Asaf Avidan @ John Dee

Asaf Avidan had his first show in Oslo at John Dee on May 3rd.

Foto: Sadan Ekdemir

Asaf Avidan is a skinny and tall Israeli singer-songwriter  With lowlights on stage, he appeared on his carpet and his acoustic guitar, and opens the night with No Stone Unturned. His unique timid voice started to captivate the small venue immediately. Without a break, he played three more songs, including Gold Shadow and To Love Another.

After the song Holding on to yesterday (even the song titles show his depth in his lyrics, by the way), he finally took a break from the songs and greeted the audience. Shortly after he mentioned that he’s been sick throughout his tour. He is coughing constantly, but somehow he manages to sing all the songs.

Personal details

As a personal story, he talked about his reflections on the movie ‘Call me by your name’; how he remembered his youth and first time he fell in love with someone, how  hisheart has grown and he gave that big piece to the woman that he loved back then, who then tore it into pieces and gave it back to him. Moving on with personal details, he was honest enough to admit that he had been in a polygamous relationship for some years, where his big heart was broken into even more pieces and all he had left was just pink powder.  With the words «Though, still, i believe in love and love is a miracle» he finished his intermission, and moved on to show with My Old Pain.

His voice is very special, it’s high-pitched, it’s touching and poignant. His music can be a bit demanding and may not be for everyone. His «naked» voice somehow puts out the meaning of his deep lyrics as well. I believe anyone with a heart or past memories would find something to resonate with. During  he study on falling, the song which also gives the name to his tour and last album title, he also used the looper to create sample tracks and play different instruments than just the guitar.

Relaxed and comfortable

As the concert went on, he was seemingly more relaxed and comfortable. He kept on talking about his way of seeing life and world, with all the bitterness he got from his past life experiences. Coming back to the show, he also played songs from his side project, Asaf Avidan & the Mojos, including Over you blues and Her lies.

In the encore, he asked for request songs, and played his deep and depressing masterpiece, The labyrinth song.

It was a remarkable show this Thursday night at John Dee. I would like to personally thank him for being so open with his heart to his audience, remaining honest, deep and wise. Furthermore, I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for cozy and melancholic evening music.

Asaf Avidan @ John Dee: 9 / 10

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