Simone Schmidt’s new record is part history, part fiction, all compelling
Last week, Toronto singer-songwriter Fiver (Simone Schmidt of The Highest Order) performed at the ANAF in Guelph, promoting her innovative 2017 album Audible Songs From Rockwood, a concept album of fictional stories based on the case files of women incarcerated at Rockwood Asylum for the Criminally Insane in the 19th century.
Guelph’s own Bry Webb opened the show with a solo acoustic set of some old and new songs. With only a steel-string acoustic guitar and his feathery yet husky vocals, Webb set the mood for the evening. It was an intimate performance that warranted a warm and hearty response from the audience.
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Following a short intermission, Fiver abruptly silenced all chatter with a startling and gripping recital of her acapella piece, “Yonder White Mare.” By the end of the song, she had effectively captured every ear in the room. From the beginning, the audience knew this wasn’t going to be a typical concert experience. It was like a history lesson and a series of personal stories all tied up with musical string. Fiver started off by talking about Rockwood Asylum, its history, and the women who inspired her album. Between songs, Fiver gave a glimpse into the case file of each woman — every song filled in the blanks with convincing stories brought to life by raw and authentic songwriting. Sonically, Fiver left little to be desired. Her enthralling vocal vibrato accompanied by banjo, acoustic guitar, and violin — courtesy of Toronto musicians Chris Coole and John Showman — combined to create a simple, organic folk sound.
Audible Songs From Rockwood is out now via Idée Fixe.
Photo by Carlos Mandujano