on the Crowe/Doyle Songbook Volume III. I'm very thankful that it wasn't though, and that it appears here on Boy on Bridge. Alan and Russell have an amazing way with words, and their songs never fail to move me. Lover's Hands is no different. Well done Mr. Doyle and Mr. Crowe. Looking forward to seeing what other songs you two gents write!


#11- Perfect Excuse- Best rock song ever! "You're all I need, you're the perfect excuse!" 'Nuff said!


#12- The Rules Will All Be Broken- Just when I thought I couldn't melt any more, I heard this song. From the first time I heard it (admittedly on Q with Jian Ghomeshi) I thought it was a lovely song. It's even lovelier on the CD. You'll have to pick up the CD and take a listen for yourself. Trust me, you won't regret it.


#13- Where I Belong- Great Big Sea fans will recognize this song as a bonus track from the 2008 release Fortune's Favour. However, this version of the song is far, FAR better. It's still acapella, but the vocals this time around are more raw. As Russell pointed out on twitter "The vocal on 'Where I Belong' ...are you kidding me? It cut me in two ...so proud of you" With you on that Mr. Crowe. Lacerating comes to mind. Well done Mr. Doyle!


Overall Impression: Alan had nothing to worry about with his debut release! This album is wonderful from start to finish, and has a little something for everyone! If you don't believe me, buy the album on iTunes or in stores NOW!


That's all for now. I'll be back with a review of the bonus tracks when I've had more time to listen to them!


Cheers, 
Krista