Music Makes My Heart Sing

It's been quite a while since I've been to a live show here in Portland. Going to concerts was something I did a lot in my early 20's and kind of seemed to fade out of my life for a bit. Last October, when I decided that graduate school wasn't going to work for me, I also decided that I had to go back to my roots and start doing the things that really make me happy. Sound familiar? It's the same vow I made just recently on my 29th birthday. Well one thing that has always made me incredibly and utterly happy is music. Now, there is a lot of different music out there, and I love almost all of it. In fact, I'll even admit that I used to adore country music, and have held on to a little bit of my high school hick girl obsession as an adult. Yes, country is a fun genre of music, as are reggae, rock, jazz, folk, and even bluegrass (although I do kind of draw the line at heavy metal), but it's more than specific genres that actually draws me to some of my most favorite music.
For me, it's all about lyrics, and the amazing vocalists and songwriters behind those lyrics. Enter Tori Amos, probably one of the most talented singer/songwriters of our generation, not to mention a brilliant pianist. I first met Tori in 1992, riding in the back seat of a hunter green mini van. I can still remember that hot summer day in Virginia Beach, heading to the beach for a picnic lunch with my Mom and 9 year old brother. The three of us busting out to Tori's first hit "Crucify" must have been quite the sight for those passing by. After all, anyone who knows Tori's music also knows that you wouldn't quite classify it as "family". Then again, we are talking about my family, so...
It's 17 years later, and I'm about to see Tori live for the fourth time, this will be the second time I've seen her here in Portland. Much has happened over the course of these years, it's the beginning of the Sinful Attraction Tour to promote Tori's tenth album 'Abnormally Attracted to Sin". Portland is the second stop on the tour, and the venue, The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, is perfect for Tori's soaring vocals and intricate melodies. I can't believe I am just as giddy as I was when I saw her for the first time on my 16th birthday. I also can't believe this is her tenth album and that her songs have served as the soundtrack to my life for so long. I am seeing the show with a friend and his friend. The friend-of-a-friend thinks I'm a groupie, and keeps looking at me like I've totally lost my marbles. I tell him to be prepared for the screaming that is going to take place once "She" appears on stage. I don't think he understands mine and Tori's relationship one bit.
The opening band, One Eskimo, was entertaining, but the audience only has eyes for Tori. Finally, it is time. The crowd at the Schnitz erupts into thunderous applause and screams of excitement, "everyone else's girl" is here, and she looks amazing. The show, as always, is kind of a blur. This time I brought a pad of paper and a pen so I could write down each song, but as usual Tori decided to improvise. For die hard fans that want names, highlights include, Little Amsterdam, Black Dove, Little Earthquakes, Carbon (first time seeing it live!!!!!), Icicle (played live with a band for the second time ever), and the most beautiful version of Winter I have ever heard (almost brought tears to my eyes). Of course, my camera decided to die during the second song, otherwise I would have video and lots more pictures. I did manage to get a few pics though, the view from our seats in the first balcony was pretty amazing.
The show ended too soon, just like it always does, and left me wanting more. There are just too many wonderful songs and not enough time in one concert. Looks like I'm going to have to start going to more concerts to get my fix. For anyone reading this blog that doesn't know Tori, I suggest you check her out. She is a truly amazing artist and performer.