How did the Hotel Cafe show go?

[James]

How did the Hotel Cafe show go? I bet it was great! Wish I could have been there!

[Nicole]

It was awesome! I just made it right on time and marina was awesome. Is her song Guardian Angel new? Cuz she played that and I don't remember ever hearing it before. It was a nice lil place too ^.^ great job Marina!
WitheredRose

[Alex Kharlamov]

This was one of the Marina's best shows, in my opinion. First of all, time-wise it was an extended set - 40 minutes (felt more like an hour, which is good). The room was full of people, none of which moved during the songs. The set of songs was very impressive, she did some songs that she hasn't sang in a long while (it seems like) - at least at the Hotel Cafe. Maybe (and hopefully) the Border's song sets are this long or longer, as well. With this set I, for the first time, saw the philosophical part of Marina as the artist - in addition to the romantic, soft side. A lot of her songs carry quite a deep inquiry into the origins of life and why we're all here.

She also sang a Russian song, while playing the acoustic guitar. This was a different song from the one that she sang at several of her previous shows. I have to tell you, that being Russian, I used to compare Marina a little to a master of Russian romances, Zhanna Bichevskaya. However, last night Marina's performance has surpassed Zhanna Bichevskaya's singing - in the voice, and in the passion of her performance. I haven't heard anyone sing a Russian romance more beautifully than this in my entire life. I'm not speculating - I wish that was recorded.

Marina has placed the songs in the set in a very balanced way. Some were sad, others were upbeat, some were dark, some - touching you to the depths of your heart (like "Father"), and some were gleaming with light. She is reaching the level of performance maturity, that is characteristic to major stars. On one hand, she just does what she does, without pushing the songs and performance onto you. On the other hand, the amount of energy that comes from the stage, is incredible. There were a few moments when she and Nick would stop and everyone would hear the slight noise from the outside, but inside of her songs it sounded like a beautiful wind on the ocean, complementing the music that was unfolding in the room. You could see that the dedication and energy that Marina and Nick put into the performances are clearly sincere. A great joy is transferred into every person in the audience even when Marina and Nick aren't playing any instruments, but when Marina just sings a capella.

By the way, the musical interaction between Marina and Nick equalled to the energy of a full band last night. It is becoming better every night that they play. A really full sound, complementing - not overpowering - Marina's voice.

The good news is, there will be more shows (let's hope!) :cool:

Big fan,

ak

[Michael]

Yo Alex -- thanks for the review, I couldn't make the show, but seriously, your good -- send your review to all the newspapers, they might pick it up.

[LittleEarthquakes]

Marina sounded great last night!! Her voice was great (as always) and the songs were beautiful.
Does anyone remember the setlist? 45 minutes went by very fast!
It was a full house. The crowd was hanging onto every word.

[Nicole]

Wow Alex, you described it really well... way better than I could have ever done and I went to the show... guess I'm just not as descriptive hehe ^.^ and yea you should send it to newspapers maybe they'll pick up on Marina ^.^
WitheredRose

[Nicole]

it was only 40-45mins? I thought she played for an hour... wow....

WitheredRose