Kicking off a season of open air concerts in June is a brave move as the early summer weather can be an unruly beast, but the Midlands Arts Centre are seasoned in this game by now so for the opening night it should have been no surprise that the forecast rain never appeared. As we took our seats in the mini amphitheatre (Nina Nastasia commented that she expected the lions to be released any moment) we did so under a clear sky, warm and, most importantly, dry. Continue reading “Adem/Richard Swift @ Midlands Arts Centre, 9/06/07”
Basia Bulat @ The Glee Club, 31/05/07
You readers may have seen a piece on this site back on 10 May titled Introducing Basia Bulat, heck, you might even remember it – there was a reference to the new ‘Canadian sensation’ signed to Rough Trade, a clutch of tracks to listen to and a handful of live dates. I confess I didn’t really pay too much attention.Anyway, a couple of weeks later I was asked if I wanted to go and see her perform live and, having nothing else to do that evening, I agreed and half-heartedly set about listening to whatever tunes I could get hold of. Which was when I realised I’d been saved from making quite a silly mistake. Continue reading “Basia Bulat @ The Glee Club, 31/05/07”
Madeleine Peyroux @ Symphony Hall, 15/04/07
While the Arctic Monkeys prefaced their album launch telling every magazine, newspaper and passer-by that would listen how publicity-shy they are, Madeleine Peyroux’s thoughts on the trappings of fame are likely to be much more illuminating but much less likely to be heard. Following up an album that was well-received in the US by relocating back to Paris (where she lived from the age of 15) for six years to busk and make occasional appearances under pseudonyms is a route that would put to shame most who scorn the ‘careerist musician’. Madeleine’s contribution to music has, to a great extent, been on her own terms and so it is to be expected that a large tour will be conducted under the artist’s terms or not at all. She seems happy in her freedom and has a stage presence that eschews showiness and is collected and charismatic. Continue reading “Madeleine Peyroux @ Symphony Hall, 15/04/07”