There are many things to say about Tori Amos, such as that her studio work in recent years has been less brilliant, that she has conformed to a sound more linked to the classic American female songwriter style, that she scientifically avoids certain acrobatics typical of her early career, etc. etc.
There is certainly a kernel of truth in all of this, but seen at the Ventaglio Theatre last night, the impression was anything but that of an artist with little to say...
Two solid hours of concert, with very few and brief pauses (the longest during the group's rendition of "Professional Widow Remix" while she changed outfits), atmospheric but unobtrusive staging, with the loyal Evans and Chamberlain on bass and drums respectively, and the mysterious Mac Alladin on guitar for the pieces from the latest album "American Doll Posse"... and she, seductive and pyrotechnic, alternating between piano, electric keyboard, and Wurlitzer (often played simultaneously).
And her voice, more than ever in shape, creating enchanting hypnotic vocalizations.
The repertoire was varied; the new album was obviously the most represented, but not in such an obvious way, featuring only 7 songs (out of 23 from the work), with a beautiful opening of "Teenage Hustling" and truly impactful "Code Red" and "Beauty of Speed".
Aside from "Strange Little Girls" and "Scarlet's Walk," all albums were referenced, from "Little Earthquakes" to "The Beekeeper".
The best moments for me were the beautiful "Siren," "Honey," "Seaside," "Spring Haze," the moving "Putting the Damage On" (I still marvel at how the songs from "Boys for Pele" improve with age), and of course the wonderful finale with "Precious Things" and "Hey Jupiter".
A little surprise for me was also the performance of "Liquid Diamonds."
A varied concert, charged with emotions, where she presented herself dressed as Pip (one of the dominant characters from "American Doll Posse") before transforming back into Tori, with the pervasive sensation of being in front of a true Diva (in the strict sense of the term) but ready, for one night, to come down to the level of her admirers, who were all spellbound in adoration last night...
Simply pure and moving, not much else to say...
The Setlist:
First part (Pip):
Teenage Hustling (American Doll Posse)
Bliss (To Venus and Back)
Fat Slut (A.D.P.)
Smokey Joe (A.D.P.)
Body and Soul (A.D.P.)
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Prof essional Widow (Van Helden Remix) (Professional Widow E.P.)
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Second part (Tori):
Big Wheel (A.D.P.)
Siren (Great Expectations O.S.T.)
Liquid Diamonds (From the Choirgirl Hotel)
Cornflake Girl (Under the Pink)
Honey (Hey Jupiter E.P.)
God (U.t.P.)
Tori Alone:
Dark Times (Improvisation)
China (Little Earthquakes)
Seaside (Scarlet Hidden Treasures E.P.)
Band Returns:
Putting the Damage On (Boys for Pele)
Spring Haze (T.V.a.B.)
Code Red (A.D.P.)
First Encore:
Precious Things (L.E.)
General Joy (The Beekeeper)
Second Encore:
Space Dog (U.t.P.)
Hey Jupiter (B.f.P.)
