Cat Power Channels Bob Dylan at Carnegie Hall on Valentine’s Day

Cat Power – Carnegie Hall – February 14, 2024

The art of a cover is arguably a stamp of one’s personal perspective on a song, transcending it from its original version. Chan Marshall, best known by her stage name, Cat Power, has made an art of reenvisioning classics and contemporary songs into her own husky timbre. She’s released not one but three covers albums, 2000’s The Covers Record, 2008’s Jukebox, and 2022’s Covers. Late last fall she added to her canon of covers when she tackled Bob Dylan’s 1966 concert at the Royal Albert Hall, which was actually recorded at the Manchester Free Trade Hall but the bootleg recording was mislabeled. Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert is Marshall’s first ever live-album release and fittingly she supported the record bringing it to a sold-out Carnegie Hall on Valentine’s night.

As a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist crossed the hallowed stage of Carnegie Hall, Marshall joined the pair in an all-black pantsuit and Louboutin stilettos. Following faithfully to Dylan’s 1966 concert, the first half of the set was performed acoustic and switched halfway to electric, which famously had folk purists up in arms. There was a sweet hint of nervousness as Marshall sang the first lyrics of “She Belongs to Me,” but it was a far cry from her past demons with stage fright. Fans basked in the smoky delivery as the stage was dimly lit and floor lights illuminated on “Visions of Johanna,” casting long shadows over the singer. Marshall looked at ease, remarking that it felt like a dinner party with recognizable friends in the audience. The acoustic set highlighted her talent of making a song her own, imbuing vulnerability and notes that had the audience enraptured to a point where you could hear a pin drop.

When a full band joined for the electric half of the set, the rollicking turn brought back memories of the tour in support of 2006’s The Greatest when the Memphis Rhythm Band accompanied her. The singer-songwriter broke loose belting out “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” to cheers all the way from the rafters. Admitting to not enjoying being spotlit, she turned her thanks to all those in the hall who have supported her throughout the years. With the closing song, “Like a Rolling Stone,” everyone in the enamored crowd was up on their feet before being catapulted out into the New York City night. —Sharlene Chiu | @Shar0ck