Sparrows

You flew in by a margin
we know that ain't no homemade cape those sparrows got caught in
You found your own ground
that old lot of big-talkin' ne'er-do-wells can't bring you down

I recall standing in your yard holding a candle
we lit you in beautiful view (beautiful you)
but you've got your wiles and your eyes on the prize
and I recall standing in your yard, standing in your yard.

It's a long way and you can't pay
but if you high-fived and hitchhiked and hi-jacked you'd find a way
The road turned to a slow burn
yet if you paid any mind to your roadmap, you'd never learn

And I recall standing in your yard holding my hands up
we put you up top of the trees kissing your sleeves
it's a long way to fall from so tall - but you've got an angle
and I recall standing in your yard, standing in your yard.

Yes I recall standing in your yard holding my hands up
we lit you in beautiful view (oh beautiful you)
it's a long way to fall from so tall - but you've got it handled
and I recall standing in your yard, standing in your yard,
standing in your yard.

Miss Caroline Pearsall.

My violist from the Parisian version of my band, Caroline Pearsall, is visiting me in Toronto this week. Quel excité!

We won't actually be playing any music together while she is here. Just visiting. Can't wait!

The Book Of Judith

Last night I went with one of my oldest friends Dmitry to see a play by Michael Rubenfeld, The Book Of Judith.

So, I'm no theatre critic (or any kind of valid critic), but I did want to spread the word about this play.

I had no idea what the show was about going in, except that our friend from theatre school, Alex Bulmer, traveled from the UK to perform in it, and aside from supporting Michael (whom we both know), we were also thrilled to be seeing Alex again.

I cannot tell you the plot of the show, because if you do go then you should enter as I did, knowing nothing about it.

I will say that the play takes place in a large tent, on the grounds of CAMH in Toronto, the street noise corresponding with the intensity of the script. Michael Rubenfeld is the show's leader/storyteller - he plays himself: a brave performance where he channels both his inner P.T. Barnum and Little Prince. The play's subject matter raised personal questions for me around the depth of exploration, as well as whether exploitation and passion can exist without each other.

Such a moving and provocative piece of theatre really shouldn't be missed; I can't imagine anyone walking away from the grounds of CAMH not feeling both altered and uplifted by the show.

The Book Of Judith runs in Toronto until May 31.

bookofjudithplay.blogspot.com

The Long Weekend.

This year, the May 24 weekend falls, on, well, this weekend. Which happens to be the May 16th weekend. Quite confusing. I have however learned that the 24th of May must fall AFTER a Monday in order to be considered a long weekend...and this May 24th is actually a Sunday.

Sometimes I reflect on things like this and wonder:

Who made this shit up?


Nonetheless, I am thrilled and delighted to have an extra day no matter what time of year. So, happy birthday Queen Vickie. I shall be sure to eat a meringue or trifle or financier or palmier or whatever I think you might have enjoyed on your birthday, on your behalf.

Tomorrow's Show

We are so looking forward to tomorrow night's show at The Cameron House. By "we", I mean Alex McMaster on cello (lovely), Anna Atkinson on viola (fetching), and Joe Phillips on double bass (dashing).

Donovan Woods is our special guest, and one of my favorite Toronto singer/songwriters. I listen to his CD "The Hold Up" non-stop when I live in Paris because it reminds me of home.

Please come tomorrow night if you can ... we will have advance copies of "Lenni Jabour: Greatest Hits" for sale for the first time.

The Perfect Libra Man

Born in October
when weather gets colder
touch my shoulder burn my fingers
hold the door take me to dinner
turn on when I don't expect you
Sunday Special bring your friends too

I listened to Edie and where did it get me
receiver in hand and a sweater on my head
I believed in the story and in e.e. cummings
I shook my head at the papers
and signed the guestbook instead
I think I'm falling and then
I call you darling and when
I shut you out and pretend
you're the perfect Libra man

You are elusive
you are a nuisance
everyday I'm waiting for you
give it up you silly boy you
call your mother pour your heart out
sorry is nice - but love is harder

I listened to Edie and where did it get me
receiver in hand and a sweater on my head
I believed in the story and in e.e. cummings
I shook my head at the papers
and signed the guestbook instead
I think I'm falling and then
I call you darling and when
I shut you out and pretend
you're the perfect Libra man

Show.

Our first proper show in Toronto in a very. long. time.

Things feel different. The show changed while I lived in Paris; my performances just sort of naturally took a different shape with the musicians I played with there and the audiences we played for... as well as the impact of my experience of simply living in Paris. I felt quieter, more grounded, less rambunctious - my desire to "put up a show" lessened as my desire to simply play escalated. Probably there is more joy in my concerts now than before because of this? Hmmm.

Anyhoo, we shall play in the back room of The Cameron House in Toronto on Thursday May 14. Our darling friend Donovan Woods is our special guest. He is one of my most favorite songwriters in Canada at the moment, you must promise not to miss him.

So, there will be more details soon. This is just the first announcement - Myspace, Facebook, etc updates coming in awhile...although this is mainly a show for our friends...