Stephen Sanchez in Oakland: Theatrical storytelling by a real troubadour

When the lights dimmed in Fox Theater, fog creeped onto the stage as singer-songwriter Stephen Sanchez took the highlight. In the course of the Oakland live performance on Saturday, Sanchez immersed the viewers in a fascinating musical narrative.

Sanchez was concurrently the narrator of the love story and important character of his live performance; along with his sultry voice and emotive expressions, he was extremely current all through. 

The setlist informed a narrative of two star-crossed lovers — Evangeline, the daughter of a mob boss and the topic of the eponymous track “Evangeline,” and a troubadour. The evolution of their enamors had been captured by the wistful “One thing About Her,” the tender “I Want You Most of All” and the energetic “Excessive” and “Solely Woman.” 

Tragically, the lovers had been stored aside by their social standings after which in the end by demise, ending within the track “Loss of life of the Troubadour.”

Sanchez’s efficiency was as a lot a live performance as a theatrical showcase, solidified by the nontraditional live performance venue and parts of set and lighting design. Throughout “Solely Woman,” lights from reverse ends of the stage flashed in alternation to light up one facet of Sanchez’s face at a time, creating a surprising sight. For extra somber numbers like “Ship My Coronary heart With a Kiss,” the stage was bathed in lights of sentimental pastels as Sanchez seemed out into the viewers, face stuffed with feeling.

Sanchez’s uncooked shows of emotion by means of his singing, notably evident in ballads “One thing About Her” and his most well-known “Till I Discovered You,” had been notably spectacular. He captivated the viewers along with his use of dynamics. He had a unprecedented capacity to change between soft-singing within the intros and outros and hovering excessive notes in passionate moments. 

In additional energetic numbers, the ground shook because the viewers stomped their toes. Many’s pleasure appeared to have begun lengthy earlier than the live performance. Some had been wearing Fifties trend to match Sanchez’s costume type, which was paying homage to Elvis’ period and Fifties “Greasers.” Hair slicked again, Sanchez pranced throughout the stage in a cultured black blazer layered over a white shirt.

Having celebrated his birthday the day earlier than, Sanchez had his household on the venue to help him. He launched them as the primary viewers for his music, discovering them by means of his request or by chance. He then referred to as his listeners his relations. Sanchez confirmed take care of his followers all through the live performance, even stopping considered one of his numbers to get an viewers member some water.

Very similar to the troubadour captured the center of Evangeline, Sanchez had his viewers captivated. He crafted a story wherein the fictional love story intertwined along with his actual life, and the viewers adopted alongside his journey passionately.

Editor’s Be aware: This text is a evaluate and contains subjective ideas, opinions and critiques.