Here is a fantastic review of Beth's live show at The Slaughtered Lamb from Dec Hickey:
Time Out decreed it 'Recommended,' a night of 'Stripped down, emotive folk music from the beautifully pitched Beth Hirsch...' The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has begun to play live a bit more in the last few months but her recent appearance at the curiously-named, Slaughtered Lamb in London marked as rare and low-key a public performance as a noted vocalist on a two million (and counting) selling album will have likely played.
It was actually Hirsch's first visit to the UK in ten years and in a room where no sheep met their end and barely a sound, out of place or otherwise, broke from the slightly reverential audience, the songstress, seated and on acoustic guitar, was augmented by a five-piece of cello, violin, keyboards, bass and acoustic/electric guitar. And looking both relaxed and enthused, whenever the moment allowed throughout her 40 minutes on stage, her eyes seemed to search out all corners of the room, the performer maybe intent on taking in every moment.
At times Hirsch is a touch more earthy live than on record and her eight song, career spanning set, also served to confirm that her distinctive and gorgeous voice is only enhanced by being in front of an audience. Given both the surroundings and the musicians on hand, (to whom, with a touch of genuine humility, she offered, "I'm just very honoured, thank you"
the main part of the night leant less towards the tinge of beats and electronica (accepted, P-Town Rubies hits both) with which her vocals and songs have also been fused but more in favour of the acoustic folk side of her catalogue, although nothing surfaced from her most recent feature length solo effort, 2007's (slightly jazzier sounding) Wholehearted album.
Three years on and in collaboration with London's Ho Hum label, Hirsch's new single, 'Something To Tell,' is a beauty. String-laden and with a Joni intonation here and there, the Beth hallmarks of a yearning melody and a close mic vocal intimacy are in attendance too. And even if you don't have a turntable, beyond the download availability you can keep vinyl alive by buying the limited 7" and explaining to a younger generation what exactly it is.
Moving further forward, the one new song on show, handily entitled 'One,' was a highlight. Whether it will surface on an album Hirsch is working towards back in the US only time will tell. But, if she is to be forever linked with particular songs then the two she co-wrote for Air's groundbreaking Moon Safari album, might well be they... and it's no bad place to be. And so, it seemed fitting she saw out the evening by rising from her chair to encore with 'You Make It Easy' and 'All I Need.' Whether it's Los Angeles, London, Paris or somewhere in between, catch Beth Hirsch live when you can, your life will be richer for the experience.
Set list: Let It Live - P-Town Rubies - Something To Tell - Gabrielle - I Still Believe In Love - One - You Make It Easy - All I Need.
Dec Hickey
wondrously wandering.....
