One Nell-y of a time!
By Frankie L.
from New York, NY on 6/11/2007 Pros:
Crowd Was In To It, Engaging Stage Presence, Great Encores, Perfect Set List
Best For:
Casual Fans, Die-Hards Only
Marked with a downright affinity for Nelly Furtado post “Like a Bird”-fame, I was surprised and delighted her set list stuck to both “Loose” and the much under- promoted and given-a-chance “Folklore”. With just one or two songs from her first claim to fame album, Nelly focused on what I feel are songs that showcase her knack for song writing, showmanship, and riffs. True-blue Furtado fans knowingly appreciate her metamorphose from plain-jane pop chanteuse to forethoughtful singer-songwriter. However, there are always those few errant followers, who never heard a cut from “Folklore”-- arguably Furtado’s best work yet. Still while those selections from “Loose” had attendees off their seats and fixated, it was the sultry sounds from “Folklore” that had couples cuddling and gazing lovingly at one another. Now if only they will actually buy the album and give it a chance!
Furtado’s voice has often-times been described as wispy at best and though I agree, there is something to be said about the presence she commands onstage these days. Her dancers helped in this department though they were often times erratic and aimless as they gyrated from stage left to stage right and back again – with their only true star being a gorgeous blonde dancer full of so much panache she some times overshadowed Nelly’s presence on stage. Still, thankfully, Nelly left much of the choreography to the dancers and focused on the songs at hand.
All in all, Furtado has succeeded in melding true singer-songwriting craftsmanship with pop and danceable offerings. One can tell she is still grappling with perfect marrying of the two. Though the ubiquitous struggle of many pop artists and though there is a sense she has a ways to go, one thing is true: Furtado is well on her way in the right direction.
