Reviews
Artist:Patty Griffin
Album:Live From Artists Den
Label:ATO
Tracks:14
Website:www.myspace.com/pattygriffin
On October 30, 2007, ATO Records and Artists Den Entertainment released Patty Griffin's first live DVD, Patty Griffin: Live from the Artists Den, filmed at an invitation-only concert on February 6, 2007; the day her latest album, Children Running Through, was released. The exclusive, and very intimate concert took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for the Arts, a converted synagogue on New York's Lower East Side.
I am all in favour of disused Churches being converted into music venues, due to the natural acoustics and spiritual nature of music and whoever thought to do the same with the Synagogue clearly experienced divine intervention. On numerous occasions during the video the cameras pan out to show the building and the ceiling covered in Stars of David, illuminated by candlelight is nothing short of exquisite and along with the music, utterly mesmerizing.
The DVD blends many of the songs performed by Ms. Griffin with short excerpts of an interview of Ms. Griffin conducted before the concert. Each interview excerpt is timed so that its content fits nicely in the sequence of the songs performed and Griffin makes some interesting comments about her music, in which she compares the period after recording a song to grieving. Talking about the venue she simply says ' You can feel ghosts.' For me that remark instantly set the tone for the whole of this beautifully produced DVD.
Patty's performance begins with her on stage alone and unaccompanied, singing You Never Get What You Want, before the band join her for a flawless performance of Burgundy Shoes, during which Patty also plays piano. She tells the audience that this song came to be as the result of a challenge by the producer of her previous album, Impossible Dream, to write a happy song. It is actually about her, aged five, and paints a beautiful picture of a time and place which she clearly remembers fondly. During the chorus the music from the band reaches a powerful crescendo, then backs off again during the verse to allow Patty's voice and piano playing tell us the rest of the story. Heavenly Day, another beautiful song, makes everyone laugh when she confides it is actually about her dog. Trapeze, as I had always presumed, was inspired by someone who performed at a circus Patty saw when she was just four years old; clearly it made a lasting impression on her which lasted into adulthood.
Love Throw a Line is given a very bluesy sound, very different from how it appears on the CD, but it totally suits the song and the setting in which it is performed, made even richer by her excellent band.
This band, which at times closer resembles a mini orchestra, includes Patty's long time producer Doug Lancio on guitars and vocals, D Forster on electric bass and vocals, Michael Longoria (no relation to Eva!) on percussion, Bryn Davies on cello, upright bass and vocals, and Ian McLagan on piano.
The final song delighted me by its inclusion; Top of The World, made famous by The Dixie Chicks. Interestingly Patty gave it no introduction, yet it was instantly captivating, with subtle and elegant musical backing. Watching her perform this song was like being taken to a whole other place, where I actually both understood and felt the vulnerability and angst of this man, singing about his regrets after his death. There is no doubt in my mind that this is one of Griffin's finest pieces of writing. Towards the end of the song, the angst builds as the music gets louder, almost suggesting mental torment, until is eases back to a haunting climax.
Notable omissions for me were Kite Song, Rain and Useless Desires, which I think would have been stunning performed in this venue, but I guess you can't include everything. That said I doubt anyone would object to a longer set and a longer DVD!
Patty Griffin played locally a couple of years ago; I knew her name but not her music. A few months later I discovered her music and have been kicking myself ever since that I didn't go to see her when I had the chance. I think I was almost hoping that this DVD would show me that I hadn't missed much after all, in fact I am glad that it has done the complete opposite. It has placed Patty Griffin firmly at the top of the list of artists I hope to see perform live very soon. I have no doubt that it will do exactly the same for everyone else, even if you have already seen her live. In my opinion, that alone is worth the price of the DVD.
Helen Mitchell