Last night was the most
beautiful show that I have ever attended. It was in the middle of
Houston at the most strange and wonderful venue/art museum, The Orange Show,
and it was one of the coldest and clearest nights that this region has seen
this year. I thought it was impossible to look up and see the stars in
one of the smoggiest cites in the U.S. but last night I was able too, that
is how perfect of a night it was when Joanna Newsom put on an unforgettable
show.
- Bill Callahan -
Bill Callahan has an incredible
voice; as the night was beginning to significantly drop temperature-wise his
voice effortlessly cut through the cold air. In fact his voice was so
fantastic that the crowd was completely tuned in too Bill, which, is pretty
amazing given that most openers have at least some chatter going on
throughout their set. I certainly was turned into an admirer as I
listened to Bill and watched Joanna look on with an enormous amount of
respect, I am going to be checking out more of Bill and his band, Smog, as
soon as I can so if you have any recommendations as to where I should start
then feel free to clue me in.
- Joanna Newsom -
Bridges And
Balloons/Sadie/Peach, Plum, Pear/Emily/Monkey & Bear/Sawdust & Diamonds/Only
Skin/Cosmia
As shown by the set list Joanna only played three songs from her last album
and instead concentrated entirely on Y's. I actually thought
this was pretty great but since she just happened to play my favorite songs
from The Milk-Eyed Mender I can't help but to think that there were
probably some people in attendance who would have liked to have heard more
than three. In any case that is not really something to be upset at
given that Joanna, and the band that joined her for Y's, were spectacular
throughout the new songs.
Outside of the amazing music that was on display last night the main
highlight of the show was Joanna's unique voice. I was expecting it to
sound similar to what her albums sound like but it was even more captivating
then I could have imagined, she really is something special.
I am not sure what else that I should tell you that will convince you to go
out and see Joanna. If you want to hear beautiful music then you need
to get out and see her regardless of whether or not you are familiar with
either of her albums, it's just one of those shows that needs to
experienced.
On a side note, Joanna said that The Orange Show is her favorite venue in
"the whole wide world" and after last night I would like to second that, if
you ever get a chance to go do not pass it up!
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