by Jon Bauer
A PJ Harvey show is a vibe.
This was my first time, and man – I’m so glad I went.
Why do I say it’s a vibe? Well… Partly, it’s the sounds of birds between songs. The elegant sweeping arm dance moves. The draped flowing clothing. Long pauses holding their pose after the last note. The vintage wooden furniture – a small wooden desk that she sat at, a dining room table with neatly arranged place settings. Beautiful single spot beams of light illuminating her in various colors. Glimmers of Tori Amos, Kate Bush, and Joanna Newsom in the 1st half of the show, with elements of Irish folk – complete with foot stomping and all four male performers standing in a line shoulder to shoulder harmonizing.
The 2nd half was different. This became much more of a rock and roll show. Highlight for me was – during “The Garden,” where a strong light in the front of the stage illuminated PJ and the band in the backdrop behind the stage. Her side pose as she was sitting at the desk and her dancing was made large in the backdrop behind. Simply elegant and beautiful.
PJ played all kinds of guitars (both electric and acoustic), a zither, and a harmonica (during the White Chalk encore).
The band – Giovani Ferrario, Jean-Marc Butty, James Johnston, and John Parish were exquisite as well.
PJ said “It’s always wonderful to come back to beautiful San Francisco.” The audience agreed. An amazing night. Tonight is night two – don’t miss it.
Comment
Beautiful shots! Ver nice work. I attended the Friday night show. The last time I saw her was 30 years ago at the Vic Theatre in Chicago. She’s was a remarkably original musician and mesmerizing performer then and now. Loved seeing her again after all these years.