The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra made a long awaited return to Lethbridge, May 28 when they played the Slice.
After a solid solo set of acoustic folk from Emily Bachynski aka Hello, Doctor!, The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra played a solid set of gypsy folk music for approximately 60 people. I expected more, but was impressed considering it was a Wednesday night.
Their set featured a lot of fantastic fiddling from new fiddle player Mack Jonsson who well complemented accordion player/ vocalist Ian Griffiths, who took turns singing lead vocals with guitarist Kurt Loewen. There were also some superb vocal harmonies throughout.
While drummer Paul Wolda had a full kit, he played most of the set on a box drum, sometimes playing djembe while singing background vocals. They sang lyrics in English, French and even Spanish for some of the more exotic sounding Gipsy Kings inspired material.
New stand up bassist Keith Rodger fit in well with the group.
They played songs from throughout their career ( “Canoe” wa
s one of those highlights) but they also gave the audience a taste of a new album to come. Loewen observed for the new CD they completely changed their process by removing all of the stress to introduce the next couple of songs.
The new music itself was a departure from their gypsy tendencies as Ian Griffiths laid down a ’60s style boogie pop groove for one of the new song.
Throughout their set they engaged the set and got them to clap and stop along as well as sing one of the catchy new numbers.
