Hey, thanks for posting that. I'd seen that she was coming and completely forgotten about it. I just snagged a ticket on the main floor for tonight. The Moore is a great venue. I've sat all over that place for various concerts, even back row balcony for David Byrne - I can say from an acoustic standpoint there is not a bad seat in the house. Gardot has been on my frequent rotation list for months now and I really love her voice - I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for the post!
Melody Gardot in concert she's in Seattle 6/19
Melody Gardot played Portland's Aladdin Theater last night, and her performance was nothing less than jaw-dropping. I've been a fan since hearing two cuts from her album in a New Years Eve countdown of the year's best releases on Portland's KMHD, but nothing could have prepared me for the power of her live performance. Twelve or fifteen songs from her two releases, most of which were done in a completely different style from the albums, and a band--drummer, bass, and a sax/flute player--with an astonishing range. THE most remarkable combination of vocal talent and songwriting ability that I've yet enountered.
Waiting for my wife outside the theater after the concert, I watched people come out of the theater in near disbelief: did we just hear that? Most concerts you come of of, people are talking afterward about where to go for a drink. The people I saw were all talking rapturously about the performance they'd just seen. Seattleites out there, do yourself a favor and get to the Moore Theater tonight. I'm sorely tempted to get on the road and see her a second time.
Waiting for my wife outside the theater after the concert, I watched people come out of the theater in near disbelief: did we just hear that? Most concerts you come of of, people are talking afterward about where to go for a drink. The people I saw were all talking rapturously about the performance they'd just seen. Seattleites out there, do yourself a favor and get to the Moore Theater tonight. I'm sorely tempted to get on the road and see her a second time.
Showing 3 responses by jax2
Thanks again, Stewie - I saw the Seattle show - outstanding! I was awestruck that she's only 25 as she's just too damn wise beyond those few years. If you weren't actually seeing her, you might think you were listening to a 40-something seasoned jazz singer performing original introspective songs, and interacting with an audience with charm, and wit, and a streetwise wisdom. Anyone who doesn't know her story, well, that's another remarkable aspect of her...but the voice, the music, the songwriting and the spirited energy behind all of it! ...Not to mention legs that go on forever! And damn, that sax player was taking names, the entire backing trio were all outstanding young musicians...but the guy on Sax (and flute, and was that a clarinet or oboe?)...just amazing! At one point I was wondering why he was wearing a second sax around his neck while playing another...until he started playing both...at the same time...very well, I might add!! The entire production is vibrant, creative, soulful...unforgettable. She's heading to Greece and then to Europe after that. Don't miss her if she plays nearby. If you can't see her, do pick up one of her last two CD's, which are both outstanding (though as Stewie said, her stage show is a bit of a departure and stands alone as a must-see experience). Think Eva Cassidy meets Diana Krall...with perhaps a bit of the spirited, youthful creativity of Maddeline Peyroux. |
I completely concur - only a few minutes of her on stage and one forgets almost instantly that there is any 'story' at all - one is struck by a refined and confident and unique talent generously offered, with absolutely nothing holding her back. The story is more of a remarkable aside, and is no small stepping stone to where she is today, but it entirely apart from her talent. Thanks for the insight into the backing trio. Absolutely - no weak links there, and the four of them were magic together. |