Stillness descends in the beautiful Union Chapel as the house lights dip and Joan Wasser aka Joan As Police Woman and her band arrive on stage. With no support, we are gathered to watch a two hour set spanning her 20+ year back catalogue.
“Welcome to night two of Real Life 20 years!”, Joan welcomes us and introduces her band guitarist Will Graefe and drummer Jeremy Gustin. Both sing backing vocals, adding harmonies to Joan’s beautiful lead vocals. The first set is a playthrough of the new album, Real Life Evolution. Considering there are just three musicians on stage, the sound feels as lush and full as the record and it’s rare to witness a London gig crowd so silent and still – testament to the power of Joan’s music.
As on the album, Joan moves between centre stage on vocals, as well synths and piano on the album tracks including Anyone and Flushed Chest. She chats a little in between songs, talking about the album enthusing about guest vocalist on the new version of I Defy, “Um, she’s not here, worst introduction ever”, she quips. Never mind, the three-piece version with Joan on piano and backing vocals by Will and Jeremy sounds stunning.
Christobel sounds particularly perfect with the Union Chapel’s acoustics, dramatic as her chous of “Why won’t you just fall in love with me” rings out. But it’s also dreamlike, with Joan lost in the swirl and shaking her head though the instrumental.
The short hand between accomplished musicians is fascinating to watch, and occasionally Joan sits perched on her piano stool, watching Will and Jeremy’s animated playing. She also gives them a shout at a couple of times during the gig, and talks about how they wrote new versions of the Real Life songs on the road together.
The Ride is a softer, gentler song before Joan does an amusing impression of Iggy Pop (who also isn’t there) before a rousing version of Save Me. “I never thought I would live past a certain age, because I was such an asshole, but living is really fun, especially when you get to watch your country turn blue”, Joan tells us to huge applause, as the album play through draws to a close.
She also tells us that people told her she was too old at 36 when Real Life was first released. This album and tour is a huge two fingers up to that stupid notion. Joan sings closer Real Life alone under a spotlight, it’s beautiful and haunting and the crowd is silent once more.
The second half set is filled with songs from throughout her career including Valid Jagger and Geometry of You from an album she collaborated on with Afrobeat legend Tony Allen and Dave Okumu of The Invisible. Long For Ruin is filled with 70s guitar solos and jazz drumming, as Joan plays keys and her band sing gorgeous harmonies on the chorus. Joan picks up the guitar for the bluesy and defiant Flash, showcasing her range as an artist with the ability to be both fierce and vulnerable in one song.
Joan As Police Woman is captivating performer, and a highly collaborative one too, taking time thank her crew including Phil the promoter, Izzy on lights, Cat mixing the sound and Tim Rose of Reveal Records who saw Joan open for Rufus Wainwright many years ago. The soulful groove of fan favourite Tell Me sound perfect, and Joan ends solo at her piano with the beautiful and melancholy To Be Lonely. Few things are more satisfying as a music lover than watching an incredible artist at the top of their game. Joan As Police Woman is one such artist. It’s a pleasure to get to spend a couple of hours in her presence.