John Mayer, who has noticeably matured over his past few albums graced the stage of theSusquehanna Bank Centerlast night. Opening actsBrett DennenandColbie Caillat left much tobe desired, especially when juxtaposed with Mayer. Navigating between blues and pop-rock, the man coined by Rolling Stone as one of the "New Guitar Gods," satisfied his varied demographic.
Starting things off with "Belief," a song from his most recent album Continuum, Mayer showed off his virtuosity. Briefly playing "No Such Thing" and "Why Georgia," he returned to his pop roots to please the screaming fourteen year old girls. As the night moved on, Mayer pounded out a mixture of covers and original music from. While it is rare that a performer is able to out-do an original song, Mayer's cover of Duffy's, "Mercy" was priceless and several times better than the original. The extended version of "Gravity," followed by his three song finale, left the crowd going wild over his searing solos.
While John Mayer began his career as a bubble-gum pop singer/songwriter, his latest music and recent performances prove that he is one of the most talented performers of his time. In the 90's his audience consisted of only teenage girls. But in my row alone, I saw couples in their 40's , single men, teenage girls, and senior citizens. For some artists, a change in genre or technique, means abandoning your fans. But for Mayer, it was a risk worth taking in order to follow his passion. If you appreciate BB King blues or Hendrix-esque guitar , you have to see Mayer perform live.
Check out hisblogwhere he describes his agenda for his summer tour
Singer-songwriter Melody Gardot’s dark sunglasses and cane seem to add aesthetic to the sultry ensemble of the bluesy songstress but they are in fact the necessary props of her life narrative. At age 19 when riding her bicycle, Gardot was struck by a motor vehicle, causing her to be hospitalized for months. After a physician suggested that music could help heal some of her cognitive abilities, Gardot began writing what would become her first EP, “Some Lessons.” While she uses a cane and sunglasses to help with light sensitivity, nothing could hinder her passion. In the title track of the EP, she reflects on the accident and the ways that it changed her life. Five years later, Gardot released her first studio album, Worrisome Heart, which has received excellent reviews. While it would be easy for someone with her story to discuss on the hardships of life, Gardot has a positive message on life and love. Naturally poetic, her lyrics alone are heart-wrenching but when mixed with the intimacy and maturity of her voice, the combination is chillingly beautiful. With a voice somewhere between that of Diana Krall and Ella Fitzgerald, Melody Gardot is a gift to the music world.
Fusing elements from the blues, folk, and jazz, Gardot’s seductive style is an absolute winner on Worrisome Heart. Few artists are able to deliver live performances as good as their recordings but Gardot proves that this is no obstacle by performing equally, and arguably even better, live. With talent beyond her years, there is no telling what is this songstress will do next.
Songs to listen to: Love Me Like a River Does Goodnight Worrisome Heart Some Lessons All That I Need is Love
Posts
