Madeleine Peyroux

This was a delightful evening out with old favourites and new songs from Madeleine Peyroux's forthcoming album Anthem, presented by the artist and supported by a formidable quartet. 

The evening began with ‘J’ai Deux Amours’ and Peyroux alone on the stage. Then she was joined by the rest of group and they moved quickly through favourites such as ‘Dance me to the end of love’, ‘Everything I Do Gonh Be A Funky’ , ‘Trampin’, ‘The Honey Party’ with audience participation, ‘On a Sunday Afternoon’ and ‘Anthem’.

‘Anthem’ and ‘Dance Me...’ were beautiful, memorable interpretations of the late and much loved Leonard Cohen standards which Peyroux  does so well. I loved watching the interactions between the musicians as they traded bars, soloed and  dived into a complex world of rhythms and sound taking us along for the ride.

My only criticism is that Peyroux seemed almost apologetic for introducing pieces from her new album which comes out in August. I wish she had given a better narrative to explain how the album came about and what was the inspiration behind the songs.  In fact ‘Anthem’ is a collaboration between Peyroux and her quintet. It is a politically charged album that rose from the aftermath of Trump winning the election. Born out of fear for the future it also has hope embedded in it.

It’s on my list to buy when it’s released.

Another fabulous evening at the Cabaret Festival.

Please note the musicians were not identified in the Cabaret Festival booklet but I have done my best to name the members of the band because they were phenomenal and deserve credit for their performances. If I have made a mistake in the listing I apologise.

Madeleine Peyroux | voice and guitar

Aram Bajakian | guitar

Andy Erzin | keyboard

Paul Krazier | bass

Graham Hawthorne | drums

Sally Putnam 

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