Southern Ontario folk stalwarts, Tanglefoot played their third last gig of their careers in Lethbridge, Nov. 27 at the Wolf’s Den. And there was no way I was going to miss that, though it meant missing a lot of other great shows. They have all of the components of the perfect band— unparalleled musicianship, bountiful energy, multi-
instrumental capabilities, really intelligent, thought provoking lyrics, an engaging stage presence and a keen sense of humour. They even have five part vocal harmonies. All of which they displayed in a fitting career ending performance.
Myself and several folk club members were trying to determine the last time they were here but the closest we could determine by the posters on the wall (the Wolf’s Den is decorated from posters from all of their past shows) was 2006. I knew the last time I saw them was in Kenora but had never seen them here, so was interested to hear what they’d do. As it was they played a lot of their most recent CD, 2006’s “Dance Like The Flames,” which was excellent, but they also played a few of my favourites “Dollar Bill” and “Agnes on the Cowcatcher” which, like most of their material, drew inspiration from interesting tidbits of Canadian history.
Mandolinist/guitarist/ banjo player Terry Young was a marvel on these songs and others. Lead singer Steve 
Ritchie was a sociable host. His brother, Rob, on piano was a character, telling long , amusing anecdotes and cracking jokes before introducing the first set’s more hilarious and moving numbers.
Their new fiddle player Sandra Swannell was impressive, grinning and playing some impressive fiddle licks. She also took lead vocal duties on one of the band’s more tender numbers, “Emmeline.”
I’m glad I stuck around for the second set, because it included one of my favourites, “Crashin’ Down,” a song based on the Frank’s Slide, and ‘Secord’s Warning,’ which beautifully showcased the group’s five part harmonies and a great one which I forgot about “One More Night.” It ended with their hockey song “Seven Aside.” But were called back for an encore, causing lead singer Steve Ritchie to Joke that there’s no other job when you have five minutes to go before quitting time, that you get told good job, now go do some more.” Regardless the encore included a cool one called the “Midwife’s Dance,” and a beautiful newer song called “Lunenburg Skies.’
—by Richard Amery,L.A. Beat editor
