By Karen Kennedy
The only thing that matters is the song.
So says singer-songwriter Madeleine Peyroux, who will grace the Palladium’s stage on Jan. 26.
Often referred to as one of the finest interpretative singers of the 21st century, Peyroux is touring in support of her sixth album, “The Blue Room,” an homage to Ray Charles’ seminal 1962 album, “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.”
Several of the songs on “The Blue Room” are covers from Charles’ album, including “You Don’t Know Me,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Born to Lose” and “Bye Bye Love.”
It also includes a delicate version of “Gentle on My Mind,” made famous by Glenn Campbell.
Peyroux, a native of Athens, Ga., left school at the tender age of 15 to join a touring jazz and blues band. At the time, someone gave her some Billie Holiday records and simply told her to “learn the songs.” And so she did.
The influence of Holiday’s languid, laid-back style is evident in Peyroux’s style today; her silky, chocolate vocals laze through notes and lyrics in a way that is at once relaxing and enticing.
“The Blue Room” is a marked departure from Peyroux’s previous albums. The style is simple and more austere; just a touch of country twang infused with jazz, blues and R&B stylings. In previous recordings, her voice has been airier, dwelling in a higher register with a hint of a French accent sneaking through in many songs. “The Blue Room” finds Peyroux exploring the very depths of her lower register and finding a grit that was not there before.
Peyroux lived abroad for eight years; she currently resides in New York City. Although she has toured throughout the U.S. and played in world-class concert halls, this is her first Indiana appearance and she is very excited about coming to the Palladium.
“I have been so fortunate to perform on some amazing stages both here in the U.S. and internationally,” Peyroux said. “I have not yet had the opportunity to play at the Palladium but I am looking forward to being there and experiencing such an extraordinary concert hall.”
Peyroux will accompany herself on guitar, with musicians from “The Blue Room” lending support such as Jon Herington, guitar; Jim Beard, keyboards; Barak Mori, bass; Darren Beckett, drums and Sylvia D’Avanzo, first violin and concertmistress. D’Avanzo has engaged local players to round out the string quartet.
Peyroux has toured internationally since her first album in 1996. Just weeks after her Palladium concert she will tour throughout New Zealand, Australia and China before returning to the U.S. to perform in a Paul Simon tribute at Carnegie Hall.
And then it’s back across the pond for shows throughout Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany.
If you happen to be a fan of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt or Edith Piaf, you will undoubtedly enjoy the song stylings of Madeleine Peyroux in this rare Midwestern appearance.
Madeleine Peyroux ● 7 p.m. Jan. 26 ● The Palladium in Carmel ● Tickets start at $15 ● For more information call 843-3800 or visit www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org.
