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Chan Marshall may have lost some of her “indie cred” with her most recent releases, but that didn’t keep the fans away on a frigid Monday night at First Avenue. In fact, contrary to the accusation that Cat Power now makes “adult contemporary” music, most of the crowd were teens and 20-somethings. If Chan’s stellar performance that evening wasn’t “credible” enough, then maybe Indie-cred is something she is better off staying away from.

 

Taking the stage dressed all in black, Marshall immediately set the tone of the evening with a moody cover of Billie Holliday’s “Don’t Explain,” which she recorded on her most recent album Jukebox. Backing her was the talented Dirty Delta Blues Band, who are comprised of Jim White (of The Dirty Three), keyboardist Greg Foreman (of Delta 72) guitarist Judah Bauer (of Blues Explosion) and bassist Erik Paparazzi. While the band expertly captures that slow burning Southern sound that Cat Power leans towards these days, it is of note that not a single one of them is actually from the South.

 

Chan Marshall - Photo by Jon Behm

While the freshly sober Marshall was much more comfortable on stage than in past tours, she still appears to have a little ways to go towards really being at home there. She seemed to have some issues with her clothes throughout the evening, and constantly picked at her jeans and shirt. She also had to make numerous trips to the side of the stage to grab cigarette drags. Luckily her voice was not affected, and her sultry, smoky blues rang out as clear as it sounds on the studio albums.

 

Much of Cat Power’s recent work has been covers, and it showed in Monday’s setlist.  However, there were a few strong appearances from 2006’s The Greatest and even 1998’s Moon Pix. Chan and the band seems to have done some work on the old favorites too - bringing a new sound and rhythms to several. Overall it was a great set, though I was a little disappointed that I didn’t hear many of my older preferences. I do like the direction the group is going though, and look forward to a more Memphis flavored future rather than just pining for the old days when listening Chan could make me weep.  

 

While Monday’s performance may not have left any teary eyes in the house, at least it had feet moving and people genuinely having a good time. If the new, happy Chan Marshall is one that enjoys herself onstage rather than having to drown herself in alcohol in order to face a crowd, then the new Chan Marshall is one that I am satisfied with. I hope that she sticks with it, and I hope to hear much more of her one-of-a-kind vocals in the future. Whether covers, “adult contemporary,” or whatever else she decides to record, Marshall is looking forward, and looking up. And that is exactly what she should be doing.

 

Cat Power’s Myspace page

More photos from Monday's show by Jon Behm