Maura O'Connell Does It Right in Nashville
Last week, I had the privilege of attending a performance by folk singer Maura O'Connell. I have to say, compared to the average mainstream, large-scale, multi-media music extravaganza, this singer just didn't do a lot of things.
Ms. O'Connell did not have an extravagant stage show. The concert took place at an old theater. The stage set included microphone stands and monitors.
Ms. O'Connell did not keep it light, feel-good and fluffy. She talked about politics and homeless people and extolled the virtues of guilt.
She did not perform rehearsed choreography where she straddled a chair and swung the mike around like a rodeo champ or stripper.
But before you think this was a somber or otherwise un-engaging performance, let me tell you what she did do. She wrapped up the audience with her irrepressible sense of humor that bubbles forth like an unrestrained spring. She worked so hard to contain it that when she first took the stage, she kept whispering, "Shhh, I can't talk until after three songs." Which lasted only three songs. Much to the relief of everyone there.
And she sang. Really sang. Sang in a voice that completely pulls you in because the tone is so lovely and so expressive and so shimmery that the edges of the tone curl inward and draw you forward in your chair. She would hold out these long notes and drop her head backward to let the sound flow out and you wanted to swim in it.
She had the audience in the palm of her hand from the moment she took the stage and probably could have led them over a cliff if she had just kept singing in that indescribable lilting voice.
Maura O'Connell did not do a lot of the things we have come to expect from country or pop artists. I don't think she had to.
(Note: Since her new CD isn't out yet, I recommend Blue is the Color of Hope and Stories.)
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Lucas says:
Garth didn’t swing the mic around like a rodeo champ, it was a headset.
Bob Moran says:
Laurens- - - you nailed it in terms of the vocal prowess and also in terms of the engaging personal warmth, this is one folk singer who really gets it done. Plus, a tune of hers is on Bruce Springsteen’s iPod, “Poor Man’s House”, written by Patti Griffin, politically edged, and apropos, so much, of these tough times we’re living in.
June Green says:
Maura is one of the best singers of her generation. I have never seen a performer hold an audience like her. She should be revered the world over. And as for that voice man what a voice. If she is ever near your town give yourself a life enriching experience and go see her !!!!
Kathy Baumbach says:
Agree with all the good comments there. Maura has recorded with some of the best world class musicians around today and they obviously have great respect for her. I think the woman is amazing - her shows are one of those rare treats! She should be revered the world over!
John Lane says:
What a voice! What a woman! She is the most wonderful singer and performer I have ever heard or seen. Life long fan. Love you Maura!!!!
David Doyle says:
What can I say about this woman? She is amazing. Saw her perform live about 4 times through various stages of her career and I’ve always been elated after on of her gigs. A must see live show. Her albums are great also. Unfortunately the world at large has yet to discover this gem that is Maura O’Connell! We her loyal fans wait in hope!
Kathleen Reilly says:
Maura is THE best… bar none.
She promised - the last time she was at the Birchmere, that a new album would be out this year. It’s mid July and no word yet. Say it aint so Maura!!
June Miller says:
I had the pleasure of experincing Maura O’Connell,s voice at the Riley enter in Meridian Mississippi last night and I became a fan . Her voice is truly awsome . My husband and I were just sitting there in shock . He’s a musician who crituiqes everybody , so I enjoyed seeing him speechless .