Tuesday, May 25, 2010

TONIGHT IN MANCHESTER: Nina Nastasia

Nina Nastasia has been making albums of sparse, unsettling beauty since "Dogs" released in 2000. All have been recorded with Steve Albini who described that debut as "a record so simultaneously unassuming and grandiose that I can't really describe it, except in terms that would make it (and me) sound silly. Of the couple thousand records I've been involved with, this is one of my favourites, and one that I'm proud to be associated with."

Across the five albums to date and associated tours, Nastasia has also been collaborating and experimenting along the way. In 2004 she toured (and recorded a Peel session) with a backing band that included members of Tuvan throat singing group Huun-Huur-Tu. In 2007 she released a joint album with Dirty Three drummer Jim White. And sixth album "Outlaster" (due 7 June on Fat Cat) features orchestral arrangements by Paul Bryan for woodwind and string quartets. You can stream selected tracks via Fat Cat with extra tracks being added in the run-up to 7 June or pre-order the album direct.




In advance of that release, Nastasia is touring the UK in a series of concerts billed as "intimate performances" and tonight she plays St Margarets Church in Whalley Range. It is unclear whether this is solo or with a backing band but in either case it should be nothing less than spell-binding. Advance tickets are just £10.

After tonight remaining tour dates are:
26 May Cluny 2, Newcastle
27 May Nice and Sleazy’s, Glasgow
28 May The Folk House, Bristol
29 May Betsey Trotwood, London (sold out)
30 May Talking Heads, Southampton
31 May The Freebutt, Brighton

THIS IS WHAT IT IS
Nina Nastasia
The Blackened Air [BUY]

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