Aside from suffering Big Apple anxiety, Juliana Hatfield managed to pull it together for us at Bowery Ballroom Friday night, boasting a return to the music scene and a new book to come in a few weeks. During sound check I had the pleasure of asking Ms. Hatfield a few questions about her newfound author status glory. “Its more of an intellectual release than anything,” she explained, “I’d definitely like to write another novel in the future.” The book, “When I Grow Up: A Memoir” isn’t about getting older, but taking a break from music.
By the sound of the new album, When I Walk Away (Ye Olde Records) - Hafield’s first release on her own label - the hiatus did her justice. “If I don’t mention the new album, my record company will be mad at me,” Hatfield joked and waited for a response from the audience. “Nobody got that joke the other night either,” she laughed, “I’m the record company!” At that moment she took it upon herself to delve into some new material.
Her voice polished and matured from the cooing little girl we first met about 20 years ago as a former Lemonhead and member of the Blake Babies, Ms. Hatfield did more than razzle-dazzle the die-hards that night. “I don’t know why I always get so nervous in New York,” she said after a few songs, “Its because I have a crush on you.” As more pink rose petals were thrown at her feet, the crowd cheered, “We love you Juliana” (more than once) as several esteemed fans waved advanced rush copies of her book in the air. More rose petals soared upon an Obama shout-out – Hatfield sported a campaign sticker on her guitar and bragged about her drummer who had served as a volunteer.
A perfect blend of old and new, mixed up with a few covers like “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival - the show was a trip to the 90s and back. When the set concluded, Hatfield returned alone sans backup for a few soft solo tracks (“My Sister” included) from the good ole days. The band returned for a big finish with their own rendition of Justin Timberlake’s “What Goes Around”. Having watched the experiment begin to take flight during sound check, I was impressed that she had managed to learn all the words so quickly (with a mean falsetto, too).
As I made my exit I bumped into Hayden, the solo folk rock artist from Toronto who scored the opening slot for Hatfield. Enamored by his devout following, he informed me that he’d been playing in New York for the past 12 years. No kidding, eh? The overall turnout was high (in both numbers and age) but the high lofty ceilings and balcony made the experience cozy and tranquil, without that feeling of being packed like a sardine.
It was obvious that much of her following had trailed her like the Grateful Dead for some time, no doubt through all Ms. Hatfield’s ups and downs, like her struggles with depression and anorexia. Skin tight jeans and high heeled motorcycle ankle boots accentuated her still thin-as-a-rail figure, but one thing’s for sure – Hatfield is a lot less lonely and a little more grown up.
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