I have been an avid listener of Cat Power for years. My favorite song is “Nothin But Time” from her 2012 album, Sun. As embarrassed as I am to say it, I am deeply, emotionally attached to this song.
The second I saw Cat Power announce tour dates, I knew I had to be there. The tour highlights her latest album, Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert, which is a song-by-song recreation of a Bob Dylan concert that quickly became one of his most memorable performances.
Although I wouldn’t hear “Sea of Love” or “Ruin” at this type of show, I still wanted to see her perform – and I am so glad I did. Chan Marshall, known in the music scene as Cat Power, did not disappoint.
The dome ceiling of the venue was gold and painted to look like a clear blue sky with scattered clouds. The lights were warm and the stage was bright.
Marshall began the show with acoustic songs – “She Belongs to Me” and “Just Like a Woman” were two of the seven.
This part of the show made me feel at home. Marshall’s voice was gentle and sweet. Her on-stage presence made me feel like I was sitting in my living room with my closest family members.
At family gatherings growing up, everyone in attendance knew that at some point my grandpa, aunts, and uncles were going to play guitar and sing together. We would all watch and chime in if we knew the song. It is one of my favorite memories and it felt special to get to relive that memory by listening to Cat Power’s performance.
Marshall was captivating. From her voice to her stage presence, I was locked in; everyone around me was too.
Marshall took the stage with a guitarist, who skillfully supported the authentic Bob Dylan sound, and a multi-instrumentalist, who added layers to the sound by alternating between piano and harmonica.
Genuine gratitude and joy radiated from Marshall. She was continuously beaming at the audience and waving to individual people to make connections. Marshall stepped back during guitar or harmonica solos, showing respect to the other musicians. It is Marshall’s authenticity that makes her so compelling (…mother).
As Set 1 came to an end, Marshall moved into the contagious, upbeat energy of a full band performance. She was then joined by more guitarists, another pianist, and a drummer.
The stage came alive with new rhythms and guitar riffs, creating that familiar sound. The audience excitedly joined Marshall and the band on their raised energy levels. Everyone was clapping and cheering as “Tell Me, Momma” echoed through the theater.
As an audience member, you get to experience these songs in a whole new light. Marshall made adjustments to timing or placed more emphasis on certain parts.
Marshall’s performance was also like seeing these songs from her point of view. In her version, a line from a song that you might have thought wasn’t that important suddenly becomes the most meaningful part.
As a listener, I enjoyed this aspect of the performance and album. I have always enjoyed it when artists record their own renditions of other artists’ songs. Like when an emo band covers a Taylor Swift song, that’s always interesting and I have to listen.
The lights were flashing to the beat as blue hues filled the stage. Marshall and the band were in perfect sync. Each member of the band added their unique flair, contributing to the liveliness that soared through the theater.
Marshall introduced each member of the band in between songs, emphasizing each member and taking time to kid with the crowd, and with herself.
“Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat” and “One Too Many Mornings” were two of the songs played in Set 2.
Audience members were singing along and dancing in their seats to the music. It wasn’t just a performance for them; it was an exciting shared experience.
“Like a Rolling Stone” concluded the eight-song experience of Set 2. Marshall began to wave and take a bow as the crowd roared.
Following the standing ovation for Marshall and the band, she spoke to the crowd: “Please take care of yourself. Keep your chin up. Just keep going, take it easy.”
Hoping for an encore, everyone clapped Marshall off stage and continued until the lights came back on.
Leaving the venue, I overheard two fans comparing Bob Dylan’s message in his music to Cat Power’s. They emphasized peace and love as a common focus.
Check out Cat Power’s live album Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert wherever you get your tunes! Thank you to Cat Power and her team for an amazing show.
Written by Kenzie Trikouros. If reposting or sharing, please credit @almostfamouszine and @kenzcat3.jpeg.
