Durham Fringe Festival 2024
A Tapestry of Life
Jessa Liversidge
Genre: Music, Tribute Show
Venue: The Pemberton Rooms, Durham
Festival: Durham Fringe Festival
Low Down
“Songs from Carole King’s classic album ‘Tapestry’, interspersed with original songs inspired by Andrea Brown’s ‘Life, Love, Loss’. Universal themes of love and and friendship, situations and journeys, sure to touch the heart. Jessa Liversidge, who has previously performed ‘Songbirds’ and ‘Two bards and a Songbird’ at Durham Fringe, is known for her heartfelt, versatile vocals, inhabiting the story behind each song, and here she will perform this unique mix of well-known and original songs.”
Review
Jessa Liversidge’s tribute to Carole King’s “Tapestry” is an enlivening late afternoon musical cabaret that showcases her deep connection to this iconic album. With well-chosen backing effect vocals (via loop pedal) and minimal interpretation, she honours the originals while adding her personal touch through short, engaging introductions to each song.
Jessa Liversidge has clearly immersed herself in King’s work, bringing each track on “Tapestry” to life with her anecdotes and reasons for selecting them. Her poise, competence, and loving interpretation shine through, creating an intimate and heartfelt performance. The emotional force of songs like “Crazy” captures the pain explored in many of King’s pieces, resonating deeply with the audience.
Accompanied by an electric piano played with ease, the music always serves the lyrics and vocals. Songs such as these are essentially powerful poems set to music, and Liversidge’s occasional use of backing loop on the piano creates acapella harmonies that add a special touch to the live performance.
The classic “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” saw the audience gently joining in, not as a sing-along, but as respectful backing singers, adding to the communal feel of the event. Whether familiar with the album or hearing these songs for the first time, there was a fresh and engaging feel to the set.
Liversidge’s performance is a satisfying hour, filled with uplifting and emotional moments. Poems by a family member, though not by King, fit seamlessly into the show, linking the songs and adding well-penned lyrics in their own right. This personal touch underscores the relatable nature of King’s songs, with “The Girl Who Wasn’t Enough” evoking shared experiences of sadness and longing.
The show reaches a poignant peak with “You’ve Got A Friend,” where the audience’s voices unite in a tapestry of song, reflecting the timeless quality and relatability of King’s work. Despite the quality song craft, the show could benefit from better stagecraft and lighting to enhance the overall experience.
“Ripples on the Water,” based on a poem by Liversidge’s sister Andrea, aligns well with the theme of family as a form of tapestry, seamlessly weaving sibling poetry into the set list. This bold choice adds a unique dimension to the tribute.
In summary, Jessa Liversidge’s tribute to Carole King’s “Tapestry” is a delightful and moving experience, laced with her unique interpretation and familial connections. It’s a performance that pays homage to King’s legacy while adding a personal and heartfelt touch.
