American singer, songwriter and harpist extraordinaire Joanna Newsom took to the tiny stage, barely big enough to house her harp and proceeded to tune the exotic looking instrument. The audience immediately began to take pictures, crowd the stage and watch in bemusement as this tuning session began. The reaction was not too dissimilar, although perhaps somewhat smaller in size to Ravi Shankar at The Concert For Bangladesh when he got a thunderous applause at the end of his tuning session. And without a warning Joanna stood up from the harp walked a few steps to the end of the stage and burst forth into an accapella song. The audience were immediately transfixed and tonight's unique concert was underway. Joanna was playing her first gig outside her home country and a full guest list crammed into the 12 Bar on London’s Tin Pan Alley. One wouldn't' have expected the audience response to this waif like figure but her enthralling performance and sound captured the imagination of a more than enthusiastic crowd.
There are three initial things to talk about with Joanna Newsom - the first is her choice of instrument. The harp is not exactly the most obvious choice to accompany the voice and especially for a touring musician. The harp is more associated with solo work or as part of an orchestra. The dulcimer, santoor, Celtic harp, Kantele and other harp type instruments are used extensively around the world in folk music with most countries having their own unique version. Joanna's choice of instruments is a large, what seems to be, orchestral harp complete with pedals and a beautiful organic sound.
Secondly is the purpose of the instrument as an accompaniment to her songs. The piano would be more obvious but would perhaps not work as well. Her songs are rich with arpeggiac sequences, dark rumbles, enthralling rhythmical passage all performed with bravado, sensitivity and aplomb. Her lyrics talk of life, weather, nature, love, God, spirituality and every other intriguing subject both earthly and beyond. She is a fine poet without a doubt. Her words speak images of life. Of every nuance of the creation from the humble crab to the bean. She is like a storyteller passing on stories of early America of life through the ages. I won’t even start to try and find comparisons or influences. Newsome is unique and one should take her as an individual artist.
With a hatful of titles that mix innocence with charm such as "Sprout & The Bean', "Peach, Plum & Pear", "Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie" Newsom explores the world, her world of past, present and future. She explores her voice the harp and the strength of her audience.
The third consideration is her voice. Angelic, sorrowful, happy, thoughtful, provoking and at all times sweetly intense. The intensity is not a bad thing by any means. But her style is unique. Remnants of folk, country and even blues singers lie buried beneath this part gypsy part fortuneteller who entertains from the heart and demands understanding from the soul.
By far the most endearing song of the evening was the absolutely charming “This Side Of The blue”. A mature song with the most enthralling of melodies, lyrics and form. The harp sits back stage in a very simple arrangement and lets the folky melody take centre stage.
Other strong songs were "The Book Of Right On" & "Bridges & Balloons"
This is an artist to watch out for. Joanna Newsom will take her position on the global music stage. It is only a matter of time. If you can catch her over the next few months at her various shows around the globe then do.
Unique, charming, thought provoking & overwhelmingly intoxicating.
10/10
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