LAWRENCE -- Filled with awkward silences and embarrassing misunderstandings, Jolie Holland’s performance Sunday night at the Granada in Lawrence resembled a nightmarish first date.
A former member of The Be Good Tanyas, Holland has released three fascinating, widely acclaimed solo albums on the prestigious Anti Records label. Her hour-long set Sunday night touched on folk, blues, jazz, indie rock, European Gypsy moods and cabaret. All of it was overshadowed by Holland's erratic behavior.
The incompatibility began with a wardrobe malfunction. Holland was clad in a kitschy Vegas-style cocktail waitress outfit. "I wish you guys were more dressed up,” a clearly uncomfortable Holland said. “This is ridiculously daring for me. I don’t even wear swimsuits.”
Other aberrant behavior included stopping mid-song, complaining about equipment and asking that the lighting be lowered. “Bright lights make me really nervous,” she explained. “I like reptile exhibit lighting.”
The audience of approximately 100 didn’t let her off the hook. They’d briefly applaud after each song and then retreat into stony silence. Otherwise, a lone couple’s dancing was the only reaction that Holland’s performance elicited. Her communication skills were so poor that the audience failed to respond when she introduced her two-piece band. “I was trying to get you to clap,” she said accusingly./p>
But, oh, that voice! Holland’s enormous, malleable instrument is made even more memorable by her impeccable phrasing and weary East Texas drawl. Haunting, timeless and entirely original, Holland’s singing is the equal of anyone’s in the new millennium.
A few moments shone. With its comparatively traditional song structure and reference to former Lawrence resident William Burroughs, “Old Fashioned Morphine”swung convincingly. And each time Holland picked up her box fiddle, the audience was treated to a masterful solo. Her skills on keyboard and guitar also impressed, as did her lovely whistling.
Even on her albums, Holland’s songs can seem disjointed. Too often Sunday night, it seemed as if she was improvising them on the spot. Compounding this impression, her band seemed bored and woefully under-rehearsed.
It’s inexcusable. Holland has played Lawrence previously and has performed over 75 gigs on three continents so far this year. Her demeanor crossed the line between artistic eccentricity and blatant disregard for an audience’s time and money. It was enormously disappointing; Holland has the potential to be a truly great artist.
Will Lawrence> ask Holland out again? Does Holland even wish to see Lawrence again? A trial separation may be in order.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
3 years later, my thoughts exactly after the Stubb's Austin show.
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Posted by: Health News | March 10, 2011 at 06:21 AM
Pour Holland, she is so talent but nobody gives her the change like the great star that she is. a real shame.
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I think she is very cool, original and beautiful, plus her music is so good.
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