Review and Photos by Danielle Boise
One of the best ways to spend any given evening is to see Beth Hart perform live with her bluesy, rock-roots soul. With a no nonsense attitude and mêlée worn heart, Hart shatters expectations as she refers to “the roller coaster of life” by demonstrating through song the arcs of bliss full joy to the edge of painful madness, all the while with an air of sassiness. Hart sings about the heartbreak and resplendent power of love, not only from outside forces, but to truly learn how to love one’s self.
What was so wonderful about seeing Hart perform live at Center Stage in Atlanta on Tuesday, June 16 was her sheer and utter honesty with the audience. Hart was stripped down emotionally and shared with the nearly full house her hard won battle scars as she opened up about her personal demons and encounters with mental illness, all while with a smile on her face.
The 2o-song set list was truly a testament to Hart’s evolution, which included originals spanning her entire career, and a few choice covers for good measure. Hart started the night off with a Billie Holiday cover of “Don’t Explain” followed by “Get Your Shit Together,” “Can’t Let Go (Rand Weeks cover),” “One Eyed Chicken,” “Good as It Gets,” “Better Man,” “Chocolate Jesus (Tom Waits cover),” “Waterfalls,” “Might As Well Smile,” “Tell Her You Belong to Me,” “The Mood That I’m In,” “L.A. Song (Out of This Town),” “Leave the Light On,” “Learning to Live,” “Delicious Surprise” and ended on the glorious “Caught Out in the Rain.” For the encore, Hart returned to the stage with her band to perform “Trouble,’ “Better Than Home,” “House of Sin,” and ended the evening with “St. Teresa.”
Hart seemed lighter, happier, and finally settled into her skin. There is still an edge, angst under the skin, but it’s softening over time and a new balance seems to have been struck between the darkness that has always haunted.
Beth Hart is out on her World Tour in support of her latest album, Better Than Home. If you get a chance, this is an artist you will want to see live, and often. She’s a breath of fresh air with her enchanting voice. Do not pass up a chance to see her when she comes to town.
Beth Hart North American Tour Dates
June 20 – Munhall, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead
June 21 – Harrisburg @ Whitaker Center **Sold Out**
June 23 – Rochester @ Rochester International Jazz Festival **Sold Out**
June 26 – Montreal @ Montreal Jazz Fest (Metropolis)
June 27 – Toronto @ The Danforth Music Hall
Full Photo Gallery of Beth Hart