Johnette Napolitano Concert Review (Nov. 13th)

It is difficult to categorize true artists as they defy conventions. One such artist, Johnette Napolitano proves to us the veracity of this claim again, on the night of November the 13th, at the venue of Richards on Richards, in her album tour, Scarred.

This past spring, Johnette's first proper solo album, Scarred was released; it is a collection of heartfelt rockers and soulful ballads, included is an acoustic cover of Coldplay's "The Scientist", the disc showcases Johnette's latest transformation and incorporation of her inspirations. In today's world of mass-marketed synth-pop, digitally modulated vocals, of Female singers that gyrate scantily across MTV with the impunity of strippers, all the while hiding behind the cliche excuse of 'female empowerment', Ms. Napolitano showed these manufactured Divas what it means to really really be a vocalist, nay, a Musician.

This is one of the very rare and true artists that have gained mastery of her vocals and her instruments. Johnette's voice ages like fine whiskey, the fact that she tosses back a few during the sets only enhances her vocal range and resonance.She did not disappoint. Heck, the Lady never does. Playing to an appreciative crowd that, from the looks of their garb, temporally spanned the whole of her career: denim-clad aging rockers, a smattering of black-garbed Goths, lesbians in denim, suburban bikers, and folks like you and me. It was an unforgettable evening.

David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets) opened for Johnette at Richards on Richards, and performed selective pieces of lyrical poesy from his recent body of works from his solo career, and pieces from his recent work Estranged, hailed as "a cerebral affair complete with brainy wordplay, sly cultural references, and dreamy folkloric parables". David J and Johnette N. also did a duet on the show, to everyone's delight.

Johnette, if you are reading this, don't stay away too long, come back to Vancouver as soon as you can -- first dozen round of tequila's on me, and if it rains in this city, you can stand under my umbrella (-ella-ella, yeah, yeah) anytime. You all can listen to samples of Johnette's works at her web-space: www.myspace.com/johnettenapolitano

photo credit: Clubzone/Hybrid records