I reviewed the Nadia Reid concert at the Lansdowne Hotel in the South Sydney Herald in August 2019. On April 17, she performed again, not from Brussels as planned, but from Dunedin, New Zealand.
The concert was viewed via Zoom, with the audience paying via Eventbrite so she could earn her wage, and we could pay her for the experience. And now, we have access to a Zoom recording of the concert! Over 350 people zoomed in, from places such as Israel, Berlin, Japan, Canada, Chad and Ireland.
We got to hear her play 15 songs over 80 minutes; just her and her guitar. The sound quality was amazing, her at-ease manner and quiet confidence evident throughout. Because of the close-up camera her guitar strumming and chord progressions were clear for us to see (and for the guitarists among us to try to copy).
From the first song, an acapella gospel, “I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table”, I knew it was going to be a good night.
As it was via Zoom, we could also see the audience. Some dressed in PJs, some sharing a wine and some eating dinner! We could share comments via written notes, people able to make requests (which she honoured) and let her know the new album provided them with comfort during isolation.
Her final song ended with the words, “Are you lonely?” My answer was “no”, not lonely or alone. I’m not a quick adopter of technology, but it all worked for me.
_______________
music@ssh.com.au
