Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
An entertainer, a performer, who can take you to a place in which you can understand the emotional turmoil in which they have been placed, the strength of absolute character in which they have shown and resolved to fight in, these are the epitome of artists to whom we find ourselves drawn to. Their voice is the conduit of the pain fought against and one that is not driven by self-interest, falsehood or narcissistic overtones, a pain that is real, a reflection that is beautiful, a series of musical confessions in which life is very much out in the open and live for all to see and hear.
From the moment Beth Hart walks on stage anywhere in the world, it almost feels as if she is home, comfortable, the lone figure at ease, but also with tales to tell of survival and, perhaps surprisingly for the Rock/Blues genre, the dramatic falls encountered, the sheer honesty negotiating the premise of oversharing and the balance required in which to keep the audience grasped in the palms of her hands.
In some performers this can be a case of being seen as taking advantage, the substance not as readily available, the audience left wondering how much is sincere and how much is fabricated for the sake of the show. Not for Beth Hart, and as her latest album, Beth Hart-Live At The Royal Albert Hall attests, she has a song to sing which is steeped in sadness and powerful overtones of redemption and recovery, of reclaiming what is natural to us as human beings, the urge to tell a story in whichever medium we find acceptable to our soul.
With her clearly defined vocal artistry at the helm, the Royal Albert Hall seems to quake with pleasure at hearing such presentation, two iconic figures, one placed in the history of London, the other fast becoming a symbol of our times, gently blend and grow with each song performed by Beth Hart and the surrounding band.
Across songs such as For My Friends, Close To My Fire, Spirit of God, Sister Heroine, Waterfalls, Baby Shot Me Down, Your Heart Is As Black As Night, The Ugliest House On The Block, Spiders In My Bed, Mama This Ones For You, My California and Picture In A Frame, what announces itself is the gentle intimacy Beth Hart’s soul and the explosion of riveting vocals that guide authentic pursuit of truth and the reasons behind our own damaged hearts.
A classic capturing of what was a tremendous evening at The Royal Albert Hall, faithful, passionate and determined, everything that Beth Hart is and her music continues to be.
Beth Hart releases Beth Hart-Live At The Royal Albert Hall on November 30th.
Ian D. Hall