Joanna Newsom performed her critically acclaimed album “Ys” from start to finish last night (Jan. 31) at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, teaming up with the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra.
The twenty-six year old harpist opened the evening with an epic version of “Emily,” augmented by Ryan Francesconi on tambura and banjo. Newsom was in fine spirits throughout the night, thanking the audience after every song, as well as conductor Michael Christie and Van Dyke Parks, the latter of whom penned the accompanying orchestral arrangements.
After a short break and an outfit change, Newsom returned to the stage for a second set with a stripped-down, four piece band. They dipped into staples from her back catalog, including a dark, tender version of “Book of Right On” and the sad ballad, “Peach, Plum, Pear.”
Two new songs were played as well: “Barbara,” (a working title) was a short, folksie song reminiscent of her “Milk-Eyed Mender” compositions, while the second untitled tune was a meandering, wordy ballad that Newsom closed the night with, solo.
After a standing ovation, she encored with “Same Old Man,” a cover of a traditional song she mentioned discovering through Karen Dalton’s “In My Own Time” album. For the song, she opted out of her harp and simply provided vocals over a soft banjo played by Kevin Barker.
Newsom will take to the stage again tonight at BAM for a second performance with the same supporting cast.
Here is Joanna Newsom’s set list:
Set 1:
“Emily”
“Monkey & Bear”
“Sawdust & Diamonds”
“Only Skin”
“Cosmia”
Set 2:
“Bridges and Balloons”
“The Book of Right On”
“Inflammatory Writ”
“Colleen”
“Peach, Plum and Pear”
“Untitled New Song #1”
“Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie”
“Untitled New Song #2”
“Same Old Man”
