Review of Brandi Carlile at the Belly Up

June 28th, 2006 at 08:07am Sara G. 12

I went to see Brandi Carlile at the Belly Up on Friday night, part of the JAS After Dark Series. I deserve a slap on the wrist
for underestimating Brandi and almost not going to the show. She was top notch. I had filled in for the Morning Show that day, done a ton of biking around so I was tired and almost didn’t check it out. After one song, I turned to my friend Jamie Lynn and said “I am already so glad that I came. It is already worth it.”

I stayed through the end. The encore was her alone stage with a guitar and her rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” It was a near spiritual experience. I had my eyes closed at one point. She is so talented. This version does not trump Jeff Buckley’s but it’s worthwhile. The studio album doesn’t really capture what a badass she is. It only reminds me of how great the show was, so to listen to it alone, one might not be as enthusiastic about her as I am with the live show to compliment the album experience.

There is a great quote about Brandi from Scott Register of Reg’s Coffee House (a show heard on KSPN Sundays at 7 pm before the Grateful Dead Hour). He basically says he only problem is that she has no gimmicks. She is just pure talent and therefore may be overlooked. As I wrongly did at first. I agree with Reg. She has no gimmicks. Just damn good.

I will look for the actual quote.

[ADDED on 7.2.06. Here is the quote from Reg's weekly newsletter]

Finally, my favorite up and comer, Brandi Carlile, stopped in and did her voodoo on everyone. I have talked about Brandi until I have nothing left to say but this, it is a damn shame that this girl isn’t a star by now for all the right reasons. Great songs, wonderful melodies, tight harmonies, kick ass band, charisma out the wazoo… What else do you need? Oh yeah, a gimmick. The only gimmick she has is pure talent. I can honestly say that I have seen her perform about 10 times and I have left every show that much more impressed. This weekend was no exception and wait until you hear her cover of “The Times They Are A Changin’.”

Entry Filed under: Music, Media, Aspen, Nightlife, Radio, Women