Holly Penfield
Fragile Human Monster
Live at Zédel at Crazy Coqs, London, UK, March 23, 2018
Reviewed by Helen Theophanous for Cabaret Scenes
Two sold-out shows at Live at Zedel and an audience pleading for more speaks volumes. Holly Penfield dazzled, performing a collection of amazing originals, and held the audience in thrall with her unique style and arresting costumes.
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Inspiration came from fascinating sources, such as the book written by a World War II pilot who suffered severe burns, which prompted “The Last Enemy,” in which Penfield explores the fragility of the enemy within. An autobiographical rock ballad sung with defiant conviction, “Misfit,” brought the house down as she declared, “I still feel like a misfit and am proud of it.”
Penfield immediately draws us into her world with anecdotes, including a conversation shared with Bernie Taupin and Joni Mitchell on a train journey, which led to the beautiful “True Confessions.” Penfield is a superb songwriter and, as a performer, she has a rare gift of engaging her audience completely. Her voice has the warmth and strength of Judy Garland, and the same vulnerable quality, but she can also do rock with the best of them.
Through the rollicking razzamataz and the amazing hats (one with an owl atop a bowler) shines a very talented songwriter. Penfield has the additional advantage of being a consummate performer and entertainer. She has been described by Simon Cowell of The X Factor as “Bowie meets Minnelli,” which encapsulates perfectly that mix of songwriting and performance talent.
Song after song from her back catalog seemed to be the highlights of the show, but continued to be surpassed. Opening with smoky vocals on “Don’t Give Up” with her solo on the keyboard, followed by “Little Man,” written when she was twelve, the tension continued to build with “Tree Woman,” on which she was joined by the trio as she strummed the ukulele, treating us to a strong rock vibe. “Temptation” followed in the same vein, as did “Do What You Want.
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” “Souvenirs” contrasted with a bossa nova beat, and the ballad “In Your Arms” seemed to reveal Penfield’s true rock-chic persona, as did “Fragile Human Monster.” For me “Tom Waits” was a particular winner as she strutted “I just want to be Tom Waits.” But they are all amazing songs, including “Love Dance,” the minor-keyed ballad “Stay with Me,” and the fabulous “Shake That Skeleton” performed as Penfield revealed her skeleton body suit. All had this iconic cabaret room enraptured.
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Penfield finished with an encore aptly entitled “Sea of Love,” followed by “Don’t Bang on the Piano.”
On ukulele or keyboards with lead guitarist Ian Salmon, bass guitarist Dave Ferguson, and drummer Joseph Barboza, Holly Penfield rocked London and we loved her for it.
We loved Holly Penfield and her truth and honesty and fun and quirky style, and her fabulous voice. But her songwriting talent may have almost upstaged her.
Future Shows: Fragile Human Monster at Feinstein’s at The Nikko in San Francisco May 4 & 5 at 8 pm.
