When Julie Fader finally hit the stage just before midnight on Thursday evening, no one was more relieved than myself. There was a sparse crowd out for her Toronto show and the El Mocambo was a little too cold for my liking. Of course that was because of the high winds and driving snow the city had been experiencing all day. Once Julie hit the stage though, thoughts of cold feet and the walk over were no more.

On this night, she was backed by her multi talented six-piece band. Members would often switch instruments throughout the show. Now don’t let that fool you though, Julie’s performance is a very intimate affair and for the most part, rather low key. After starting off with a couple of slow numbers, her third choice on the evening, Lullabye, took me back to when she released her debut full length Outside In. I used to listen to that song on repeat….over and over. “Knives In The Back, Just Seem Matter Of Fact.”  There is something about those lyrics that really resonate with me. She picked up the tempo with her fourth song of the evening, Maps, before inviting Sarah Harmer up on stage for Middle Of The Night and Eavesdropping. She is a backing vocalist and plays keyboards for Sarah when not busy with her other projects. Appearing very comfortable and relaxed on the evening, she even joked with the crowd about the band being an eight-piece (she is pregnant), noting that this was the babies 73rd performance. Kate Boothman (of Sunbear) then joined her up on stage for Flights before moving into Goodbye Before Hello.

Finally, Mike Feuerstack of Snailhouse accompanied her for 723, which was then followed by an engaging cover of Yazoo’s Only You (with Sarah Harmer) and she finished off the evening with one of my personal favourites, Skin And Bones, with Brian Borcherdt on backing vocals.

As I walked down to the El Mocambo on Thursday night, I asked myself what in the world was I doing out in this brisk winter weather just to see another live show? After all, I see them all the time. It became very clear on my trek back home though….how could I have ever considered missing an incredible evening of music? Do yourself a favour, next time Julie Fader plays a show, go see her. You won’t be disappointed.