BETH HART - The Forum, Bath 01.11.17

Wes O’Neill

The turn of November may have brought a more wintery chill but in the quaint city of Bath at The Forum, in days gone by it was a cinema where people would have stood to “God Saves The Queen” after the film, there was to be a warm embrace of an outstanding performer in Beth Hart. For this tour there was a difference - no full band backed by fine and more than able musicians but a peeled back, intimate and inviting set spanning her continuing expanding catalogue. Such evenings are traditionally billed as “An Evening With...”, but there was no need for such a strapline as a powerhouse performer, fashioned by her own path, was in town and she is a force of nature to be reckoned with.

Entering the stage waving to grand applause, kneeling in the middle of the minimalist set on stage, Beth sang acapella which laid out her cards and drew the audience in from the off. With an ode to a dear friend, the upbeat and challenging to potential thoughts “Might As Well Smile” was followed by the Tom Waits classic “Chocolate Jesus” on the piano, which set the tone for nearly 2 hours of delightful and hauntingly beautiful music that lingered on after each note.

There is the concern that a solo show can come across as self indulgent and lack pace, but for Beth this was simply never on the cards which she showed in her first few hands. The song selection, attention to dynamics, the contrast of adeptly playing an electronic piano, guitar or acoustic bass, through to the storytelling and bona fide heartfelt engagement with the audience (which featured Beth’s sister who had flew in for the occasion) put paid to that. This is a testament to her as a performer and a lady who wishes to not only sing, but for the audience to be part of it and deeply feel every word, timbre and nuance. The veracity of this performance showed that Beth’s control, range and sheer power in her voice are a must study for all aspiring vocalists along with her energy that gleamingly emanated from the stage and was reminiscent of Tori Amos in her prime.

It’s said that “everyone has a book inside of them”. Beth has a sweeping story arc that would rival any saga of epic bestsellers having been to hell and back in her personal life. Tonight she was valiant enough to share some of these moments in many of the songs including “Setting Me Free” and “Leave The Light On”. These were exceptionally juxtaposed by the darkly humoured backstories to “Love is a Lie” and “Ugliest House On The Block”. In light of recent passings of musicians due to mental health issues, Beth is to be highly commended for sharing such moments which have been part of her rollercoaster of a journey and this resonated with many in the audience who may have been affected by such times themselves or who have loved ones who have. The power of the healing properties of music forged from within the soul and gifted to all should never be underestimated.

Every song was met with zealous applause from the near sell out audience with many gaining standing ovations from some, with all upstanding at the evenings culmination all blessed by such a triumphant and captivating evening from one of our time in history’s finest talents in Beth Hart. Arguably this may well have been one of the most prolific solo shows of a short string of dates by any artist, of any genre, anywhere in the world in 2017.

Beth Hart returns to the UK with her full band show in 2018 including a sold out night at The Royal Albert Hall. Full listings and ticket links below:

BETH HART

APRIL/MAY 2018 UK TOUR

DUBLIN VICAR STREET

TUESDAY 10th APRIL 2018

VENUE BOX OFFICE: +353 1 775 5800

BOOK ONLINE: http://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/198259/935151

TICKETS: www.bethhart.com/tour

58-59 THOMAS ST, THE LIBERTIES, DUBLIN 8, IRELAND

http://www.vicarstreet.ie/

IPSWICH REGENT THEATRE

THURSDAY 12th APRIL 2018

VENUE BOX OFFICE: 01473 433100