Joanna Newsom

[antipodean]

Mim and I had the privilege of seeing eccentric Californian folk/experimental harpist/pianist/vocalist/songwriter Joanna Newsom at the iconic Sydney Opera House last night. The performance was brilliant, as was the vast majority of the material (with the possible exception of one long and complex piece buried deep in the 1-hour 40 minute set). Joanna has done a lot of work on her vocal range, and now has soaring crystal-clear highs and full projection on top of her passionate delivery. Of course, some found her original untrained and strained voice charming (me included), but the change is for the better....

Bizarrely she came to attention in Oz when her first and only single, Sprout and Bean, was picked as the theme for a campaign promoting Melbourne as a tourist destination. I have struggled to find a video that captures her newfound vocal capabilities, so I'll have to make do with older performances from her "croaking" period...





It's hardly rock and roll, but I like it....

[kiramdear]

Charming, indeed, Evan. Thanks for this - she's in a class by herself.

[sloop_john_b]

She's unbelievable. I'm a big fan! Her album Ys is my favorite - I believe it was produced by Van Dyke Parks.

[jingle_jangle]

She's unbelievable. I'm a big fan! Her album Ys is my favorite - I believe it was produced by Van Dyke Parks.

Oh, yes. I bought it based upon that one (VDP) factoid and was charmed right off the bat.

[winston]

Her vocals are a bit gruff but girlish and how can that be? She has a wonderful percussive but melodic touch on the harp. What an unusual combination but it's a winner in my view. I'll give her 9.9 out of 10 for originality and musicianship. That's about as good as it gets from me.

Thanks for posting this. I agree that it ain't rock and roll, but I like it.

[kiramdear]

Her presence is also fascinating in the videos. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I would definitely love to see her perform live.

[godber]

I'm hearing Björk, Kate Bush and a very small but irate Ethel Merman stuck down a well. Cute for a while, but I'm not sure I could stick with it for too long.