Amazing!!!!
by Kimberly on 5/22/23The Chicago Theatre - ChicagoNatalie just gets better with age. Enchanting vocals, warm persona, she shares the spotlight with her accompanying musicians. A joy to behold.
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NATALIE MERCHANT IN CONCERT:
In 2014 Natalie Merchant wowed both critics and fans with a self-titled, self-produced album -- her first record of all-new material in more than 12 years and a triumphant reminder that she remains one of the most influential voices in alternative rock. The former 10,000 Maniacs singer still possesses the same charm and magnetism on stage that made her a star in the ‘80s, enchanting audiences with her signature unadorned style and whirling dancing. Whether she’s performing new songs like “The End” backed by a full symphony orchestra or wending her way through a medley of fan favorites accompanied by only piano and acoustic guitar, Merchant’s perfectly preserved voice and unbridled passion always make for an unforgettable concert experience.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Born in Jamestown, NY, Natalie Merchant was encouraged to study music by her mother, who also influenced the budding singer’s development by banning TV from the house. After dropping out of high school and working at a health food store, she started singing for the band Still Life, which eventually became iconic ‘80s alt rock outfit 10,000 Maniacs. Merchant released five critically acclaimed albums with the band -- including the multi platinum-selling LPs “Blind Man’s Zoo (1989) and Our Time in Eden (1992) -- before leaving the band in 1993. She made her official solo debut in 1995 with the album Tigerlily, a critical and commercial success that spawned three hit singles including “Carnival” and “Jealousy”. Merchant has continued to build on the legacy she established with the Maniacs over the course of five more acclaimed solo albums, including a self-titled work released in 2014 – her first album of entirely new material since 2001’s Motherland.
FANS WHO BOUGHT TICKETS SAY:
“Saw Natalie with the Jax Symphony and it was incredible! The pure, beautiful voice is still there. Didn't disappoint and saved her oldies for the end with the piano and guitar - very intimate in contrast to playing with the symphony.”
“She certainly didn't disappoint. Her voice is just as amazing live as it is in studio, which didn't surprise me at all. What a beautiful talent. And a full orchestra is always appreciated.”
“The woman rocked the stage with just a pianist and acoustic guitarist (did not need the other 9,999 Maniacs). She doesn't just perform the songs, she embodies them.”
Natalie just gets better with age. Enchanting vocals, warm persona, she shares the spotlight with her accompanying musicians. A joy to behold.
Such a great experience seeing her again after 30 years. Her voice hasn’t changed a bit!
What a performance. I think her voice is better now than ever. I was wowed. Thank you Natalie!
The venue is great, intimate. Her strings section was amazing! Natalie’s voice still sounds smooth, rich and strong. Her new songs are really good and you can hear how she is maximizing her voice as it is now but just what you’ve come to expect from her over the years. The show lasted three hours with a break between sets. 25 songs which was awesome! We had a good time.
Natalie Merchant has an amazing voice, and her show was great!!! I would definitely see her again and I’m glad I didn’t miss this one!
Natalie sounded great!!! I would definitely see her again!!!
Natalie was amazing. That's without saying. But 30 seconds into the show a speaker blew. She, like a pro, walked off stage, composed herself, and walked back on to restart the show. It was on stage right. I was 10 rows behind the speaker, and the whole first set all I heard was the snap, crackle, and pop of that speaker with every note. It was like listening to a scratched record right next to your ear. I complained to the usher, manager, bartender, anyone who would listen, and I give them credit, they did fix it between the first and second intermission. After that, it was a 5 star show. I just wish they would have fixed the problem immediately instead of letting the poor quality of sound drag on.
My wife and I have seen countless concerts, this was among the very best. Natalie is clearly at the peak of her talent and delivers real emotion with every note.
Fantastic sound mix! Classy arrangements using a string quartet, double bass, grand piano, drum set and electric guitar. Merchants vocals were superb (as well as her back up singer)! She also was quite engaging with the audience through out the entire 3 hour show!!! Loved it all ❤️❤️❤️
The most beautiful show. Her voice and song was literally an emotional journey that evening. Highly recommended.
It was an excellent evening of great music, good drinks and a very peaceful atmosphere. Loved it
Lovely venue spent with a woman who has shared her voice with us for many years! Such a magical night!
I saw Natalie for the first time when she was with the DSO. Best concert I had ever been to or at least I thought so. This evening just blew me away. Her talent is phenomenal,her voice is hauntingly beautiful and live, it is so powerful one becomes enveloped in it's velvet cloak. She was funny and the her dancing was joyous. She sang Verdi Cries which is my favorite so beautifully I cried! My plan is to attend any and all of Natalie's concerts whenever she comes around.
My wife and I saw her at Michigan Theatre. Her voice was great. Her string quartet was great. The arrangements were fun and a little different than the albums. My wife said it was one of the best shows she has ever seen, and I’m inclined to agree.
Natalie merchant is amazing... It was one of the best concerts ever
Perfect venue, perfect musicians and Natalie was as mesmerizing, dreamy and perfect as I’d hoped she’d be! Bad ass to play 2 75-min. sets! Totally engaged with her audience. She had us in the palm of her hand and I loved every second.
Amazing show!! Great venue, amazing 3 hour performance!
Her voice is even better live. Just amazing and fabulous. So good
3 solid hours of sheer entertainment, with intermission. What a beautiful voice. Nothing but sheer talent.
Natalie was great - Her co-singer too - the band was awesome, they could do their own concert & I would love it! The only things I didn't enjoy were that so many of her songs are downers - slow, ballady & sad. She should try not to do so many in a row - she herself even mentioned that during the concert. I would also have liked a few more 10,000 Maniacs songs thrown in there - I realize she's got a new album to push & lots of her solo stuff is good, but nothing quite rises to the level of 10,000 Maniacs