Ian Thomas: ‘A life in song’

[projekktor id=’21473′]

Hamilton native and Canadian music icon Ian Thomas hit the stage with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. His collaboration brings both his old classics and new work to Hamilton Place.

Thomas is on stage at Hamilton Place for ‘A life in Song.’ It’s a show that features the usual chart toppers, including Painted Ladies and Pilot, which he has performed on numerous stages, including on Second City Television back in the 70’s.

But there are some minor alterations.

“What is fun about this is it is a totally different take on a couple of songs, with a few exceptions.”

Thomas usually performs with the usual crew, a drummer, a guitarist and bass player. But under the lights this time, he’s accompanied by the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.

The 55-piece orchestra includes a harpist and a full percussion ensemble.

Thomas is no stranger to orchestras, he debuted his second album, “Long long way” with the same orchestra back in 1974.

“I was the youngest person on stage. A lot of them were my parents and grandparents age. And now I am the oldest bugger on the stage.”

The orchestra has been tuning and strumming for 2 days straight.

That’s all the time the group had to prepare for this show, but many of the performers are familiar with his songs.

“It is kind of fun, the tympani player played with me in 1974 here.”

With 45 years of songwriting experience, a Juno, 4 Socan awards, 15 albums and a top 30 Billboard track, there isn’t much Thomas hasn’t accomplished.

“Maybe my ultimate achievement in life is I was a part of a soundtrack of a generation.”