¤ milky moon ¤

Just back from Paris. Still reeling from the show. Easily the best of the four I've seen on this tour, so far. She just put everything into every song. And she earned herself a second encore ('Sawdust & Diamonds') which she claimed was her first ever.

So Paris now claims my first and second favourite Newsom gigs. La Cigale is still probably my favourite but this comes a close second.

Roy Harper played Dylan's 'Girl From the North Country' which added to the special beauty of the evening. He seemed like he'd been rehearsing too. He played up a storm with no hint of the tentativeness of the early shows.

Organisation at the venue was chaotic though. Having got there around 5:30pm, there were only about ten other people. As more arrived we formed a queue but were then told we could queue at all six doors! Much shuffling around commenced. Then they opened just the one door. Everyone rushed for it but once we were inside, no one was there to direct us or take tickets. Then we were all ushered into a big hall with a small orchestra in the centre. It seemed they wanted us to watch a free Steve Reich recital before Joanna. Like hell! I rushed back out only to find a big queue had formed to get into the proper hall. They started checking tickets but my side went much faster than the other and I gained a few queue places back. Then they did the same game of trying to get people queuing at different doors. I refused to budge. And lo and behold the first door they opened was the queue next to mine! Amazingly, despite the chaos and being far from first through the doors, I still got to sit exactly where I hoped (the reason for getting there early in the first place). Thank heavens the UK venues have numbered seats. I don't think my heart could stand much more panic!

Close up pics and a video coming soon.

A Parisian friend of mine was there last night and he said the atmosphere was something else. An extra 'Sawdust & Diamonds' is either a testament to a great crowd or an incredibly on-form Joanna. My friend said the setlist was as follows:

'81
Ribbon Bows
Have One On Me
Easy
Soft as Chalk
The Book of Right On
Kingfisher
Inflammatory Writ
Good Intentions Paving Company
Monkey and Bear
Peach, Plum, Pear

Encore:
Baby Birch

Encore 2
Sawdust and Diamonds

Oh, goodness, I'd clap for half an hour if it meant I got a second encore. Especially sawdust & diamonds, nice one

WHY she plays in France AND NOT in Spain? WHY? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY????????????

So jealous of you oneofthose, if you have not noticed

They got Kingfisher as well! That was the only thing I felt was missing from the second London date, but then there was Emily... What was the deal with the seats? Unreserved seating?

Ah, first night got Kingfisher but no Emily, and no Ribbon Bows. I need to see Emily live.

Now she's played the third from Ys, reckon she'll ever play Only Skin? I would die happy.

(Ironically I'm not too fussed about seeing Cosmia. I just like moths.)

I was Here too!

Perfect set! Faultless voice. Great band. Immaculate sound (except some micro soundcuts at times. You could hardly hear them...). Very nice atmosphere. Double encore (I think it already happened for her gig at l'Européen if I remember well...). Joanna seemed very happy and relaxed (allthough a bit obsessed by perfection? Only "Good Intentions Paving Company" sounded more spontaneous...). I just didn't like the new arrangements for "Inflamatory writ" and this strange slowed-down rythm which doesn't sound appropriate for me (I just love the freshness of this song, please, keep it rough Joanna!), but "Peach plum pear" was just PER-FECT!
I couldn't bring flowers this time and felt sorry for it as I really would have liked to.

I also felt very touched by Roy Harper's contribution. I just felt a bit frustrated they didn't try a duet together. Would have been terrific I guess as they really seemed to appreciate each-other (no wonder!).

My Third Joanna concert in Paris. I just hope we (french people) won't have to wait so much time for the next one. Come back soon Joanna if you read this. Allthough it's a pity you're not more talked about here, you definitely have a faithfull (should I say passionate) audience.

A video I shot of Peach Plum Pear in Paris. Boo at the person who hasn't switched their phone to silent!

grrr why didn't go to paris? yeah brussels was extra cool too, same play list except sawdust and diamonds which is MY prefered song
i hate this hesitating hall placing, numbered places is better
crave for a live show lp, just for peach plum pear live arrangements!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love this song live. did you were on stage????

me too nice sound too for a live bootleg

sounds like a fantastic night.

My trip:

I had previously seen Joanna Newsom in London, 2007. It was the best experience of my life. Once these dates were announced, I was tempted for another London trip. In the end, I decided against it.

As time went by, I regretted my decision, so had a look at a few other dates. Paris was perfect. Cheap flights from Liverpool, and managed to get a decent hotel. Stayed for 4 days, and topped it off with Joanna and Roy. Perfect? Close to it!

As for the gig itself, was a little disorganised, but I can't complain as I had a brilliant view (2nd row!). the sound cut out a couple times, but it wasn't much of a distraction. It was not as great as the Royal Albert Hall, but not many places are. It's the set list that set this concert above 2007.

The band were on top form. Neal Morgan is amazing! I found myself watching him a lot of the time! Joanna looked so ecstatic. Especially when the crowed got involved in Good Intentions!

One downside.. since I was in Paris, a city I had never visited before (but absolutely will again soon..) I rushed off to the metro after what I assumed was her final song, Baby Birch. If anyone has a video of her 2nd encore, or her leaving after it, I would greatly appreciate it.

Late replying, but thank you! Wish I had stayed, but I aint letting it take away from how amazing that night was!

ahhhh the memories. glad I made it to that one, the night before my birthday. I think I showed up during "HOOM" though