(Photo courtesy She’s Bitter)
I’m a bit Feisted out at this point but I have to say DC was treated to an engaging performance last night at the Black Cat. No doubt, Feist will be headlining the gig, with a more substantial turn-out, next time she comes to town.
The presence of Borders “suits” at the club was a bit disconcerting, but it has been interesting to see how the marketing machine is developing this amazing and appealing artist in the US.
Feist performed sans back-up band and armed only with her guitar, an intriguing pedal device, a powerful voice, and loads of charisma. That she is braving the US market with a rawer more intimate approach brings me, a long-time devotee of her smooth and slinky Let it Die, great comfort and a great deal of respect for the artist’s unique vision.
Leslie Feist is quite effective, and courageous, I might add, in employing the tactic of audience participation. Which draws even those unfamiliar with her work immediately and warmly in. She had us clapping, singing along, and thoroughly engaged from the get-go. Feist is truly a charmer and a natural born performer. Last night I sort of felt like I was a summer camp sing-a-long lead by the cool, hot counselor with the guitar and the voice by the fire. She could have been leading us in “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or “Kumbaya” for chrissakes – it was a great deal of fun and refreshingly communal.
Also, Feist played a bit of her newer material (Let it Die has been out for some time now, and roughly half of the songs on the album are covers) and it is powerful and beautiful and promising!
Yikes, I am such a groupie! Many thanks to Feist for the two wonderful performances yesterday. And also for kindly comping me last night and taking the time to chat for a bit despite a grueling schedule. Leslie Feist is one of the most down to earth and available artists I have ever met.
I had a great time hanging out with She’s Bitter and Information Leafblower and some non-bloggers at the show. My tired old lazy bones had me skipping out on British Sea Power and crawling home to bed mid-set but DCist has provided a good wrap-up.