SOUTER SATISFIES WITH SATIE & SINCERITY

In a presentation that featured many self-penned, self-revealing lyrics – an album release show by singer Tessa Souter and her band made for an evening that was intimate, intense, intriguing, and involved to the Nth degree. The concert at Joe’s Pub on the first night of July was, first and foremost, drenched in unabashed emotion. With her new album, Shadows and Silence: The Erik Satie Project, the adventurous chanteuse/enchantress has, along with a few other selections, turned her attention to the melodies of that French classical composer/pianist who was born in 1866 and wrote non-traditional pieces while leading a non-traditional life. The timing of the concert coincided with the 100th anniversary of his death, but the music has not died, as some of the hypnotic creations continue to cast their spell. Now expanded and filtered through jazz sensibilities and fitted with the vocalist’s lyrics, they make for a sometimes weightier, sometimes warmer, sometimes loftier, sometimes more down-to-earth listening experience. That is to say, some of the texts are elegantly poetic, replete with relished romanticism and rosy views or aching melancholy. Others are more plain-spoken in their language choices, but still revealing strong and direct feelings, with an impact on a listener similar to the voyeuristic feeling one might have reading someone’s private diary. It’s all a lot to take in at first hearing: the kind of dense material that can be appreciated more via previous exposure to the melodic lines of the sparer Satie instrumentals – and, likewise, repeat listenings to them wrapped in their new clothing. (And that’s what return engagements and recordings are for: download or buy here.)

While Tessa Souter’s repertoire, vocal sound, accent that retains evidence of her London origins, physical appearance, and carriage radiate elegance, her spoken comments reveal a non-diva, down-to-earth, accessible personality — as well as her dedication to this long-gestating “labor of love” project with the music of a composer she so admires. And she was quick to gratefully credit the creativity and contributions (that extend to some of the crafting of the arrangements) of her formidable band at Joe’s Pub. They are pianist Luis Perdomo, saxophone player Steve Wilson, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Billy Drummond. Smiling, she waits until late in the show, after complimenting Mr. D’s work a few times, to mention (for those unaware) that he happens to be her husband.

Topics for the texts touch on death and reincarnation, romances that are either overwhelming or just plain over. But there’s more to the recording and live show than swimming in Satie with words in English and some French.  Among the non-Satie items is the classic display of vulnerability “If You Go Away” (“Ne me quitte pas”) on which Tessa Souter does not hold back on the requisite pleading concerning the possibility of a lover leaving, leaving no room for doubt about the importance of the matter.  The show also made time for reading the only surviving love letter of many written by Satie to his beloved Suzanne, a painter.  As for Tessa Souter and her band, they paint powerful portraits of love and life in vibrant colors.

upcoming performances:

July 27, 6:30 – Tessa Souter Trio at Mezzrow in NYC with Luis Perdomo piano and Mimi Jones bass

July 30, 6:30PM – Tessa Souter Quartet at Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park featuring Steve Cardenas guitar, Virginia Macdonald clarinet and Mark Lewandowski bass

August 10, 5:00PM – Tessa Souter Trio at St. Peter’s Church featuring Pete McCann guitar and Boris Kozlov bass

for more info and tour dates, visit Tessa Souter