reviewvancouver: Kellylee Evans concert

It was a generally mature and seemingly knowledgeable audience that saw Ottawa-based Kellylee Evans and local artist Dawn Pemberton take the Anvil Theatre stage in New Westminster. The versatile Ms. Pemberton was a last minute replacement for Krystle Dos Santos who was unable to sing because of a throat infection, though she did appear on stage to offer a croaky apology.

Pemberton has a vocal timbre not unlike Bettye LaVette, with whom she has collaborated with in the past. She began with the soulful “For You” from her Say Something album with only guitar accompaniment. She was then joined on stage by an additional keyboardist and drummer for an inspired interpretation of the traditional gospel song “Up above my Head.” Unfortunately, the performance was somewhat marred by the mixing board technician setting the percussion mic too high. This wasn’t an issue with Pemberton’s next song where she accompanied herself on piano with a Ruthie Foster inspired version of “I come from Alabama (with a banjo on my knee).”

Despite bad weather and flight interruptions back east, Kellylee Evans happily made it out to the west coast. Perhaps in keeping with Valentine’s Day, Ms. Evans offered a repertoire of original songs centred on a ‘Love’ theme – not necessarily carnal love in every case, but sometimes sisterly love or dutiful love that one would have for parents, a child or a higher being.

Sharing the stage with side musicians Calvin Beale on bass, Amhed Mitchel on drums and the inimitable Michael Shand on piano and keyboards, the featured artist looked svelte in a silver shimmery mini dress. Naturally, Evans would want to showcase songs from her recently released album Show Love, including the title song as well as “Shelter in the Storm” and “Holy” - a song originally intended as a Christmas song. These were unfamiliar to me but certainly worthy of further listening.

Not all Evans’ songs are so serious. “Greenlight,” recorded during lockdown, is about a couple in a romantic relationship who can’t get past their poor communication. And from the same album the cautiously themed “Holding You” was one of my personal favourites. Evans seems to enjoy engaging with the audience, and the audience appeared happy to respond to her anecdotes, particularly about her experience of being struck by lightning 12 years ago.

The venue was conveniently located just few steps away from New Westminster Station. While the Anvil Centre is spacious, the theatre is quite intimate with a good view of the stage and comfortable seats (especially after riding Skytrain all the way from Downtown Vancouver).