July 07, 2014
Publication title: Target Audience Magazine, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Unknown
Writer: Danielle Boise
Live Review: Sarah McLachlan Shines in the Rain at Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Canadian singer-songwriter and silver-tongued angel Sarah McLachlan is on a Symphony Tour across the country, and she made her stop in Atlanta at Chastain Park Amphitheatre on Tuesday July 3. McLachlan was accompanied not only by her band, which also included the duo from Whitehorses, Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet, but also was complemented by the beguiling power of the Chastain Orchestra backing her up at every twist and turn throughout the night, which contained two sets.
It was pure magic and bliss watching Sarah McLachlan perform on stage, not only backed up by her philanthropic band, but by the glorious sound of the Chastain Orchestra, which added a whole new layer of depth to an already gorgeous set of songs containing material on the subjects of love, loss, pain, despair and self-reflection in a manner that is not only emotionally moving, but epic straight down to the core. Regardless if McLachlan was seated behind the piano, in front of the microphone with just her voice or strumming her guitar, she dazzled in soul searching contemplation; elegant and refined McLachlan entered the stage in a billowy white top and funked it up a bit with flowing silver pants which set the tone for the entire evening.
“I absolutely love what I do every day.” – Sarah McLachlan
The rain couldn’t keep away the fans, as they flooded Chastain Park Amphitheatre to see Sarah McLachlan perform her hits; she kicked the night off with “Building a Mystery,” followed by playing an assortment of songs over her entire career including “U Want Me To,” “Answer,” “I Will Remember You,” “Loving U Is Easy,” “Fallen,” “Hold On,” “World on Fire” and “Rivers of Love” finished up the first set.
There was a brief intermission, before McLachlan returned for the second set, which included a shattering performance of “Good Enough.” I almost cried listening to her perform this song with such raw intent. After which, McLachlan said, “I feel lucky to have talented singer-songwriters in my band,” before she introduced Melissa McClelland, who performed her song “Break” with McLachlan, who accompanied her on piano along with backup vocals for this soft, simply stark song.
McLachlan introduced McClelland’s husband, Luke Doucet; he performed a song written about his ex-girlfriend called “Broken” off the Whitehorses self-titled debut album that came out in 2011.
After McLachlan showcased the talent of her band, she was back to performing her own songs, including “Fear,” “Don’t Give Up on Us,” “Adia,” “Forgiveness,” “Sweet Surrender” and “Love Come,” which was truly epic, having not only the power of her voice but with the Chastain Orchestra behind her it was like catching fire watching her perform. Even with the rain’s return, that didn’t dampen the evening’s enjoy ability, which McLachlan acknowledged, “I’d like to say a heart-felt thank you to all of you who came out tonight in the pouring rain to see the show.”
“Possession” was the last song on her set list before the encore performances, which included “Angel” and fan favorite, “Ice Cream.” After McLachlan played “Possession” she introduced the rest of her band members, McLachlan said “I’d like to introduce you to the newest members of my band, The Chastain Orchestra. It’s such a thrill having that kind of power behind me.”
Sarah McLachlan doesn’t disappoint when she puts on a show and with the backing of an orchestra, her music rises to a completely different level, almost ethereal. Definitely worth seeing, rain or shine. If you get the chance, then make this one of the tickets you grab up this summer.
