I went to the Natalie Merchant concert because my wife is a longtime fan. I must say I became a fan myself that evening. Mesmerizing would be an adjective I would use to describe the entire evening. The way Natalie Merchant orchestrated her show with her expressive and beautiful dancing was delightful and enchanting.
She advanced the evening with good humor and interactive storytelling, which made the performance intimate and unique. While performing, she utilized her hands and arms in such a way that enhanced the lyrics and made her music visually graphic. That’s what a performance is all about. There are so many moments I recalled and remember, but the significance of her incomparable voice and singing cannot be left out. Her voice filled the music hall with a sultry ambiance, reminiscent of an intimate French cabaret captivating the audience. I was afraid to take my gaze away for I might miss a precious moment.
The yarns she spun in the air with her voice and her dancing stimulated my senses and immersed me in the magic of her music. Personally, I connected with one of her new songs called Sister Tilly. The lyrics reminded me of my mother long gone. I especially resonate with a few words in Sister Tilly “you’re a constellation now”. That so very much reminds me of my dear mother Daisy as I call her, because my kids and I oftentimes say she’s a star in the sky.
Natalie Merchant SET LIST
May 16, 2023
THE LETTER
SPRING & FALL
SAINT VALENTINE LULU
MAGGIE MILLY MOLLY FROZEN CHARLOTTE THE WORST THING LADYBIRD
BREAK YOUR HEART BIG GIRLS
APHRODITE
WONDER
RIVER
GIVING UP EVERYTHING OPHELIA
MAGGIE SAID
EYE OF THE STORM SISTER TILLY
LIFE IS SWEET
KIND & GENEROUS MOTHERLAND CARNIVAL
THESE ARE THE DAYS
