Beth Gibbons this morning – in concert at Salle Pleyel in Paris, July 7th of this year – recorded by Radio France and relayed to Radio Nacional España (with Spanish announcements which, thankfully, don’t step on the music).
There is no one like Beth Gibbons – on a stage fairly overflowing with compelling and iconic artists, she stands out as one of the most intense, compelling and transformative figures of her generation.
There is music and there are artists who demand your attention – often by overreaching, theatrics and visuals. Sometimes those add – sometimes they distract. Beth Gibbons is one of those musicians whose attention is directed at the unmistakeable simplicity, the subtle but distinct aura she creates. Perhaps that’s why the world stops from the intro to the end – it is a gentle yet profound journey she takes the audience on.
Portishead were a milestone musical experience – Beth Gibbons was the guide – she still is. Hers is a message found in the smallest and most subtle of landscapes. Further evidence god is in the details – the barely perceptible uttering – the gently struck chords that echo deep and straight into the veritable soul of the listener. The body doesn’t dance – the soul does – the body is preoccupied with hairs standing straight up on your neck – that tingling and warmth that spreads over you like a warm and loving blanket. That trance you find yourself in that is only broken when the house lights get turned up and it’s time to come back down to earth.
For all that the detractors complain about the current state of music, it’s a fair bet they have never experienced the likes of Beth Gibbons either live or on earphones.
If you’re already familiar with the artistry of Beth Gibbons it’s like a visit with an old friend. If you’re just finding out about Beth Gibbons, you are in for an amazing journey – Dive into her catalogue, there’s a lot to discover.
In the meantime . . .
