Ingrid Michaelson the love continues
Paradise Club, Boston, September 11, 2009
Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Remz
Ingrid Michaelson first gained attention through placing songs in television programs, such as "Grey's Anatomy," but she moved well beyond that. That's because Michaelson proved she can do it live with her set of catchy pop-based songs and an engaging personality to fans that were there to eat it up.
Michaelson toured behind the just released "Everybody," which received criticism for being lyrically light, but the melodies remain strong and infectious.
That was clear from the start in the sold-out show (it's time Michaelson played bigger places than this 625-capacity room in Boston). Michaelson came out, saying she needed to plug in her ukulele and advised the crowd to sing. She picked the "Jeopardy" theme song, and the crowd readily complied before Michaelson got the evening off to a good start with Soldier from "Everybody."
Michaelson played three-quarters of the dozen songs from "Everybody," and each was a keeper, from with the title track and ending the regular set with the current single Maybe, which started off soft before picking up a lot of steam.
A lively, nimble band aided the Staten Island, N.Y. native. Guitarists Allie Moss, a long-time sidekick to Michaelson, and Bess Rogers aided on backing vocals often and well. Drummer Elliott Jacobson knew how to set a sturdy rock beat on occasion or softer beats. While Chris Kuffner followed his band mates in singing lines of Locked Up, in a call and response with the crowd, only Kuffner went on and on and on in a funny and invigorating stint, leaving no chance for the crowd to sing it back at him, Michaelson smiling and the effort earning the biggest applause of the evening.
Michaelson deserved a lot of credit for shifting musical gears throughout the 95-minute show. Mandolin spiced up one song. The prominence of the backing vocals shifted from song to song. Band members all took lead vocal lines on one song. Michaelson often switched between her uke and keyboards.
Michaelson still came off as a bit too cute at times, though she has downplayed that aspect of her personality over time. She also would do well not to be a control freak when it comes to audience participation. On numerous occasions, she told the majority female crowd that they were to sing along, giving very specific instructions for what was to come.
Michaelson ought to get beyond giving lessons. Her fans were already clearly behind her and with her, singing along from the get go to the closing. A few gestures, such as turning the mic to the crowd during a song, would achieve the same goal.
More important, though, was Michaelso's ability to meld a slew of poppy, catchy songs in an obvious love fest with the faithful.
