I’m not a big Imogen Heap fan and not familiar with most of her work, but when the opportunity arose to check her out last week, I said what the hell.
I had never seen a show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre either. Is this a new venue in Toronto? Hanging out in the bar before the show, I saw the guys who book/run the Mod Club hanging out in the office. Outside of the downtown core, it is easily accessible by the Dufferin bus and very close to Medieval Times for those of you who know the area. I would guess that this is a mostly Live Nation venue by looking at the acts playing there; it is similar to Massey Hall in that respect. The seats are very comfortable and well spaced, unlike Massey Hall. The only draw back to this venue is it that it has no character. Is reminded me of my high school auditorium. There is a big stage, baron walls and lots of seats. And once the show is over, you are stuck waiting for the bus, but if you are a bit ambitious, the good bars Parkdale are walk-able.
Imogen Heap has a solid following. Those who like her, love her. She was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2006 and has had lots of commercial success from having her music featured on The O.C. (when that guy got shot) and as the Heroes theme song.
For the show, the stage was littered with musical instruments. She had two tiny microphones attached to the inside of her wrists, which allowed her to literally run around the stage, sampling and looping different instruments at will. This is how most of her songs started. It was neat.
Imogen also has a couple of songs that require a cello. In tune with all things social-networky, she is really in touch with her fans. Do you follow the Imogen Heap vBlog? For every town that she has gone to on this tour, she has held on-line cello auditions. If you are good enough, you get invited to play with her in your hometown. Really neat.
Imogen has a great voice and likes to experiment with music. That was obvious at the show. She also has that superstar quality about her. She is tall, good looking, confident, and pretty funny in-between songs.
Here is the song she opened the concert with, Home. The video is a bit over produced, but the song is good. I have been told that she played some songs from Speak For Yourself, which was evident by incisive clapping once the first chord had been struck, but most of the songs were from her new album, Ellipse. Encore included Hide And Seek, and Just For Now.
