Vashti Bunyan at the Satellite Ballroom 2/4/2007

Originally, I wasn't going to make the trek up to Charlottesville to see Vashti Bunyan, but a friend in need reminded me that Ms. Bunyan might not be back again for a while so we made the drive up to Charlottesville from Richmond.The opener was Meredith Bragg - a songwriter from Central Virginia. Most of his set was just okay, but he did end with a very nice song in 3/4 time. I'm a sucker for waltz time anyway, but it was a really nice piece.Neither my friend nor I was certain who'd be next on the bill. The show was billed as Vashti Bunyan/Vetiver. However, as the various musicians took the stage, they didn't appear to be members of Vetiver. It turned out to be Vashti Bunyan's band and she played the next set.Now, the Satellite ballroom had thoughfully put several rows of chairs in front of the stage. My friend and I decided to stand, but we were no more than 20 feet from the stage. Vashti came out, taking a seat amidst five musicians who seemed young enough to be her children, and flashed that smile. If you ever see Vashti Bunyan live, the first thing you encounter is the widest and warmest smile imaginable. Between every song, she smiles back at the applause and at her band with a genuine warmth and gratitude that is hard to describe. I can only imagine what it must be like to face that smile night after night, but I will say that her backing musicians seems equally joyful at back Ms. Bunyan. Her warmth quieted the crowd as well- the audience was quiet enough for most songs that the only ambient sound was the fan from the HVAC system.Smiles and warmth aside, Vashti Bunyan's voice is as warm and clear live as it is on record. Many singers' voices are an amalgam of studio effects and production. Even on the modest PA system at Satellite Ballroom, her voice was expressive and flawless. Vashti sang though a mix of songs from Lookaftering and Another Diamond Day, breathing heat and life into each one. Her band was quite good as well, including two members from Scotland as well as three stateside musicians.I was truly gobsmacked for the entire set. I probably had a lump in my throat for half the songs and an irrepressable grin for the other half. It's a shame that so few folks will see her for the week that she's in the US this month, but if you get a chance, by all means see her.