No more results on this page
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 creates an ambiance unlike any other musician I've encountered. To listen to her live... you feel the warmth of her music flowing over and enveloping you like water. You can't help but feel the deeper emotions conveyed in the lyrics welling up from within. This is artistry at its most exquisite.
The second show as brilliant, fun and enlightening as the first, finding myself thankful for Natalie's presence in my life for 22 years. To hear the poet's history and natalie's labor of love in researching their lives then listening to the wonderful, dramatic and delightful way in which she interpreted the poet's words amazes me. Although the night was dedicated to Natalie's new double album, i was pleasantly suprised to hear two songs from The House Carpenter's Daughter, in particular "Owensboro", a favorite of mine, such a powerful song. Completely satisfied with the night then Natalie returns for what seemed like another show with her bandmates and she performed and looked like she was in her 30s again, dancing, with grooving, soulful songs from albums past. Incredible!
Poet'simages cast on stage in black and white, but luminous and seemingly alive this night as dear Natalie brough their words to life with music, interpreting these incredible, yet mostly unknown today, poet's works (shamefully admit i knew of only two), Natalie and the band performed wonderfully, with such positive energy and in usual Miss Merchant form, educated, entertained and enlivened the audience. The venue "The Concert Hall" absolutely beautiful and intimate, perfect place for her powerful yet soft voice to emanate beautifully.
maybe the best concert i ever saw! natalies transformation of 19th century poetry to original music was totally unique and amazing. everyone likes to hear stories and she regaled the audience with 12 or so stories of the poets, their lives, and her connection with them. the array of instruments and the talent of all the musicians kept the audience captivated and riveted from beginning to end thank you natalie
After such a long musical dried up, Natalie brings a, literally, piece of art!!! Her performance was magnificense, I love the stories, pictures and of course the poems becoming lyrics in songs with such a diversity of rythms that it is just overwhelming. I bought the double album right at the spot, strongly recommendable, thanks Natalie, great music and performance.
To hear her wonderful voice fill a church venue was amazing! Had heard some of the songs a few years ago when she was still experimenting with them. Loved the finished product.
The concert was just unforgettable, the band exquisite,songs thoughtful and inspiring, I have just so loved everything from the first moment the show has started. Natalie is one of the few people that can get you into the mood and pool you in immediately, she creates a music niche you just jump into. Every song was so different but still part of the whole. Connecting the centuries via poems and today's music was so nice. It is so rare that you can connect immediately with the songs you didn't hear before. And what great stories and lives behind all the poems, so grateful that Natalie shared some of the stories with us. The venue is great for these intimate concerts, you really feel like you are part of the music. And, I do have to mention that I was relieved to hear that I felt right about banishing "avatar" from my dictionary. I can't wait to get the CD!
Natalie Merchant is an artist that will continue to raise the bar for any musician or artist. Her music was gorgeous and presented a mystical and telling link to many poets whose own inspiring and thoughtful work has been lost in the cultural chaos of today. Every song had a melodic root that will only inspire my children to think deeper. Thanks Natalie and all who collaborated!!!
Well, one thing is for sure, Natalie's voice is as incredible and unique as it ever was. I love this woman, I've been seeing her live way back in the days of 10,000 maniacs. I have to be honest though, while I like a good deal of her poem/songs, I wish the concert was a little more balanced of her new/old stuff. I also noticed her energy level was not quite the same as in the past, less intense stage dancing, and as far as her vocals, she didn't get crazy into carnival and use that wicked range in most of her songs as she has in the past. All in all, you can't go wrong with seeing her show, she's very personable and I love that she danced with the audience, very cool Natalie. You're still my fave.
Natalie's concert of her new album was so real and beautiful. The songs are true to her heart and soul. She is dramatic as usual and that is so addictive. She is honest and sincere. Her voice is heard and not buried by instruments. The accompaniements were beautiful. She put a lot of time and effort into learning as much as she could about the poets and writers of the original literary scholars. I just love Natalie and her talent. I could listen to her forever and never tire of hearing her beauty.
The show was amazing! Then again, Natalie could sing the phone book and I would attend. Since she left the Maniacs in 1993, Natalie has truly grown as an artist and been able to collaborate with so many diverse talents around the world. Her latest project "Leave Your Sleep" is six long and hard years spent on her behalf that are so worth it on her fans' end! Wow. She is brilliant and creative beyond her years. It's nice to have a success like Natalie who is able to introduce and teach her fans new genres of music and other worldly ideas. She is pure talent...and that word seems to be missing "these days" (ha ha) from 90 percent of the artists on tv and radio. I have honestly seen her live about 30 times over the years, and she only gets better! And...what a voice!
The opposite of commercial, Natalie Merchant's voice has an ability to wrap itself around the soul. This new collection of poem songs has obviously been a labor of love. Natalie you are wonderful. Thank you for a perfect night.
Having no idea what the new album consisted of, we were pleasantly surprised at the overall experience of the concert, even beyond the music. Natalie's voice is so great to listen to and setting it to poetry with interesting music and arrangements felt as much a literary journey as a musical one. We all loved it. And it looked like Natalie loved every moment of it too!
THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL; HOW BEAUTIFULLY SHE HAS WOVEN CLASSIC, ALMOST UNKNOWN POETRY TO MODERN MUSIC. A TRUE VISIONARY.
Natalie Merchant is a talented and brilliant artist. Her voice is rich and powerful, yet soft and gentle as an angel. She is a pleasure to watch as well as listen to. I go to many concerts and this was one of the best shows I’ve seen. It was fun and educational and I could have listened for hours. I look forward to seeing her again . . .
Great singing, very entertaining stories although maybe a little too much talking in between songs. Natalie Merchant was obviously very dedicated to this project which showed and was fun to see.
I have seen Natalie Merchant several times - and she always putys on a great show. She is an engaging performer and has a great set of pipes. Sweet , gentle , strong , powerful with a beautifully pure tone. An amazing night spent with a unique and gifted artist. Thank you Natalie -- will treasure the few hours I got to spend with you .
I've seen Natalie Merchant perform about 8 or 9 times in NYC over the past 12-13 years...while she's often presented mesmerizing moments in which she seduces the audience with her vocal range, power, and control, and a sincere and initially subdued stage presence which metamorphoses as the concert progresses into an increasingly wild dervish and trance-like solipsism...while this has remained her general in-concert "m.o." over the years, some of the concerts in recent years have been a bit "flat" almost as if she were phoning it in and didn't want to be performing (e.g., Hiro ballroom in 2008)... Last night's concert, which was done in conjunction with the official release of her remarkable new album, seemed to bring out a much more energized (and lighter and happier, though a tad less wild) performer. Normally, like most concert goers, I generally want to hear the old standards with which I'm most familiar. After the first 2 or 3 songs tonight off of her new album, however, I didn't want to lose the sense she was building of time recaptured via her variegated musical resurrection of "dead poets". She did sing one or two standard "oldies" at the end. But by then, it was merely as an after-the-fact amuse bouche to what was a remarkable main course of fresh and evocative songs. I look forward to looking back 25 years from now to say I was there when this body of work was first "released" (as Natalie said last night) live to the public.
This was such a beautiful time listening to an extremely gifted voice and intelligent person. The venue was a perfect size. The creativity of Ms. Merchant's new work is mesmerizing.
Maybe because it was the release day and never got to listen to th new CD that it felt very slow, a lot of string instruments. She sounded as good as ever, and the venue was intimate with only 800 people. The music is very folksy. She only sang 2 or 3 older songs, Motherland, I think Life is Sweet and Carnival which was great. Then she finished with two songs of house carpenters daughter, not exactly leaving here audience wanting more. I have seen her about a dozen times and probably won't seek out another show this time around unless there is more of a mix or I learn to love the new CD after giving it more of a chance.
