(Photo: Lou Mouw)
Pitou – in session at Motel Mozaique 2017 – April 7, 2017 – 3VOOR12 – VPRO, The Netherlands –
Amsterdam born Singer-Songwriter Pitou to start the week, in a session from last week’s Motel Mozaique festival in Rotterdam. The Spring festivals are starting up in earnest this year. Last weekend it was Motel Mozaique, this weekend it’s Coachella. The moveable feast of music is underway and the talent is hitting the road, and like years past, it’s going to be an overdose of musical riches. The big issue is who to see and who to avoid.
Pitou is a new voice – her debut record; a 10″ vinyl and CD, came out in September of last year, to enthusiastic reception and a lot of comparisons to current artists; Laura Marling, Joanna Newsome and Vashti Bunyan to name a few. But comparisons in vocal timbre and phrasing are one thing, point of view and strength of her material is another. And this is where Pitou strikes out on her own. Her music is spellbinding and her lyrics are well crafted. She stands on her own where artistic abilities are concerned, and in this cathedral-like setting, with only a stand-up bass and two backup vocalists for support, turns in a remarkable performance and a sincere wish to hear more.
I have not had a chance to listen to her album, or any of her studio-produced material. I am going on what I am hearing in a live setting, and it’s impressive. Very often I have heard an artist who sounds amazing in a live concert or session, but the studio-produced results are less than satisfying – it used to be the other way around. I suspect that might not be the case with Pitou. She has a lovely voice with strong, honest material to match. I imagine any producer would see the infinite possibilities with less-is-more and not be prone to over-production. Fingers crossed.
Have a listen – new talent – Spring festival – life is good.
