Ezra Furman

18 July, 2024

Lovely evening with Ezra Furman at my old stomping ground, the Union Chapel.

Opening the evening was another favourite, Porridge Radio. Tonight was a stripped-back acoustic set of new material with Dana playing on her own without a band. This was how I discovered her. I love Dana with her band, but here stripped-back in a great sounding venue, Dana’s vocals were centre stage, and the reason I love her band, is the emotion she puts into her vocals. This was a fantastic way to start the evening.

With my history of shooting the Union Chapel for Daylight Music, I have a massive affinity for the Chapel. It is a very special place that allows a performer to play intimately, while also playing to a large audience. The gallery space means the performer on the stage is the focus while everyone still feels close. It helps that the stained glass windows, add an extra special ambience.

Tonight, Ezra played a stripped-back set, accompanied on some songs by Ben Joseph on piano, but for the rest of the time it was just Ezra in the spotlight in the darkened space. It felt close and personal. With the introspective nature of Ezra’s songs, this worked really well. Ezra introduce many of the songs and reflecting on the moments in her life that led her to write the songs, providing a little insight into her personal development. Mid-way through the set, she decided to read two chapters of ‘Delmore Huggs’ an amusing story about happiness. It could have felt awkward and forced, instead, it was simply brilliant. Such a lovely evening.

Set list