A few months ago, Kathleen Edwards released her sixth album Billionaire and last night she returned to the Commodore Ballroom on her Winter Tour. The last time I saw her was a stripped down show at the Biltmore (and the last time before that, was prior to her hiatus from music) so I was eager to see her again with a full band.

Unfortunately I missed the opener, Altameda, but at 9 sharp, “Thank You For Being a Friend” blast over the speakers as Kathleen Edwards took the stage, joined by her band: Gord Tough on guitar, Aaron Goldstein on pedal steel, Paul Lauren on keys, Matt Sucich on bass, and Peter Von Althen on drums.

Edwards started the set with “Say Goodbye, Tell No One” off her latest album, and tore through her catalogue, from the classic “One More Song the Radio Won’t Like” off her debut Failer, to “Glenfern” from her comeback album Total Freedom (switching out the Horseshoe in the lyrics and name dropping the Railway). Other highlights included an emotionally charged “Asking for Flowers”; Kathleen breaking out the violin for “A Soft Place to Land” and song building to a gorgeous finish; the vitriolic “Back To Me” which started out with just Edwards before the band kicked in; and “Little Red Ranger” where she was careful to make sure the audience had some sympathy when mentioning the Leafs.

Edwards chatted with the crowd between songs, opening up a few times during the set mentioning the last time she was on this stage she was in a bad place (it was in 2012 and she went on her hiatus not long after) but the Commodore was one of her favourite venues and she’s happy to replace those memories. She also shared a story about a couple friends & employees from Quitters, one who was the photographer for the new album cover & working merch that night, and one who suddenly passed away recently & was the inspiration for the absolutely heartbreaking “Billionaire”, which had Kathleen’s voice soaring over the room and bringing tears to eyes.

After another favourite, the raw and rocking “Change the Sheets” and throwback to the “Six O’Clock News”, Edwards wrapped up the set with “Hard on Everyone”, but was soon back out for the encore. First, she dedicated “Goodnight, California” to the show’s promoter who she went to elementary school with(!), and saw the band going all out for the finish, then capped the night off with a fun Neil Young & Crazy Horse cover, “Powderfinger”.

By the time the show ended, I didn’t realise she had played for nearly two hours. With her effortless & charming stage presence and incredible songwriting — as well as the phenomenal music chops of her backing band — the show flew by and I could’ve listened to her sing all night.

setlist
Say Goodbye, Tell No One
Save Your Soul
One More Song the Radio Won’t Like
Glenfern
Mint
Asking for Flowers
A Soft Place to Land
When the Truth Comes Out
In State
Back To Me
Little Red Ranger
Billionaire
Options Open
Change the Sheets
Six O’Clock News
Hard on Everyone
(encore)
Goodnight, California
Powderfinger [Neil Young & Crazy Horse cover]