Sara Bareilles is mostly known for her catchy, radio friendly, pop hits like “King of Anything” and “Love Song.” However at her recent Variety Playhouse performance, she proved what the sold-out audience already knew- this lady has talent. Backed by a full band as diversely talented as her, Bareilles effortlessly switched between piano, guitar, and ukulele all while never missing a note in her perfect alto to mezzo-soprano range.
Beginning her show with the track “Vegas” from Little Voice, Bareilles rattled off many of her bouncy hits including “Uncharted,” “Love Song,” and “Gonna Get Over You,” in which she was joined by opener Holly Conlan. Bareilles put her talent for songwriting and catchy melodies on full display as well as showing her likability by frequently interacting with the audience. However, Bareilles’s talent was truly highlighted in her execution of her slower, less commercial tracks. Performed back to back, “Hold My Heart” and “Basketcase” (both off of her new album Kaleidoscope Heart) might’ve slowed the pace, but their simplicity and emotion showcased Bareilles’s control of her voice and her ability to covey relatable raw emotion that resonated with everyone in attendance. Bareilles was joined by another one of her openers, Greg Laswell, for a striped down cover of Radiohead’s “Nice Dream.” Some artists tend to loose their audience once they slow the tempo, but for Bareilles’s audience they seemed all the more drawn to her.
When Bareilles returned to some of her more upbeat songs the audience was right there with her to sing along. For “King of Anything” and “Fairytale,” the crowd sang more of the songs than Bareilles and she seemed impressed by their enthusiasm and accuracy. By the time Bareilles finished up her set, there was no doubt that although we may know her songs from the radio, she is a must-see live to appreciate all her talent.
Kim Burdges
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