Martha Wainwright

It is no secret that Martha Wainwright comes from a musically rich background (her father is folk singer Loudon Wainwright III, her mother is the talented folk singer Kate McGarrigle and her brother is renowned pianist and songwriter Rufus Wainwright); however her career goes so much further than those relations. She is an artist in her own rights and a damn good one at that. Her lyrics are weathered and perplexing transcending the complacency and generic traits drowning the radio waves today. Her music is comprehensive and her ability to adapt to stylistic changes is extraordinary.
Her career has been consistently exceptional and varied. Each album she releases brings something interesting, different and often deeply personal. The great thing about hearing her perform live is that you have a chance to witness the many sides of her musically eclectic catalogue unfold. Songs early on in her career such as "Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole" really show off the extremity of Martha's writing style as well as its underlying vulnerability. The lyrics are bold and incredibly dramatic, but they are delivered in a hurt tone that sounds as if Martha's vocals were cracking under an insurmountable pain. The song also features intense dynamic changes but the transitions are written in such away that the variations flow into each other with absolute ease. Tension runs throughout the song and resolves only for a slight second here and there.
Martha can captivate an entire audience strapped solely with an acoustic guitar; or can blow them away with a massive backing orchestra. She has released an entire album of Edith Piaf songs featuring incredibly rich instrumentation (piano, strings, accordion, horns etc…) and has performed unforgettable covers such as Leonard Cohen's "Tower of Song" and "I'll Be Seeing You" for which she contributed to the Aviator soundtrack. Martha's concerts will also consist of material from her latest solo endeavor "Come Home To Martha". This is perhaps Martha's most multi-faceted record yet. Produced by Cibo Matto's Yuka Honda and featuring guest spots by Sean Lennon and Nels Cline the album embraces an experimental rock theme atmosphere featuring otherworldly electronic noises, fuzzed out guitars and funky synth leads. Whether she is delivering a fabulous annual Wainwright Christmas show with her brother or performing in an intimate cafe setting with her acoustic guitar you can expect not to be disapointed.

I was lucky enough to see Martha at St Mary's Church, Ashford, Kent on November 20th 2014. She is touring her album ' Come home to Mama' and sang a selection from the album plus songs by her mother Kate McGarrigle, Harry Nilsson and others. She is such a charismatic performer and with her wide-ranging, pure vocals and accomplished guitar playing she held the audience spellbound in the intimate space of the church. At some concerts, one feels that you are seeing and hearing an oft-repeated performance but Martha lives her songs and you feel as if you could be hearing them sung for the first (or last) time. I came away feeling that I had not only attended a concert but been privileged to witness an amazing artist demonstrating her talent and creativity.

Excellent show and venue. This concert was for her latest album "Goodnight City." Martha was joined by piano, guitar,drum and standing bass.
Sound is very good at the Mod Club, and she started her set promptly at 9.
Martha forgot lyrics and elements of a few songs, much like her brother Rufus did at his show in Montreal. I wonder if it's a family thing?
Overall an excellent show by a very talented musician in a solid venue.

Absolutely a great voice & really nice and very intimate venue (Paradiso Tolhuistuin). Enjoyed it.

The only point of criticism is her playlist. Very fragmented, the sum of the songs don't add up in creating a coherent atmosphere that lingers once to leave the concert. Pity as she has more than enough repertoire to create such a lasting vibe.

Wow, very fun show. Funny and authentic. Commanding voice. Amazing presence would see her again in a heartbeat. La La La LAA La 30 word requirement has me writing more for no reason cie la vie