Juliette Lewis
Chop Suey, Seattle, WA
09.13.16
There was a buzz in the air at Seattle’s Chop Suey in anticipation of Juliette Lewis’s show. The tiny venue had been sold out well in advance, and was already pretty full for opener Andy Clockwise. The Australian multi-instrumentalist quickly immersed the room with his unique, experimental, and interactive performance.
Several times, Clockwise leaned over into the crowd, using those in the front row as someone to lean on, then jumped fully into the crowd to sing and walk about. He and his drummer played a very eclectic array of songs and sounds, keeping the crowd enthralled.
As the stage cleared, where there was previously a little room to move about, it had quickly dissipated. The anticipation was explosive, and everyone seemed to know they were in for a treat. Known mostly for her acting career, with Academy and Emmy award nominations, Lewis has become a household name. Movies like Martin Scorsese’s “Cape Fear,” “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” “Natural Born Killers,” and “Strange Days” have made her a big-screen success.
But in 2004, she began a 6-year hiatus from Hollywood to pursue her dream of being a singer. In that span, Lewis released three albums with her band, Juliette and the Licks, and another solo album in 2009.
Lewis and her band causally walked on stage to roaring applause and exploded into “Hot Kiss.” There was an electricity and passion in every note she sang and every move she made. This was definitely the calling she was here to answer, no nonsense, pure attitude, and conviction exuded from her performance.
The crowd went wild the entire evening, soaking up everything she had to offer. Lewis has stocked her band with such tight musicians and groove-laden songs, and they kept the evening moving. Her raspy voice and stage persona came off as very Janis Joplin meets Mallory Knox (her character in Natural Born Killers). Frenetic energy best describes her stage presence.
This intimate club show was beyond special, with the band feeding off the energy of the crowd. Juliette thanked the crowd for making this stop in Seattle a memorable evening, which it definitely was, and a show not to miss if you have the chance.
Juliette Lewis Set List
Hot Kiss
American Boy
Mind Full of Dagger
I Know Trouble
Future Deep
Hello Hero
Any Way You Want
Fantasy Bar
Got Love to Kill
Hard Lovin’ Woman
Proud Mary
You’re Speaking My Language
Suicide Dive Bombers
Review and photos by Neil Lim Sang
Juliette Lewis
Andy Clockwise
