From the moment that she was just partially visible to the first rows of audience as she made her way across the Dome's stage to take her place behind her harp, it was quite apparent that Joanna Newsom was in a room surrounded by an audience of loyal and enthusiastic fans. There was a unanimous feeling of respect that omitted from the audience throughout the duration of the show and rightly so. We were in the presence of someone who many critics and fans have heralded as genius and as a fairly rare visitor to these shores no one wanted to miss a word or sound she uttered.

 

Dressed in a fairytale-esk long flowing gown Newsoms’ attire complimented and embodied the childlike, sweet nature of her character and reminded us all that she is not just another singer, nor is she going to fit into any mould or musical category.

 

With the release of Divers, Newsom’s fourth solo release (again on Chicago based label Drag City who have released all her previous albums) the set leant heavily on her most recent material, although she did offer the treat of both opening and closing the show with fan favourites from her 2004 debut The Milk-Eyed Mender. Opening with 'Bridges and Balloons' and closing with 'Peach Plum Pear' Newsom cushioned the way for what was a smooth, steady paced recital of songs, often entirely rearranged for her smaller band while on tour. Since her 2006 Y's album Newsom’s sound has developed far from the spacious, and comparatively modest arrangements of her debut, to include full orchestras and vast, dense instrumental flourishes. Whilst being financially too expensive for touring purposes it allows for a different audible experience for fans and audiences with the emphasis being mainly on Newsom’s vocals and virtuoso harp accompaniment.

 

Multi-instrumentalist and long time collaborator Ryan Francesconi was in a supporting role switching between electric guitar, Bulgarian tambura, and recorder – with the songs often requiring him to rotate and return to several different instruments repeatedly as Joanna’s harp and vocals spun a winding narrative. Also joining her onstage and switching from keyboard, piano and drums was Joanna’s brother Pete Newsom, a consistent touring band member who hails from the same ‘freak folk’ origins as his sister. Both having toured and collaborated with close contemporaries Devendra Banhart and Andy Cabic’s Vetiver.

 

Pre-show chat and speculation surrounding the news and rumours of Newsom’s recent throat operation could be heard throughout the venue before the show with all comments leaning towards concern for a much loved musician. Rest assured that the surgery was clearly a success as she is back on vocal form perhaps stronger than ever.

Gar Rock