Agnes Obel performed a stunning set at World Cafe Live
Danish singer-songwriter and pianist Agnes Obel played a mesmerizing set at World Cafe Live on Tuesday night. Returning to the US for part of her global tour in support of her sophomore LP, Aventine (2013), Obel primarily performed songs from that record, as well as a few selections from her debut release Philharmonics (2010).
Accompanied by Anne Müller on cello and Mika Posen on violin, Obel gave a chilling performance of the dynamic, ethereal soundscapes she has created. All of the songs were written, recorded, produced, and arranged by Obel. Elements of her classical piano training beautifully shine through the complex musical layers Obel has composed. The balance between Obel, Müller, and Posen was great. At times, the trio provided a soundscape so lush that they sounded like an orchestra.
The audience gave a standing ovation at the end of the show, and after a brief break, Obel walked back onstage and took a couple song requests from the audience. The first song requested was “Over the Hill” off of Philharmonics. Admitting to not playing this song in a long time, Obel still performed it wonderfully. Obel closed out the evening performing “Pass Them By” off of Aventine. American chamber-pop trio Gem Club opened the show playing a collection of songs off their 2014 LP In Roses. Check out a photo recap of the show below.