Katie Bray's latest collaboration with pianist William Vann, accordionist Murray Grainger, and double bassist Marianne Schofield takes the audience on a captivating voyage through the chameleonic songwriting career of Kurt Weill. The programme centers around Weill's 1935 song 'Youkali', a haunting tango melody that has become an iconic representation of the composer's life as an exiled and itinerant artist.
The journey commences with an unaccompanied musing on the Youkali melody, punctuated by brief appearances throughout the programme. The setlist features numbers in German, French, and English, including two songs written for the Huckleberry Finn musical that Weill was working on at the time of his death. This diverse range of repertoire underscores Weill's versatility as a songwriter.
Throughout the performance, Bray and Vann demonstrate an effortless chemistry, their fluency with each other's playing evident in every note. The supporting instruments are used judiciously, adding depth and nuance to the music without overwhelming it. It is Bray who truly stands out, however, delivering performances that showcase her impressive vocal range and expressiveness.
From the biting acidity of 'Barbarasong' to the searing emotional control of 'Je ne t'aime pas', Bray's singing is a masterclass in conveying the complexity and drama of Weill's music. Her voice is at once refined and natural, imbuing the songs with a sense of urgency and passion that is impossible to ignore.
Ultimately, Bray's outstanding performance cements her status as one of the leading interpreters of Weill's work, and this latest collaboration serves as a testament to her enduring partnership with Vann. The programme may be divided into distinct sections, but it is Bray's voice that holds everything together, guiding the audience through the twists and turns of Weill's remarkable songwriting career.
The journey commences with an unaccompanied musing on the Youkali melody, punctuated by brief appearances throughout the programme. The setlist features numbers in German, French, and English, including two songs written for the Huckleberry Finn musical that Weill was working on at the time of his death. This diverse range of repertoire underscores Weill's versatility as a songwriter.
Throughout the performance, Bray and Vann demonstrate an effortless chemistry, their fluency with each other's playing evident in every note. The supporting instruments are used judiciously, adding depth and nuance to the music without overwhelming it. It is Bray who truly stands out, however, delivering performances that showcase her impressive vocal range and expressiveness.
From the biting acidity of 'Barbarasong' to the searing emotional control of 'Je ne t'aime pas', Bray's singing is a masterclass in conveying the complexity and drama of Weill's music. Her voice is at once refined and natural, imbuing the songs with a sense of urgency and passion that is impossible to ignore.
Ultimately, Bray's outstanding performance cements her status as one of the leading interpreters of Weill's work, and this latest collaboration serves as a testament to her enduring partnership with Vann. The programme may be divided into distinct sections, but it is Bray's voice that holds everything together, guiding the audience through the twists and turns of Weill's remarkable songwriting career.
I mean don't get me wrong, Katie Bray sounds amazing but it seems like she's just phoning it in. all that drama and emotion from the songs is kinda over the top for me. and what's with the Huckleberry Finn connection? was weill trying to be cool or something? 
also can someone explain to me why 'Youkali' is considered this iconic representation of weill's life? seems like a pretty bleak existence to me 
She absolutely NAILED it! Her voice is like butter for Weill's songs - so smooth and rich 
It's like they're speaking a secret language or something 
. I'm literally obsessed with her performances, especially in 'Je ne t'aime pas'... chills every time 
. Bray is definitely cementing her status as one of the top Weill interpreters out there, and this collab is proof that she's got the magic 
!
and she absolutely nails it when it comes to conveying the emotions behind Weill's songs. The way she switches between refined and natural tones is like a masterclass in acting, but instead of using words, she uses her voice 
What I love most about this performance is how it highlights Weill's versatility as a songwriter, from the biting acidity of "Barbarasong" to the searing emotional control of "Je ne t'aime pas". Bray truly brings Weill's music to life, and I'm totally here for more! 
! Her chemistry with Vann is 
, it's like they're speaking a language only music can understand 
. The way she handles Weill's songs is pure magic 
, you can feel the passion & urgency in every note 
, she's cementing her spot as one of the leading interpreters of Weill's work 
. Can't wait to see what's next for this talented duo 
Meanwhile, climate change is getting worse by the day and no one seems to be doing anything about it... Anyway, I guess if you're into old Weill songs, this concert might be kinda good 
. It's not just about showcasing technical skill, it's about conveying the heart and soul of the music. The way she connects with William Vann on piano is pure magic 
!
. I'm so glad the double bassist Marianne Schofield didn't overpower Bray's voice, it was like they were meant to be together 
I loved how the supporting instruments added just the right amount of nuance without overpowering her voice. It was like they were all having a conversation, you know? 
And that 'Barbarasong' - oh my gosh, it gave me chills! The way Bray's voice can convey such emotion and drama is truly mesmerizing. I'm totally sold on her as one of the leading interpreters of Weill's work now... she's definitely giving those other singers a run for their money 
. Bray's voice is just on another level, you know? It's like she's channeling Weill's soul or something 
️. Can't wait to see what they come up with next! 
the way she navigates these complex songs is just mesmerizing, you can really feel the weight of the lyrics and the history behind them 
I'm seriously considering buying her album now 
I'm so stoked to hear about Katie Bray's latest collab with William Vann, Murray Grainger, and Marianne Schofield! Their performance of Weill's songs is like nothing I've ever seen before 
This collab is definitely going on my list for 2025 
and it sounds SO hauntingly beautiful 
. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, feeling every note, every nuance, and every beat of the music 
. The way they work together, it's like a beautiful marriage of sound and soul 
. I love how they picked some of Weill's lesser-known songs, too - 'Barbarasong' gives me chills every time 
! The diversity in the setlist is a bonus