Paul Brandt The Journey

Paul Brandt’s star studded convoy rolled into Oshawa at The Tribute Centre on Tuesday night. We’ve been looking forward to this show since the CCMA awards artist collaboration of Johnny Cash’s I Walk The Line. Paul Brandt put together an incredible show, stacking the lineup with some of Canada’s finest talent, The Hunter Brothers, Jess Moskaluke and High Valley. It was the perfect powerhouse combination of artists making for one outstanding show.

The Hunter Brothers are 5 incredibly talented brothers from Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. They began the evening with the a very short but powerful set. It was great that it was not the last we would hear from them throughout the night. Playing their latest hit Lost, from their newly released album, State Of Mind that hit number one on the country charts. I literally found myself completely lost in their music. Their riveting harmonies are astounding and absolutely breathtaking. They sang a beautiful song also from the album showing love for the ladies in their lives, Love A Girl. This song showcased their true range and vocal talented leaving you with a full heart and goosebumps. They capped things off with their first big hit Born And Raised.

Jess Moskaluke a true veteran performer, had the audience’s full attention from start to finish of her set. She showcased her extremely powerful vocals while strutting her beautiful self across the stage. Her stage presence is perfectly matched to her vocals, they are truly powerful and a force to be reckoned with. Jess had the crowd singing and dancing right along to many of her older hits that have become fan favourites. As well as her current hits off of her latest album that had her winning CCMA record of the year.

The two brothers, Curtis and Brad of High Valley were next to hit the stage. Now the audience was primed but the brothers took the already enthused crowd to the next level. Their music is meant to be enjoyed on your feet dancing and the crowd did just that.

I had the chance to chat with them before the show and they were excited to be back in Canada on the tour. Also telling me that they like to keep things loose, which you can see that they are on stage. You can see these brothers have a lot of fun together. They love to perform, engaging with the crowd while never missing a beat and they bring so much energy to the stage every single time. The duo even took us back to their blue grass roots which was some incredible pickin’! They even debuted their soon to be released single to country radio, Single Man. The lyrics are perfect and you’ll have to be sure to check it out! It’s set to be released in April!

Canadian Country music hall of fame inductee and multiple CCMA award winner Paul Brandt was finally set to take the stage. Minutes before his intro began you could feel the rush of adrenaline and anticipation in the building. Crouched on one knee with guitar in hand, we began The Journey and what an incredible journey it was. Sharing many special moments and stories along the way, Paul has a long list of hits which he graced us with throughout the night. Taking us back to the most played Canadian Country song of all time, My Heart Has A History to his well known hit Alberta Bound, to his very latest Bittersweet and everything in between he 100% did not disappoint. Including his very first number one hit I Do, sharing on screen pictures of him and his lovely wife Liz who is an instrumental part of his life and career. It was beautiful seeing them on the screens multiple times throughout the show. Paul truly connected with the audience making sure every fan felt included in his show. Midway through his set High Valley reappeared on a riser at the back of he venue for a truly moving performance with Paul of When You Call My Name. I have to admit I may have even shed a tear or two as this song holds a very special place in both mine and my husband’s heart as it is one of our wedding songs. Thank you for the very tender moment. Paul then set off himself to connect with fans at the back to play on the same riser, engaging with fans along the way. The Hunter Brothers also joined him back there as well, taking us to church for an incredible rendition of Life’s Railway To Heaven and breathtaking Amazing Grace.

Returning to the main stage he played his song that has inspired this whole journey YYC BNA. Then utilizing the riser once again Jess with a little magic appeared to join in on their smash hit Open Road.

After a brief pause Paul returned to the stage for what will be one of my most memorable encores. Paul has been blessed with a tremendous career and is forever grateful for everything in his life and his fans. He Fittingly closed off with Thank You, Thank You. Then emerging from the shadows The Hunter Brothers rejoined Paul for a fun and very entertaining Convoy. I am absolutely blown away by Paul’s voice when he plays this live every time! Geared up and ready to takeoff to hit the road now, but before doing so they left us with one more. Seeing the collaboration once again of Johnny Cash’s I Walk The Line I was so blown away. Then waving a very large Canadian flag the artists took their final bow and I was feeling so much Canadian pride.

Paul Brandt’s career has been an exceptional amazing journey, with no signs of slowing down and we can’t wait to continue along with you.