In The Loop Magazine Laura Marling performs solo show at the Athenaeum Theatre

Laura Marling performs solo show at the Athenaeum Theatre

May 27, 2014 James Currie Reviews 0

By James Currie.

British born, nu-folk singer songwriter, Laura Marling played one of a handful of intimate shows including Chicago. It’s small, seven city, Spring tour to promote her upcoming album, “Once I Was A Eagle”. During this performance, she debuted one of the new songs from the album (never before played live before an audience) as well as fan favorites.

The historic Athenaeum Theatre was the venue for her Chicago stop. The theatre was packed and the crowd very welcoming.

Marling was introduced and walked out, pick up one of two guitars on the stage and thanked everyone for coming out. She stood in a very minimalistic setting, bathed in just a single white spotlight against a black backdrop surrounded but an amplifier on one side and two guitars on stands on the other. In front of her, a couple foot peddles on the floor, a microphone for her voice and one for a guitar.

Marling started the show by playing an almost 10-minute long, song. Then after completion, commented on how that wasn’t normal and, “I promise it will be easier going from here.” She also commented on the terrible weather here in Chicago and made the audience laugh.

During the performance, she tuned the guitar before and after each song. She made light of it informing that normally she has a guitar tech and several guitars waiting for her, but since it was just her, traveling with just these 2 guitars, “They are getting worked out like a dogs.” She apologized for the delays and told little stories in between as she was tuning like how on her way in, she road with the angriest cab driver ever and one silly comment that the name of her next record would be, “Guitar Tuning.”

The audience was extremely receptive. Like being at a church sermon listening to the preacher spread the gospel. Everyone was alert, attentive and ready to respond song after song. There were shout outs to the stage, during the normally quiet moments of the performance that included, “We love you Laura,” “You look great” and plenty of “Whoo-Who’s.” All of which brought smiles to Marling’s face and even a slight blush. One in particular was during the first few bars of, “Sophia.” A man from the audience let out a boisterous, “Ah, YEAH!” After which the audience chuckled, she smiled from ear to ear.

Marling also commented on the fact that she had a set list, which she pick up off the amp next to her, but was just trying things out. Then she paused for a moment and said, “Wait, sometimes I forget that people pay good money to be here and listen to me” And further noted, “Ok, I’d better stay on track.”

Marling played for about one hour in total. Then informed the audience, “I don’t do encores, please don’t be mad, but that’s just how I do it.” “Here is my last song, so you can think of this as my encore.” Again, the crowd chuckled. After which she put down her guitar, thanked the house and walked off stage to a standing ovation of cheering fans.

It’s been said before that Laura Marling (23) is the greatest female singer songwriter of her generation and I can’t agree more. She shines like no other right now and is on top of her game with passionate lyrics, well designed song structure and career minded focus. She follows in good comparison company to the likes of Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and nu folk artists like Jewel and Sarah McLachlan.

Don’t let her age fool you. She may be in her early twenties, but she has the voice of an old soul. She’s been through a lot in her relatively short time on the music scene (that started at age 16), but with the new album, “Once I Was An Eagle,” due out May 27th, 2013, this will mark her 4th studio release as a solo artist. Before this, she was a contributing member and guest of several other bands including, Noah and the Whale, The Rakes and Mystery Jets. She is a Brit Award winning artist and daughter to a music teacher and recording engineer. Music has been a part of her life since the beginning and since she is just 23 years old, there are going to be many, many decades of music to look forward to.

For more information on Laura Marling, her tours and record releases, visit, www.lauramarling.com