Critically acclaimed, but mysteriously under represented in the sales charts, Joan As Police Woman was always going to be a much anticipated gig. Having seen her perform before, expectations were high. The Glee Club is a lovely little venue – small, friendly and intimate, and very much suited to a performed like Joan. It must be a sign of my age that I also appreciate being able to sit down with a nice glass of wine (in a proper glass) during a concert!
Peggy Sue were the support act. I had not heard them before, so looked them up before the concert and noting my girlfriend’s aversion to all things folk music made a concious effort not to let slip that most reviewers tag them as “alt folk”. They played a small set of story telling distinctive songs showcasing some strong harmonies and using as many instruments as they could get their hands on. We both enjoyed it – and so did most of the audience judging by the crowd clamouring for their CDs during the interval.
On to the main event. Arriving on stage in a gold lame dress, bright blue tights and cowboy boots, with her regular music partner Timo Ellis, Joan kicked off with one of the cover versions that formed the basis of this tour (and the exclusive CD that is only available at the gigs). As always, she displayed remarkable vocal range with her distinctive voice captivating the audience with the sheer emotion and passion of her performance. Joan alternated between the cover versions that this tour is based on, and her own material from her last two albums. I suspect that like myself, most of the audience would have preferred more of her own songs but the cover versions were worthwhile substitutes.
Highlights of the covers were Sacred Trickster (Sonic Youth), She Watch Channel Zero (Public Enemy), Bay (Iggy Pop) and Overprotected (Britney Spears). From her own work, Save Me, Feed The Light and The Ride (from Real Life
Most tracks were accompanied by some recorded backing, specially created for these shows (and the accompanying CD) on an ancient 4 track tape recorder. Whilst this gave the backing a warm and homely sound, it was a bit disconcerting in this digital age to hear the background tape hiss during the silent parts of the songs! Talking of technology, Joan complained of a few technical gremlins, and had several chats with the sound mixer at the back of the room. I suspect that Peggy Sue left some of the levels in an unexpected state, but it was all handled with good grace and it added to the intimacy and personal nature of the concert. Not sure why, the Glee Club audience is a quiet, reserved one and Joan was not the only performer I have seen comment on this! It did not phase her and she had coaxed a bit of interaction from us by the end!
It would be remiss not to mention Timo Ellis, who seems to be able to turn his hand to playing any instrument on stage. He did a fine job of matching both Joan’s musical talent and dress sense!
After the concert we got to meet Joan at the merchanise desk (we met her at the last concert, but I don’t think she remembered us!). She signed a CD for us and we even bought an oven glove (yes – you read that right – a JAPW oven glove!) One of the benefits of smaller venues such as this is that you can meet the artist afterwards.
So – well done Joan. We left happy and satisfied, looking forward to the new material being released and leave you with a couple of photos below.
