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Fans accustomed to arriving at posh concert halls, with dazzling chandeliers and elaborate stages, where an usher escorts you to your plush chair, hands you a program and tells you to enjoy the show, were in for quite a shock. Instead, fans waiting behind velvet ropes entered the theatre single-file past two goliath-like bouncers. Once inside, the scene was unlike any other Eder concert. Removable chairs filled the wide open hall, flanked by two large bars where fans could meet and greet each other. The hall was bathed in deep tones of blue and purple, with rich velvet drapes covering parts of the theatre. The room screamed "Rock and Roll"... and it was perfect for THE OTHER SIDE OF ME.
The buzz of the crowd was almost deafening when Linda and the TOSOM band finally took the stage. But the noise of the crowd was nothing compared to what came from the stage. Linda and TOSOM nearly blew the roof off the old theatre with their opening number, "Prayer For Love." Linda was in perfect singing voice and the background vocals supplied by TOSOM truly rocked. Instantly, everyone in the theatre knew it was going to be a loud but incredible evening!
"Pieces," the song that began the entire journey of creating the alblum, was next. Clearly a fan favorite, Linda received thunderous applause as she and TOSOM jammed out on stage. Needing to slow things down, but not too much, they segued into Linda's version of Elton John's "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me," which while completely rockin', was surprisingly very moving. Leave it to Linda to do what few others can do — touch your heart and make you want to dance, all at the same time!
Next was the title song from Linda's new album, "The Other Side Of Me," featuring the phenomenal talent of Peter Calo on guitar. "If You Believe In Love The Way I Do" and "Back To Life" were appropriately paired together and provided some calm, uplifting moments. Then it was time for "Waiting For The Fall." Perhaps the most fitting song for the venue, Linda penned this song for the album and was transformed into a rock Goddess on stage. The crowd was on their feet before the song even ended.
Singer-Songwriter Shaun Barker joined Linda at center-stage for a beautiful duet of "Both Sides Now," followed by a haunting, emotionally charged "Ghost." To lighten the mood again, Linda performed a song she wrote called "Nice Day For Flying." Although not on the album, the song has a great beat, catchy melody, and clever lyrics. A great treat for concert-goers!
Linda slowed things down again with "If I Could," which she dedicated to her son and all parents everywhere. The audience was in a hush as Linda sang this moving piece with an arrangement similar to a lullaby. But we didn't fall asleep! How could we, especially when Linda's version of "Son Of A Preacher Man" was next. Once again Linda and TOSOM rocked the hall... audience members sang along and it truly was a party!
The "fan choice" was next. Before the album came out, Linda hosted a contest on her Web site, allowing fans to suggest songs and then vote for the one they'd like her to perform in concert. After hearing Linda perform the winning selection, "Broken Wing," it was clear that Linda's fans have good taste in music, obviously! The song was classic country rock, infused with Linda's signature belting. Phenomenal!
The evening began to wind down and Linda introduced the TOSOM band once again, giving each one of them their own moment in the spotlight as the crowd applauded their incredible talent. "Lifted" and "Gold" were two perfect songs to round out the showcase — both uplifting and inspirational — but with a rock feel to fit the mood of the night. As always, Linda included an encore, and nothing was more appropriate than "Something To Believe In." Linda was glorious and TOSOM provided the perfect gospel/counrty/rock package for this last gift of the evening. Linda's The Other Side Of Me Showcase certainly did leave us all something to believe in... the amazing, moving power of Linda Eder singing... Country Rock and Roll!
THE VOICE was thrilled to catch-up with Linda after her performance to chat about the evening...
VOICE: The Blender theatre has a long and colorful history. For much of it existence, it has been known as an “art house” due to eclectic programming. Whose decision was it to perform the TOSOM showcase there?
LINDA: Verve Records and my Agent Dave Hart brought the suggestion to me.
VOICE: Is there a difference between a “showcase” and a regular concert?
LINDA: Well, it is different in the sense that you are usually presenting something new for the first time and you want to make it an event.
VOICE: We know you were nervous about the performance, but can you describe what else you were feeling?
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After
the show: Linda with her agents, Dave and Ronni Hart, and musical
director Billy Stein.
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LINDA: It still is a bit surreal that I have actually realized a dream and goal that I have had for a while now. It’s easy to come up with ideas. The hard part is to actually carry it out, actually finish it. So I guess I felt amazed and frankly a bit proud of myself and Billy.
VOICE: How did you prepare for the show?
LINDA: We had been having a lot of rehearsals because the band and the music were still so new.
VOICE: You already had the debut of your TOSOM show at North Salem under your belt. Did this make it easier when you did the showcase at The Blender or was it a completely different feeling?
LINDA: The North Salem show was very important because it showed me that we could pull it off. As green as it was, it gave me confidence.
VOICE: How did you feel about the audience reaction?
LINDA: I am always so grateful when the room is full of fans because the support is incredible and very much needed when you are trying something new.
VOICE: What were your thoughts when you were given such an amazing response to your song, “Waiting For The Fall?”
LINDA: That really summed up the whole experience for me. I always thought that I could write for myself and wanted to, but I had not been in an environment that supported it. To finally sing my own song up on a stage and have an audience react that way was amazing.
VOICE: Is there one moment from the evening that you can say was the highlight for you (other when you sang that last note!)?
LINDA: Getting to the end of the show without a major mistake! I was also thrilled when I talked to the people from my label and they really seemed to like it. I had never performed for most of them before.
VOICE: It was such a fun evening! Can your fans expect to see you performing in more similar venues in the future?
LINDA: Oh, yes!
Exclusive: Behind the Scenes!
Rehearsal ...
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Linda
working on some last minute changes.
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Rehearsing
with Peter Calo as Shaun Barker looks on.
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Everyone
on stage for soundcheck!
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THE VOICE is pleased to present these official exclusive video clips from Linda's performance at The Blender Theatre. (NOTE: to view the video below, you will need to allow 'ActiveX' controls if your Web browser's security settings disables them.)
