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RACHEL YAMAGATA IN CONCERT:
Indie singer-songwriter and critical darling Rachel Yamagata is nothing if not fearless. Over the past two decades Yamagata has established herself as one of the most fiercely original voices in contemporary pop music with her increasingly ambitious recordings and fiery live performances. In concert she holds nothing back, delivering her poetic lyrics with unbridled passion and wrenching every last drop of emotion out of deeply personal songs like "Over" and "Nobody." A talented multi-instrumentalist, Yamagata moves fluidly between piano and electric guitar in concert, conjuring an ever-evolving array of textures and moods to suit her dynamic compositions. Her backing band keeps pace brilliantly, contributing sparse percussion and haunting backup vocals that complement her expressive songs without distracting from their emotional impact. At the center of it all is Yamagata's smoky, soulful voice – a steady beacon that makes even her most melancholy moments feel like a spiritual awakening.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Arlington, VA-born Rachel Yamagata got her start in the late '90s fronting Chicago funk-rock group Bumpus. She spent six years recording and touring with the band, then left in 2001 to start her solo career. After being picked up by Arista Records, Yamagata released a self-titled 2002 EP that she followed-up in 2004 with her debut full-length Happenstance. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its formidable songwriting and cracking the Top 20 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart. Following a high-profile 2007 tour with pop princess Mandy Moore, Yamagata returned to the studio and recorded her 2008 sophomore album Elephants…Teeth Sinking into Heart. Critic's praised that album's dark, brooding sound, and fans agreed – the record peaked at No. 10 on Billboard's Top Digital Albums chart. Since then Yamagata has continued to innovate, exploring laid-back blues-rock on 2011's Chesapeake and employing a wide variety of styles on 2016's genre-defying Tightrope Walker. Through it all, Rachel Yamagata has maintained an uncompromising creative vision and a sterling reputation as a performer that continues to draw ticket buyers out in droves.
Rachael and her band played an amazing set. I was pleasantly surprised that she did a meet and greet after the show. She spent a nice amount of time with each fan; making us all feel appreciated.
Couldn't ask for a better show. Her music is addictive and powerful and vocals incredible. I could listen to her sing all night!
After hearing a couple of Rachael's songs on Pandora, I quickly became a fan. I then went to seek out a larger variety of her music on Youtube... the more I heard, the more I liked her style and incredible voice. I decided to go see her live and the Sinclair was the perfect venue. I had an unobstructed balcony view that made the whole experience even better. Most of the songs that I listened to prior to the concert were recorded stuff. But live, she belted out even more of her incredible voice and she's actually quite funny live... and seems like a really sweet, down to earth person. Will definitely go see her again : )
Loved this artist for many years. So excited to see her at the Sinclair and to be able to introduce my teen-age daughter to her amazing talent. Band was great and there was amazing energy between them all.
I was not previously well acquainted with Rachel - but I certainly am now. She was a wonderful performer with lovely energy that really made the intimate venue feel even closer. I will DEFINITELY be buying her new album when it drops. Not to mention the opener, My Name is You, whom I had never heard before. They were also wonderful.
Rachael Yamagata was absolutely incredible!!!! Her voice blew me away!!!! She played a few new songs but many of her older hits as well. She's a real pro, full of charisma and an amazing gift at lyrics, phrasing, and stunning voice. I'd see her again in a heartbeat! Also loved the Sinclair! Great venue!!! Nicely raw and intimate!!!
While I respect her desire to play new work and, as Rachael urged, to "evolve", there were too many new, unheard pieces. My preference was to hear the work I am familiar with and for the opportunity to experience the live versions of songs I've loved and listened to for years. It also would have served to energize the crowd and made for a better connection and experience for both artist and attendees. Having said that, I found her voice to be strong, sexy and beautiful, her stories on point and hilarious, and she herself comfortable and charismatic. I'll definitely keep buying the music, but I doubt I'll spend the money and make the effort to see her live performance.
I wouldn't have believed those words before the concert. I thought her studio tracks were great and I really loved them, but I wasn't prepared for the charisma & stage presence she has. I was really taken with how deep down she dug into her music, the quality of her vocals or the way she pulled off so much rocking soul. I would have loved to hear more -- longer set maybe, but overall, every song was great. I thought for a minute she was going to sing Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen -- In truth, she would really do that song justice, but Landslide was a good choice too. The venue is small and that allowed for close contact which is good, but few chairs so get there in line early.
Fabulous show, incredible talent. Major league performer trying to go beyond minor league status. Hopefully her forthcoming album will be the breakthrough all her fans have been hoping for. It was good to hear her add more bluesy hard and funky songs, while still paying attention to her ballad side. She is an original. Last but not least, what an incredible band! Drove 250 miles from Moorhead, Mn. (Fargo, Nd area) to see her (4th time), more than worth it. Made for a fantastic twin cities weekend! Would like to see her become more established, maybe I wouldn't have to drive so far!
Amazing.She is simply the best. This concert has been one the best event that I live in NYC
Rachael connected with the audience in an intimate, very personal way that left one feeling you were in a small venue of 30 or so people instead of the room packed with several hundred. A memorable evening where every song and every word was heartfelt, every musical bar and note was from that special creative zone were you can do no musical wrong.
I have seen Rachael perform many times over the years, and she is always great, but I especially enjoyed this 10th anniversary show of the Happenstance album. Even more wonderful than normal! Do NOT miss this show!!
Rachael and her bandmates were great. Wonderful, varied and rich catalog of songs with various styles .... and she let her wonderful personality come through with stories about many of the songs. The Birchmere was great for her -- great sound, not too quiet or loud (saw her the evening before at Ram's Head Annapolis, and the sounds was WAY TOO LOUD), and great views. I will continue to introduce her music to as many people as I can .... and I wish her great success! Harry Conaway
The show did not start until 8 pm, but the tickets said 6 pm. There was no place to sit, so we had to stand for 2 hours and wait for the show to start. Then the opening act did not show, so someone picked up a guitar and played a few songs before Rachel came out. It was good once Rachel started playing, but I would suggest that the show times be better described, such as "doors open a 6 pm show starts at 8 pm." How long do you expect us to stand for show. By 10 pm I was beat and had to leave before Rachel finished playing
The show was great. Disappointed didn't know there was an opening act. He was fine. But thought rachael was coming on at 9, and had to suffer through him playing. Was annoyed she didn't come out till after 10
This beautiful and talented woman puts on quite a show. She's funny charming and inspiring! Bowery was a beautiful space for Her show. Killer opening act. Congrats! Katie
Never a disappointment. The venue was intimate. Sound was awesome. Rachael is super talented, funny and just loveable. There's a reason behind each one of her songs and she lets you in. You almost want to have a crappy relationship so that these songs really have meaning in your life. Lol. She's great.
As expected, Rachael Yamagata pulled on my heart strings again.
Rachael is an amazing artist. Her voice is even better live!! I loved how her show was so intimate and she interacts w/the audience so much. Great show...she is a must-see. She sang all her great songs (and even my fave You Don't Let Me)
I've seen Rachael Yamagata live 4 times, and this was an amazing show! The crowd was receptive, the talent was friendly, and the music was fantastic. I would travel to a different state any day to see a show like that.
