20-Apr-2002 - Leipzig, Michaeliskirche

Saal Drei feat. Bobo

   Concert review by Klaus Kluge (27-Apr-2002)
(with a little help from Claudia)

It has been a long, long time since I last saw Bobo - early December 1996 - nearly 5 1/2 years ago. At that time I was so lucky to see her in my hometown - a 5-hour train ride was required now.

"Saal Drei feat. Bobo" weren't all new to me, since I already knew their album "Licht" (Light). Their performances are held in churches. For the acoustics, and maybe to provide a special projection area for the light performance as well. Lighting a "shoebox" would be uninspiring. I didn't know this part, as you can hardly "press" it on CD.

I only saw the >Michaeliskirche in darkness (from the outside) and semi-darkness (from within). The choir aisles displayed two small exhibitions about angels. Drawings on one side, angel robes on the other. Both were illuminated in red light.

Before the start of the concert, the dome and the pillars were already illuminated with graphic patterns, reminiscent of crop circles. The sides and back had rippling blue-green lights creating a submarine feeling. This part of the light performance stayed for the whole concert. Above and behind the stage spotlights and blending patterns were added during the show. Quite a pleasing contrast to the blinding orgies of light which are thrown at you in many concerts. And surely much more appropriate with this music.

Which leads me from the lights to the "acoustic Licht". Saal Drei were performing with the familiar instrumentation (keyboard, guitar and drums) and members - occasionally supported by a trumpet. And by Bobo of course.

Bobo wore all white - reminiscent of the angel robes close by, though this was probably not intended.

The music covered the whole spectrum of the album; from spherical sound to rhythmic elements. Each song blended into the next one, so that the applause only came up at the end of the concert.

My impression was that the amount of songs with Bobos contribution was notably higher than on the album. Which also means that several new songs were played, including one with German lyrics. I would be happy to find those on a future album.

The album gave the impression that Bobo was supporting the band. At this live performance it seemed to be the other way round. Bobos voice was much more prominent, supported by the music. In case someone was wondering: yes, please, more of that. :)

I am tempted to say that the light performance was wasted on the audience, which was very much fixing their gaze on Bobo. There was hardly any motion in the pews, even during the rhythmic parts, except for the guy in the row in front of me, who was industriously chewing gum. But then, I only had a quarter of the approximately 150 visitors in view, and pews somehow discourage moving around anyway.

Some of the music felt somehow hypnotic. Tired as I (Claudia) was, I may have dozed off a bit, or at least my mind was encouraged to wander. The light show surely helped with that. But Bobo woke me up, or rather brought me back to earth, every time she came on. Her voice has always been fascinating, and it has improved since the last time I heard her. It sounded more full, with more nuances, even more passionate and alive; though I would have claimed last time already that there was no room for improvement. :) Whenever she got real loud, she held the microphone at arms length, would the soundboard have blown a fuse otherwise? On her own, I think she would have rattled the church windows even "unplugged". The church acoustics were great, by the way.

The rhythmic parts sometimes reminded me of live performances by Dead Can Dance, but I am glad Bobo doesn't come across as ethereal as Lisa Gerrard.

Concluding, we thoroughly enjoyed the concert - not only because of Bobo - and we will surely try to see her and Saal Drei again.