NY concert - what happened?

SST23, I saw Madeleine for the first time in Boston last night.  My wife and I are big fans of her recordings.  Our impression of her show was very similar to yours.  Her pitch, volume control, and phrasing were very loose and uncontrolled.  Her engagement with the audience was awkward.  Her affect was flat and she seemed distracted.

She is hugely talented, and her voice is so engaging and distinct on her recordings.  We hope that this performance was simply an off night for her. 

 

I had issues with Madeline's performance in Washington DC last month myself. She was disjointed, flaky, and frankly, seemed stoned. There were several people who left the concert who said the same thing. Additionally, a couple of hundred people left the concert before the end, something which I almost never see. I love her albums, but while I'm willing to go see some performers half in the bag, she isn't one of them. A huge disappointment in person.

See my comments on the Charleston show. I had the same impression, that
being on stage here was the last place on earth she wanted to be.
Unfortunate because we'd looked forward to the show for a month. She was
so ungracious and condescending that we finally walked out.

It is very rare that I am moved enough by the music of an individual performer to venture on to a fan website. However, I have became a fan of Madeleine's in 2004 when she released Careless Love and have been visiting this website on and off over the last few years hoping that she would come to perform close enough to where I live.   I was ecstatic to find she was coming to Charlotte and I too got to see Madeleine perform last night and I have to say I was captivated by her performance. She has such a unique voice, her choice of material is impeccable and her lack of veneer is so refreshing.    I will agree with hillbilly her band were stellar - but I find Hillbilly's response suprising - so suprising that I felt I had to say something. Certainly there were some songs she performed last night that I prefer on her CDs - there were other's which were a true joy to hear performed live by her. I loved Blue Alert and her French renditions. Her stage presence is understated that's for sure. It is not cabaret - thank goodness. Nor is there a gloss on her speel. Personally I much prefer this to the 'american idol'esque nature of an over produced show. Madeleine is so refreshing and 'real' - this is what appeals to me and as I can see puts other forum members off. Each to their own I guess. In my view is one of the most unique vocal talents of her generation. And she is great guitarist to boot. I loved the show and feel privileged to have finally seen her live. I am looking forward to the next opportunity I get.

Best, Gina

I've never seen our girl live, but from these postings, it
sounds like maybe she's burned out on the "success" thing, with its
rediculous schedules and constant commercial obligations. From those
videos on Youtube of her in the small club, it looks like she might of
been happier before she hit the bigtime. Look at Britney Spears and all
the other casualties of the "machine". Its the damn industry that can kill a
beautiful soul.

They're the one's that put the "sucks" in success!

Did anybody ever see her live before she got so famous? I would of liked
to see the concert that's on the video. Just wonder if the pressure is
wearing her down. You have to wonder if her managers are looking after
her properly or just trying to milk her for every penny before she cracks
up. Maybe she needs a break!



Carson