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Customer Reviews for Bettye LaVette

Bettye LaVette

Read Bettye LaVette concert reviews and post your own reviews and ratings.

Average rating:

4.6

(29 Reviews) 29

Rating Snapshot (29 reviews)

5 stars

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27 of 29(93%)customers would recommend this to a friend.

Bettye LaVette Fan Reviews - Ticketmaster

Review 1 for Bettye LaVette

4 / 5

Remarkable artists

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Favorite moment: The Blind Boys singing the Tom Waits song "Way Down in the Hole"-fabulous. @

Posted 05/19/2013

by DBBrooklyn

Location:Brooklyn NY

Two remarkable acts in one evening. Both were terrific. You don't want to miss them if either are near you.
One slight problem with the evening: apparently, the Blind Boys have signed with Sony for their new album. There seem to have been a number of people from Sony in the audience supporting them, which is great. What was not so great is that most of them seem to have left after the Blind Boys performed, leaving dozens of good, empty seats for Ms LaVette. That seems pretty rude-she may not be on your label, but she deserves respect. Shame on you all.

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Favorite moment: The Blind Boys singing the Tom Waits song "Way Down in the Hole"-fabulous. @

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Review 2 for Bettye LaVette

4 / 5

Bettye LaVette fabulous, Blind Boys foot stomping

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Favorite moment: The Beatles' blackbird never seemed so personal and emotional. @

Opening act(s): Blind Boys of Alabama are always endearing, fiery, friendly and soulful. They get your blood pumping while your feet stomp and your hands clap. What a great time! @

Posted 05/19/2013

by Gwidge

Location:Westchester, New York

Bettye LaVette is an amazing stylish singer who breaks your heart with every cover song she does. Blackbird was a tour de force of adopting a song and making it completely personal not only to herself but to every person in the audience. Her voice cries out for love, acceptance and compassion. I loved every heart-rending rendition, every self-deprecating joke mixed with dignity and humility. I'd see her again!!!

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Favorite moment: The Beatles' blackbird never seemed so personal and emotional. @

Opening act(s): Blind Boys of Alabama are always endearing, fiery, friendly and soulful. They get your blood pumping while your feet stomp and your hands clap. What a great time! @

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Review 3 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

Who were those people that left? Must be crazy!

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Favorite moment: Bettye announced she had just wrapped up the "50 year who the h*** is she?" tour. @

Posted 05/19/2013

by incident51

Location:NYC - my wife and I

What a great show. Blind Boys always wonderful. Bettye... Wow. Her ability to take a song we all know, turn it inside out and expose it in a new way never ceases to amaze me.

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Favorite moment: Bettye announced she had just wrapped up the "50 year who the h*** is she?" tour. @

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Review 4 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

Bettye is an overnight sensation after 50 years

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Favorite moment: "Blackbird"Blind Boys @

Posted 05/19/2013

by jerBiker

Location:NYC

The Blind Boys continue to be a joyous treat. Bettye was spectacular. She leaves nothing for later, it is all on the stage when she is done. My guest ( a music producer) said it right "Bettye is what Billie Holiday might have been like ahd she found peace and acceptance in her life". Her version of "blackbird" is transcendant, and although not on any of her CD"s must be experienced. A most exceptional performance.

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Favorite moment: "Blackbird"Blind Boys @

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Review 5 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Favorite moment: LAST SOMG @

Posted 05/19/2013

by bramma

BETTY LAVETTE IS AN AMAZING TALENT WHO GIVES HER ALL IN EVERY SHOW WE HAVE SEEN. HER INTERPRETATION OF SONGS IS TRULY AWE INSPIRING.

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Favorite moment: LAST SOMG @

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Review 6 for Bettye LaVette

2 / 5

Only fair

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

Posted 05/19/2013

by Geoffdi

Location:New York

We were so excited to go to this concert but it didn't live up to expectations. The Blind Boys of Alabama are way past their glory days & Bettye LaVette only played to the front rows ignoring the rest of the audience . The sound was awful , don't know why the sound guy was set up on the side of the stage ?? It probably sounded good to him from that position. Couldn't understand any of the words when the performers were speaking so a lot was lost to us.

Town Hall @

- New York @

, NY @

- Fri, May 17, 2013 @

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Review 7 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

Bettye Lavette Hit a Home Run

Jo Long Theatre @

- San Antonio @

, TX @

- Fri, Nov 30, 2012 @

Posted 12/02/2012

by R6150

Location:San Antonio, TX

Bettye Lavette delivered a powerful performance. I had never heard of her, but thought it might be a good concert. Well, I was glad I decided to attend. Other audience members were more familiar with her work, and showed their approval by their applause and audibles when she introduced each song. As I was departing the concert after the show, I hear one young man say that this was the third time he had heard her perform, and couldn't wait to see her again.

Jo Long Theatre @

- San Antonio @

, TX @

- Fri, Nov 30, 2012 @

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Review 8 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

Genius of Soul

Jo Long Theatre @

- San Antonio @

, TX @

- Fri, Nov 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Sang "Choices" made popular by country's signature vocalist, George Jones, and made it her own soulful penitent plea. @

Posted 12/02/2012

by Beegowl

Location:San Antonio, TX

I know Ray Charles retains the title of Genius of Soul but Bettye Lavette is soul's reigning practitioner. Miss Lavette suffered from an unspecified illness the night of her concert at the Jo Long Theater but it didn't seem to slow her down. Every song was given the full treatment and it was a treat for listeners. Her sparse four man quartet - drum, bass, guitar, keyboards - laid down a soulful sound that Miss Lavette's vocals wrapped up like a Christmas package. She sang compositions ranging from hard core country to folk to soul and put every ounce of her slender frame into the interpretation that made them all her own. Her show is a dramatic interpretation of each song and it was a pleasure to hear and see.

The Jo Long Theater needs some work on their sound system. The left bank of speakers were driven to clipping throughout the concert which distracted slightly, but didn't deter the band although they kept after the sound man to make adjustments. The theater got awfully warm and I'm one that despises the refrigerated rooms that make a show so uncomfortable because it's so cold, but a little air conditioning would have been welcome during this performance. However, the theater is small and makes for a great concert experience.

Jo Long Theatre @

- San Antonio @

, TX @

- Fri, Nov 30, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Sang "Choices" made popular by country's signature vocalist, George Jones, and made it her own soulful penitent plea. @

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Review 9 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

Bettye Lavette & Band's performance was Amazing!

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

Posted 11/01/2012

by Moose678

Bettye Lavette Looks & Sounds Fantastic. Her Band is also Amazing! I 1st saw Ms. Lavette & her Band on an HBO Special Blues Divas Concert @ Morgan Freemans Ground Zero Club I think in Clarksdale, MS. All the Divas were Great but I enjoyed Ms. Lavette's performance the Best! She sang two songs (It's Over & It Serves Him Right) "It serves Him Right" is my own personal Athem. Lol. The songs from her new CD are Awesome. I am very Happy that I got to see her concert! Blues Divas Rock! The Howard Theatre is a wonderful place and hope to see more concerts in the near future.

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

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Review 10 for Bettye LaVette

4 / 5

Bettye Lavette at the Howard

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The entire show was entertaining. 1st time at the renovated Howard. Enjoyed it, nice small venue to see huge talent. @

Posted 10/31/2012

by Anonymous

Location:Southern Maryland

1st time I have seen Bettye...The girl has big pipes! Bettye can sing the phonebook and make it sound great. I recommend her to people who enjoy music...Not just blues, jazz and R and B. It is long overdue that Bettye is finally getting her do.

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The entire show was entertaining. 1st time at the renovated Howard. Enjoyed it, nice small venue to see huge talent. @

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Review 11 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

Bettye Lavette was classic and amazing.

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Her stories @

Posted 10/30/2012

by DCmase

Location:Washington DC

Personable and warm. Talented and treasured. So glad I came.

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Her stories @

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Review 12 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

A.Ma.Zing.

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The acappella performance at the end and the cover of Gnarls Barkley's Crazy. @

Setlist: Crazy, I'm Not the One, Sleep to Dream, Joy, Thankful and Thoughtful, Dirty Old Town, Take Me As I Am, Yesterday Is Here, The More I Search, Everything Is Broken, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got @

Opening act(s): none @

Posted 10/29/2012

by SCtoDC

I was skeptical about going to this show, for some reason, but I should not have been on the fence at all!! I walked out a true fan. She has to be one of the most underrated artists of all time. From the first note until the last, it was a performance with such raw emotion, truth, and soul that I left totally inspired. Seriously, the woman is in her sixties and can get down and go toe-to-toe vocally with anyone. My money would be on Bettye. After the show, I texted a friend and told her I needed to do more with my life because the show was that inspiring. She was humorous and real and if you really want the 411 about her 'overnight success' in the music business, which took about 50 years, you should probably get her book.

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The acappella performance at the end and the cover of Gnarls Barkley's Crazy. @

Opening act(s): none @

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Review 13 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

An extraordinary interpreter of songs

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The closing song sang alone with amazing power @

Posted 10/29/2012

by thehumanriff

Location:Washington, DC

Bettye is simply sensational- her voice is powerful and strong as ever, her band tight and funky but most incredible is her phrasing. She enunciates each syllable to show that she completely occupies each song. Add to this she was humble and illuminating in between songs with amazing stories of her life and songs.

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The closing song sang alone with amazing power @

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Review 14 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

Bettye Lavette and The Howard Theatre-FABULOUS!

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

Posted 10/29/2012

by DeanaDC

I was fully prepared for an amazing show by Bettye Lavette, but never guessed how blown away I would be by the Howard Theatre. Amazing venue, wonderful staff and perfect sound! Bettye Lavette at the Howard Theatre, a show I am so lucky to have seen!

Howard Theatre @

- Washington @

, DC @

- Sat, Oct 27, 2012 @

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Review 15 for Bettye LaVette

4 / 5

true Soul singer

Wilbur Theatre @

- Boston @

, MA @

- Thu, Oct 25, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Her ending song. Fantastic! @

Posted 10/27/2012

by cadillackid

Location:Boston

I got there about 20 minutes into the show and thought that I had missed at least 1/2 the show. I was wrong Bettye and her band played another hour, thankfully. She is about as soulful a voice that you will find. Her band was amazing, so much music coming from such a small group of muscians. This is a talented bunch of players. My only problem with Bettye is perhaps her eclectic choice of songs. I find her voice lies somewhere between Mavis Staples and Betty Davis(miles exwife), I love her voice, just don't care for some of the songs. I found many of her songs have more of a country/pop leaning than I prefer. I would like to see her do more Memphis style soul or funky songs. Its not that she didn't wring every bit out of each song, that her voice could muster, I just think that different tunes would've done it for me. Her closing song was rendered accapella and brought the house to its feet. It was a truly spectacular ending to the show and showcased her talent to the fullest. Younger singers take note this is how you "SANG"!

Wilbur Theatre @

- Boston @

, MA @

- Thu, Oct 25, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Her ending song. Fantastic! @

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Review 16 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

Bettye Lavette a phenomenon

Wilbur Theatre @

- Boston @

, MA @

- Thu, Oct 25, 2012 @

Posted 10/27/2012

by Helen64

Location:Boston Mass

Bettye Lavette gave a show with every ounce and inch of her body. Her voice is fantastic and she gives the audience everything she has. I've been waiting 4 years to see her in concert and it was worth the wait. The crowd gave her several standing ovations. It was as if you couldn't clap long and loud enough to show your appreciation. I only wish she had sung more tunes from her previous album and not all the ones on her most recent release. Also, the band sometimes overwhelmed Bettye's voice. They need to tone it down so we can hear her better. Will definitely go to see her again when she comes back to Boston.

Wilbur Theatre @

- Boston @

, MA @

- Thu, Oct 25, 2012 @

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Review 17 for Bettye LaVette

3 / 5

Toronto Owes an Apology to Bettye Lavette

Mainstage Marquee at Nathan Phillips Square @

- Toronto @

, ON @

- Sat, Jun 23, 2012 @

Posted 06/25/2012

by 9thStreet

One of the greatest singers in the world, Bettye Lavette received a terrible production from the Toronto Jazz Festival. The tent was hot. The opening act BIG SOUND was a glorified bar mitzvah band that played for ONE HOUR, dissipating the good will of the audience. When Bettye came on the sound mix was horrible. She was shouting over the band for the first half of the show. And worst of all there were two patches of extremely rude, drunk audience members- including a VIP table, and three men standing together by the bar, who consistently made noise during her performance. The venue is not suitable for live music and especially not for such a great artist. A real embarasment for Toronto.

Mainstage Marquee at Nathan Phillips Square @

- Toronto @

, ON @

- Sat, Jun 23, 2012 @

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Review 18 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

Royce Hall - UCLA @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Sat, Apr 21, 2012 @

Favorite moment: First Note.. Chilling.. @

Opening act(s): Jon Cleary's opening show was energetic and a piano extravaganza.. Amazing Pianist
Great energy @

Posted 04/23/2012

by Grc175

Location:LA

Devastating beautiful and soulful performance by this amazing Grammy nominated Artist (twice) after a 50 year career, starting as Motown Girl.

At 66, She moves me... Love, Love, Love her shows...

Bettye Lavette, an American treasure

Royce Hall - UCLA @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Sat, Apr 21, 2012 @

Favorite moment: First Note.. Chilling.. @

Opening act(s): Jon Cleary's opening show was energetic and a piano extravaganza.. Amazing Pianist
Great energy @

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Review 19 for Bettye LaVette

3 / 5

too much of the same

UCLA Royce Hall @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- 04/21/2012 @

Favorite moment: none @

Opening act(s): Jon Cleary & Philthy Phew - O.K. @

Posted 04/23/2012

by woody91205

Location:UCLA Royce Hall

We had high expectations but were somewhat disappointed. Bettye and the band have all it takes to play a great concert but then is was too much of the same: same tempo, same phrasing in singing all songs, no variety! No highlights!

UCLA Royce Hall @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- 04/21/2012 @

Favorite moment: none @

Opening act(s): Jon Cleary & Philthy Phew - O.K. @

0 of 1 found this review helpful.

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Review 20 for Bettye LaVette

5 / 5

What a voice........!!

Royce Hall - UCLA @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Sat, Apr 21, 2012 @

Posted 04/23/2012

by TheRipper

Location:expat Los Angeles

Unbelievable vocals! Great band! Incredible it took so long for her talents to get so deservedly recognized. Got to be in the top 3 vocalists i have ever seen

Royce Hall - UCLA @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Sat, Apr 21, 2012 @

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