Brandi Carlile is Light

Brandi Carlile is more than just a talented woman with catchy, heartfelt songs. She seems to have a certain energy that flows out of her, a good energy that comes through in her twinkling eyes and infectious smile while she sings. You can tell she is not merely singing a song, but feeling it, expressing it with her whole essence. But the energy is also there when she speaks, which makes me believe she is one of those rare types who have found a perfect balance between inner self and outer interactions. Only those who are that completely genuine can have this sort of energy floating around them.

A lot can be said about fanatical admiration for artists. I know there are some that will read this and think what I've written above is over the top, spiritual nonsense, or just plain silly. But I also know others will get exactly what I mean. For those who don't, I urge you to keep in mind your own feelings. Deep inside of you, there is bound to be something that moves you, gets to your core on every level, inspires you. It may be another music artist that you feel this way about, or perhaps another form of art or interest. If not, I encourage you to find that place inside, because I believe it is truly the essence of who we are and to tap into that source, can lead to a world of new discoveries.

So how did I finally hear about Brandi Carlile? Well, as often is the case with me, it's been a long time in the making. I have had friends mention her to me over the years, but didn't follow through. Sometime in the late summer, I became vaguely aware about her new album's release, called "Give Up The Ghost". Still I wasn't paying attention. Until one day I was on a music buying binge, I downloaded the CD. I was already expecting to like it, as I know my friends have similar tastes in music. But I was not at all prepared for the surge of raw emotions that Brandi puts forth in her music, and even less prepared for the ways it would affect me.

Her voice effortlessly ranges between country, folk, blues, and all out raspy rock, many times in the same song. But it's not just the talent, it's the intensity and passion that emanates from her that give the songs life. After months of listening to the cds and watching youtube clips, last night I finally got to experience all of this live. To say that I was blown away would be an understatement. Everything from the small auditorium, the crisp clear sound system, the amazingly talented band members, and the lighting effects during the show, made it beyond what I had expected.

The show started with a solo cello instrumental intro, leading to Brandi & company coming out front and center stage to perform "Oh Dear" with perfectly blended harmonies. The rest of the show was a mix of songs from Brandi's three albums, some stripped down acoustic, others loud, twangy and rockin'. As I'd seen in other clips, she did the completely unplugged version of "Dying Day", no mics at all, stood at the foot of the stage and let it rip. It was much quieter than it comes across on the videos, which shows how much space is out there and how much it takes to fill a room with sound. Maybe a little ironically later on as part of the encore, the twins Tim and Phil Hanseroth did a haunting cover of "Sounds of Silence". Some other covers were "The Times They are A'Changing", "You Belong to Me", and "Jackson" which led into a rousing, out of the seats foot stomping "Folsom Prison Blues".

Another aspect that impressed me was the lighting effects during the show. The stage colors changed from variations of blues, red, green and orange, with some more vibrant magenta and bright white lights at times. Each color perfectly matched the tone set by the songs, reaching that place where sights and sounds meet to create this feeling of completeness where your senses are working together.

Brandi also has a charming personality with her audience. Last night she joked about the crowd being so polite and quiet between songs but then someone would yell up a random comment. Of course that provoked the behavior to continue through the night, but it was all good natured and hilarious each time. You just can't help but like the girl. I'd say not only her smile is infectious, but so is her whole persona.

To my friends who have been telling me about Brandi Carlile, I thank you. It may have taken me a while, but I have finally "seen the light".