There was a major improvement over her 2006 Bridgewater Hall show and that was the stage set and lighting, with the large, central cut-out tree becoming the focus point as with each song a different video was projected onto it. For example, for ‘Little Bird’ a white dove appeared on the tree followed by a flock of birds flying through and around it. Another song signalled a burning tree while another transformed it into a fully lit Christmas tree. It was all done so well and was subtle enough not to distract from the music played. After just about every song she addressed the crowd, giving explanations of the inspiration for the next song, or some insight into the making of the track. For “First Train Home”, she revealed the first sounds you hear are her ‘playing’ the rims of wine glasses and proceeded to demonstrate this live and incorporate them into the performance. She also explained her ‘wired and miced arm’ and in the process flung her arms around as if doing some Dervish dance - the audience loved it! There was also a moment when the drummer came out onto the stage to play a saw while Heap captured the sound through a mic, recorded and looped it.

This was a show overflowing with special moments, humour, skill, originality, inventiveness, genuine and affectionate audience interaction. Musically, Heap is ahead of the game and is probably more popular overseas (especially in the USA) than she is at home. My only criticism was the quality and suitability of the venue but this was probably beyond the control of the artist. For those lucky enough to have been present, this was a performance that will remain in the memory for years to come, and was certainly one of the best live performances of 2010.

Set-List

The Walk
Swoon
Come Here Boy
Wait It Out
Fast Train Home
Little Bird
Canvas
Very Bad Body Double
Speeding Cars
Let Go
Just For Now
Between Sheets
Goodnight And Go
Headlock
Tidal
The Moment I Said It
Hide And Seek

November 2010 UK Tour Dates:

Tuesday 2nd Nov - Gateshead The Sage
Friday 5th Nov - London Royal Albert Hall
Sunday 7th Nov - Norwich Waterfront
Monday 8th Nov - Oxford O2 Academy (Rescheduled)
Wednesday 10th Nov - Cardiff Coal Exchange
Thursday 11th Nov - Bournemouth O2 Academy (Rescheduled)
Friday 12th Nov - Sheffield O2 Academy (6.00pm doors / 10.00pm Curfew)

Ticket prices and availablility are at:

http://www.artistticket.com/link/?s=imogen+heap
http://www.imogenheap.com/
www.myspace.com/imogenheap

More Exclusive Imogen Heap Show Images:

http://www.shakenstir.co.uk/index.php/gallery/?album=3165&gallery=1704

Imogen Heap Biography Link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imogen_Heap

The New Music Business Model: Imogen Heap: Link

http://deepdivemarketing.com/2009/07/20/the-new-music-business-model-imogen-heap/

Recent Imogen Heap Interview Link:

http://www.barcodezine.com/Imogen%20Heap%20Interview.htm