2005
-
Used To Be Afraid
-
Big Love
R E V I E W S:
Hey all: I must say if you missed last nights gig, you missed one of her best. She was in top form on all fronts. The band was on the money. She played with the same guys as last time plus a guy on electric guitar. Her vocals were great and her playing on the piano was the best she has ever played it. She basically did the same set as last week but the versions were just so much better. Not that last weeks gig wasn’t good, but this one was just perfect. The new stuff is so good with such a real emotional feel to it. I hope when she records these songs that feeling is still there and they are not overdone in the studio. The rawness of these songs is what makes them even better. The place was packed as usual despite a call for heavy snow. I don’t have no set list and don’t know the titles to these songs. The only older song of hers that she sang was “Northern Star”. I have seen her over 20 times and this show was one of, if not the best.
-Mitchwins
mitchwins- between you and me we’re set. i’m glad you provided a real synop and i agree- her voice was just so clear and intimate with such genuine emotion. i’ll provide the set- and i promise i wrote my own list!
(happy sigh) The best part, if you let me start at the end, is that I don’t want to put a cd on because I’m humming Leona’s new songs. Can’t get them out of my head, and that’s without an album even out yet!
So here it is, reporting to you live from The Living Room, 154 Ludlow Street, NYC.
It was a chilly night on the quiet streets of downtown Ludlow. Good to be back in the area- passing Famous Ray’s Pizza, Katz’s Deli, the yummy Mexican restaurant on the corner (Sombreros?), and the famous Pianos lounge next door.
We got there around 6:30, the place was just opening. Mike from out yonder had arrived safely (and I hope returned home safely- Mike??) Other musicians were testing the mics, bartenders were nice as usual.
First highlight was seeing Ryan Adams returned for the 2nd show. My mom was glamorously downing a sandwich outside with him on the phone nearby. Hah. Once we took our seats, my friend who’s a huge fan of Adams didn’t believe me when I said she was sitting next to him. Yip!
Leona and friends show up. She’s pretty relaxed and in a good mood, casual with her usual cute folksy button-downs and ruffley shirts.
They started a little late and went for an hour. These are not the official song names (but see end of post) and I may spell names incorrectly- my apologies.
Players:
Emory Dobbins- elec guitar
Aaron Cont- drums
Paul Bryan- bass
Here’s the set list w/ quotes interspersed:
Used to Be Afraid
“Did someone steal my list?” joking around
(other show attendees- did she have a new darker wood guitar?)
Not the Same Girl (I think first time I’ve heard this one)
more joking
on piano- Swing Swing Gently
Ghosts in the Attic
You’re On My Mind
“I hope you guys all got stoned before the show… not that it’s a good thing to get stoned…” (audience says yes, laughs)
This is Not Love
on piano- When Sharks Attack
“I dedicate this to the birthday boy.” (Arne Næss Jr. was born December 8, 1937)
on piano- Northern Star (beautiful, subdued, w/ great bass and delicate drums)
on piano- Out of this Dress
Heavy Like Sunday
Suddenly leaves the stage. “I need to get my vocals. They’re upstairs…” Quickly returns. “favorite Dylan song but there are many words. I don’t know the words.”
Her own rendition of You’re a Big Girl Now
“You might want to shoot yourself after this. Anyone that wants to sing along, go for it!” Some song, which I’ve never heard, but her friends definitely sang and danced along to “Leave our boyfriends behind”. Imagine the fun and attitude of “Friends in Low Places”. Teasel said “I am trying to remember the name of the track – might be ‘Ain’t Like The Most’”
My 3 friends who were first-timers were floored. They loved her album but seemed even more impressed hearing her live- no surprise. By now we had finished our drinks and packed up to go. Oh! I must mention the other performers- http://www.williamhartstrecker.com/index.html was great fun, countryish and jamming out before she was on. http://www.sashadobson.com/ was on afterwards- someone raved about her voice and work w/ Jesse Harris (who previously worked with Norah Jones) but I didn’t get to hear much.
So we’re on our merry way to the subway when I realized we didn’t leave a tip for the waitress. Lucky for me! After returning to the music room to the waitress, saw Leona on my way back out. She gave me a nice hello, I raved- pretty much, she sounded great, and looked great too! She seemed very happy and in a good place since the past years events. She agreed, said it was fun and she enjoyed the show.
I asked about the album, knowing all the fans were just as anxious as me to hear her newest songs. And guess what- she says it’s done! YIP! So the official album and correct titles should be common knowledge soon enough.
And, as if that isn’t enough, I then spot Joshua Jackson who I must say (indulging in E!Online type editorializing) looked great in person in his orange shirt.
Hope you enjoyed the show!
-Sara
