by leika (pic by autumn de wilde)
Inara George is someone to behold. She and Greg Kurstin graced NYC this weekend, playing Bell House on Friday and livin’ large at Zankel Hall inside Carnegie on Saturday. I was at The Bell House show and was straight up blown away by Inara’s voice in the live setting. She has an engaging confidence and an effortless singing style. It’s curious how many people doubt The Bird and the Bee because of their undeniable pop semblances. There’s something to be said for their execution in reinventing the jazz standard with contemporary beats and lyrics. I was beyond satisfied and flat out giddy to have this live show affirm my kinship with their music.
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In addition to vocals, George was dropping some smooth bass lines at the start of the set. Kurstin (also Lily Allen’s producer) managed the programmed beat and was Dracula-esque on the keyboard. The duo had an accompaniment of three singers (one on guitar) which dawned matching outfits and doubled as the show’s opening acts. They all seemed relieved to be playing a venue where people weren’t in chairs, even though the crowd seemed split between spunky and comatose. It was a stellar 14-song set highlighted by “Man,” “Diamond Dave,” “Fucking Boyfriend,” “Love Letter To Japan” and “Polite Dance Song.” They played their Bee Gees cover “How Deep Is Your Love” as their encore. Fortunately Bell House is a beautiful but casual venue which fit the performance perfectly.
Details aside, there was that hidden element to the concert. That intangible energy needed to form the connection to the music. Kurstin and most certainly Inara need to be credited for that. Her voice transcends a pop song into high art and leaves you joyous. Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future was released in January and is well worth your time.
Check out their crazy video for “Polite Dance Song,” plus the full set list below…
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The Set List
Fanfare
My Love
Again & Again
Diamond Dave
Man
Preparedness
Witch
Fucking Boyfriend
What’s In the Middle
Birthday
I Can’t Go For That (cover)
Love Letter To Japan
Meteor
Polite Dance Song
How Deep Is Your Love (cover)
One Comment
Inara George is a song angel