Post by Jen on Feb 23, 2003 14:11:53 GMT -5
Scarlet's Walk Tour
February 22, 2003 - Birmingham, AL
I didn't make it to the Meet & Greet this time around. It was a conscious choice not to; Meet & Greets are wonderful, but they stress me out a good bit. I guess I try to find a graceful way to be a fan of someone's work and Meet & Greets are just not that graceful. I feel more like a groupie, and that's not what I'm about. And I'm sure those who attend Meet & Greets feel the same way, but they are forced to assume the groupie's agenda with the barricades, the competition for Tori's attention, etc., etc.
This was the 2nd time I'm seeing Tori on the Scarlet's Walk Tour and I found that I wasn't as excited as usual. Instead, I was more relaxed and calm, no stress, just ready to see a good show. It felt wonderful. I took my boyfriend with me, of course. This is his 3rd Tori show with me. Or rather, his 3rd Tori show, period. He respects her as a musician, and is impressed with her live performances. It felt really good to say, 'See? This isn't a blind obsession, this woman really is an exceptional musician, an imaginative songwriter, a radiant performer, and a brilliant artist!'
The Opening Act: Jeffrey Gaines
Where did Tori get this guy? (I hate that I'm unable to see Howie Day again. He was excellent live.) I feel like I'm at church. His guitar chords are boring, nothing innovative about him. I hear age in his voice, like he's in the wrong decade. He has the feigned performer's confidence, only I'm not convinced. He seems to be out there, pouring his heart out, bearing his soul, but I'm not buying his act. As he sings and strums his guitar, he preaches to me with his blatant opinions and I feel more put off than inspired. It's like, 'okay! I get it! You hate war, and you want to spread the love! Well so do I!' So cliche. What did Tori see in this guy? Surely she didn't fall for his act? I'm not quite getting his vibe (or rather, I'm 'getting' it too forcefully), maybe it's me who is just missing the point. Being a musician myself, I think I hear music so much more differently than the average person. Maybe I'm just so fucking pretentious.
Intermission
It seems to take FOREVER for Tori to take the stage, so I just engage in an intense people-watching session.
As I was sitting there, it suddenly occurred to me that I wanted this so much for myself. Tori fans are so devoted. They are all so different, though the are the same in their difference. As if they use reverse psychology in that they are so fearful of being judged that they put themselves so extremely 'out there' (perhaps as a facade?) as to say, 'I dare you. Go on the, judge.' Then they can protect themselves, knowing it's an ostentatious facade that is being judged. It's strange to be a part of such apprehension. Tori speaks to her listeners in such intimate ways, it can be quite soul-bearing and intimidating to be in the same room with her fans. I also notice the companions that EWF bring to the shows with them, myself included. They balance themselves with the not-so-ostentatious people (like my oh-so-practical boyfriend), like the ying and yang. I think we choose these people because they lack true understanding of this constant need for attention; they fall for our act. However, if you were to get all of us in a room together, like we are here, no one is brave enough to face each other head on, knowing that we are all not as different as we want to be.
It is incredible to be able to recognize people here. I saw a guy who's been to every show I've been to. He asked me for a light and the 5-minute long-distance use of my cell phone. I gave him a light. I saw Amanda again, who runs Beulahgirl.net. We met the last time around, in Atlanta. I congratulated her on her new marriage. This type of thing would be so invading, I think, from an almost-perfect stranger, in any other occasion, but it's deliciously common at Tori shows. It is the type of thing I would want at my shows. It's rare and precious. I will have fans holding my programs in their hands, collecting any remnant of my work, my image, my verses. I hope to inspire as Tori has inspired me. It is an almost selfish obsession, but then again, what obsession is not selfish? I realize I use Tori as a touchstone, as a reflection of what I hope to achieve. How amazing it would be to have complete artistic freedom of the work I produce, to be backstage chatting, leisurely sipping a hot peppermint tea, taking in the space, burning sage, taking in the vibe of the fans, and the songs that will pay us a visit. Wow. It must be so fulfilling for Tori to step back and take a look at what she's worked so hard to achieve. I'm reduced to silence, only these thoughts speeding through my head. I look behind me and there is an Englishman sitting behind the sound board. His name is Mark. I know this because I have seen pictures of him, heard songs written about him.
The lights dim and the audience cheers.
There is a red curtain hanging and only the sound of Tori's voice as she sings Wampum Prayer, a deliberate forecast of what's to come. The curtain drops and Matt and Jon take the stage. Soon after, Tori struts out like a seasoned performer. She is relaxed and sassy. The scent of sage just came to visit me, like a silk scarf moving across my face. Tori is dressed in something white and flowing, with black and tan checkers on it.
A Sorta Fairytale - the sound quality is excellent. Way to go Mark! Last time around the bass levels were too high that you could feel it in your chest, and you could hardly hear Tori and the Bose. I'm glad Mark worked it out. The band is so fucking tight! I enjoy watching Matt, he is an exceptional musician.
Little Amsterdam - Tori plays on two sets of keys, the Bosendorfer, and an upright organ. Her performance is FLAWLESS. The line, "Boy, you are my Fifth Avenue" couldn't be more perfect. That is SUCH a great line.
Sweet Home Alabama - a special gift for us Alabamians. Endearing.
An improvised intro in classic Tori style, preceding Cornflake Girl. This song sounds amazing live. It was meant to be played live. Cornflake Girl came to visit with bells and whistles on, not sparing any cost.
Honey - taken slower than the recording, relaxed and confident, with Jon on the upright bass.
Sweet Sangria
Lust
Wednesday
* * * * *
Secrettime/The Roadside Cafe
Merman - such a sweet song. Tori sings it like an angel.
"Five years ago today, I was doing something quite different - not really, though - I danced with someone to this song..."
Here, There, and Everywhere - Tori is in tears by the end of the song. Touching. Heart-felt.
Intro to Josephine - "I hear the bells and I hear the cannons calling him... Not tonight, Josephine..."
What a great tool to use as a songwriter, to pretend you are someone else and write a song from their viewpoint. When Tori sings this song, she IS Josephine. Brilliant.
* * * * *
The Band returns
Horses - powerful! The bass rumbling beneath and in your heart and Tori singing with her 'angel' voice, up high, and part of the stratosphere.
Tori dances while Matt shakes the maracas. A short and strong duet between Matt and Jon to get Rattlesnakes going.
Space Dog - sounds menacing and deliberate, very male, with bass chords pounding on the Bose, then at the bridge, a break: like the female part: "so sure..." Then back to the dominating male counterpart. This song has two voices I think, male and female and they dance back and forth between each other, finally coming together at the end. The male, menacing and brewing beneath, and the female, like the voice of reason, piping in here and there as a scolding conscience. "Lemon Pie, he's coming through..." The female voice is getting stronger, and taking over at "lines secure." Now the female voice is dominant and has rallied the male to follow her: "deck the halls, I'm young again, I'm you again..." She is constant and sobering. Space Dog is gaining speed and the male and female now run on the same side. She has convinced him to follow her. Wow. Exceptional. I never really grasped this song until I heard her played live.
Juarez - Tori is really into it, hips swaying, and pulsing.
Take to the Sky
I Can't See New York - very well done. The light show is so appropriate, like white clouds.
Iieee - great rhythm, Matt is a very talented drummer. Jon is great too, definitely overseen though as a bass player. "You little arsonist" the lights go crazy, like strobe, and the band ROCKS IT OUT!
Encore
Talula
Tear in your Hand
2nd Encore
A short intro to Crucify.
Playboy Mommy - "from here to Birmingham, I got a few friends" the crowd cheers. A special shoutout.
So much fun! The sound quality was amazing. Tori, Jon, Matt, and the crew delivered an exceptional show.
February 22, 2003 - Birmingham, AL
I didn't make it to the Meet & Greet this time around. It was a conscious choice not to; Meet & Greets are wonderful, but they stress me out a good bit. I guess I try to find a graceful way to be a fan of someone's work and Meet & Greets are just not that graceful. I feel more like a groupie, and that's not what I'm about. And I'm sure those who attend Meet & Greets feel the same way, but they are forced to assume the groupie's agenda with the barricades, the competition for Tori's attention, etc., etc.
This was the 2nd time I'm seeing Tori on the Scarlet's Walk Tour and I found that I wasn't as excited as usual. Instead, I was more relaxed and calm, no stress, just ready to see a good show. It felt wonderful. I took my boyfriend with me, of course. This is his 3rd Tori show with me. Or rather, his 3rd Tori show, period. He respects her as a musician, and is impressed with her live performances. It felt really good to say, 'See? This isn't a blind obsession, this woman really is an exceptional musician, an imaginative songwriter, a radiant performer, and a brilliant artist!'
The Opening Act: Jeffrey Gaines
Where did Tori get this guy? (I hate that I'm unable to see Howie Day again. He was excellent live.) I feel like I'm at church. His guitar chords are boring, nothing innovative about him. I hear age in his voice, like he's in the wrong decade. He has the feigned performer's confidence, only I'm not convinced. He seems to be out there, pouring his heart out, bearing his soul, but I'm not buying his act. As he sings and strums his guitar, he preaches to me with his blatant opinions and I feel more put off than inspired. It's like, 'okay! I get it! You hate war, and you want to spread the love! Well so do I!' So cliche. What did Tori see in this guy? Surely she didn't fall for his act? I'm not quite getting his vibe (or rather, I'm 'getting' it too forcefully), maybe it's me who is just missing the point. Being a musician myself, I think I hear music so much more differently than the average person. Maybe I'm just so fucking pretentious.
Intermission
It seems to take FOREVER for Tori to take the stage, so I just engage in an intense people-watching session.
As I was sitting there, it suddenly occurred to me that I wanted this so much for myself. Tori fans are so devoted. They are all so different, though the are the same in their difference. As if they use reverse psychology in that they are so fearful of being judged that they put themselves so extremely 'out there' (perhaps as a facade?) as to say, 'I dare you. Go on the, judge.' Then they can protect themselves, knowing it's an ostentatious facade that is being judged. It's strange to be a part of such apprehension. Tori speaks to her listeners in such intimate ways, it can be quite soul-bearing and intimidating to be in the same room with her fans. I also notice the companions that EWF bring to the shows with them, myself included. They balance themselves with the not-so-ostentatious people (like my oh-so-practical boyfriend), like the ying and yang. I think we choose these people because they lack true understanding of this constant need for attention; they fall for our act. However, if you were to get all of us in a room together, like we are here, no one is brave enough to face each other head on, knowing that we are all not as different as we want to be.
It is incredible to be able to recognize people here. I saw a guy who's been to every show I've been to. He asked me for a light and the 5-minute long-distance use of my cell phone. I gave him a light. I saw Amanda again, who runs Beulahgirl.net. We met the last time around, in Atlanta. I congratulated her on her new marriage. This type of thing would be so invading, I think, from an almost-perfect stranger, in any other occasion, but it's deliciously common at Tori shows. It is the type of thing I would want at my shows. It's rare and precious. I will have fans holding my programs in their hands, collecting any remnant of my work, my image, my verses. I hope to inspire as Tori has inspired me. It is an almost selfish obsession, but then again, what obsession is not selfish? I realize I use Tori as a touchstone, as a reflection of what I hope to achieve. How amazing it would be to have complete artistic freedom of the work I produce, to be backstage chatting, leisurely sipping a hot peppermint tea, taking in the space, burning sage, taking in the vibe of the fans, and the songs that will pay us a visit. Wow. It must be so fulfilling for Tori to step back and take a look at what she's worked so hard to achieve. I'm reduced to silence, only these thoughts speeding through my head. I look behind me and there is an Englishman sitting behind the sound board. His name is Mark. I know this because I have seen pictures of him, heard songs written about him.
The lights dim and the audience cheers.
There is a red curtain hanging and only the sound of Tori's voice as she sings Wampum Prayer, a deliberate forecast of what's to come. The curtain drops and Matt and Jon take the stage. Soon after, Tori struts out like a seasoned performer. She is relaxed and sassy. The scent of sage just came to visit me, like a silk scarf moving across my face. Tori is dressed in something white and flowing, with black and tan checkers on it.
A Sorta Fairytale - the sound quality is excellent. Way to go Mark! Last time around the bass levels were too high that you could feel it in your chest, and you could hardly hear Tori and the Bose. I'm glad Mark worked it out. The band is so fucking tight! I enjoy watching Matt, he is an exceptional musician.
Little Amsterdam - Tori plays on two sets of keys, the Bosendorfer, and an upright organ. Her performance is FLAWLESS. The line, "Boy, you are my Fifth Avenue" couldn't be more perfect. That is SUCH a great line.
Sweet Home Alabama - a special gift for us Alabamians. Endearing.
An improvised intro in classic Tori style, preceding Cornflake Girl. This song sounds amazing live. It was meant to be played live. Cornflake Girl came to visit with bells and whistles on, not sparing any cost.
Honey - taken slower than the recording, relaxed and confident, with Jon on the upright bass.
Sweet Sangria
Lust
Wednesday
* * * * *
Secrettime/The Roadside Cafe
Merman - such a sweet song. Tori sings it like an angel.
"Five years ago today, I was doing something quite different - not really, though - I danced with someone to this song..."
Here, There, and Everywhere - Tori is in tears by the end of the song. Touching. Heart-felt.
Intro to Josephine - "I hear the bells and I hear the cannons calling him... Not tonight, Josephine..."
What a great tool to use as a songwriter, to pretend you are someone else and write a song from their viewpoint. When Tori sings this song, she IS Josephine. Brilliant.
* * * * *
The Band returns
Horses - powerful! The bass rumbling beneath and in your heart and Tori singing with her 'angel' voice, up high, and part of the stratosphere.
Tori dances while Matt shakes the maracas. A short and strong duet between Matt and Jon to get Rattlesnakes going.
Space Dog - sounds menacing and deliberate, very male, with bass chords pounding on the Bose, then at the bridge, a break: like the female part: "so sure..." Then back to the dominating male counterpart. This song has two voices I think, male and female and they dance back and forth between each other, finally coming together at the end. The male, menacing and brewing beneath, and the female, like the voice of reason, piping in here and there as a scolding conscience. "Lemon Pie, he's coming through..." The female voice is getting stronger, and taking over at "lines secure." Now the female voice is dominant and has rallied the male to follow her: "deck the halls, I'm young again, I'm you again..." She is constant and sobering. Space Dog is gaining speed and the male and female now run on the same side. She has convinced him to follow her. Wow. Exceptional. I never really grasped this song until I heard her played live.
Juarez - Tori is really into it, hips swaying, and pulsing.
Take to the Sky
I Can't See New York - very well done. The light show is so appropriate, like white clouds.
Iieee - great rhythm, Matt is a very talented drummer. Jon is great too, definitely overseen though as a bass player. "You little arsonist" the lights go crazy, like strobe, and the band ROCKS IT OUT!
Encore
Talula
Tear in your Hand
2nd Encore
A short intro to Crucify.
Playboy Mommy - "from here to Birmingham, I got a few friends" the crowd cheers. A special shoutout.
So much fun! The sound quality was amazing. Tori, Jon, Matt, and the crew delivered an exceptional show.
