Paula Cole returned to the unique 'power trio' format of her late 90s peak-of-popularity era to deliver a fantastic performance at this intimate concert. For Paula, 'power trio' means a super versatile guitarist and drummer percussionist (no bassist) who backed singingi or singing/playing piano.
While this was a powerful performance on many levels, it was not loud - as the term power trio might lead one to think. It's just her music stripped to it's musical essence so there's nothing to distract from the musciality of the tunes, the strong lyrics or Paula's exceptional singing.
She performed a set heavy on songs from her first 3 albums- including plenty of tunes from her most popular release "This Fire." Paula Cole is a singular talent, also at least a triple threat.: Great singer, songwriter and player/entertainer - and she produces her recordings. Aftter a several year hitatus to take care of some life problems (which she mentioned during the show) she is back doing the music she was born to do.
Words fail me in trying to describe this exceptional and exceptionally personal performnance before an audiience full of Paula Cole fans. She's a world class singer- strong enough to be tapped by Peter Gabrel to handle the lead female vocal parts on one of his world tours. Her songs are personal yet accessible and always very musical. It''s no surprise that she's a graduate of Bekelee Sxhool of Music.
"This Fire" is one of my favorite albums and songs from her other releases are faves too,. The hits "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone" and "I Don't Wanna Wait" are great songs, which show a certain pop side of Paula Cole. She has a lot more to offer and her range is deep. And singing simply doesn't get any bettter than Paula's.
There was a lot of love from both sides of the stage at this concert.