Vera Blue and Brisbane Symphony Orchestra – 26 March 2021
Fortitude Music Hall – Review by Annie Kuzovina, pictures by Bec Harbour
Early last week, I found out that Vera Blue was playing with the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra as part of the “Strings Attached” events at the Fortitude Music Hall. I’d never seen Vera Blue live before, and was intrigued at the idea of her electro pop sound arranged for an orchestra. To summarise the night? Amazing and inspiring – Vera Blue is the master of her craft.
Vera Blue is the project of Celia Pavey, a singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist from a small country town called Forbes. Her performance showcases what a dynamic and powerful artist she is, featuring a guitar, violin and some wonderful anecdotes about her songs. Her skillset is impressive, yet Vera Blue retains a feeling of authenticity- it’s like the distance between the audience and the stage doesn’t really exist, and Vera Blue isn’t elevated and out of reach. She responds and interacts with the audience so nonchalantly like a true conversationalist, despite the immense size of the venue.
The night starts with local artist Lily Papas opening the stage, her voice backed fittingly by a guitarist. Lovely, dreamy, and simultaneously commanding is how I would describe Papas’ voice, with songs that radiate stripped back indie pop. Her performance sets the scene well for Vera Blue.
There is an intermission, as the hall fills with more people. The demographic is mixed, with people of all ages and walks of life. The line for the bar grows, and with quiet haste, the silhouetted musicians in the orchestra come onto the stage. The background music quietens down, and the concert-goers find their seats.
The Brisbane Symphony Orchestra starts to play in dreamy purple/blue light, with a string-heavy sound. I scan the performers, and see my friend Megan on the violin. I am mesmerised by the array of instruments, and spot a harp, timpani and trombone.
Vera Blue enters the stage with a smile, and cheer rolls through the audience. Roses are wound around the microphone stand and my attention is drawn to the flower arrangements. Under the glow of the music hall chandelier, Vera Blue picks up her silver/white telecaster. Her presence is strong, reminiscent of Florence and the Machine. Vera Blue looks right at home on the stage, radiating confidence in a floor-length gown. The symphony begins.
“Everything is Wonderful” is the first song of her set, and sends goose bumps up and down my arms, they rise and do not fall. The repetition of that phrase with a violin backing is truly ethereal, and I am in awe of her vocal range. It’s a very strong opener, and leaves me captivated.
Her setlist features a range of songs from her debut album Fingertips to her recent single “Lie to Me” (and there’s an unreleased track in there about flowers) – a highlight reel of catchy pop with an orchestral twist. Bopping to “Lady Powers” with a strong beat and watching Vera Blue dance on stage is juxtaposed with the ballad of “Settle”. The songs are arranged beautifully, and use the orchestra to their full advantage. I really enjoy the different sound of her songs.
The harp starts a song, a riff I recognise as “Settle”, This one is my favourite of the night, lyrically beautiful, vocally acrobatic. The orchestral rendition is perfect.
“Standing on this wire makes me realise I am alive”
I hear harmonies coming on in surround sound, or is that the audience singing along? I am totally immersed. I can hear the horns and the depth of sound the orchestra creates. Coupled with Vera Blue’s projecting voice, I feel strangely empowered. Is this me realising I am alive?
Vera Blue surprises us by picking up an electric violin, and playing along to “Private”. As she sings, the violin and bow come down and turn into extensions of her arms, moving up and down with the progression of the song. She is humble about her violin playing, but her vibrato and expression paints a different picture.
“The Curse” begins with an anecdote, how it’s inspired by unrequited feelings between two friends. Vera Blue says, “I love how the orchestra does this one” which makes it clear that there is no shortness of gratitude in her performance, I am touched by how genuine she is in her acknowledgements. She is such a captivating performer, that it’s easy to miss the other elements of her show. She directs us to them with a beaming smile- Ross James (who is playing the piano in the concert) is the mastermind behind the orchestral arrangements.
The closing song for the evening is “Mended”, with vocals swirling in the symphony backing. Vera Blue’s high notes are spectacular. Naturally, there’s a standing ovation, and the call for the encore begins. Vera Blue comes back on stage, to perform “Rushing Back”. How fitting, and beautiful with lyrics to match the night. “It all comes rushing back, rushing back”
I am mesmerised.
The feelings of the concert do, indeed, come rushing back… and I feel so grateful to be able to attend an evening of musical talent (especially in light of the post-weekend lockdown). There’s an even bigger standing ovation at the end of the encore for Vera Blue and the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra- an iconic duo I hope will meet again in future.
If you ever get the chance to see Vera Blue perform, don’t miss it, I know I will be at her next concert. She is a musical powerhouse, her vocal range is spectacular, and her performance will stay with me for a long time.
