Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
It is the sound of the city that never gets tired, no matter what is thrown against it, no matter the struggles and the trials that face New York, its heart beat never wavers, its song remains constant and unconquerable, inspiring. One that even the lady holding out the welcome to all who visit her as she stands majestically on the biggest stage in the city, and her fierce gaze staring out defiantly to all who would mock a home of the Blues; this is the sound to which Beth Hart naturally belongs, in which the siren captures the soul as she sings Live From New York: Front And Center.
The Grammy nominated singer steps away from the big shows, her collaborations with the sublime Joe Bonamassa having been incredibly well received, and for her first live release in 13 years, goes intimate, finds a way to stretch her incredible talent even further by stepping behind the microphone at the Iridium Jazz Club and performing a session that has every right to be framed for prosperity, not just a right, but one that demands and sits in the memory with a smile.
It is in the intimate that some of the greatest performances have been captured, the large stadiums have their place, the arenas their special bond, but it is to the intimate that we seek the confidential, the comfortable and to be able to look in the eye the artist as they unveil their heart and their muse. It is in the intimate that Beth Hart steps through the shrouded, Penelope like veil and lets go of the secrets, unburdens herself with the release and in the house lights of the Iridium, the session becomes a shrine to the talent so many admire.
In songs such as Baddest Blues, St. Theresa, Tell Her You Belong To Me, Leave The Light On, As Long As I Have A Song and the session closer, the perhaps silent thankful wish of No Place Like Home, Beth Hart and the band become unconcealed, the shimmer of the veil seen from the grandest stages is unfurled and what remains is the sense of beauty that only looking into the eyes of the artist can bring.
A remarkable live album, dominant in the thought as it is gentle in the voice; Up Front and Center is the only place to be.
Beth Hart. Live From New York: Front And Center is released on April 13th via Provogue/Mascot Label Group.
Ian D. Hall