Image Courtesy of Muzul
I don’t know who told me that singers sound worse live. I think they said it is because singers use so much auto-tune, that in person their voice is terribly subpar. Well, they continue to be proved wrong, especially here in Seattle.
The Triple Door is an intimate and unique venue. Booths and tables fill the space and are pointed towards one large stage. Looking around there were many couples, friends, and even single people who all came out to enjoy the music. I was a little bit worried that I would be expected to order food, but my waiter smiled at me and said “If you’re just here for the music that is perfectly okay.” If it was up to me I would have ordered food off their delicious looking menu, but my college kid budget was not privy to that idea. However, if you’re looking for a special night out, or your parents want to take you out for an expensive meal, I would highly suggest looking at The Triple Door (then telling me if it was good).
Image Courtesy of Pezcame
Shey Baba came quietly onto the stage, sat down at the piano, and began a song without introduction. The audience fell silent quickly as the music filled the room. He blew me away. His voice was so powerful and raw, but also very humble. You could feel the passion with which he sang his songs and hit the piano keys and I was left speechless. His voice was his most powerful instrument. Accompanied by, at most, one instrument at a time, the lyrics flowed through the room like a river down a quiet mountain—powerful but beautiful. His voice never quivered, all his words were perfect, and I have great respect for him now after listening to him perform. I knew he was a talented artist before I saw him live, but hearing him in the same room was me reaffirmed that belief.
Image Courtesy Of Shey Baba’s Instagram
After Shey Baba finished his set, Susanne Sundfør walked gracefully onto the stage as red lights twinkled behind her, like stars on fire. All members of the audience applauded energetically, and I could feel the love and excitement of all those sitting around me. Sundfø played her first song on an electric piano which started with long, intentional notes, building anticipation in her audience. She, too, blew me away with her voice. Her riffs were soft and silky and flawless, to say the least. She sang about her place in the universe, what it’s like to be human, and what it’s like to live. Her songs were emotional and perfectly imperfect and connected with everyone in some way. She sang about love and she sang about loss. Each song told a different story, painted vividly in my mind, taking me on a ride. Her voice commands attention; with the minimalist music style, (piano, guitar, flute or clarinet) the experience relied heavily on the beauty of her voice.
Image Courtesy of The Telegraph
Up to this point, all the concerts I have been to have been loud, energetic experiences. Though I enjoyed them I felt slightly claustrophobic and I wished I could hear the artists voices more, to really absorb their music, not just the screams from the crowd. This concert was different. No one sang along, no one yelled during the performances, we all just sat in silence and took in the magic. I loved it. I could feel the sound waves bounce off the walls and vibrate in my chest, I could hear the words and the flute and the stroke of the piano key. The melodies were used so elegantly to create and tell a story, to move and to inspire. This is what live music is all about.
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