Charlie Winston 01/27/12 @ Corona Theatre

An artist encountering dazzling success in Quebec along with other European countries without getting nearly as much recognition in his own home country raises questions and curiosity. English singer-songwriter Charlie Winston can definitely testity after going platinum in France and making the top charts in Europe, there he was in Montreal for two consecutive concert dates i(ncluding one sold-out) at the Corona Theatre, all for the fans greatest pleasure. 

Getting to see Winston live in concert also means stepping into a jam-packed Corona Theater full of devotees aged 25-40 swinging in a frenetic atmosphere. Canadian band Current Swell kicked off the night with a  good dose of contagious energy, delivering their Americana-rooted music with the greatest enthusiasm. The BC-based group has established themselves as a blues-rock reference across the country and around the world. These accomplished musicians served us with some well-executed guitar work, rightful harmonica lines and masterful vocal harmonies, encouraging us to clap and cheer in the most joyful atmosphere.  

When looking closely at Charlie Winston, it is not hard to understand why the man has generated so much buzz. His undeniable charisma, croon manners, and warm, velvety voice may attest to his popularity, but he is also well-endowed with musical prowess. On stage, Winston impersonates a gentle entertainer with his theatrical presence, but also appears like quite the performer. Furthermore, he reveals himself to be a honorable multi-instrumentalist as well as an ample songwriter. As such, the singer-songwriter surely knows how to surround himself with skillful and polyvalent musicians, giving a deeper dimension to his pop tunes. If Winston has established a few of his numbers as consecrated hits, then there are many more gems that are left for us to uncover. 

It is evident that Winston enjoys his time on the stage as he switches through instruments, beatboxes crowdsurfs on top of an eager audience, or while pulling some magic tricks. For most people it was forgone, but yes Winston is definitely worthy of the major infatuation he is the subject of.