July 17, 2014
Publication title: Times Union.com, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Saratoga Springs
Writer: Tom Templeton
Sarah McLachlan @ SPAC, 7/16/14
There is no better voice to emerge during the last two decades than that of Sarah McLachlan, who on Wednesday graced the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on a perfect summer evening with an amphitheater-only performance in support of her new album, “Shine On.”
After all these years, McLachlan’s effortless mezzo-soprano stylings continue to convey prodigious artistry in addition to intonation about which many singers would not allow themselves to even dream. This, in combination with McLachlan’s uncannily consistent ability to write both interesting and pleasing melodies, makes her a gem among so many song-smithing pebbles.
The mostly full house at SPAC was treated to an uncharacteristically intimate show that included couches on stage to seat fans who had won the opportunity via a social-media contest. As there were no opening acts, in addition to the coziness of the decor, concertgoers received more of an “Evening With” experience than the typical SPAC performance.
Opening with “Flesh and Blood,” off the new record, McLachlan grabbed the crowd early. Her performance of hits including “Building a Mystery” and “Adia” were both note-perfect and even more dynamically soulful than the album versions. Other highlights were “Fallen,” “Sweet Surrender” and “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy,” the last of which showcased McLachlan’s surprising coloratura range.
The backing band, featuring guitar, bass, keyboard and percussion, supported the star perfectly. With practiced precision, they knew when to rock out and when to back off, allowing McLachlan’s voice to encompass the amphitheater. In those moments, her instrument took on a clarion quality, and the crowd reveled in it.
As if the music weren’t enough, McLachlan also selected random questions from the audience, written on slips of paper collected at the merchandise table. This yielded the funniest moment of the evening, with the juxtaposition of “If the world were to end tomorrow, what would you do today?,” followed by, “Have you ever hallucinated?” After seriously considering the former, to the latter she answered simply, “Yes.”
Among the concert options available to Capital Region audiences on Wednesday night, when Justin Timberlake was playing at the Times Union Center, those who chose to see the 46-year-old Lilith Fair founder were supremely rewarded with an unforgettable performance. And, as she found time to answer questions from the audience, it seems only fitting to answer one of hers. In her hit song “I Will Remember You,” performed early in the second set, McLachlan asked, “Will you remember me?” The answer is a resounding “yes.”
