Thursday, October 23, 2008

Concert Review: Sara Bareilles and Marc Broussard at the House of Blues (October 22)

By Brenna Rushing

Yet another show attended at the House of Blues. I have been to many shows there over the past weeks and can say that it’s not getting old. The proximity of the stage, the ease of finding parking and the fact that you can text a waitress from anywhere in the room to order (oh ya) are the best features.

Sara Bareilles, Marc Broussard, and Raining Jane are the acts for the night. Although it seems Raining Jane is unknown to the crowds, Marc Broussard has quite a name here.

Raining Jane is a female group from LA. They are a mix of folk and indie music, bringing to mind the Cranberries. Mona Tavakoli plays the percussion fervently. She brings in the cajon (a flat surface that has a small echo), shakers and a drum kit. They also have a cello player named Mai who doubles as a guitar player and vocalist.

Raining Jane

RJ has a Lilith Fair vibe because of their personal style and vocal harmonies. “Paper Cut” was a hit not only because of the humorous subject (your first time with your “love”) but also because it’s sung like a story with Mona whistling in the background. The crowd loved it.

Marc Broussard came out shortly after to much applause. I didn’t recognize his songs, but many of the audience knew them well.

His New Orleans roots seep through his sound, adding a blues element to his country base. Broussard’s scruffy face and accompanying acoustic guitar argue against his sound, portraying a slower paced style.

“Home” and “Keep Coming Back” were just a few of his songs played.

Sara Bareilles appeared in a bright orange and pink dress with a cute side ponytail. She instantly sat at her piano ready to entertain us. The ever-popular “Vegas” was first, followed by “Bottle It Up.”

Her unusual yet funny take on love comes through in almost every set of lyrics. Her personality mimics that. She made jokes between almost every song and played on the audience.

Bareilles’ version of Feist’s “I Feel It All” was surprisingly good. Their styles are so different it would be a hard match up to imagine, but this song worked well for her. She also sang the Counting Crow’s “Sullivan Street” in a montage for the tour she played with them last year. The words were really broken down by the pace she sang in, which helped the songs’ meaning be heard clearer.

“August Moon” is a new track she introduced tonight. Bareilles picked up the guitar for this one and explained that it was about catching her high school boyfriend cheating on her.

The multi talented singer saved her widely famous hit, “Love Song” for the latter part of the show. But I was unable to hear her singing due to a group of 12-year-old girls screaming the words behind me.

Her emotionally charged and riveting ballad, “Gravity,” was her last song in the encore. Fans had anticipated it all night. She delivered the difficult high note towards the end with unwavering power.

The best thing about seeing Sara Bareilles live is learning that her voice sounds even better than on the album. Her talent shines through effortlessly. There will be much more from her in the future.

Related stories

• Pegasus News week in view: Boos and ballots edition (Oct. 23, 2008)
• Concert review part deux: Sara Bareilles and Marc Broussard at the House of Blues (October 22) (Oct. 23, 2008)

See more stories in:

• Arts > Popular Music > Alternative / Indie
• Arts > Popular Music > Pop
• Arts > Popular Music > Rock

Comments

mitzi74 Anonymous

Did we go to the same concert? How many times did you text your waitress???-cuz you and I had way different perspectives. Ah, well, to each their own, right?

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

jtmbls Anonymous

Cute monkey! My orang needs to be more fashion forward.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )