[thininkedlines]

Two things: How many times have you seen Joanna play? Is there one (or more) gig(s) that are your "favorite" that stand out in your mind for any particular reasons?

I've only seen her twice, coming up on my third time in November, which will make her one of the few musicians I've seen multiple times. I saw her first in Greensboro, NC after the release of Ys, and another time in Durham, NC after HOOM. Both concerts I enjoyed immensely, but the Durham one is my favorite for many reasons. The music was excellent live (not that Ys wasn't, but I learned that I prefer that one as a private listening experience), and it was fun to not realize I had been watching Fred Armisen until much later in the show. (I should note that I was in a balcony seat and have very poor eyesight!) The crowd was great and responsive, Joanna was witty between songs... it was just a good show, really.

So tell me about your experiences!

[elseanio]

I've seen Joanna 3 times now.

The first was in London 2007. The venue added so much to this concert. The Royal Albert Hall. The sound was perfect. When a show opens with Roy Harper playing all of Stomcock, you know you're in for an amazing night. Joanna played all of Ys, and a lot of her older songs had great arrangements with her band. She also played Esme, which of course was unreleased at the time. With this being my first concert, Roy being immense, the venue being perfect, and Joanna being joanna.. I'd say this is my favourite.

Setlist: Bridges and Balloons; Emily; Monkey & Bear; Book of Right-on; Inflammatory Writ; Sawdust & Diamonds; Ca' The Yowes to the Knowes; Colleen; Peach Plum Pear; Cosmia; Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie; Esme; Only Skin


I've also seen her in Paris, which comes a VERY close 2nd. I spent 4 days exploring one of the greatest cities in the world, yet Joanna surpassed everything with her set. I was sat on the 2nd row, there were people sat crossed legged at the front, and the lighting was perfect. It felt like such an intimate gig. The set list had a lot of HOOM, with it just being released. I love this album played live. Good Intentions was great. Everyone clapping along during Andy Strain's solo, and Joanna really getting into it. I'm sure they even extended the solo because of the reaction. She then went off, and everyone stood and moved forward. She came on to play her planned encore of Baby Birch, but also played a 2nd encore of Sawdust and Diamons (which I sadly missed!)

Setlist: '81; Ribbon Bows; Have One On Me; Easy; Soft As Chalk; The Book of Right-on; Kingfisher; Inflammatory Writ; Good Intentions Paving Company; Monkey & Bear; Peach Plum Pear; Baby Birch; Sawdust & Diamonds


The 3rd gig I've attended was last night in Manchester's Palace Theatre. Joanna was perfect as usual. She actually talked a lot between songs. Unfortunately, this was ruined by people CONSTANTLY walking up and down the isle's, talking during songs, and some idiot even heckling Joanna. I was also sat next to two guys who laughed all the way through Roy Harpers set, before leaving after Joanna played 2 songs. Such a shame, because I actually loved the set list. 'In California' was amazing.

Setlist: Bridges & Balloons; Have One On Me; Easy; Cosmia; Soft As Chalk; In California; Inflammatory Writ; Autumn; Good Intentions Paving Company; Peach Plum Pear; Jackrabbits

[Cosmia]

The London 2007 gig sounds amazing. I'm worried I'll never get to see a setlist like that.

[queenofnerds]

I loved Royal Albert Hall that was my fave too. Monkey and bear was amazing.

[Richard]

Got to agree about London 2007, it had everything. Amazing venue and a great setlist including all of Ys (Elseanio, you missed Sawdust & Diamonds off your list, which for me was the highlight of the night), and I even managed to snag a setlist for myself - which is now proudly framed on my wall!

I've seen her 3 other times - Manchester Bridgewater with the orchestra, which is my 2nd favourite, London Royal Festival Hall earlier this year, and now Manchester last night (Palace Theatre). I really enjoyed last night myself, & the setlist was good (though we could have done with a Baby Birch or an Emily as an encore). There were a few downers to it though, for me mainly the people taking photos with flash throughout, even though Joanna had twice very politely and humorously asked people not to - they even had a 20 second 'photo time' in which people could take as many photos as they wanted, complete with musical accompaniment. Yet some berks carried on anyway after this. I didn't hear the heckler though.