Marianne Faithfull

She was off to a questionable start...but ended with a BANG! Or was that slow start intentional? Marianne Faithfull WOWED her fans last night at Town Hall in New York with a wonderful collection of new and old tunes. It seemed that the crowd really responded most to her rock classics. By the end of the evening my friend and I did feel that we had just witnessed something really special and we both had been TRANSPORTED in some way. I guess that's A-R-T. Bravo, Ms. Faithfull!

I must admit I went to New York City s Town Hall with low expectations. Yes, I ve long followed the extraordinary life story of Marianne Faithfull, but I didn t expect her to be the significant talent that she is. I was wrong. She definitely won me over. The moment of truth came when Faithfull performed "As Tears Go By," the Mick Jagger-Keith Richards song that made her famous at age 17 in 1965. This time the naive innocent voice is gone, replaced by the sound of a woman who has lived a very hard life. There s nothing like surviving 40 years of sex, drugs and rock n roll to bring a genuine maturity to the human voice. It reminded me of the old saying that to be a real bluesman, one has to live the blues. Faithfull most certainly has, and is now a far more powerful singer because of it. The diversity of her material is impressive. Backed by a nine piece orchestra with violin and cello, accompanying the normal rock ensemble, the concert was to promote "Easy Come, Easy Go," Faithfull s 22th album. The title song, from Bessie Smith, was from another woman who scrapped her way to the top. There are, however, a diverse range of songwriters on the record\u2014from Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard to Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Faithfull was joined on stage for a couple of songs, including "Many a Mile to Freedom" by Jenni Muldaur, daughter of Maria and Geoff Muldaur. Faithfull also did a powerful turn "In Germany Before the War" by Randy Newman. Her latest CD was produced by Hal Wilner, a man who has pulled remarkable performances from a woman many had written off long ago. Fans gave Faithfull repeated standing ovations, which she well deserved.

Marianne Faithfull came on stage looking like a matron, but once she opened her mouth that was forgotten. She still has a fantastic voice, a lifetime of cigarettes and whisky just making it more hers. She has tremendous stage presence and was screamingly funny, while singing many of the crowd pleasers (the crowd was about her age, so favorites meant going back to the beginning of her career). She couldn't remember her guitarists name - she kept having to ask him what it was. She also stopped her accompanists once because she didn't like what they were doing and made them start again. The show was casual, fun, and terrific. MF seemed very happy, which was lovely to see. I only wish it had been longer - it was only about 75 minutes long.

She should have retired after "As Tears Go By". Horrible song selections. Her voice was atrocious. She swore, she spit, she smoked, coughed and blew her nose on stage. If we hadn't taken the shuttle we would have been gone. We were therefore a captive audience.

Her performance was deeply stirring, her honesty and humor made me laugh, the emotions expressed with her dark raspy voice made me cry, a unforgettable experience in the intimacy of the magical Montalvo outdoor theatre. Marianne stands tall in the family of the mature giants of song.

I loved Marianne Faithfull but the show was on the short side; only an hour and fifteen minutes. The venue is gorgeous.

Normally I don't think I would have seen this show if not for the free tickets from Ticketmaster but I have to say my wife and I enjoyed the show. Marianne's voice is pretty shot but she still very entertaining. She's quit the story teller.

What a unique experience the evening was. I loved the venue, the close intimate setting & the surrounding garden & trees helped to make the evening such a wonderful time. I really enjoyed how Marianne Faithfull interacted with the audience. The raspiness in her voice showed through & made the choice of her songs sound very unique. She was quite a character!

We had never seen Marianne Faithful before and although I do not think we would see her again --- certainly not at the price we paid ----- we are glad that we did get the opportunity to see her once. She had a cold which effected her voice early and the show started slowly but picked up as the evening went on. She shared some fun stories. She did seem to have some issues with her musicians which really did not seem apparent to us.

Unexpected surprise. One of the best shows I've gone to in years. And a beautiful place to visit.

The gal keeps moving forward with that sultry voice and no BS attitude. A real, genuine class act!

When I say unforgettable I mean in a bad way. She may have followers but it's only because of the old days. She needs to retire and not act like she is still on top. Her voice is gone and smoking on stage was really the topper.

Although we had to take our 8yo twins out early because of Marianne's language, we enjoyed her music and would have stayed if we didn't have the kids. This was our first introduction to her so we were not aware of her language. Also, she loudly reprimanded her musicians in front of us, which was really awkward. I wouldn't be surprised if they quit. She could have made a joke about the errors and said "Let's try again!" To save their dignity.

This is the second time I've seen Marianne. I would have to say she is one person in this world I really admire and am inspired by. This concert was in the gorgeous Florida Hall in Jacksonville Florida. I thought it was random but special Marianne was going to be in Florida. The venue was intimate, and the show was made even more intimate by the fact that there was only about eight full rows of people. At first it may seem that was a poor turn out, but in truth it was obvious every person in that room has been seriously moved and inspired by Marianne. When each song ended, the applause and enthusiasm filled the room. Marianne was sick. The fact she was coughing between lines and drinking hot tea onstage added further to the surreal and magic of the evening. It was truly just her and us, and the songs. Marianne opened with "Times Square" and did a wonderful set. During "Why'd Ya Do It" it was funny to watch a parent scramble to get her child out of the room. I cried during this song....the power of it. The band was great and spot on. The acoustics were out of this world. I drove four hours from Tampa to see the show. The people on both sides of me had each driven four hours from other places to see the show. I felt a lot of magic and love in this small crowd that night. I would have to say this was probably the best concert I've ever been to in my life.

Graceful, beautiful, charming ...... but most importantly she is one the most talented musicians in the world .....her voice perfect her song choice moving...... I am so glad I traveled from New Orleans to see her....

Marianne played this date (actually a make-up from last fall) to a small but dedicated audience on a rainy night in the wonderful old Florida Theater. Talking to nearby seat holders revealed many of us had driven in from hundreds of miles away. Lots of gray pony tails and other evidence of the fact that Marianne means something special to those of us whose lives and circumstances were intertwined with hers over the years. As we waited, we laughed and carried on and scowled at the younger folks who came in. Marianne's band is small and dedicated, as well - true professionals who performed well. She was backed by a keyboardist (with a vintage Hammond B3, of course), a guitarist, a bass player, and a drummer. Marianne started out a bit shaky but quickly found her voice - the voice that shows she's earned her place. She put whatever health problems she's wrestling with these days behind her, and was the consummate professional. As usual, she can sing nearly anything, (Dolly Parton's "Dover", plus a Merle Haggard encore whose name I didn't catch, as well as many of her standards). She came out to the edge of the stage a few times and touched hands with many concert-goers, and took an ensemble bow with the band at the end, clearly feeding off the audience approval. Her wit shone through as she fixed her lipstick, saying to the audience, "You'll be my mirror, and I'll be yours." Indeed, Marianne. You know why we came. When we see you still out there swinging it gives us hope.

Best concert I have ever been to. She was awesome. What an amazing performer- she sang Jagger/Richards, Duke Ellington, Dolly Parton, Nick Cave, the Decemberists, Merle Haggard and her own stuff. Not a bad note all night. the band was kicking it. She rocked non-stop. Highlights- Broken English, As Tears Go Bye, and Sing Me Home. Her broken heart poured out through her voice and spilled honesty all over the crowd. She came to the edge of the stage and touched everyone there. I loved it. I'm glad I went.

With a selection of songs from her critically acclaimed new cd, 'Easy Come Easy Go', and reaching back through her breakthrough rock album, 'Broken English' all the way to her first international hit, 'As Tears Go By', Marianne Faithfull delivered a strong, affecting performance. The music drawn from her deliciously eclectic repertoire was powered by a splendid backup band that delivered just the right support for all the styles of music she sang---from blues to rock to cabaret to indie---and her own vocal style that combines a ragged, belting contralto with the vulnerability and triumph of one who has seen and experienced life on her own terms and ultimately survived to sing about it. It was a night to revel in a performance and an artist that have combined into a musical journey that brings tears, smiles, and occasionally gasps of recognition of the redemptive power of music. Brilliant! Brava, Marianne!

great 4 piece band,vary of moods of songs,great songs,

We had the good fortune to see Marianne Faithfull perform at The Birchmere last night. Having seen her before at the same venue, we were looking forward to another great evening. We were not disappointed! Marianne made strong connections with the audience, was in great voice, her band is outstanding, and she sang many songs from the new album, but also old hits like Sister Morphine, Broken English and others. She forges a strong connection with the audience, it's like visiting with an old friend. In 90 minutes, she sang a huge number of her standards as well as her newer songs and it was so enjoyable hearing her sing and listening to her stories. I recommend her show to everyone. Hearing her sing "As Tears Go By" - her first hit - was lovely. GO!

Marianne Faithful was best when she was singing her 30 year old songs "Broken English", Ballad of Lucy Jordan", "As tears go by" - unfortunately she seemed a bit uncomfortable being on-stage. First time in Birchmere, but definitely not the last!

This particular show was classically Marianne. She always offers her most recent life perspective. It is always a delight to enjoy her classics...but was a welcome surprise to hear "In My Solitude". As a Capricorn she always looks quite classy in black and white. This night she was a great conduit between the audience, herself and the band. The band was tight, enjoyed each others company and did a little"Mac the Knife" intro that was very magical/fairy like and quite interesting. It was enjoyable to see Marianne relaxed enough to take off her jacket and eventually her shoes. It was greatly appreciated that she shared the history regarding Town Hall, its acoustics, and the stars that once graced its stage. If you get the chance to see her, definitely do. This is one gal that refuses to stay stuck in a rut. Whats kept her exciting all these decades her ever evolving perspective on music and life.

The concert began on time and we were treated to a wide-ranging survey of this gifted signer's musical tastes and history. It was a wonderful evening, long anticipated and remembered gratefully. The pace was great and the "down" ending of "Strange Weather" beautifully apt. I wished only at times the band were less able to overwhelm Ms. Faithfull's lyric and lyrical interpretations of these songs. I hope she's back with us soon!!

Marianne Faithfull is amazing live. I have only ever heard her on my cd collection or seen her on TV. But to see her live was just incredible. She has a presence that is compelling, and her vocals are spot on. She never missed a note or beat. Her band was stellar, and every song, including those I had never hear, was perfect.

Marianne Faithful as always puts her heart and soul into her performances. She also, flirts with the audience making it seem like you are all old friends. She is wonderful to see and her musical choices are are always thoughtful and surprising. Loved every minute of it and wished it wouldn't end.

The crowd was a group of non musical.non cool people. I was harrassed by 2 people,,telling me to just be quiet and listen. Marianne had a strange set of songs...and wouldnt let her voice soar,,,xcept for the emotional Sister Morphine and Broken English. The band was great.....the crowd was not...

We really enjoyed the show at Town Hall. The venue is small enough to feel like you are sitting in a small room alone with Marianne. I would recommend this show to everyone, evem if you have not seen her before, you will love this.

I have always loved Marianne Faithful. She is a survivor... and the raspy voice of her comeback album, Broken English, has now smoothed a bit allowing the renditions of the songs from that album to be less grating and with more depth. When the concert started I was fearful that the sound mix left the drums overwhelming her voice, but this seemed to correct itself by the third song. Her covers of old standards were sublime; her voice works so well for everything from Duke Ellington and Bessie Smith to country. I particularly enjoyed hearing "Why'd you do what you did?" and "Sister Morphine" as she kicked off her shoes to make herself more comfortable. Her spirit shone through the patter on stage and was mirrored in the virtuosity of the band. What a great night!

Town hall was a perfect location with its relatively intimate atmosphere and warm sound for a concert that was so friendly it was almost as though we were visiting Marianne's house. She felt at ease enough to show that she's not at ease with her outfit, as she took of her jacket after a couple of songs and later on her shoes--one got stuck so she gestured to the musicians to keep on playing while she pulled the shoe off... The performance was superb. It's not just the singing nor the great songs we love, but the loveliness of the performer who seems to be so fond of her audience.

Marianne's range of musical interests is awesome, from the obvious peaks of Kurt Weill to the not-so-easily-anticipated tragic ballads of Mere Haggard. With hommage, of course, to Nick Cave and his predecessor Keith Richards. This woman's life is in her voice.......and it is deep, indeed.