The Times Union newspaper, based in Albany, NY, reviewed Tori's August 23, 2005 Saratoga Springs, NY concert in their August 24, 2005 edition.
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Thanks to Lydia Anne for sending this review to me, which you can read below.
Amos offers moving concert
By DAVID MALACHOWSKI, Special to the Times Union
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Tori Amos' Summer of Sin tour wheeled into SPAC with a compelling collection of all-girl acts.
It was her birthday Monday, and 42-year-old songbird Amos seemed grateful and at ease in a flowing peach dress as she came out to the lip of the stage and bowed to her audience before sitting down at the grand piano to begin "Original Sinsuality," in front of a backdrop of a serpent and an apple.
Amos being the anchor of a large tour is an amazing concept, considering she has gone out of her way to do only what she pleases and never chases commercial fads or whims. Preacher's daughter Myra Ellen Amos popped onto the scene in 1992 and has since gained an enormous cult of fans, a testament to the gravity and power of her piano poetry.
The haunting, hypnotic "China" was a highlight, as Amos would stop time and linger on a syllable at the end of a phrase for dramatic effect. During the lush "Little Amsterdam," she threw her head back and her flowing red hair flew around. Often times, she would have one hand on the piano and the other on an organ, staring straight at the crowd.
She didn't have a whole lot to say, but did admit to going to the water park nearby with her kids. A clever cover of Cat Stevens' "Moonshadow" fit like a glove, while the weighty "Mother" was another stunning moment, Amos drawing every ounce of emotion from her harrowing, introspective composition.
"The Beekeeper" was a stunning showstopper, a soaring vocal drifted atop low droning organ tones. She would stop suddenly, sigh, then start again, drawing out the moment. Without accompanists -- merely a few pianos and organs -- the self-contained music maker captivated the crowd easily in a memorable summer night.
Ditty Bops, a group of girls with hats (along with 2 fellows) and its retro Roy Rogers' western swing/jazz, was pure pleasure. Amanda Barrett (on mandolin and saw) and Abby DeWald (guitar) had harmonies to die for, and won the crowd over quickly. The Like were likable long-haired, skinny girls with boots, who juxtaposed sweet airy vocals (Z. Berg) over raw guitar-based rock. The trio's drummer, Tennessee Thomas, was exceptional, and the earnest "When I Say What I Mean" was a smashing highlight.
David Malachowski is a local freelance writer from Woodstock and a regular contributor to the Times Union.
