I knew of the possibility- David's duet with Anna on the track Strange Weather- was good enough for me to sit with sheer anticipation until halfway through, when, dressed all in white, David took to the stage. This was also Byrne's curated festival. I couldn't miss this show.
Anna Calvi needs no introduction to these blog pages. Tonight's set was so special. There was nothing timid about this showing, somewhat stripped back, sparse versions of tracks peppered her show. Backed by a striking crescent of a dozen singers, dressed head-to-toe in robes, this was a staggering visual and aural display.
If one was to take away the extra singers, take away David Byrne, take away her two percussive band-mates, you still would have a superstar on stage. Calvi and just a guitar is the real deal. Her lilting solo vocal version of No More Words sent the audience wild. Add the percussion to her songs, and it is wildly dramatic., Staple songs from her back catalogue like Desire, Blackout and Suddenly could only be performed by Calvi. The dramatic finale of Jezebel also remains the ultimate curtain call.
