:: Martha Wainwright - Corner Hotel, Richmond - September 2005

By: Mark Rasmussen

With nothing more than a pale backdrop behind her, Martha Wainwright strapped on her semi-acoustic guitar and, accompanied by her producer Brad Albetta (who also doubled as her piano/double bass player), quickly got straight in. She started with ‘Factory’, ‘Far Away’ and ‘When The Day Is Short’, all from her amazing self-titled album before kicking out a new song.

Despite a 700+ crowd who paid their respects through very hushed tones, this show felt incredibly intimate with every song having an impact as they resonated around the room to the point of being truly spine-tingling! From there, Martha then found voice and talked freely with the captivated audience before jumping into ‘The Car Song’ and a Leonard Cohen cover. With the unseasonably warm temperature outside, it was as if the stars and the universe had combined to make this night something to remember. After trying to absorb it all…somehow, I watched as Brad exited, allowing Martha to perform the brilliant ‘This Life’ as well as a track she called ‘The Jimmy Song’ solo! They just added to an already fantastic evening.

When Brad rejoined, she asked for a shot of Tequila and was bought one from an appreciative fan. She then played two songs I didn‘t catch the name of before belting out 'Ball & Chain’ (a crowd fave). When she initially strode onto the stage without uttering a word I was worried she wouldn‘t engage the audience but with each song she became more and more chatty and was incredibly warm and open. Continuing to dazzle, she performed a cover of one Louden's songs (her dad) as well as one or two I didn't know before getting to 'G.P.T.’ (Green Point Tavern) and ‘These Flowers’. Allowing all the smokers some relief (including herself) she banged out ‘Bloody Mother F**king Asshole’ before resting for all of a minute.

She came back for an encore that consisted of a French tune and ‘Don't Forget’. It was this song which was arguably the best in a night of many highs as it demonstrated just how talented Martha is. It was incredibly moving. With the Corner Hotel being a smoke free venue tonight (and boy didn't that make a difference) and with a crowd that remained relatively quiet throughout (except to applaud), it seemed everyone who attended came to soak up her brilliance and hear her sing. Tonight was unbelievably special and was just absolutely amazing!