I'd never seen Ani live before - having only discovered her through friends at camp in the States in 1997 this was
my first opportunity to see her live in Europe. Obviously I knew she was a great performer, yet I could never have
imagined how incredible an experience it would be.
As the stage lights went down and the screams began the first jarring chords of Both Hands came out through
the darkness accompanied soon after by her smiling voice, and it had begun.
Now with her band behind her she launched into Untouchable Face, a glorious version that had developed a
joyful edge to it. One thing that impressed me throughout was how much they'd worked on the songs and added or
possibly improvised. Often it would be a couple of minutes before the sounds burst into a familiar tune and
lifted you even higher. There was so much to listen to in the music - not just predictable reproductions of
studio tracks. And I was amazed at how her expressiveness made it seem that she was singing the words for the
first time, rather than repeating them for the tenth night in a row. (I'm probably stating the obvious to most
visitors of this website).
Fuel ended with beautiful harmonies as every member of the band leant their voice to the final refrain.
Another wonderful moment was Julie and Ani on their own sharing the mike for Angry Anymore.
Always modest, Ani chatted with the crowd apologising for her lack of French or Flemish, and suggesting that her
Belgian audience probably spoke better English than her. She only spoke with the crowd a couple of times, but
seemed to be full of happiness and energy.
I was amazed at how her expressiveness made it seem that she was singing the words for the first time, rather
than repeating them for the tenth night in a row.
They finished with Joyful Girl, Ani having introduced us to a friend by the name of Reg, although I'm
afraid I'm not sure who he was. He seemed to be having fun though and fitted in fine.
I was too awestruck to applaud, or even move, after any of the songs. Instead I just stared incredulously with a
stupid grin on my face, warm feelings rushing over me. I was too happy at the end to care that she hadn't played
In or Out or Fire Door.
My friend Louise tells me that she is always that good. I just hope that it doesn't take her another two years
to get back to Europe.
Ben Wallis,
Brussels