Martha Wainwright

In previous performances I’m pretty sure that Wainwright performed solo, without a backing band. But with instruments laid out across the stage I was about to be presented with a first, in my Martha experience. At 9pm members of Bernice wandered onto the stage, this time with a full-complement bass player. The auditorium was at that point 75% capacity and audibly excited. And when Wainwright appeared the welcome was loud and sincere. Immediately and without ceremony she sang the title track from her new record - one of my favourites on it. The opening line says it all: “I cried only one tear for us today and I will wipe it away before day breaks…” And there it was…Wainwright’s distinctive voice and style where everything is used to express the song’s sentiments - facially, bodily, vocally. There is no doubt she is one of the most expressive artists around today. And this is just the first song of many sung over a period of nearly 2 hours! But a tiny doubt has emerged during the song’s performance and it was the quality of sound in this usually acoustic heaven. It seemed to me that sound management had misjudged the balance between instruments and vocals which at times I found difficult to hear. This became clearer later when performing a couple of solo slots when there was no such problem.

‘Getting Older’ arrives next with its more stripped down instrumental backdrop and slower, more melodramatic pace and vibe. Another favourite then emerges with the delightful and highly melodic ‘Hole In My Heart’. And with it a voice which embraces every lyric with expressive vocal meandering which is nothing less than compelling to see and hear. Thus far, 3 fabulous personal, poetic and passionate songs from her new record. I could add another ‘p’ word - perfection - but I won’t because unlike most of the robotic, automated acts around today where every move is planned and calculated (especially pop acts like Kylie and the boy/girl groups), the star tonight is human and natural with the odd key and lyrical error. It’s all part of what makes this lady very special and much loved.

Throughout the performance Wainwright conversed with the audience whether explaining a song’s creation such as ‘Middle Of The Lake’ when she got into trouble in a lake. Or whether talking about her aunt and mother prior to the beautiful interpretation of her mother’s (Kate McGarrigle) song ‘Proserpina’ with the wonderful backing vocals of the full band grouped over the left of the stage. Or whether informing us of difficulties with finding fuel for the van, or that this was her final UK show before driving down to Heathrow for a return to her homeland. There was pathos and humour, there was instant audience connection, and all as natural as life itself.

For me, there were so many special moments including solo performances of songs from her superb debut record including the delicate and delectable ‘These Flowers’, contemplative and moody ‘Factory’, and finally the angst-driven vibe of ‘Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole’ albeit interpreted in a less angry style. Her songs, new and older display not only the most vivid, intimate lyrics but Wainwright’s extreme sensitivity to melody. Was there anything missing from the night’s performance? For me just one thing and that was the performance of French song by Barbra called ‘Dis, Quand Reviendras-Tu?’ which appeared on an extended version of her debut record. Perhaps next time…

The upbeat ‘Bleeding All Over You’ from I KNOW YOU’RE MARRIED BUT I’VE GOT FEELINGS TOO was also added to the new record’s songs in what was a masterful setlist that enthralled over nearly 2 hours of play. This was a masterpiece of a performance which underlined Wainwright’s position as one of today’s greatest singer/songwriters. It was a performance that will stay with me for many years to come. Hell, what a night, what a way to return to live performance coverage after such a difficult 18 months for the musical arts.

Setlist

Love Will Be Reborn
Getting Older
Hole In My Heart
Report Card
Being Right
Around The Bend
Middle Of The Lake
Chelsea Hotel (duo with Thom)
Jimi (solo)
I Am A Diamond (solo)
Old Paint (Ride Around Little Doggies)
Justice
Bleeding All Over You
Rainbow
Sometimes
Body And Soul
Factory

Proserpina (encore with band)
Bloody Motherfucking Asshole (encore solo)

https://www.marthawainwright.com/

Remaining 2021 Tour

OCTOBER 2021

9. Theatre Lac Brome, Knowlton, QC
21. Odyscène Cabaret BMO Sainte-Thérèse, Sainte-thérèse, QC
24. Théâtre du Cégep de Trois-Rivières, Trois-rivières, QC
30. Palais Montcalm, Quebec, 10

NOVEMBER 2021

4. Théâtre Outremont, Montreal, QC
5. Carrefour culturel de Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, Notre-dame-des-prairies, Québec
6. House of Culture Francis-Brisson, Shawinigan, QC
10. Coach House Concert Hall, San Juan Capistrano, CA
11. The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA
12. The Chapel, San Francisco, CA
14. Doug Fir Lounge, Portland, OR
15. Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney, BC
16. Massey Theatre, New Westminster, BC
18. Calgary Folk Music Festival, Calgary, AB
19. Festival Place, Sherwood Park, AB
20. Broadway Theatre, Saskatoon, SK
21. Artesian, Regina, SK
23. Park Theatre, Winnipeg, MB
27. Babs Asper theatre, Ottawa, ON
30. The Great Hall, Toronto, ON

DECEMBER 2021

1. Aeolian Hall Performing Arts Centre, London, ON