FRESH: Melanie’s still got the magic

Jun 15 2009 By Andy Kimmings

Artists: Melanie

Venue: Sheffield City Hall

Review by: Andy Kimmings

MELANIE Safka was one of the most popular female singer/songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s.

While her name may not be so well-known today, she’s as popular with her fans as ever.

As a huge fan who’s never seen her live, I wondered if the Sheffield gig would disappoint.

Definitely not. She still has all her charming idealism and, even at the age of 62, still has an innocence about her.

Which comes across not only in her ‘hippy dippy’ attitude to life, but also in her voice, which goes from powerful and throaty to fluttering, warm and passionate.

Classic old tracks got an airing, such as Psychotherapy, Brand New Key and Look What They Did To My Song Ma – in English, French, German and Korean!

There were also newer songs, including I Tried To Die Young, Jammin’ Alone and Smile.

Halfway through the two hour set, she gave up on the setlist and played audience requests.

The crowd loved it, singing along, clapping and even chanting to get rid of the ‘ghosts’ when the mics were feeding back – we did say she was hippy dippy!

Melanie was supported at the gig by her son Beau Jarred Schekeryk, a classical guitarist.

He performed his own set, as well as playing with Melanie, including a beautiful duet of Ruby Tuesday.

His technical ability was amazing, with perfect fingering and precise fretwork technique.

Style-wise, he swung from traditional to baroque with a twist and frenzied flamenco.

Like Melanie, he is keen on audience participation and has a mellow, spontaneous style and a bold, creative approach.

Beau is an excellent artist in his own right but, as yet, doesn’t really record independently.

After an encore, Melanie and Beau ended the last gig of the UK tour.

It was the best gig I’ve ever been to – awesome in a word.

Melanie will to return to England in August to mark the 40th anniversary of her album Candles In The Rain.

Seeing her is an experience and one that you should definitely take the time to catch.