Tori Amos played an intimate set at Camden's Jazz Cafe on Wednesday in front of competition winners and fans, some of who had queued overnight in the rain to get hold of tickets.
Having requested that all cameras be confiscated and the downstairs bar being closed during her set, those who consider Amos to be stumbling across that fine line between artistry and divaism were not disapproved ahead of the 46-year old's set.
But, not surprisingly, the naysayers were swiftly muffled as she took to the stage. Typically seated squashed between her piano and keyboard, with flame-red hair flowing down a red dress, her presence on this compact scene turned the awestruck audience silent from the first note.
Here to promote her new, seasonal album Midwinter Grace, the set relied heavily on the festive-themed tunes, although frequently intercepted by older fan favourites, much to the venue's delight. In fact, rarely do you see (or hear to be precise) a crowd so immersed in the performer, that every comment made from the stage is met with this level of unadulterated applause, laughter or both, as in the case of Amos' (admittedly amusing) anecdote about taking Ecstasy with one of the parents of an audience member.
Amos jokingly added that her father had thought the song Father Lucifer was about him, before revealing that the song in fact was written after an experience she had during the mentioned Ecstasy trip, when she "had sex with Lucifer... and someone else". Cue rapturous applause, ear-shattering laughter and a few spilled drinks.
But she gave as much back to the crowd as they did for her. A tear ran down her cheek during set opener Lady In Blue, and she thanked the devoted fans for sleeping in the rain outside Oxford Street's HMV in order to get tickets for this very exclusive performance.
Her fingers running across piano keys seemingly unaffected by consciousness, Amos' talent, it feels needless to say, is uniquely displayed here tonight, her vixen-like appearance and eccentric stage presence underlining her much admired status as one of the most influential female artists of the last 20 years.
So when after the show, she shakes hands with the front row, and graciously accepts her fans' adulation as she passes them on the narrow balcony, more than a few comments of 'gig of their lifetime' are heard. For this handful of lucky Tori Amos fans, it may just be.
Setlist:
Lady In Blue
Concertina
A Silent Night With You
Dragon
Doughnut Song
Ophelia
Josephine
Rattlesnakes
Jeanette, Isabella
Mrs Jesus
Beauty Of Speed
Another Girls Paradise
Star Of Wonder
London Girls
Pink & Glitter
1:46 PM | 03/12/2009
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Great review. She's amazing, the finest singer/songwriter of the last 20 years, easy. And still a superb live performer after all these years
Posted by M Barton at 11:34 PM | 03/12/2009 | Report Abuse
What a fantastic review! I queued overnight for the wristband, I simply wouldn't do this for any other artist. This is the 8th time I've seen her perform live, and she totally encaptures every soul in the building when she takes to the stage. She has a beautiful presence that was really felt that night, especially when she shed a tear at the beginning. A once in a lifetime show!
Posted by Rachael O'Flaherty at 12:44 PM | 04/12/2009 | Report Abuse
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