Yann Tiersen at the Highline Ballroom: Pure Magic

For most people, myself included, Yann Tiersen’s name is instantly associated with two great movies that featured his music – Amelie and Good Bye Lenin. There is no doubt that Amelie’s international success and critical acclaim had a major impact on Yann’s career and his worldwide recognition. Yet, his new album (and the previous ones for that matter) sounds very different. If you only heard Amelie soundtrack, you might have been slightly disappointed during Yann Tiersen’s show at the Highline Ballroom. But if you follow Tiersen’s musical career, you were in for a real treat.

The new album Infinity – recorded in Iceland and featuring a number of guest performers, is Tiersen’s eighth studio album. Released on May 19, Infinity is emotionally charged and the atmosphere of the record is slightly dark without being depressing; it evokes images of a foggy island (perhaps partially because of where the record was made) and vast empty spaces. But it is also whimsical and hopeful.

Tiersen is a versatile and inventive composer/musician. He plays multiple instruments, on the record as well as during his live performances, and he is also known for incorporating different toy instruments that add a magical and surreal touch to the music.

The Highline Ballroom was almost packed to capacity by the time Yann Tiersen and his band took the stage. The crowd was very international with German, French and Spanish chatter filling the room during the soundcheck. Judging by the reaction to the music, it is safe to say that they were not disappointed. Most of the material performed Friday was from the new album and Yann played a range of different instruments – violin, guitar, piano, xylophone, and toy instruments. The moody lighting helped to create a perfect setting for the enjoying the music.

All of the musicians were giving their 100% during the show and, not surprisingly, they ended the night with a double encore. The end of the show featured some very familiar tunes from Amelie and the people were ecstatic – they didn’t want to let him go even after additional four songs … and so the band came back to play one more.

 

 

Anna Yatskevich is Flowers In A Gun’s glamorous jazz & beyond critic! Catch more reviews from her here and follow her on Twitter @jazzaddikt.