Last night I went to one of the best concerts I’ve been to in years, when I saw Kathleen Edwards and her band put on an amazing show at Madison’s beautiful Majestic Theatre.

The concert began on a somber tone, with Kathleen playing the haunting “Alicia Ross” “Mercury” (from her debut album). She started by herself, accompanied only by her acoustic guitar. As it continued the other band members gradually chimed in, until all five musicians were playing in full force. By the end of the song I knew I was going to be in for a real treat. Just as that thought was in my head, the band confirmed my instinct and launched into the rousing and jangly, “In State,” a song from my favorite Kathleen Edwards album, Back to Me.

Touring to promote her most recent (and excellent) release, Asking for Flowers, Kathleen and her band played some great cuts from that disc. The beautiful title track, the rocking “Cheapest Key” and country tinged, “I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory” were all standouts.

Kathleen Edwards’ songwriting talents are often compared to the renowned Lucinda Williams. A most appropriate reference, although Edwards? performing style is more intense, and her voice is much more beautiful. All of which were very apparent when the band played “Summerlong.”

I know how to play this game,
One, two, three and I’m safe.
Count real slow to five,
You couldn’t keep me around if you tried.

I know how to beat the rage,
Of my tender age.
Touch me once in the hall,
But don’t look back and don’t call.

There are some things I can hardly say.
You’ve got me feeling a brand new way.
Please don’t let this be summerlong.

I used to play this game,
In the middle lane.
Pass them all on the inside,
And don’t get caught in a lie.

There are some things I can hardly say.
You’ve got me feeling a brand new way.
Please don’t let this be summerlong,
Cuz I want to stay.

Fueled by the masterful performance of lead guitarist (and husband to Edwards) Colin Cripps, the band at times played with a ferocious intensity not unlike Neil Young & Crazy Horse. Evident when Kathleen and her band played “Oh Canada,” a very politically charged song about her homeland. Another example took place during one the last songs of the night, the dreamy, “Goodnight California.” It started slow and somber then morphed into a fierce jam session with Kathleen and her guitarists jamming and trading solos that the crowd just ate up.

But the outstanding moments in the show didn’t all come from rocking jams. “Hockey Skates,” was my favorite of the low-key songs, and another illustration of Kathleen’s songwriting skills:

You can meet me at ten thirty,
I won’t be there, I’ll be gone.
We can talk like we are friends,
Going over it all again.

Talking about everything I am doing wrong,
Do you wish your nose was longer,
So you’d have an excuse not to see past it?
Do you wish the lights were brighter in the city that you live?

I am so sick of consequence and the look on your face.
I am tired of playing defense,
I don’t even have hockey skates.

Watching a video doesn’t quite do the live concert experience justice, but here’s a taste of what I heard last night: Kathleen Edwards and her band performing “Cheapest Key” on the Late Show a few weeks ago.

Thanks for a great show Kathleen (and band). I can’t wait to see you again.