Live Review: Beth Gibbons at the Beacon Theatre

Jaime’s minute… 

Beth Gibbons @ Beacon Theatre (4/1) –  When I was about 10 years old, my dad took me to get a haircut at a place down in Soho called John Masters. He was picky with who would cut my hair. During that haircut, Portishead’s album ‘Dummy’ came on, and I recall being intrigued by the voice of the vocalist, Beth Gibbons. It was so unique. More so, my dad immediately asked the fellow cutting my hair, “Who is this?” Shortly after, we bought the album, and until this day, I associate Portishead and Beth Gibbons’ vocals with my dad. 

As I approach 13 years since I lost my dad, having the chance to see Beth Gibbons live, well, hit extra hard. And I have to say, the performance of her solo debut album ‘Lives Outgrown,’ released last year and I urge you all to listen to, was spectacular. From her haunting and vibrating vocals to her incredibly talented band, the performance felt cinematic, hypnotic and powerful. There was a pause between each song so that the band could assemble their instruments- consisting of guitars, bass, strings, keys, saws, and more – and the fans to breathe from the intensity of the music and Beth’s gripping vocals. 

The evening conjured emotions in me that connected me back to my dad and made me grateful for him planting the seed of appreciating music (and the arts) in me.

Do not miss this tour. It’s incredible.