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January 24th 2008 00:01
Cat Power
Cat Power A.K.A Charlyn “Chan” Marshall
Experimental singer musician Charlyn “Chan” Marshall better known as Cat Power is a unique voice. Notoriously raw on stage, her improvised style, accompanied by a minimalist guitar and piano backing has make her a muso’s muso.
Cat Power free will
Gifted with an ethereal vocal talent Cat Power said in an interview last year that the main reason for her concerts was an excuse for recreational drug and alcohol consumption with friends. This may be true, but obviously it adds to the spontaneity of her riveting musical skill, though her early concerts highlighted he erratic personality.
A young Cat on guitar
Born in 1972 to a Blues musician father, her parents divorced when she was young and much of her childhood was spent travelling between them. Dropping out of school she first got into music for the social benefits, parties and a good time.
Her undeniable creativity shone through though and soon she was performing her first live shows in Atlanta, Georgia despite suffering chronic stage fright that plagues her till this day.
Cat Power on Stage
Moving to New York in 1992 with fellow musician and stable influence Glen Thrasher she soon embraced the cities jazz scene and after seeing Anthony Braxton perform was inspired to embrace her artistic nature.
Cat goes public
Opening for Liz Phair two years later, this led to her first two solo album 1995’s Dear Sir and Myra Lee which were recorded in a day. “What would the Community Think” came next and also spawned her first video for the single “Nude as the News”.
Refusing to conform, Cat Power played against traditional melody structure and though meeting limited success she decided to retire. A vivid dream a little later inspired her to write several new songs and she eventually returned to the industry and recorded the CD Moon Pix.
This is the release that garnered praise from critics and audiences alike and guaranteed her career. Though it would not be till 2003 that she returned to the studio in the interim she continued to appear in public venues.
Cat and her trusted instrument
You Are Free which had contributions from Dave Grohl and Eddie Veder took her to the next level amongst piers, though still mainstream notice was not a primary objective.
Over the years she has collaborated with Aussies The Dirty Three and toured with Nick Cave. In 2006 “The Greatest” arrived with further music legends like Al Green regular guitarist Tweenie Hodges doing backing instrumentals.
Cat does Chanel
A planned international tour was cut short though when Cat had a self proclaimed “Psychotic Break” that landed her in hospital. Now recovered along with writing and touring she is the face of Chanel jewellery and even made her big screen debut as Jude Law’s girlfriend in Won Kar Wai’s My Blueberry Nights.
With her new band The Dirty Delta Blues band she has recorded a number of covers for the songs that influenced her, titled “Jukebox” it is due for release in 2008.
Here is a revealing interview Cat power did with the new York Times last year. talking about her struggles with addiction.
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Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I left about 30 mins into it. She was so deathly boring. She didn't speak, she didn't look at anyone. She ran her songs together so you could barely even tell what song she was playing. I was so pissed off, I haven't bought anything of hers for the last couple years.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Some friends of mine went her gig a few yrs ago and she was so hammered and scared that she didn't play the whole time, she had to leave. While I feel for her having such intense fears, it's rough for the audience as well as disappointing.