Overview
Released in December 2011, Live at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony captures Brandi Carlile’s powerful performance alongside the renowned Seattle Symphony. The album blends her folk-rock roots with orchestral grandeur, reimagining her catalog with lush arrangements that amplify the emotional weight of her songwriting.
Recorded over two nights at Seattle’s historic Benaroya Hall, this live album showcases Carlile’s signature storytelling and raw vocal delivery, enhanced by the depth and texture of a full symphonic backing. The setlist spans her career, featuring fan favorites and deep cuts, along with a stunning cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” that demonstrates her range and fearless approach to performance.
This album is not just a live recording but a transformative experience, presenting familiar songs in an entirely new light. The collaboration between Carlile and the Seattle Symphony elevates her music, adding cinematic scope to already emotionally rich compositions. The result is an intimate yet grand performance that underscores why Carlile is one of the most compelling singer-songwriters of her generation.
Critical Reception
Live at Benaroya Hall received widespread acclaim for its ambitious arrangements and Carlile’s commanding vocal performance. Critics praised the seamless integration of symphonic elements, which complemented rather than overpowered the heart of each song. The album was lauded for capturing the electricity of Carlile’s live shows while introducing a new dimension to her music.
Publications like Rolling Stone and Paste Magazine highlighted Carlile’s ability to translate raw emotion into a grand orchestral setting. The stripped-down intimacy of songs like “The Story” resonated even more deeply, while the symphony added new layers of intensity to tracks like “Raise Hell” and “Before It Breaks.”
Fans and critics alike noted that Carlile’s deep connection to her music and audience shines through in this performance. The album has since been regarded as a high point in her career, cementing her reputation as a versatile and fearless live performer.
Standout Tracks
- Before It Breaks – A hauntingly introspective ballad that gains new life with orchestral backing.
- Raise Hell – A fiery anthem elevated by the symphony’s dramatic swells.
- The Story – Carlile’s breakout hit, given even more emotional weight through lush string arrangements.
- Party of One – A slow-burning song that builds into a breathtaking orchestral climax.
- Bohemian Rhapsody – An ambitious cover that pays tribute to Queen’s masterpiece while showcasing Carlile’s vocal prowess.
- Hallelujah – A stirring rendition of Leonard Cohen’s classic, closing the album on a transcendent note.
Overall Impact
Few live albums manage to recontextualize an artist’s work as successfully as Live at Benaroya Hall. The collaboration between Brandi Carlile and the Seattle Symphony not only enriches her music but also highlights her ability to transcend genres. The album serves as a testament to her evolving artistry and willingness to take creative risks.
This record has since become a standout in Carlile’s discography, showcasing a unique moment in her career where folk, rock, and classical music converged seamlessly. It stands alongside other legendary live recordings as a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.
About the Artist
Brandi Carlile is an American singer-songwriter known for her emotive voice, deeply personal songwriting, and genre-defying style. Emerging in the mid-2000s, Carlile has built a career on authenticity, powerful storytelling, and an ability to blend folk, rock, and country influences. Her breakthrough album, The Story (2007), established her as a force in modern Americana, and her later works, including By the Way, I Forgive You (2018) and In These Silent Days (2021), have earned her critical and commercial success.
Beyond her music, Carlile is a dedicated activist, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and music education. Her work, both on and off the stage, has made her one of the most respected artists of her generation.
Similar Albums
- Chris Stapleton – From A Room: Volume 1 – A raw, soulful blend of country and rock with emotionally charged performances.
- Norah Jones – Live in New Orleans – A live set that showcases Norah Jones’ signature blend of jazz, folk, and blues.
- Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now – A reinvention of Joni Mitchell’s classics with full orchestral arrangements.
- Adele – Live at the Royal Albert Hall – A live album that captures Adele’s powerhouse vocals and emotional storytelling.
- Alison Krauss & Union Station – Live – A stunning live recording blending bluegrass, folk, and country with flawless musicianship.
Vinyl Specs
Artist: Brandi Carlile
Label: Low Country Sound / Elektra Records
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Release Year: 2021
Country: USA
Tracklist
Side A:
- Overture
- Before It Breaks
- Raise Hell
- Shadow on the Wall
- Have You Ever
Side B:
- Hard Way Home
- The Story
- Broken Horses
- The Mother
Side C:
- Right on Time
- Party of One
- Every Time I Hear That Song
Side D:
- Mainstream Kid
- Bohemian Rhapsody
- Stay Gentle
- Hallelujah
Credits
Vocals, Guitar: Brandi Carlile
Guitar, Vocals: Tim Hanseroth
Bass, Vocals: Phil Hanseroth
Drums, Percussion: Chris Powell
Piano, Keyboards: Shooter Jennings
Orchestration: Seattle Symphony
Producer: Brandi Carlile & Shooter Jennings
Label: Low Country Sound / Elektra Records
Final Thoughts
Live at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony showcases Brandi Carlile’s dynamic vocal range and emotional depth, elevated by the grandeur of a full symphony orchestra. The album blends raw storytelling with orchestral arrangements, creating a powerful live experience that highlights Carlile’s artistry and musicianship.
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