The story of British singer-songwriter Adele’s U.S. success is an interesting one. Though many are just hearing of her now, Adele released her U.S. debut 19 this past summer, followed by a handful of Stateside shows. Barely making a mark on the U.S. collective conscience back then, an October 2008 appearance on Saturday Night Live quickly threw her into the spotlight. Performing during the same episode with vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin, Adele wowed the 17+ million viewers with her soulful voice that betrays her young age. Since that appearance, 19 has skyrocketed up the charts, and her name is earning quite a buzz. Wednesday night at the Somerville Theatre, Adele launched a U.S. tour with many sold out dates.
Taking the stage shortly before nine, Adele’s backing band of two keyboard players, bassist, drummer and guitarist quietly set up; the lights then dimmed while they began playing “Cold Shoulder” sans singer. When Adele appeared, dressed in all black, she slouched her shoulders and awkwardly waved, appearing embarrassed at the thunderous roar of the sold out crowd. From the start, I sensed that Adele would struggle to be comfortable. During an instrumental interlude in the second song, she even nervously bit her fingernails. Though awkward at first, at some point, something clicked, and Adele performed with such sincerity and assurance, that it felt like she was singing only to you.
Adele, like fellow British songstresses Amy Winehouse and Duffy, is known primarily for her powerful voice. Backed with a strong band, the front woman can easily be perceived as only a singer, but Adele takes it a step further. With the band absent for two songs, Adele played acoustic guitar for a wonderful version of “Daydreamer,” 19’s opening track. Halfway into the song, the hair on my neck stood up and my toes tingled – she had us. Adele likewise performed “Best for Last” accompanied solely by her acoustic bass. During these quiet pieces, the audience was library quiet, almost holding their breath, but responded with thunderous applause.
Touring for her lone album, she complemented her original songs with four covers. Before performing the Raconteurs’ “Many Shades of Black,” Adele told a charming story about how she had tried to work with Jack White (they share the same label in the UK), but he was busy working on the theme song to the latest Bond film. All her stories were told at rapid fire pace with a heavy accent, making it at once confusing and charming. Other covers included Bob Dylan’s “Make you Feel My Love” and Etta James’ “Fool that I Am.” Before the James cover, Adele professed her love of James and claimed that when she heard her for the first time, her life was changed.
Adele ended her first set with her hit “Hometown Glory,” telling the audience to stick around, as she would return soon. Before her next song, a solo acoustic “Crazy for You,” she had a charming moment with an audience member. A fan near the front had been singing along to every song and shouted a specific cover request. Adele said it was not on the set list, but she’d do it because he had asked. When she asked the fan his name – Randy – she replied, “Well, Randy, do you know what that means where I come from?” After a laugh, she performed the requested cover, Sam Cooke’s “That’s It, I Quit, I'm Movin’ On.” (It can be found on the b-side to “Chasing Pavement.”)
The band returned for the final song of the night, “Chasing Pavement.” Adele thanked everyone for their patience and for coming out to the show. Living up to the buzz she’s been earning, Adele warmed us with her deep, soulful voice and charming stories before sending us back to the bitter cold.
Set list:
Cold Shoulder
Melt My Heart To Stone
Daydreamer
Best For Last
Right As Rain
Many Shades of Black (Raconteurs cover)
First Love
Tired
Make You Feel My Love (Bob Dylan cover)
Fool That I Am (Etta James cover)
Hometown Glory
Encore:
Crazy for You
That's It, I Quit, I'm Movin On (Sam Cooke cover/audience request)
Chasing Pavement
