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The Philharmonic was awash with the over 50’s. The lighting was dim but atmospheric as support act Julie Foliss began the evening with soothing set of classic jazz/blues including ‘Lorelei’ and ‘ What Lola Wants (Lola Gets)’ but her remarkable voice was anchored by a distinct lack of body language. Pianist Neil Everett did a sterling job supporting her but perhaps a double bass would have added more movement. The Northern Irish duo’s take on ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ was by far the highlight. It was both touching and refreshing.
Madeleine Peyroux came on stage looking like a supply teacher. Dressed casually in jeans she cut an unassuming figure. As soon as she began to sing Cohen’s ‘Blue Alert’ appearances became irrelevant. She has a cat like ability to phrase her songs using a voice which can be both husky and sharp. Peyroux and her voice are almost caught between two worlds. Half folky, hugely bluesy, modest but ballsy Peyroux defies definition. The four musicians who joined her on stage were each adept but sometimes slightly overpowered Madeleine’s performance. Her acoustic rendition of Serge Gainsbourg’s ‘La Javanaise’ inspired gooseflesh.
Madeleine Peyroux doesn’t simply use other artists material she interprets and inhabits them with a grace that is both humbling and awe inspiring. ‘Everybody’s Talking’ was transformed into a loose limbed walk into the human condition miles away from The Beautiful South. Her own compositions were few and far between but each proved to be very listenable. Peyroux performed with an air of quiet assurance and her tendency to face the band rather than the audience, created an air of intimacy. It felt like we were watching her jam in her livingroom. Peyroux has a rare thing indeed. It’s called the Xfactor and it’s got nothing to do with Simon Cowell in the slightest.
