Joan as Policewoman (w/ Antony) @ The Living Room 2/2/06

They say that familiarity breeds contempt, but "they" haven't got a clue when it comes to Joan As Policewoman.  Another night at The Living Room, another impressive set by Joan Wasser and another knockout guest performer.

I'll stand by my review of last week's performance, though I'll add that nearly everything about Joan's set tonight was superior.  As promised by the comments of her longtime fans, Joan's material benefits greatly from repeated exposure.  The Joan As Policewoman line up of Rainy Orteca (bass) and Ben Perowsky (drums) was enhanced by the addition of two violinists, one of whom was Maxim Moston of Antony and The Johnsons.  The strings, at times bowing gentle harmonies and at others plucking staccato counterpunctal melodies, highlighted the tonal richness of Joan's writing and sounded gorgeous.

Near the end of her set, Joan beckoned to "her guest" to join her on stage and joked that he may "need to fly" to get through the tightly packed matrix of bodies, tables and chairs.  "He is a bird now," I muttered under my breath (seriously), and quickly looked around to make sure my pathetic wordplay went unnoticed.  It did.  I'm glad (very seriously).

With Antony now on stage and after some big smiles and gentle joking, the two launched into an admittedly loose version of "I Defy" (hear the studio cut at her myspace).  Seeing Antony perform in that small space was an absolute thrill, but this evening's most memorable moments came courtesy of Joan alone.

The final night of Ms. Wasser's residency at The Living Room was a success, reflected in the standing room only crowd and fierce audience response.  The afterparty was held in the upstairs lounge, but I took off soon after she told me I had "fabulous hair."  There's only so much a man can take. 

Joan As Policewoman's new album, Real Life, is available now will be available soon.  (I was under the faulty impression that she was selling the new album after the show, but instead Joan was selling her previously released EP.)  Make sure to see her live, and take the jump for more pics...

 

Comments

[BlackBird]

Wow, how the hell does she get these guys to perform with her? Who's next, Conor Oberst? ;)

[VI]

I figure Antony would be your boy, Bird. He's one too, after all.

She has been around a while, she's got the goods and she plays for Rufus and Antony when she's not out going the solo route.

Connor's a good option, but he is neither gay nor a pianist. Elton John? ;-)

[PhilHat]

Once again, a great review and great pics! You know BlackBird is right, Joan is a bit of a "fag hag" isn't she? I'm not a fan of Bright Eye's so I wouldn't thank her for that one.

Sounds like another great night that missed.

Thanks for sharing.

[VI]

Cheers PhilHat, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Indeed, another great evening in the Lower East Side. I'm not sure what Joan's plans are, but if she's touring her set is absolutely worth your evening.

[patty]

very nice review and pictures once again! i'm a little disapointed the Joseph Arthur didn't show up after all but Joan was so wonderful so i guess it doesn't matter. I really enjoy her story about Jonathan. she's so fabulous. =)

it was nice meeting you by the way!

[a.d.]

I admit I went to this show to see Antony perform. Quickly after seeing two songs from the opener Cat Martino I felt my trip was already worth while. I look forward to seeing more from her in the future.

Back to the point, not expecting much but the possibility of seeing Antony perform I sat down and waited. It didn't take long as Joan was setting up I saw Antony step onstage to wish everyone a good show. At that time I knew the night was just about to flourish. Antony was brilliant as always, but the real suprise was how fond I grew of Joan. As each song transended through another tale, each possesed it's own unique quality. By the time Antony joined her it was just icing. Joan garnered another fan last night. I'm very glad I decided to step out and take the chance. It felt a bit like the lower east side was back to it's old self.

[Mich]

I can't believe I missed that show, but it happened... Joan's got a mass load of friends so who knows what's underway, but I hope there'll be more shows with Joseph and Rufus in specific.

You say the album is out, but there's no mention of it anywhere and I think it actually hasn't been released yet. Am I wrong?

Oh, and what is the story that Patty mentioned?

Good reading indeed =)

[VI]

Thanks all for the reads, comments and nice words. Patty, sad that there was no JA but it was good to meet you. I can relate to a.d.'s experience (as it was mine from the week prior with Rufus)-Joan can bring it.

Seeing Antony was amazing, I have grooves burned into my Johnsons discs.

Mich, the story Patty was talking about was elicited in response to Antony's questions regarding Jonathan, a character in one of her songs who doesn't seem to want much from her. She explained the story last week, but her conversation with Antony on stage was a great glimpse at her charm and humor. She met Jonathan, who lives in Israel, and wrote that lovely song with the intention of wooing him. After sending it to him over the computer, he replied, "Well...you have a nice song."

Delivery and details, as in the rest of her set, is what set that little story apart.

[VI]

Ah regarding the album, I only said they were "available" because she was selling them after the show (and like I bum I didn't have the cash on me and was too sheepish to ask for a freebie)...I'm not sure what the status is on distribution. Perhaps someone could impart some knowledge in the comments...

Cheers.

[Jake]

The recording of dry tracks for Real Life started over a year ago and stretched over different recording sessions, and so the final tracks were already mixed and mastered by late October or so last year. The "official" release of the album was basically pushed back in favor of some PR work, including the release (or re-release) of some older material. I think that's pretty much it.

I could say I also have the "inside scoop" regarding Chris and the Israeli guy... but there really is no inside scoop. No unrequited love, either, and there was plenty of "wooing" involved on both sides. Both relationships were just complex as often relationships are, let alone when they are long distance.

Joan had some rough times, but she managed to stay warm and lively, open and sensitive and courageous, and that's one of the truely amazing things about her.

Cheers indeed.

[VI]

Thanks Jake for your insight.

Exciting news for Ms. Wasser's fans-Joan and I will be getting together for an interview sometime in the near future, so stay tuned...

[Black Bird]

can't wait for that interview. and do me a two-part favor, will ya?
1) bring a camera, and
2) go somewhere where there is no red lighting.

i wanna see what she looks like in "Real Life" (pun intended)

[agaye]

Thank you so much for the beautiful images and thoughful reviews. Joan is absolutely LOVELY. I'm sure you'll enjoy her company, shes' always a pleasure.

Heya blackbird, there are plenty of pics of Joan "in real life" email me. LOL

VIVA LA JOAN AS POLICEWOMAN!!

[matthew]

i thought y'all might want to know that apparently june 12th has been set as the debut's release date.

[kiley]

Agaye: what's your email I couldn't find it and I'm obsessed with the late Jeffy boy and obviously his (well, was his) beautiful girl Joan! She is awesome and my idol! I'd love to see pics and hear anything you might want to share ! Thanks!