Tim Minchin has an album coming out tomorrow (Fri 20th November). It's not a comedy album but consists of new songs he has written recently and over the years. To launch it, given the world is gripped by a pandemic which pretty much has wiped out live performances, he has put together a concert which is being streamed in a user-friendly timeslot of 7pm in each timezone.
The studio where it is being filmed resembles an arty Later with Jools Holland set with subdued lighting and rugs on the floor. Tim is in the centre, bare-footed as usual, with his grand piano, upright 'Airport' piano and electric keyboards. In sections around him, observing social distancing, are his brass section, percussionists, strings and his band, who perform backing vocals as required. There is also a small audience in attendance too.
Tim has prepared his thoughts and written them down in a notebook so he can say everything he wants to say about each song. This chat is as lyrical and composed as his songs and displays his customary wit and self-deprecation.
The sound quality is amazing, the camera work inspired and the performances all excellent. Tim has obviously put a lot of thought into how this launch should be presented.
For eighty minutes, I was mesmerised, ignoring the gurgles coming from the washing machine in the kitchen, turning up the sound when the appliance went into a fast spin. Surprisingly, it took my wife a full sixty-five minutes to say "Do you not think it's a bit loud? I think you should turn it down."
Tim described how the final number 'Carry You' takes on greater meaning each time he plays it as various significant life events have taken place. My ageing dog, who has been unwell, decided this was the time she wanted my attention so I lifted her up, not for the first time recently it has to be said, and held her in my arms in the chair. She didn't struggle to get down for once, content to be with me.
The concert ended with a fitting fade to black.
It wasn't the same as being there but it was the very best of what it could be and was well worth £10 of my money.
SETLIST
The Absence of You
Leaving LA
Summer Romance
Airport Piano
Apart Together
I Can't Save You
Beautiful Head (with special guest Ben Folds, one of Tim's four musical heroes, the others being Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Freddie Mercury - Paul was unavailable)
I'll Take Lonely Tonight
If This Plane Goes Down
Talked Too Much, Stayed Too Long
Carry You (theme from his tv series Upright).
