Nighthawks at the barn

It will be a rendezvous of strangers at La Grange de la Gatineau April 22 when Wakefield singer-songwriter Alise Marlane and a crew of (copy) cats pay tribute to Tom Waits, arguably one of the most unique, living songwriters and performers.

Wakefield singer-songwriter Alise Marlane will be joined by Christine Fagan, Steve Berndt, Ken Kanwisher, and Chris Breitner for Songs from a Drunken Piano, a tribute to Tom Waits, at La Grange in Cantley on April 22. Facebook photo

Songs from a Drunken Piano will bring together Ottawa jazz vocalists Christine Fagan and Steve Berndt with cellist Ken Kanwisher, bassist and guitarist Chris Breitner, drummer Matt Aston and Marlane for a night of gritty tunes that promise to do Waits’ songs justice.

But don’t expect these to be note-for-note covers. The band has developed a revue of Waits’ tunes that have been rearranged by composer, artist, and musician Kurt Walther for a different take on Tom’s classic songs.

“Now the paper’s been read,” as Waits sings on “Eggs and Sausage (In a Cadillac With Susan Michelson)”, it’s time for “all the gypsy hacks, the insomniacs” to head to La Grange.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at www.grange.ca.