Fiona Apple Returns to NYC

A little under two years ago I joined a cult. The cult of Fiona Apple that is. I had the privilege of witnessing Fiona in one of the most intimate settings imaginable and was treated to not only a performance by her, but also a Q&A session. I detailed that experience here at the Round Table.

After I became entrenched in all that was Fiona Apple, I started to keep an eye (and ear out) for any appearances. There were rumblings that she would hit up Largo in LA (near her Venice home) on almost a weekly basis to perform with various friends/groups, but other than that not much to note. There were whispers that she was working on new music, but really, it seemed unlikely as four to six years appears to be the going wait for Fiona to re-emerge. (Currently, about 4 yrs since Extraordinary Machine was released)

She wasn't completely M.I.A. as she popped up around NYC while supporting Jonathan Ames, her (what seems like) longtime boyfriend during his book release last October. But, when it came to music, nada. Until now. This past weekend I stumbled upon footage of Fiona performing on January 24th in NYC. The person who captured the footage said that this was a "private performance for a friend." Damn it. How come my friends don't have the connections to get Fiona to perform for me?

Either way, there's no new material here, but it's still amazing to see Fi on stage tearing it up. She's still just as emotionally connected to these songs as the day she wrote them, banging away at those keys. Seriously, how is it possible that her hands don't bleed? She even performed my personal favorite "Get Gone," which just might be the most amazing F-off song ever written. If violent piano playing gets you off - be sure to check out the 1:45 minute mark in "Not About Love." For something a bit sweeter, "Paper Bag," with a bit of a new vocal arrangement.

Check the videos below and witness the brilliance that is Fiona Apple. PS, you can hear Jonathan Ames' herring call at the end of "Fast As You Can."

Get Gone:


Not About Love:


Paper Bag:


Fast As You Can: