On Thursday December 1st, I checked out the Magic numbers at Lee's Palace in Toronto.

I didn't have any expectations going into the show. I wasn't too familiar with the band or their music - or so I thought. A couple of their tunes turned out to be familiar, but it wasn't that familiarity that made the show great.

Part way through the show a woman in the audience shouted out - "you guys are just so lovely." I couldn't have said it better myself. Simply put, the band was lovely. The band imediately made a connection with the audience and kept everyone involved from beginning to end. As hokey as it may sound - there was a great vibe in the room.

It turns out that the show was the last of their current North American tour - but, instead of giving a half assed performance and be done with it - they gave it their everything. At the end eventually everyone involved in the tour (sound techs, managers, opening act et. al.) were up on stage jamming and genuinely having a great time much to the delight of the audience that clapped and sang along participating in the special moment.

At any rate, it was my favourite show of the year. A nice treat that left me feeling warm and fuzzy.

Check them out the next time they roll into town.

andre