Live - Tori Amos - Sydney Opera House - 16/11/09

Reviews, By dreadcircus, 17th November, 2009

The atmosphere at the Sydney Opera House was as electric as the storm that blasted through Sydney only hours before Tori Amos took to the stage. The eclectic mix of fans that filled the venue showed just how broadly respected Amos is as a performer. There was little doubt her solo show was going to be brilliant and she didn’t disappoint.

Check out photos from Tori Amos at the Opera House here.

Opening act Ray Mann warmed up the audience with his soulful, honest tunes as he commented, “This is the gig of my life!” As the clock struck 9pm, silence fell over the full house before Tori strutted out looking totally amazing with her beautifully straightened red hair. Clad in a black gown that was party evening wear, part military uniform, teamed with gold glitter stockings and shoes to die for the crowd rose to their feet in appreciation before she even struck a note.

Opening track Lady In Blue certainly set the scene for a night of pure bliss. Her voice was soaring from the very first note. Surrounded by a grand piano and 3 keyboards it took little time for Amos to make good use of her musical tools all at once. Her trademark stance at the piano, legs spread, spinning from side to side was a joy to watch. I got goosebumps as she played both pianos as the same time, arms spread like an eagle, singing without missing a beat.

As she tore through the opening tracks it quickly became apparent this show was going to contain a solid mix of music from her entire discography, not only her current release. Here In My Head, Silent After All These Years and a beautiful rendition of Blood Roses were inspiring highlights.

Tori swung her legs from side to side, attacking the piano pedals in her crazy high stilettos. Her vocal acrobatics were as impressive as ever, belting out massive high notes in one breath, sinking to a breathy whisper the next. When she finally addressed the audience after her opening numbers everybody went crazy. Sadly we didn’t hear her speak again for the rest of the show.

Her solo renditions where dazzling, I felt my eyes well up quite a few times as she continued through her massive catalog of material. Heartfelt renditions of Little Earthquakes, Take To The Sky and I Can’t see New York kept the applause flowing before Amos performed a cover of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. This was the only disappointing moment in the show for me as it seems to be flavour of the month to do this cover. Her version was quite haunting but personally I would have preferred to hear Cornflake Girl.

Not long after Tori’s keyboards were removed and replaced with an organ/keyboard combo, and her vocal, musical and seating gymnastic began again. She rounded up the show with a mix of songs from Scarlet’s Walk, The Beekeeper and recent released Abnormally Attracted To Sin. Curtain Call was the song that shone for me, her arrangement was brilliant. Tori looked spectacular under the lighting.

After 2 hours of pure Tori Amos magic she left the stage to a standing ovation. Minutes later she returned to to deliver fantastic versions of Merman and Putting The Damage On. For all the sex appeal she oozes on stage she sometimes comes across as a very meek individual. The entire audience rose to their feet still wanting more. Sadly she didn’t return and the lights came up but nobody could complain. If you are a Tori Amos die hard fan I suggest you don’t miss out or you will be kicking yourself for a long time to come.