Coincidence or not? On Monday July 15, 2024, Bob Dylan fans learned of the folk icon's return to Paris for two new performances scheduled for the autumn. A few hours later, Cat Power took to the Folies Bergère stage as part of her " Cat Power Sings Dylan " European tour.
Beginning in February 2024 in the USA, this special tour by Chan Marshall, aka Cat Power, was on the Old Continent last spring. Unfortunately for French fans, the American artist's two concerts were cancelled and postponed until this summer. After more than two months of waiting, holders of the precious ticket were finally able to see their idol in the flesh, performing Bob Dylan songs.
For this new tour, songwriter and musician Chan Marshall is not singing any of her own compositions. This time, the American artist chose to pay tribute to her hero, Bob Dylan, by re-enacting his legendary 1966 Royal Albert Hall concert. Originally, Cat Power was to perform just one concert. On November 5, 2022, the singer and musician took over the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London to honor her hero's legacy. An album, simply entitled"Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert", captured during this one-off performance, was even released on November 10, 2023. However, given the success of the concert, the Atlanta-born artist decided to hit the road again, performing the album in numerous cities across Europe and North America.
On Monday July 15, 2024, she took to the stage at the Folies Bergère for the first of her two Paris concerts. Unfortunately, the venue was not sold out. Due to the postponement of the two dates in the middle of summer, many fans had no choice but to cancel their tickets. But Cat Power can still count on a solid base of loyal fans, happy and impatient to see her again, just over two years after her last concert in the capital. That was at the Salle Pleyel.
At around 9.05pm, Cat Power took to the Folies Bergère stage, accompanied by two musicians (acoustic guitar and keyboard/harmonica). Tonight, there are no surprises on the setlist. We already know that the show will take place in two parts, with an acoustic first part, and an electric second part, as Bob Dylan did in 1966. Cat Power has also chosen to play the songs in exactly the same order.
So it's with the sublime " She Belongs to Me " that Cat Power kicks off the evening, after greeting the audience with a " bonsoir " in French. It only takes a few seconds for her spellbinding, carnal voice to move us.
For this tour, Cat Power is sporting a new look. For her return to the stage, Chan Marshall opted for a shorter haircut and a more chic outfit. Wearing high heels, a black tuxedo and a thin tie, the artist no longer hides behind her long black dress and imposing bangs.
As is often the case live, Cat Power looks stressed. Certain attitudes and gestures are unmistakable. But the singer remains focused, her eyes often riveted on her music stand and song lyrics, as if to reassure herself.
But the more the minutes pass, the more Chan Marshall seems to relax. Drinking a few sips of water to quench his thirst, the artist follows up with a succession of tracks, including the sublime " Visions of Johanna ", the shivering " It's All Over Now, Baby Blue ", the bewitching " Just Like a Woman " and the unmissable " Mr. Tambourine Man " dedicated to his recently deceased French friend Jeff Dominguez.
Cat Power 's covers are incredibly poignant and beautiful, both faithful and personal. In fact, they are, in our opinion, the finest covers to date honoring the musical work of the folk icon. For Cat Power has a fascinating gift for hitting the right note and bringing out the best in each song. And then, of course, there's the voice, also one of the finest contemporary female voices in our opinion. At once deep and luminous, intense and carnal, deeply captivating and incredibly moving. This Monday evening at the Folies Bergère, she proved once again that she is and remains an immense singer and performer. Sometimes singing away from the microphone or putting her hand to the side for effect, Cat Power doesn't just sing, she uses her voice like a real instrument.
The set continues and Chan Marshall seems much more at ease than at the start. Her gestures were more assertive, and she began to waddle. She even goes so far as to take off her stilettos several times during the evening to stand barefoot in front of the audience.
About an hour into the set, the lights dimmed, but 4 more musicians (bass, guitar, keyboard and drums) appeared on stage. Cat Power turns her music stand towards the audience. The light illuminates it, and it reads " Electric ". And off we go for just over 30 minutes of rock music. And it's not to the displeasure of the audience, who don't hide their enthusiasm, letting out a few shouts and applauding fervently.
This is followed by the dynamic " Tell Me, Momma ", " I Don't Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met) " and " Baby, Let Me Follow You Down ". Cat Power tried her hand at a few dance steps and did a few light swaying moves. Many of the audience's heads and feet bob up and down in a frenzy. Cat Power, now with a more confident stride, takes off her stilettos once more to approach the audience and offer several smiles and greetings.
Then comes the sublime cover of " Ballad of a Thin Man ", a beautiful moment suspended in time. Once again, the American artist demonstrates her undeniable talent. At the end of this track, and before the final one, Cat Power decides to introduce her excellent musicians. The artist, visibly moved and touched, also takes the opportunity to share her happiness at being back and playing in this beautiful Folies Bergère venue. She doesn't forget to thank her ever-faithful audience once again. In fact, she declares herself lucky in this respect.
And so it is with the famous " Like a Rolling Stone " that Chan Marshall and his acolytes end this very fine hour-and-a-half set. Unsurprisingly, it didn't take long for the audience to rise to their feet and warmly applaud the musicians and the immense Cat Power, who had a hard time leaving the stage.
For those unable to attend, please note that a second Cat Power concert is scheduled for Tuesday July 16 at the Folies Bergère. And tickets are still available!
Setlist:
Location
Folies Bergère
32 Rue Richer
75009 Paris 9
Official website
www.foliesbergere.com
