Thought that might get some attention!
Actually the malfunction consisted of Tift frequently complaining about the willowy scarf attached to her blouse – often dangling in the way, tangled up in her guitar strap at times.
So it won’t make Entertainment Tonight. Sorry, guys.
But it will make the list of our most favorite concerts. Incredible energy. If the Americana Association gave an award for it, she would win “Hardest Working Performer in Americana”.
Tift seemed very happy to be playing in Asheville – sometimes called the “San Francisco of the East” – not sure about that, but it’s certainly the San Francisco of Western NC! The venue was the Grey Eagle, which looks to be an old converted tire shop, now home to this small club complete with bar and Cajun kitchen.
She spoke of her many cousins throughout the South, and how Teddy Thompson was constantly being told about her cousins at every southern tour stop – “You’re from NC, you know what I mean about all the cousins”. She also mentioned a pre-Paris sabbatical from a few years ago in nearby Black Mountain when she intro’d “Another Country”.
Starting the show all sparkledy and made-up, then perspiring profusely by the 3rd song or so, later she remarked when an electric fan was turned on at the corner of the stage – “Now I can make my own personal music video” as she flipped back her hair and caught the breeze. She also struggled with the low piano stool, trying to stand while playing so the whole audience could see her – “I sorry I stopped growing so early!” Finally Zeke moved an equipment case on top of the stool so she could perch on top of it and be seen above the slightly out-of-tune baby grand. It was a real treat to hear her play an acoustic piano rather than the electronic keyboard.
The highlight was the sans-amplifiers version of “Supposed to Make You Happy” with Scott McCall and Jay Brown singing backup like choir boys (a bit scruffy & hairy choir boys, that is!). I thought the band was really “on” based on the level of energy and their attention to their quarterback (Tift), but I have a feeling they put on great shows like this frequently.
Teddy Thompson’s opening set with the full band was also very good – he complements the tour very well.
I also share the concerns about Tift-burnout discussed herein, given her level of intensity – I feel like we are very fortunate that she made the new album and took on all the required touring and publicity. She has certainly made her mark as a singer/songwriter, perhaps the best of her generation.
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