Martha Wainwright @ BecksMusic Box, Perth (21/02/11)

Thu 24th Feb, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Martha Wainwright singing Piaf during PIAF. How perfect is that combination?

The city seemed to think so, as both of her shows were completely sold out. Seats filled every nook of Becks with ushers requesting people to fill in the spaces to make way for latecomers.

We were first of all introduced to Wainwright’s pianist and double bassist who are the band Doveman. They played a few songs which were slightly eccentric but nonetheless enjoyable. Pianist Thomas Bartlett sang with a mellowy rasped tone that gave a rather serious subdued feel to the performance. But then we were introduced to his sense of humour that won over the crowd. A self-described “mournful” medley of songs from the Footloose soundtrack was an interesting and amusing twist – his best friend in the world requested him to cover these for his little sister who loved the soundtrack and had just been hit by a car. Oblivious to the film, Bartlett agreed and produced quite an impressive version that could not be otherwise imagined.

After a short break, a mini orchestra entered the stage consisting of the piano and double bass; violin, viola, cello, trumpet and trombone. When they started the introduction the audience knew they were in for something special and as Wainwright waltzed on-stage she embodied Edith Piaf in her song Marie Trattoir. Her French was faultless, but as she originated from Montreal this was unsurprising.

Throughout the evening we were introduced to each song with a quirky and charming anecdote that gave an insight into Piaf’s song writing that non-French speakers would probably never have learnt. It seems that Piaf was fixated on prostitutes and wrote many a song about their trials and tribulations. Whilst in English or with a different singer this may have distanced some audience members, Wainwright really embodied the characters and took us all in. The emotion of the music would spread across her face and she was unafraid to let these feelings show through. The audience suddenly felt close to the woman meeting the sailors at the docks, unable to commit to just one man; or to the old woman rubbing herself on a piano, recalling her lost youth.

It was not a wholly French night though. Wainwright played a few of her own songs, and gave touching renditions of some songs of her late mother, Kate McGarrigle, who died just last year. We got to hear favourites Bleeding All Over You and Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole, sung with oomph, grace and a cheeky glint at times. We were also introduced to a few new songs, which she described as coming out of a rough year, due to her mum’s passing and her son being born premature. The new songs were as sincere as ever, and the audience will surely be looking forward to a new album, although no indication was given of when this may be released.

Wainwright described that she had spoken to a journalist and mentioned she may sing some of her mother’s songs. She then read the PIAF program that indicated it would almost be a tribute concert to her mother so then rushed to learn them. This was surprising due to her confident and emotive delivery. It was a powerful moment during each of the songs, including Tell My Sister, (Talk to Me Of) Mendocino and the last song of the night I Am A Diamond.

The band was pretty amazing too. Perth can be proud as the orchestra was local apart from the pianist and double bassist had only met Wainwright this morning. The brass was pure and the strings added a sweetness offset by the ferocity of Wainwright’s vocal instrument. It’s obvious that Martha Wainwright has music in her blood as it oozes out of her being effortlessly. She was a delight to see and incomparable.

Check out the photos from Tuesday night