Click this logo to go to the Tori News Page

Read a review of Tori's 2003 Indianpolis, IN concert from the Indianapolis Star
March 19, 2003

Updated Fri, Mar 21, 2003 - 5:01pm ET

 ToriNews
 Toriphiles
 Articles
 TV/Radio
 Tour Info
 Music
 RAINN
 Merchandise
 Sightings
 Opinion
 Miscellaneous
 Entry Page


More Details

Thanks to Lucy for sending this to The Dent. You can read it online at indystar.com or below.


Solos provide finest moments

By David Lindquist
david.lindquist@indystar.com
March 19, 2003

In a stirring episode of social commentary -- for either side of the war debate -- Tori Amos sang John Lennon's "Imagine" to a packed house Tuesday at the Murat Theatre.

She sang in hopes of "a brotherhood of man" accompanied only by piano, her signature sound during the 1990s. It was a special performance of undeniable purity.

But, as Amos has explored new directions as an artist, solo tunes now make up just a fraction of her concerts.

Ani DiFranco, a peer of Amos' in the realm of singer-songwriter cult heroes, has expanded her solo folkie format with horns and keyboards. All things considered, DiFranco's new textures work.

In the case of Amos, extra players supply a layer of clutter for a listener to navigate. In concert, over-amplified bassist Jon Evans and plodding drummer Matt Chamberlain drained any compelling traits from Amos' newest songs.

Tuesday's show began with "A Sorta Fairytale" -- a touch-and-go love story found on current album "Scarlet's Walk." The three musicians, however, mustered more of a dirge than the whimsy conveyed in the song's memorable "arm and a leg" video.

Amos fails to help the cause with enunciation-free vocals that flirt with self-parody.

"Wednesday," a meandering menu of conspiracy theories set to a hoe-down beat, proved to be one "Scarlet" highlight.

And treasured oldie "Cornflake Girl" exploded in three dimensions, thanks to its melody, thoughtful arrangement and a chance for the star to vamp at her piano.

The message seems simple enough: While Amos excels at heavy topics, the songs still need hooks.

Opening act Rhett Miller (***) has turned into a romantic optimist during a solo hiatus from his top-flight Americana band, the Old 97s.

He sang about love, devotion and trust within a batch of clever, plain-spoken yarns worthy of fellow Texan Buddy Holly.


Posted by: Mikewhy


Go Back

Return To ToriNews

Please give me feedback, comments, or suggestions about The Dent. Email me (Mikewhy) at mikewhy@iglou.com

Powered by pMachine