God Bless This Mess was Sheryl Crow's opening number at Toronto's Molson Amphitheater last week as part of her world tour to support the release of her newest album, Detours.
The veteran singer and songwriter has come along way since she shot to stardom with her first hit All I Wanna Do back when she was 32. Now at 46, Crow has conquered breast cancer, embraced motherhood with the adoption of son Wyatt, and had a short-lived and very public engagement. It's no wonder the night's performance was triumphant. Crow's connection to the audience immediately fostered an atmosphere of liberation and strength—an overall tone that offered upbeat messages throughout the show. She candidly shared her personal life's changes as she transitioned from song to song, and the crowd couldn't get enough of her unassuming demeanor.
The stage design was humble and understated as she performed accompanied by an eight-piece band. Her vocals were exceptional, clear, and in tune. The new songs from Detours are rockier and edgier than her preceding album, with Out of Our Heads and Motivation being top contenders for commercial success.
Crow's last three songs, which included her hit Soak Up the Sun, had everyone standing, dancing, and clapping right through till the end. For Crow, it is clear that her new lease on life defines a surge to freedom, reaching a greater place in yet another chapter of her accomplished musical career.
Opening act Scottish folk-pop singer/songwriter KT Tunstall was a perfect fit for the show. Her earthy, smoky vocals are a mark of yet another up-and-coming artist who is on the "it" list.
The "Detours" tour marches on throughout the summer to nearly 50 more stops with dates planned in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Paris, and London. The opening act will rotate to include Brandi Carlile, Los Lonely Boys, James Blunt, and Toots and the Maytals.
Alisa Carraro is the founder and creator of www.SoundOrbit.com an independent music download platform.
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