Ryman Auditorium Hosts Regina Spektor On Spring Tour Stop

  • Wednesday, March 22, 2017
  • Patrick O'Hagan

New York-based Regina Spektor made a stop in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium Monday night. The show was one among many to historical music venues across the country. Spektor’s month-long spring tour is in support of her latest album Remember Us To Life. Other stops along the tour will include New York City’s Radio City Music Hall and the Chicago Theater.  

In reference to playing the Ryman, Spektor told the Music City crowd that it was like “playing in a museum.” She jokingly said seeing the black and white pictures backstage of all the famed musicians who have graced that stage before her scared her a little. It was obvious though that she was quite at home showcasing her skills on stage.  

Backed with a drummer, keyboardist, and cellist, Spektor took center stage with a microphone and her black Steinway piano. She showcased her impeccable vocal range and unique piano style and songwriting skills.  

Spektor has a classical piano background, which really shined through as she ran her hands effortlessly across the keys. Born in the Soviet Union, she "came to this great country as a refugee." She continued, saying she believes more in “open doors rather than iron curtains, or walls, or bans." That monologue was a natural segue into her next song – “Ballad of a Politician.”

After about ten original pieces Spektor performed a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Chelsea Hotel No. 2.” She later took a break from the piano bench and walked over to the side of the stage for an a cappella rendition “Silly Eye-Color Generalizations.”  

The anti-folk scene from which she gained her fame in New York is still apparent in her musical vibe. With dark, off tempo sounds and non-traditional lyrics there are moments of organized chaos that creates a beautiful union with her smooth vocals and whimsical charm.  

The night’s setlist was as follows:  
1. On the Radio 
2. Grand Hotel 
3. Older and Taller 
4. Blue Lips 
5. Tornadoland 
6. Bleeding Heart 
7. The Trapper and the Furrier 
8. Better 
9. Après Moi 
10. Ballad of a Politician 
11. Chelsea Hotel #2 (Leonard Cohen cover) 
12. The Call 
13. Sellers of Flowers 
14. Sailor Song 
15. Obsolete 
16. You've Got Time 
17. Silly Eye-Color Generalizations 
18. Small Bill$ 
19. The Light 
20. Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas) 
21. Us 
Encore:
22. The Visit 
23. Fidelity 
24. Hotel Song 
25. Samson 


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