PATTI SMITH AT THE MINETTA LANE Words and Music

Poet, author, and singer-songwriter Patti Smith is a natural onstage in this self-described "hyper-living theater" performance--equal parts storytelling and music. Compiled from three nights of shows at the Minetta Lane in downtown New York City, the production includes musical backup by her son, Jackson; daughter, Jesse; and collaborator, Tony Shanahan. Smith reads excerpts from her memoirs, JUST KIDS and M TRAIN, in her signature deadpan tone, interspersed with folksy comic banter and personal stories from her life as a cutting-edge urban punk artist. The emotionality deepens when narrative segues into song and the poetry of lyrics. The combination of intimate setting and musings by a first-rate performance artist makes for a compelling listen. J.E.S. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2019]