Drifting and Tilting at the Barbican

So there it was, the long awaited, latest offering from the illusive Scott Walker. Although not performing, he was present, and the whole concept was essentially his brainchild: an evening of music and dance, which saw a number of excellent singers perform some of his most recent, and to be honest, less accessible works.

If you were hoping for renditions of the iconic ballads of the late Sixties that influenced a generation of musicians, you would have been disappointed. This performance was a combination of songs from the albums Tilt (1995) and The Drift (2006). Both complex, dark, almost harrowing works – and the evening followed that path.

The full orchestra and Scott’s band provided the music, and a host of guest vocalists gave their take on his songs. It was as much a visual as a musical spectacle. The Barbican theatre was in almost complete darkness and the stage stark and black. The songs were ‘acted out’ by dancers and some of the performers themselves, who included Jarvis Cocker, Damon Albarn, Gavin Friday, Michael Henry and Nigel Richards.

Jarvis Cocker opened, performing Cossacks Are from the Drift whilst reading a newspaper. Dot Allison sang Buzzers on an Island beneath a tree made of coat hangers, her beautiful vocals contrasting with the lyrics of the song. The atmosphere was so tense it bordered on comical.

Probably, the most shocking part of the performance was the rendition of Clara from The Drift. Owen Gilhooly gave an amazing performance, especially considering he sang the whole song lying on his back, below a noose. The percussion was provided by a boxer hitting a real pig carcass that was strung up from the ceiling, surely not an easy thing to watch in anyone’s book?

The evening came to a close with some relatively light relief. Damon Albarn, once famous for his cheeky Brit pop persona, performed Farmer in the City. Dressed as a farmer, complete with Wellington boots, he was flanked by two men in huge masks with grass hair acting out the ‘Do I hear 21’ auction. Although the least operatic, Albarn’s performance was a real highlight and his voice seemed to suit the song perfectly.

The performers took to the stage two or three times to rapturous applause; but as they gave a final bow there was a definite anticipation that the man himself may appear. We waited with baited breath, but he remained illusive. His talent behind the evening was clear for all to see though, and this musically brilliant assault on the senses will be difficult to forget.

Drifting and Tilting – The Songs of Scott Walker – last show Saturday 15 November
Barbican Centre
Silk Street
London EC2Y 8DS

Box Office: 020 7638 8891

Image courtesy of The Barbican