Rickie Lee Jones
18/10/2015 Live at Islington Assembly Hall, London

I have no idea when the last time Rickie Lee Jones (from now on just RLJ) came to Italy. The fact is, given the lukewarm reception of her latest "the other side of desire" and the current condition of facilities and spaces available for this type of show (how many "greats" now give up on Italian locations?), I wasn't surprised by her absence from the national concert calendar of must-see events. Anyway, if Mohammed won't go to the mountain..., etc.

The Ilsington assembly Hall is a typical 1930s ballroom, sober and very cozy, wooden floor, standing places, and balcony. Capacity about 800 people. For the occasion, a mature audience between 35 and 70 years old gathers. There's a certain euphoria and a pleasant excitement for the event. An excitement that I share. We are informed that the guest will not be there (very good). On the other hand, there is more time to observe the stage setup: guitars of various types (acoustic, 12-string, electric available to RLJ), a grand piano (RLJ), another guitar, a stage piano, bass/double bass, drums, violin, ukulele. There will be 6 on stage.

The show starts at 8:00 PM (Deo gratias!) and the opening is already sensational: Weasel And The White Boys Cool and Last Chance Texaco from her 1979 debut. What you see on stage: a 60-year-old lady with minimal gestures but with an impressive guitar taste. The voice, as always "ungraceful" yet precise, capable of touching the depths of Tom Waits (with whom she was romantically involved) and the Minnie Riperton-like high notes. This is, in my opinion, immediately surprising. Also, she, like others who have not abused their instrument (I'm thinking of Alison Moyet), has maintained a flexible and crystalline timbre.

The first part sees RLJ on guitars. Pieces from the first self-titled album follow, This must be love from the unlucky "The magazine" and the best tracks from the dignified "the other side of desire" Valtz de mon Pere, Infinity. The arrangements include long smoky suites with New Orleans at heart. Where the last album was conceived. In the central part, the set becomes truly touching with RLJ on the piano and the whole band devotedly following her: Living it up, We belong together, On Sunday Afternoon..., Coolsville.

Rickie is sparse with words, letting the music be the sole protagonist. There is an air of nostalgia. It doesn't harm. She picks up the acoustic again and delivers a minimal but excellent Satellites from one of my favorites (Flying Cowboys). The boards of the Ilsington start to creak again on the evergreen "Danny's all-star joint." The foot taps with affection and a sense of belonging. Not a single smartphone/tablet is raised.

We are at the finale. The stage empties, leaving her alone for a rendition of Sympathy for the devil by RS. She thanks, says she would love to play all night. We would like that too. Another bow and she exits. No diva attitude and she comes back immediately for the encore: a moving version of The moon is made of gold written by her father.

The lights turn on. The audience leaves the hall satisfied after two hours of adventures on the Mississippi. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Rickie Lee Jones.

Setlist:

1. Weasel and the white boys Cool
2. Last Chance Texaco
3. Jimmy Choos
4. It must be love
5. Valtz de Mon Pere
6. Chuk E's in love
7. On Saturday Afternoons 1963
8. Infinity
9. We Belong Together
10. Coolsville
11. Walk Away Renée
12. Finale; (A Spider In The Circus Of The Falling Star)
13. Satellites
14. I wasn’t here
15. Easy Money
16. Je connais pas
17. Danny's All-Star Joint
18. Sympathy for the Devil
19. The Moon Is Made of Gold