European Summer Shows

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version

   I finally caught Madeline in Europe last week, at the 

Vitoria jazz festival in Spain. For those that are 

interested, there are really only two decent Jazz 

festivals here and both are in the Basque country. 

The second one is in San Sebastian in October, 

anyway�

I hate to report but the performance really was 

lacklustre, as one critic put it  was though she was 

apologising for being on stage. She barely spoke, at 

least in audible tones and hid the whole time behind 

her guitar and looked very uncomfortable. The 

Spanish do generally prefer their performers 

passionate (this is the country of flamenco after all) 

but I don�t think that was the problem. The main 

problem was that it was a large venue and she was 

supporting Jaime Cullum who is, whatever else you 

want  say about him, an incredible showman. 

The point of this is just to say that her promoters are 

doing her no favors by booking her  these large 

venues and as a support act to stars like Cullum. 

Smaller, more intimate venues are obviously more 

suited to her style. As a result she received bad to 

tepid reviews in a country that is just getting to  know 

her. 

She did get a big round of applause when she sang 

in French though (the Basque country borders on 

France) 

Anybody else seen her at any of the festivals this 

summer? 

Saludos! Baranroma

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version
baranroma Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: March 24 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Quote Reply Topic: European Summer Shows Posted: July 22 2005 at 8:47am
	I finally caught Madeline in Europe last week, at the Vitoria jazz festival in Spain. For those that are interested, there are really only two decent Jazz festivals here and both are in the Basque country. The second one is in San Sebastian in October, anyway� I hate to report but the performance really was lacklustre, as one critic put it was though she was apologising for being on stage. She barely spoke, at least in audible tones and hid the whole time behind her guitar and looked very uncomfortable. The Spanish do generally prefer their performers passionate (this is the country of flamenco after all) but I don�t think that was the problem. The main problem was that it was a large venue and she was supporting Jaime Cullum who is, whatever else you want say about him, an incredible showman. The point of this is just to say that her promoters are doing her no favors by booking her these large venues and as a support act to stars like Cullum. Smaller, more intimate venues are obviously more suited to her style. As a result she received bad to tepid reviews in a country that is just getting to know her. She did get a big round of applause when she sang in French though (the Basque country borders on France) Anybody else seen her at any of the festivals this summer? Saludos! Baranroma

Sebastian Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: July 25 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 34	Quote Reply Posted: July 25 2005 at 4:23pm
	I have been a committed Peyroux fan since Dreamland - was lucky enough to see Madeleine perform live when touring Live years ago and now have been able to catch her twice in the last year once in Paris late last year and again a couple of weeks ago at the Parc Floral at the Paris Jazz Festival. She was sublime both times! What for some may be "lacklustre" for me is just pure and simple music delivered in the most eloquent and direct manner that reaches out and communicates with a tangible intimacy. No gimmic, no flashing lights, no sythentic overtures - just the most the heart renching vocals backed by fabulous muscianship. I can appreciate that perhaps for a vibrant basque community, the showmanship of Jamie Cullum is better received. However, for me the lack of affectation, the focus on the music, the understatement of Madeliene's performance is what is so appealing and compelling. It is all about the music. I guess if you go to one of Madeleine's performance's expecting a SHOW - you could risk disappointment. If what you want is great music and rare and captivating vocals - you will surely not be disappointed. In Paris just a week or so ago Madeleine the arena was packed, the audience totally attentive, she received a standing ovation and was called back for two encores. A really great performance which I feel privileged to have seen ! Thanks Madeleine.