Every thing is big about Scottish born/ Toronto/ Nashville based crooner Johnny Reid’ latest tour in support of his Juno nominated album “Revivial.”
“It’s a big band and a big sound. We have three horns, three backup singers, bass, guitar and drums.It’s going to be really exciting,” said Reid from a tour stop in Red Deer, one of many stops including plenty of smaller centres.
“That’s what I like to do— bring the music to the people. When I was growing up, my dad was away a lot and I never got to see a lot of shows,” he continued.
“It’s going great. Response has been amazing. Jessica Mitchell will be opening with a quick acoustic set, then us. Glass Tiger will play a medley of their hits and we’ll play a song we wrote together ‘Wae Yer Family,’” he said adding they have been friends for a long time as he produced their new album Their frontman Allan Frew is also from Scotland.
“We have that in common. They’re a bunch of great guys. And they’re really talented. We recorded their new record together. They were wondering what their next step was so I suggested reimagining their hits,” he said.
He noted his show will focus on the new album.
“I really like this album, so I’m going to play a lot of songs from it,” he continued, adding he has been blessed to have a lot of popular songs, so also plans on including as many of them as possible.
Reid is honoured to be nominated for a Juno award for the album.
“It’s never been about the awards, but it is nice to be legitimately recognized by my peers. It means a lot that It‘s up for album of the year” he said.
“I took five weeks. At the same time I recorded Revival, I also recorded a passion project— an album of island music called ‘Rum-nesia’. Like drinking so much rum you forget things. When the time is right I’ll release it,” he enthused, adding he won’t be playing any of it on this tour, preferring to focus on ‘Revival,” on which he explores his love for Detroit/ Stax soul music.
“ It’s really fun. I think people will really enjoy it,” he said.
He noted having released 10 successful albums has allowed him the freedom to explore his different interests.
“ So I’m putting together this celebration for it,” he said.
He has called Nashville home for the past 21 years.
“ My kids go to school there. But we have a place north of Toronto we like to go to,” he said adding he will usually take them out on tour three times a year in between school.
The Johnny Reid Revival Tour stops by the Enmax Centre, from 7-9 p.m., Monday, March 19. Tickets are $85.75, $105.75 and $120.75.
