If you still have an opportunity to see Loreena and her band live, don't miss out. Her performance in Madison on 5/2/07 was without equal. The songs were performed so well that I still find it hard to believe. Loreena and her band can recreate all of the songs from her recordings and make them sound even better than the studio versions. Her voice was flawless throughout the entire evening. She was also kind enough to take time and chat with a line of fans after the show for signings, etc. It was the finest musical performance that I have ever heard. The supporting musicians in her band were all of first class quality and they play together seamlessly. This was my first time hearing Loreena sing live, and it completely blew me away.

A total class act...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nomad,

You know, I really loved the performance. That's not the issue. You must admit, there isn't much spectacle to the show. I don't think Loreena wants to be known for spectacle, but merely her form of solid performance, which is exactly what is delivered. I'd bet she's a stickler for details, by nature.

All that being said, if I were a blind man - I *might* pick up on some of the energy at the live show, but other than that (which is debatable whether or not it is one's individual perception based upon preconceived notions), what would I get as the difference of that and listening to a DVD of a performance or a CD of a live recording? That's my point. Music played live - depending on the style or genre or the preference of the artist - can involve some creative improvisational play, or it can remain as an entirely faithful reproduction of the archetypal recording.

Her musicians seem very skilled. I'd like to hear them rip it once in a while. I think that would make the show more dynamic and less predictable - in other words - more fun to experience, as each performance is unique in it's own right.

quote:

Originally posted by Dan:
I think it would've been hard to provide a lot of improvisation. There are 9 other musicians up there with Loreena. If they're all doing their own thing, it'd be a mess. The fans come wanting to hear Loreena's songs as they know them and that's exactly what they get. It's a miracle in itself that they all play in sync without a flaw. What they produce sounds wonderful! Congratulate them on that.

i totally agree with you..loreena melts perfectly with her band..they always have fun during the live shows and they also vary the music sometimes.
A big thank you to loreena and her stunning band..hugh marsh,lavelle,lazar,hughes and everyone are incredibly talented and rewarding for loreena.

I think it would've been hard to provide a lot of improvisation. There are 9 other musicians up there with Loreena. If they're all doing their own thing, it'd be a mess. The fans come wanting to hear Loreena's songs as they know them and that's exactly what they get. It's a miracle in itself that they all play in sync without a flaw. What they produce sounds wonderful! Congratulate them on that.

Seems to me that there are two kinds of live performances - those that include improvisational playing and those that stick quite strictly to the music of the original recording. Of the shows I have seen of Loreena - and they have been too few and far between for my liking - she and her band follow the latter style.

Once upon a time, I used to be offended by improvisational playing. I always felt like the band should stay faithful to the recording. However, as I have gotten older and heard more and more music and expanded upon my musical taste (while the favored genre stayed the same) I have come to more keenly appreciate the ability and the artistry of more of the improvisational style of playing.

That being said, my only real disappointment in Loreena's shows are that they are so strictly scripted and so rigidly faithful to the recordings. When live performances are played in such a way, it tends to mask the real artistic ability of the players.

In closing, and I hope many people are 'listening', I would encourage artists to expand and enlarge their comfort zone, to take some risks and play freely, adding improvisational play to the live performance - this creates a more dynamic and enriching live show experience. This in term promotes the skill of the artist and it's my bet that it allows the artist to reach out to more people, more listeners and hence, more fans.

Reggie Live

I saw the gathering of people around the tour buses and started walking over that way......my 16 year old daughter didn't want to "bother" Loreena.......so we just went home.........

Before leaving the venue I asked a stage hand about meeting and greeting Loreena and he grumpily told me "She doesn't do that" so when I saw the poeple by the bus I wasn't really sure what was going on...........

Oh well..........what a magical evening.......the Full Moon was our guide for the ride home

The Quinlan Road website and concert program both mentioned that Loreena and possibly others in her band routinely make themselves available for short periods after the show for greetings, autographs, etc. About 10-15 minutes after the show concluded, several of her band members and then Loreena appeared outside the venue near the tour buses. There were probably 30-50 persons waiting in line with items to sign and the like.

I was about 6th in line with a "Nights From The Alhambra" dvd that I purchased at the show. Loreena was all smiles and could not have been more friendly and charming. She spoke to each person in front of me, signing whatever items they were carrying. A young girl in the group in front of me greeted Loreena and mentioned that her father had introduced her to Loreena's music. She then introduced her father to Loreena and her small group of family. Loreena appeared to be quite at ease, even taking time to gently speak to a small child that was being carried.

Once they had finished, I stepped near Loreena with my dvd sleeve and case. She immediately held out her hand to shake and greeted me. Needless to say, I was completely thrilled. I managed to get out the words,"it's very nice to meet you" and I then told her "this was the finest musical performance I had ever heard". She thanked me and asked my name before signing my dvd sleeve. I asked her if they had many dates left on their schedule before they would be returning home. She replied and spoke a bit more. I finally thanked her and wished her safe travels and mentioned that I hoped they would find their way back to Madison for another concert someday. I could not have been any happier thinking about who I had just met. What a great way to end the evening.

I watched the dvd the next day and must say that it's a bargain at $35 dollars for a dvd and the accompanying 2 cd's.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nomad,

Hello Nomad,

I don't think I could have said it better. I attended the Chicago show and was in awe. If I had a little extra cash on hand, I would have made it to the Madison show as well. Does she normally do a meet and great time thing at the end of her show? Maybe we should have waited around to see.

Blessings,
Emeraldmoon