Review: Tracy Chapman intimate, relevant at Michigan Theater show
Luckily, I was wrong, otherwise she would not have been in town Tuesday night for a terrific performance at the Michigan Theater.
Chapman really opened doors, especially on the radio, for singer-songwriters. She was a trailblazer, and even though her recent songs haven’t been chart-toppers, that didn’t seem to matter one bit to the devoted fans at what looked to be a nearly sold-out show. Even the new material was enthusistically received.
Starting off with the early tune “Baby Can I Hold You,” Chapman — accompanied by a three-piece, nicely understated band — played most of her hits plus songs from the new CD, “Our Bright Future.” She also included a highly appropriate cover, “Feel Like a Number,” by Ann Arbor’s own Bob Seger.
Listening to two of Chapman’s biggest hits, both from her 1988 debut CD, I was struck by how little has changed in 21 years. With hard times all around, there are still plenty of people desperate to escape dead-end lives, the theme of “Fast Car.” And in “Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution,” the lyrics “Poor people are gonna rise up” seemed to really resonate with the crowd.
Other song highlights were the percussion-driven, audience-pleasing “You’re the One,” the bouncy “Save Us All” (a song about how we “sometimes need to be saved from the people who think they need to save us”) and the bluesy “I Did It All,” both from the new CD. Her rendition of the early hit “Give Me One Reason” came complete with a rock/blues ending.
Tuesday’s show served as a reminder that, while she may not be cranking out hits, Chapman remains an artist in her prime, relevant and with plenty yet to say.
Maybe it was just where I was sitting (all the way to the back of the room, by the ushers), but the sound was so perfect every lyric was crystal clear. At times, if I closed my eyes, it felt as if I were wearing headphones. It was as intimate a show as I think is possible in such a large room, and hats off to the sound guys for helping make it so.
An encore, after consultation with the audience, included the thought-provoking “Change” and a surprise, high-octane version of “Proud Mary.” About the last thing I expected to be doing at a Tracy Chapman concert was dancing out of the theater, but I wasn’t the only one. It made me glad my early-on dismissal of Chapman’s talents was only temporary.
Roger LeLievre is a free-lance writer who covers music for AnnArbor.com.
Tracy Chapman live photos from 2007 TED Conferences performance. Top photo by Flickr user Pmo. | Bottom photo by Flickr user Jurvetson.
Comments
redhead74
Thu, Aug 13, 2009 : 8:59 a.m.
I absolutely loved the Tracey Chapman concert at the Michigan Theater. I have to admit that prior to the concert, I mostly knew of her through 4 or 5 songs that were her most famous. I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much I have missed! With that said, I would like to comment on 2 items. The opening act was wonderful, however, my seat was on the far right section. Luckily I was in the 2nd seat from the aisle, because all the seats to the right of me could not see Gabby Morena. Instead of being center stage, she was off in a corner obstructed by the large speakers. Poor staging! The other thing I found irritating was the constant chasing up and down the aisles of the "camera police". They were constantly going in and out of the doorway by the right stairwell and the light that came in with each opening was a big distraction. Throughout the entire preformance these guys would charge in all directions to try and stop cell phone pictures. It was annoying and disruptive. I am glad I went to this concert. I am grateful that Ms Chapman brought her music to Ann Arbor and especially the Michigan Theater.
Blu4Life
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 4:14 p.m.
Carolus, Obviously you did not read my "on a positive note" statement. Yes, I was there and I sat through the opening act. I am not trying to excuse the lateness, nor am I asking you to reason with me. Just stating that it is not uncommon. And to expect an explanation in this, such as sorry I took so long in the bathroom, or finishing my dinner or phone call. That's not going to happen. It's not like it's a theatre performance. It jus happened to be held in that type of venue. Again it's not uncommon for a 20-30 minute wait time for set change between performers. And regarding the article it was a review of the excellent performance despite being late. I hope you were still able to enjoy a wonderful concert. Bottom line the review said it all! Great concert!
Roger LeLievre
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 2:51 p.m.
I agree the wait time between Tracy and the opening act was unusually long. As far as the crowd chanting "Tracy, Tracy," well, that kind of builds excitement in my book. She gave a great show and I don't think anyone who was there would begrudge her starting when she wanted to. It's not like there's some kind of printed schedule. Also, it was not a 10-minute wait until the encore. Although maybe a tad longer than usual, I would guess it was maybe 3-4 minutes tops.
Carolus
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 1:27 p.m.
To Blu4Life: The more I think about your comments, the more I realize how far off base you are. The "fact" that performers are always late and don't apologize doesn't make ir right, does it? Also, what's the harm in making a simple announcement as they do in many theaters telling the audience that there'll be an intermission for "so many minutes."
Carolus
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 12:57 p.m.
To Blu4Life: If people are accustomed to performers being late (they are not), why did the audience start impatiently rythmically clapping their hands requesting for her appearance, and more than once? Were YOU there last night? And I NEVER saw any artist answering an encore 10 minutes late. Besides, when I saw the ads for Ms Chapman concert, there were no words whatsoever about a warm-up act. Sorry, but I don't buy your reasoning.
Ann Arbor Fibercat
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 12:20 p.m.
The last time I saw Tracy was in Ann Arbor at the Blind Pig (15 years ago?). I loved her voice back then, and her voice has only improved with age. Her back-up band was tight; melding with her perfectly. Tracy's concert last night was phenomenal - a perfect evening. (I have no issue with when she began her set. It was worth the wait!) I also enjoyed the opening act, singer Gaby Moreno. She has a very lovely, soulful voice. I'm keeping an eye on her.
Blu4Life
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 12:10 p.m.
Carolus, In regards to a 7:30p start for the concert, majority of concert goers know there is an opening act. It is not uncommon to wait up to 30 minutes for the highlighted performance. Given that, Tracy Chapman was about 10 minutes late for her start. It also gives you time to check out the CD for the opening act, go to the bathroom (so that people are not disruptive during the concert), etc. If you took a look around a lot of people were not in their seats for the opening act, because they knew just that "opening act". Furthermore, an explanation for lateness is not necessary for her audience (we were not her contractor), however and apology would have been good if in fact her performance schedule indicated that she was late. Not that I have ever heard a performer apologize for coming out late. On a more positive note, I really enjoyed her performance and love the fact that she did some different arrangements with her music. We were very fortunate that she made Ann Arbor a stop on her very short USA tour. Many of her fans are not happy because theyre not getting the opportunity hear her perform live.
Carolus
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 10:40 a.m.
I find it incredible that not you nor the people that sent comments mentioned that it was in extremely poor taste for Ms Chapman to be 45 minutes late and no one give any explanation as to the reason, starting with Ms Chapman, and that after a rather boring warm-up act that lasted 1/2 hour. So, the show, scheduled for 7:30 PM, actually started almost at 9 PM, one-and-a-half hours later! Also, it was in poor taste for Ms Chapman to wait for 10 minutes to actually do the encore. All in all, since she is a great singer, I would recommend the show, but I hope that someone will show this message to Ms Chapman to teach her basic good manners.
ann_arbor_guy
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 8:08 a.m.
I agree with this review of the concert last night. Tracy's voice was amazing and the sound was perfect. My seat was in the balcony and it was like she was a few feet in front of me. The Michigan Theater is a great venue for this type of act and I was blown away by acoustics. Great job to Tracy and her crew!!!
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 5:23 a.m.
I loved her at the outset and then, like you, I felt she was overplayed. You're right that many of those early songs have lovely contemporary resonance. I'll definitely have to check out her newer work and am sad I missed the concert.