Madeleine Peyroux at The Sage

22.11.09

Reviewed by Louise Morris

There was a sense that we were awaiting a true musical presence and an icon for modern Jazz; comparisons to Billie Holiday have imbued Madeleine Peyroux with reverence and respect, which she managed to maintain and deserve rather than shrinking under such an auspicious reputation. Support was provided by Lesley Roley whose pretty folk songs were given energy with soaring vocals, but Madeleine was eagerly anticipated. She strode on stage with a full backing band, the acoustics were perfect and with every old favourite the audience rippled with appreciative applause. Madeleine’s velvety vocals and distinctive intonation transformed covers of Bob Dylan’s “You’re Gonna To Make Me Lonesome When You Go”, Edith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose” and Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me To The End Of Love”. “Between The Bars” was rendered beautifully haunting, and although Madeleine has a stronger voice than Elliott Smith, she managed to recreate and enhance the intense fragility that characterises the song. I have to say I prefer the album version of the track which is pared back and simple; I felt that Peyroux who is usually so intuitive added a few too many vocal embellishments. Still, a wonderful rendition, and her successful performance of a range of covers proves her impeccable taste and talent for making the songs her own. Madeleine Peyroux’s latest album “Bare Bones” is remarkable for being her first with all original songs, a strong decision marking her development as a writer. Peyroux was charmingly understated and gently witty, achieving the perfect balance between songs and chatter, confessing at the start that the first part of the show would be about the “holy trinity: booze, blues and ballads”. She was clearly very conscious not to depress her audience with too many sad songs, constantly commenting that wanted to “cheer us up” as she interspersed the set with more upbeat tracks.

Madeleine’s amazing backing band accentuated the whole performance with their talent for improvisation and excellent musicianship, swapping between instruments. The most astounding improvisation was definitely the skilled drummer, who maintained such control and used the brush sticks innovatively, gradually crescendoing to a roll where he even used his foot and elbow to vary the pitch of the drum!

Madeleine was gracious, explaining certain songs and displaying a commanding presence which belies her general withdrawal from public attention, for about seven years she eschewed fame, returning to her roots busking in Paris. The encore comprised of one sole but perfectly chosen cover of “I’ll Be Seeing You” and the band exited after a formal, theatrical stage bow. Peyroux’s endearing personage and captivating voice promises to enchant future fans and provide ample success in her emergence as a skilled songwriter as well as the talented performer she has already proved herself to be.

4/5