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After a delayed 4 years (switching records labels etc.) between her debut 'Happenstance' and the upcoming two part CD 'Elephants…teeth sinking into heart' Rachael Yamagata’s two headlining shows at Joe’s pub felt like they had been a long time coming. With a voice that’s both heartbreaking and entirely comforting all at the same time, one of the very appealing things about Rachael Yamagata is that she’s been there. Like us, she’s had the most passionate of loves and the most painful of heartbreaks but the difference is, you could never make your break-up sound this good.
Cramming the small Joe’s pub stage with a string quartet, piano and the rest of her band was no easy feat, but somehow they all pulled it off and co-ordinated their stage navigation, and more importantly – sound, beautifully. Mixing songs from her previous EP and LP with her newer material she looked extremely happy to be back. Songs like 'Collide' showcased her voice and piano while the song 'Side-dish Friend' from the upcoming release debuted a new, impressive rockier sound. Bantering with the audience and even stopping to chat to a front row audience member and share a few sips of wine; she’s simply one of those likeable women.
Songs from her first LP, 'Happenstance' were met with loyal cheers and her voice sounded smokey and deep all over 'Be Be Your Love', 'Paper Doll' and 'Worn Me Down'. A stand-out from the new record was easily 'Sunday Afternoon' in which her vocals and string section soared, singing, “I’m not gonna live for you, or die for you, or do anything, anymore for you because you leave me here on the other side, don’t you leave me here on the other side”
Running out of time she apologised to the audience stating she had to play them one last song before she left: the title song on the record. Instead of bringing the whole band back out she treated the room to an acapella version of 'Elephants' in which the soulful richness and clarity of her voice could be truly appreciated. She’s charming, funny and absurdly talented, thank G-d Rachael Yamagata found her way back.
