To many people the idea of embarking on a "greatest hits" album and tour at the tender age of 21 may seem a little premature, but to those of us who've had the great pleasure of following Hayley Westenra's career, it will come as no surprise at all, as she is hardly an average 21 year old. With numerous bestselling albums and worldwide tours to her name, not to mention a list of collaborations with legendary performers that would make many a seasoned veteran green with envy, the young kiwi soprano is more than qualified for the task, as I found out last week.
I've always been a great fan of Hayley's music and was blown away when I first heard her perform live, over two years ago, at the recording of Friday Night is Music Night. She only sang four songs that evening, but it was more than enough to captivate me and leave me eager for more. Sadly though, due to cancelled events and other circumstances, my first experience of seeing Hayley live had also been my last. So it was with great excitement that I booked my tickets for her "River Of Dreams" tour and made my way through the wind and snow to Newcastle City Hall, keen to hear if and how her voice had developed and matured since.
The venue was compact but pleasant, with a rather cosy, intimate atmosphere, and whilst not full sadly, possibly due to the inclement weather, there was still a large, appreciative crowd. As the lights dimmed, the backing musicians, consisting of a pianist, a guitarist and a four piece string ensemble, settled onto the stage. Hayley, wearing a beautiful fitted peach dress, then gracefully walked to the front of the stage, greeted by warm, welcoming applause, before approaching the microphone, and totally unaccompanied, launching into the opening lines of Prayer. The effect was truly stunning, as the place fell eerily quiet leaving her crisp, yet almost ethereal vocals to cut through the silence, gradually joined by gentle, sympathetic accompaniment, capturing the haunting essence of the song.
As the deserved applause died down afterwards, Hayley welcomed us all, thanked us for coming, and gave a little information about the opening number, which is from Hansel & Gretel. She then mentioned about it being a very chilly night in Newcastle and decided it was definitely getting colder the further North they went. It may well have been cold outside, but inside she was melting even the most frozen northern hearts, as she continued with a beautiful rendition of Caccini's Ave Maria, a song she explained that her Nana had sung to her as a child and that had become her favourite version of the piece.
This was quickly followed by Scarborough Fair, again beautifully sung, with that seemingly effortless, delicate yet sharp sound. At the end of the song Hayley introduced us to her wonderfully talented band, Al Gurr on piano, Andy Moore on guitar and the all female string quartet, Raven. She went on to say that Andy the guitarist was performing in front of his parents and that she was a little sad not having any relatives in that night... so promptly adopted Andy's parents! This little interchange was typical of the lovely light-hearted, natural banter that was present throughout the show, which made you feel more like you were hanging out with friends than attending a concert. The whole evening had a very relaxed, informal feel to it, as Hayley came across as a young woman just enjoying entertaining her fans, rather than a big star putting on a show.
The next number, Songbird, which Hayley admitted she loves singing, is one of three new tracks on her "River of Dreams" album and it was the first time I'd heard her perform it. I'm a big fan of the Fleetwood Mac version, but have to say that I absolutely adore what Hayley brings to it. Eva Cassidy fans will probably see a parallel, but in my personal view Hayley definitely stamps her own, unique style on the song, with gorgeous effect.
Hayley took a short break from stage at this point, introducing the string quartet Raven to entertain us. The talented foursome beautifully performed three pieces, starting with a composition they had created to comprise two of Vivaldi four seasons. This was followed by a piece called Gabriel's Oboe, which they'd adapted to become Gabriel's Cello, although most people would recognise it as the music from Nella Fantasia. Finally, and very fittingly for Halloween, they finished with a great rendition of Danse Macabre, which is possibly better known as the theme tune from Jonathon Creek.
When Hayley returned, she mentioned that listening to Raven had made her wish she hadn't given up the violin, revealing what is probably yet another string to her bow! She then introduced the next song, talking about how Gracie Fields had returned from hearing it in New Zealand and made it her own. She went on to well and truly reclaim Now Is The Hour back for her homeland in breath taking fashion, performing the first half in Maori and the second half in English. Hayley's voice takes on yet another depth when she sings in Maori and I have to admit that listening to her singing this, accompanied only by Andy's guitar, really got the hairs on the back of my neck tingling.
The next song was sent to her when she had all the tracks for her album Odyssey sorted out and she didn't really hold out much hope for it being of much interest. However, she fell in love with Never Saw Blue from the first line and it of course went on to be a firm favourite on the disk. Yet again, the strong, yet somewhat haunting quality of Hayley's voice echoed around the hall, captivating us all. When introducing her next piece, she explained that it had 100 verses and asked if anyone had a problem with that. I'm sure that most of us in the room would have gladly listened to every one, but Hayley, probably wisely, decided to restrict herself to three verses of Shenandoah, just in case we had a curfew!
Danny Boy was another song Hayley's Nana had sung to her as a child and her Grandparents had actually travelled and toured around together performing this and many of the songs that are now her firm favourites. Hayley's version was very gentle and emotional, highlighted by the beautiful combination of exquisitely played piano and guitar.
After a short interval, which had been buzzing with people discussing the show, Raven performed three more instrumental pieces, starting with Mrs Jameson's Favourites, then Libertango and finishing with a Spanish reel. Hayley then returned wearing a pretty patterned gold dress, going straight into a song I'd not heard before called The Mummers Song. I believe it is on the US release of Celtic Treasure, but it was a nice treat to hear it.
Introducing the next song, Hayley explained that she was a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings films and not just because they were filmed in New Zealand, honest! But whenever she performs May it Be, she can't help but imagine the beautiful rolling scenery of her homeland, which I must confess to doing as well whilst she sang. Yet again, the light, ethereal quality of Hayley's voice was beautifully evident in this number, creating that wonderful spine tingling feeling once more. Keeping the New Zealand theme, Hayley next sang the number that has become rather synonymous with her beginnings, the beautiful Maori love song, Pokarkare Ana. Listening to her performing it before me now though and comparing it to those early days of her career really highlighted just how much her voice is maturing and progressing. She has always been a joy to listen to, but the continued development of her voice is a very exciting prospect indeed.
Hayley then went on to perform the title song from the tour, River of Dreams, based on Vivaldi's Winter from the Four Seasons, before showing off another of her talents by taking to the piano to perform a wonderfully emotive version of Sonny. She played and sang faultlessly and it's genuinely difficult not to run out of superlatives when faced with such a gifted, talented individual.
Raven followed by playing Nimrod, from Elgar's Enigma Variations, a tune made all the more poignant by the approaching Remembrance Day and Hayley's involvement in the Poppy Appeal too. On her return Hayley had changed into another lovely dress, this time gold and black, stating that "a girl has to get in as many dress changes as possible!" She then explained that the next song was based on the words of a boatman looking out across the bay and inviting people to "look at Santa Lucia from the water, it's beautiful". What followed was a fabulously up beat, lively rendition of Santa Lucia which Hayley and the guitarist Andy, who played brilliant pizzicato, performed with obvious enjoyment.
As a big fan of Joni Mitchell, Hayley stated that she also loves performing Both Sides Now, as every time she sings it she takes new meanings from the beautifully crafted lyrics. This is one of my favourite numbers too and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Hayley sing it live. As it ended she launched into a rip-roaring, energetic version of the Kate Bush classic, Wuthering Heights, showing with great style the massive versatility of her talent. Again the sheer pleasure and enjoyment shone from her face as she sang too. It really is such a joy to see a performer so obviously enjoying what they are doing and feel they share in your pleasure at being there.
The audience went crazy with cheers as she thanked us and the inevitable cries of "more" echoed as she left the stage. Returning she asked if we had time for one more, which was of course greeted with a fervent YES!! Much to our delight we were treated to another Maori song, this time the beautiful, soothing lullaby Hine E Hine, although I don't think a single person was interested in dropping to sleep as she sang. Yet again rapturous applause filled the Hall as Hayley and the band left the stage, with Hayley and Al, the pianist returning to our continued requests for more.
"Another one?" she asked, knowing full well what our reply would be. "Okay, seeing as we're all here... " The evening was then brought to a fitting end with the Newcastle City Hall silenced and transfixed by Hayley Westenra singing Amazing Grace, perfectly as usual. The standing ovation and loud cheers that rattled around the place as Hayley left the stage for the last time were thoroughly deserved, with even the City Hall staff exclaiming that was the best thing they'd heard.
I fully expected to enjoy the evening and knew Hayley would be fantastic, but nothing could have prepared me for experiencing a full concert. If anyone has yet to see her perform live, I can highly recommend it. In fact I enjoyed the show so much that I came home and booked tickets to attend another concert.
To be honest, Hayley is something of a contradiction in terms really, powerful, yet light, strong, yet gentle, celebrated, yet modest, famous, yet grounded, young, yet wise, an immensely talented star, but still so "real" and normal. But that's all part of what makes her such a star and why at just 21 years old she can justifiably produce her "Greatest Hits". After all, for two hours on Thursday night Hayley Westenra entertained, enthralled and totally captivated us with just a handful of those hits, proving without a doubt that the album and tour is far from premature. All I can say is that on this basis I can hardly wait for the greatest hits volume two....and beyond.
