09 July 2010 (gig)
14 July 2010
The duchess of Coolsville, Rickie Lee Jones, invited to an intimate gig at London’s Union Chapel, and disciples flocked to see her perform.
During the course of the concert it became clear as to why the venue proved perfect: with acoustic renditions of her back catalogue and only two backing musicians, there was an almost ethereal feel to the music, complimented by the Chapel’s décor and subdued lighting.
Taking to the stage in an outfit that is perhaps best described as eccentric bohemian, Rickie began the set with ‘Altar Boy’. If ever a song’s title was suited to specific surroundings, this was it (though lyrically speaking, probably not…). Complimented by violin, the first number was a clear indication that soft and other-wordly nuances would favour over harder sounds.
Other numbers like ‘Away From The Sky’, ‘It Must Be Love’ and especially ‘Weasel And White Boys Cool’ sounded equally less jazzy but more mellow instead. For ‘Satellites’, Rickie took place behind the drum kit, however, it turned out too be somewhat of a lacklustre experience. There is a reason why a drum kit is a drum kit, and not a plaything that should be handled with too gentle a touch. She did make up for it, however, by heading for the piano next – where she performed several numbers and felt seemingly more at ease.
Tracks from the latest album Balm In Gilead, like the country infused ‘Remember Me’ or melancholic ‘Bonfires’ with its 60’s folk vibe blended in effortless with older material. Two songs from the Gilead album were ‘Wild Girl’ (dedicated to her daughter) and the simply beautiful ‘His Jeweled Floor’ with its Gospel sentiment. Both proved a perfect choice to not only demonstrate Rickie’s vocal range, but likewise her ability to display gentle passion and emotion when it matters. Another exquisite number was ‘Sailor Song’ – not only my personal favourite but also a prime example of what an extremely skilled songwriter she is.
In between, Rickie joked with the audience and encouraged everyone to chant along with the chorus of her songs, since that was part of the plan. The audience responded with laughter and applause, enough for her to keep on playing and playing. Still, all the while there seemed to be an aura of slight nervousness about her that stood in contrast to the fact that she’s been around since the 1970’s.
The set must have been well into over two hours when a backstage member interrupted to remind her of the looming and almighty curfew. The Lord alone knows what Rickie made of the announcement but whatever she might have thought, it didn’t stop her from performing one last song (and one of her greatest hits), ‘Chuck E’s in Love’. Obviously taking the curfew warning to heart, there was no encore – much to the disappointment of the audience. Still, this being one of the hottest days of the year, it gave everyone the chance to order a last drink at the bar. An incredible evening with an incredible artist had come to an end.
(Photo of Rickie Lee Jones © by David Barnum)
