Webb Sisters - Los Angeles/San Francisco shows in Jan 2010

[goldstei]

sorry--one last point. tho i didn't know how to characterize webbs' songs (and couldn't understand lyrics on first hearings), rock would probably not be on the list of possibilities. if u want to c rock, go to a "boss" concert w/bruce. certainly no relationship whatever been what the webbs did and what bruce does.
rjg

[mnkyface]

sorry--one last point. tho i didn't know how to characterize webbs' songs (and couldn't understand lyrics on first hearings), rock would probably not be on the list of possibilities. if u want to c rock, go to a "boss" concert w/bruce. certainly no relationship whatever been what the webbs did and what bruce does.
rjg

I don't know. I would consider them rock- in the same way that Sinead O'Connor was rock. Listen to a song like Words That Mobilize. I highly recommend their last album- Comes in Twos. Only 5 tracks- one of which is live If It Be Your Will (same as from Live in London)- but a fantastic album all around. I have to admit I didn't take proper notice of the Webb Sisters until recently. Of course I loved what they did with LC, and thought their If It Be Your Will was superb, but there was a small, spoiled part of me that wanted to hear LC sing it. When they announced on Facebook that they were selling limited, signed copies of Comes in Twos, I decided to get it, just for posterity really- to have a signed album by someone who worked with LC. I was not familiar with their music outside of their work with him. I am SO glad I ordered it. I have listened to it countless times and never grow tired of it, which is saying a lot for an album with only 5 songs! Their sound is just gorgeous. I highly recommend it to anyone curious about the Webbs.

[asta]

My last one on the subject of The Webb Sisters / Rufus Wainwright. I have just seen this message on The Webb Sisters Facebook page.

Christopher Gilmer
You were such an amazing opener for Rufus! "The Goodnight Song" and "1000 Stars" were absolutely stunning...!!! It was such a treat meeting you in the lobby. You were both unbelievably kind as I gushed on about "Savages" and Kate Bush. My partner James and I have been telling everyone we know to give you a listen...
2 hours ago · Report

[sturgess66]

There are a number of very complimentary comments on the Webb Sisters' Facebook about this show. Here's another one -

Jacki Morie wrote -
You guys were so awesome! Gorgeous voices and the harp... and the songs... wonderment!

Also (from what I have experienced), it is common practice for opening act musicians to appear in the lobby at intermission and to talk to audience members - and to have their albums/merchandise for sale.

[goldstei]

I didn't go looking for this, but here's a review from the ORange County Register which shares my non-enthusastic view of the 'Webbs' performance:


In rehearsal with Rufus Wainwright at the Terrace
January 10th, 2010, BEN WENER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER


When last I saw Rufus Wainwright, the gifted but idiosyncratic singer-songwriter and now composer, he was dressed in drag, saluting Judy Garland at the Hollywood Bowl by re-creating her famous 1961 comeback shows while, by gig’s end, simulating her sexy look from A Star Is Born, cocked Fedora and all.

Since then, he has issued two live albums (one documenting his tribute to Judy at Carnegie Hall, the other a proper Rufus concert from Milwaukee), penned and staged his first opera (Prima Donna, which received mixed reviews after its July premiere in Manchester), recorded his sixth studio work (All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu, due in spring) … and returned to play California more than a few times, in part to pick up a paycheck (opera doesn’t pay the bills) but equally to try out new material on his devoted audience.

He did so again Saturday night during a charming, modest 90-minute performance at Long Beach Terrace Theater, the splendid but somewhat cavernous hall that has advantages and disadvantages over appearances Wainwright made last year at House of Blues Anaheim.

In the plus column: the venue is seated, ideal for a set so loaded with slower, meditative music, though the arrangement also left Rufus feeling “very official” the first time he stepped away from piano to strum guitar at center-stage. “I feel like I’m at the United Nations for some reason.”

But there’s also a minus: the Terrace’s echo-heavy acoustics, constantly disturbed by a faint but noticeable high-pitched humming from the PA system, often left Wainwright’s already slurred and mumbled melodies largely unintelligible. I know by heart the advice on vices of “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” and the exquisite longing of “The Art Teacher,” yet from a half-dozen rows back even I couldn’t quite make out every lyric.

Such a dampening of clarity made the experience rather maddening during Wainwright’s fresh stuff, especially a three-song cycle built out of Shakespearean sonnets. It’s something he had yet to attempt on stage (which led him to humorously explain why the crowd needed to stay quiet till it was over); the final piece of it he’d never sung publicly before. It was at turns lovely and ornate, icy and placid, and then choppy and over-thought –- yet much of my assessment is based on the flow of his Gershwin-meets-Rachmaninoff piano and the tenderness of his melodies. The poetry itself was a mushy jumble.

That said, another new song, the funereal ache of “Zebulon,” in which every word is drawn out, boasts more of the sharp wordplay and skewed sentimentality (see “Gay Messiah,” which he joked is “not about Adam Lambert”) for which Wainwright’s writing is known: “Your nose was always too big for your face / Still it made you look kinda sexy / More like someone who belonged in the human race.”

Songs for Lulu, as a concept, was inspired by, as he put it, “any kind of reckless woman in your life, in your imagination … or in yourself.” For Rufus, that figure is the great silent-film actress Louise Brooks, as seen in G.W. Pabst’s 1929 film Pandora’s Box. In his mind, she’s wandering the streets of Berlin singing his songs, while Fred Astaire dances nearby. It’s a compelling setting –- I look forward to sinking into it when the record arrives.

For this, as Wainwright freely admitted, was “a practice session,” another intimate warm-up complete with endearing rusty flubs. (Opening were the two Webb Sisters, who make precious and pretty but also pretty plain harp-and-acoustic pleasantries, and whose version of “If It Be Your Will” reminded me that they were better as Leonard Cohen’s backing vocalists last year.)OK, so maybe this time such a typically loose affair was presented on too grand a scale. But just how many seated rooms are available to a performer looking to flex new muscles while picking up $50 a head? Surely fans got their money’s worth: “Danny Boy” (his own, not the Irish anthem) to open, plus another early favorite, “Beauty Mark,” not far behind, as well as four gems from Poses, a couple of Want tracks and three from Release the Stars.

In other words, a career overview in miniature disguised as a rehearsal. Also, I’ve rarely heard him sing so powerfully, beautifully, exactingly at both high and low range -– or seen him so at ease, which made this return to the region that helped launch his career some kind of homecoming.

Part of me can’t wait till he and I are much older, and the warmth of repeat Rufus visits will feel as it must for those who have eavesdropped on Randy Newman performances since ’68. The other part of me already feels that way now.

Photo by Kelly A. Swift, for the Orange County Register.

Set list: Rufus Wainwright at Long Beach Terrace Theater, Jan. 9, 2009
Main set: Danny Boy / Leaving for Paris No. 2 / Beauty Mark / Sanssouci / Greek Song / Gay Messiah / Grey Gardens / Heart of Stone* / Shakespearean Sonnets Suite* / California / Want / The Art Teacher / Zebulon* > Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk
Encore: Going to a Town / Hallelujah / Prima Donna piece (in French, translated to The Fireworks Are Calling You)
* new song, probably not actual title, just my guess

[remote1]

"Ah I don't believe you'd like it,
You wouldn't like it here.
There ain't no entertainment
and the judgements are severe.
The Maestro says it's Mozart
but it sounds like bubble gum
when you're waiting
for the miracle, for the miracle to come."

Interesting to read such polarised views on the Webb sisters. People seemed pretty pleased with their performance in Gillingham (see viewtopic.php?f=3&t=19883#p208729 for example). Maybe they're like Marmite, you either love them or loathe them!

[Mabeanie1]

Interesting to read such polarised views on the Webb sisters. Maybe they're like Marmite, you either love them or loathe them!

I agree with you remote1. I was really surprised at the vehemence of some of the responses, particularly those in "defence" of the Webbs. I even got a fairly strong reaction to my post about being no more than curious though I have no idea why.

http://www.marmite.com/

Wendy

[sturgess66]

I don't think the responses here have been vehement, but more reactions. The Webb Sisters have earned a whole lot of love and respect here based on their amazing performances at Leonard's shows. And not just for "If It Be Your Will" in which they are featured. Their backup and support to Leonard is excellent. I LOVE Hattie's wonderful duet with Leonard in "Take This Waltz" - and Charley's "back and forth" with Leonard in "Waiting For the Miracle." And then there is their gorgeous improvisation in "I Tried To Leave You!" And – OMG - the cartwheels. I'm a fan.

The Sublime Webb Sisters.

All of Leonard’s musicians/singers are excellent artists in their own right. And generally, how they perform as individual artists, and even the type of music they perform, is not the same as when they are on tour with Leonard Cohen. They all have their own unique styles. That makes perfect sense I think.

goldstei – you are quite entitled to your opinion - but just because you (and your neighbors) didn't like the show - that don't make it junk.

[goldstei]

The Maestro says it's Mozart
but it sounds like bubble gum
when you're waiting
for the miracle, for the miracle to come."

i'd say somewhere between Mozart & junk,, definitely not a miracle.

[goldstei]

A front-page story in today's N.Y.Times makes clear that on my way from the L.A. Amtrak station to Long Beach to hear the Webbs (see my first concert report, above) I managed to (completely unknowingly) route myself through the heart of L.A. gangland, so notorious for such that "gangland tours" are now being offered to tourists who sign acknowledgments that their lives are at risk. A guess this was a case where ignorance was bliss, as I probably wouldn't have gone had I any idea of what I was doing. Then again, I wouldn't have gone to a lot of time, trouble and expense for a concert I found very mediocre.

The last time I managed to pull a stunt like this I found myself walking from a San Fran BART station to my hotel through six blocks populated (solely) by hundreds of homeless men, all talking about their prescription (or illegal) drugs; at the hotel I was informed I had just walked through the heart of the "tenderloin" district and that the first three blocks were the haunt of crackheads and the next three of junkies. It was during daytime and I hadn't really felt in any physical danger, but I certainly would have were I a woman. But then, perhaps I might have been hassled in any case had I not been carried a three-foot tall wooden cat for my cat art collection. Perhaps those seeing me said to each other, "Man, don't fuck with that guy! He's carrying a three-foot wooden cat!"

[sturgess66]

Nice little review for the Webb Sisters from someone at the blog for ThePromiseLive - an internet radio stream -

http://thepromiselive.blogspot.com/2010 ... beach.html

Monday, January 18, 2010

Rufus Wainwright in Long Beach
Where does the time go. Has it really been 2 weeks since this event?

So... The Terrace Theater in Long Beach is a beautiful place to hold a concert. Rufus stole Leonard Cohen's backup singers, The Webb Sisters, to open for him. It was a wonderful choice. They gave us a short but lovely set featuring their unique harmonies. Their standard instrumentation of acoustic guitar and portable harp (with a bit of electric guitar in the background) made it even more fun. I picked up their EP after the show, which features their version of Cohen's "If it be your will". If you enjoy acoustic harmonies with an English folk edge, you should check them out.

There are two Rufus'. The big band Rufus and the solo Rufus. Tonight we got the latter. There's nothing wrong with that, although I'll take the full band if I have a choice. Rufus is very laid back; maybe a bit too much. He screwed up a few times, stopping and starting (making us all laugh along with him). This was similar to his House of Blues show last year. His full band show at the Wiltern a few years back was near perfect. So I have to believe that he is just more focused with the full band. Still, we are there for the voice and the songwriting, both in top form. His new songs were exciting and the oldies were powerful. Rufus is a wonderful entertainer and worth seeing, mistakes and all.

[bridger15]

Last night, I went to see the Webb Sisters perform at The Hotel Café.

Small LA music venue showcasing the biggest singer/songwriter talent that Hollywood has to offer.

I had a grand time.

It is indeed a small hotel and the gig took place in the hotel's intimate and very dark café which had maybe 10 tables with chairs and standing room near the bar.

My hand was stamped when I arrived and I felt like 18 again. Okay, maybe 28. Okay okay, 38 but that's it. There were three sets starting at 7 pm, each lasting 50 minutes. After each set, the artists would go out to the small hotel lobby to meet and greet and to sign CD's which could be purchased there.

I arrived when the first set was in progress and there was a fair sized audience. But for the second set, for the Webb Sisters, there was a much larger audience with many people standing along the walls. For the Angels, it was a packed and enthusiastic house.

After the first set break, I seized the few minutes available in that darkened room to gather some info. There was an empty reserved table at the front which suddenly filled up. I learned that the table was for the Webbs' manager. I made a dash for the lady wearing a fedora. "Are you with the tour?" "No, I am a friend. We are all their friends." I spoke with a few of them - none are on the forum. They were all delightful. They pointed out the Webbs' manager. I asked him if it was okay to take pictures to post on the LCForum. Yes! And here is one

Charlie's patter between songs was light and funny and connected well with the audience. She told us that the hotel upgraded them this time to a penthouse suite and invited anyone interested to stay with them. (They last performed there on January 5.) She also mentioned their brother was in town and was suffering from jet leg.

Hattie was sporting a black valentine on her right cheek. Quite lovely. During the set, Hattie played two other instruments, a mandolin and a large harp. There were two additional musicians for some songs on violin and percussion.

Once I had my camera in hand, I couldn't stop with just pics so I took a few video clips. (The devil made me do it.) In fact, so many I had to split them into two Youtube separate videos. Before, "If It Be Your Will", Charlie described how LC introduces the song on tour. (Some cheers when LC was mentioned.)

After their set ended, I went to the lobby to find them. Huge line-up. But Hattie and Charlie could not have been nicer. They made sure we three had a photo together to post and they both signed my concert poster. I have been carrying that poster to concerts ever since San Diego. I still need two more autographs, Sharon and Neil. So, I will just have to go to more concerts.

They thanked me several times for coming last night to the gig. Hattie said she remembered me sitting in the front row of the concerts. So, I asked them if it bothered them my taking video right in front of them at the concerts. They both said that they do not notice. Whew. That's a relief. They were both so gracious.

Webb Sisters, 3 Sublimes.JPG (26.66 KiB) Viewed 4234 times

I enjoyed their music. I enjoyed meeting their manager and their friends. I enjoyed the crowd. I enjoyed the experience. I had a grand time.

First four excerpts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6kGlTeivm0
Last four excerpts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSD88NYrF3k

I apologize but I can not give you the names of their songs. I do not know if there was a set list available.

---Arlene
Edit: Article about their manager, Peter Asher
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=19883&start=15#p213101

[lizzytysh]

My hand was stamped when I arrived and I felt like 18 again. Okay, maybe 28. Okay okay, 38 but that's it.

Okay, back to the Sisters's concert. That's a very informative report, Arlene. I feel like I have a real sense of what it was like to be there. Wonderful lighting on them and I love hearing that they played other instruments, as well. I've warmed to them across time, liking them more each time I see them. I'm very interested in the comments that Sturgess[?] made about the 5-song album. I love cds that don't have 15 songs piled onto them.

I love your photo of you with them. You've been very fair and objective and appreciative in your review. Reading it, I feel like I would have really enjoyed seeing them, as well. Thanks for your excellent report!

THANKS for the clips, too ! I haven't listened to them yet, but surely will be.


~ Lizzy

[friscogrl]

Arlene, thanks for the photos and your comments. It sounds like it was a wonderful evening.
Also I loved the videos of their performance. Their music is quite lovely with beautiful harmonies.
They will be in San Francisco next week but I will be out of town, though I got to see them via your videos!
You're the best Arlene!

Marsha

[graham.putt]

Hi Arlene,
I enjoyed the review as well, very nicely written. I think they have lovely voices and are certainly fantastic on the LC tour. There is certainly something about siblings harmonising.
graham