Neko Case played a show in the intimate confines of The Rivoli on Wednesday night while in Toronto to promote her Fox Confessor Brings The Flood album, which comes out through Mint/Outside on March 7.
She kept apologizing that she had a cold and sounded nasally, but I thought that her voice sounded as exquisite as anytime that I've seen her — which must be getting close to 10 or 12 times by now. While concentrating primarily on new material, she also performed a few older favourites during her set, which lasted 85 minutes with the encore. But much of that time was spent engaged in witty banter with backing vocalist Rachel Flotard from Visqueen. They're both smart, sassy and sexy — just the way I like my women.
Neko came by to say "Hi" before and after the show, and she called me sexy during the second visit. I suppose I could pass away in my sleep sometime before dawn tomorrow content in the knowledge that I'd achieved that goal, as trivial as it probably is.
I interviewed Neko on Monday, so you'll have to keep checking ChartAttack.com for that in the coming weeks.
She'll be back in Toronto on Feb. 3 and 4 for The Sadies extravaganza at Lee's Palace. The guys, who were amazing on New Year's Eve, will be recording a live album and DVD with many of the artists they've accompanied over the years, including Jon Langford, Jon Spencer, Gary Louris, Kelly Hogan, The Good Brothers, members of Blue Rodeo, Neko and other guests that haven't been announced yet. I've got my fingers crossed that Andre Williams will be one of them. If it's at all possible for you to get to at least one of the shows, don't hesitate. I have a feeling that tickets will probably sell quickly, and this is something that you won't want to miss.
Sorry for that photo of Neko. She looks much better in person.