I took a trip to Caffe Vivaldi in the West Village to see Russian songbird Marina Verenikina who was accompanied by Nick Baker. I'd never been to Caffe Vivaldi before so I wasn't sure what to expect. It's an adorable little bar/cafe with a small area up front for live acts. I'd guess it holds about forty or fifty people. That might be a generous count though.
Marina has a lovely voice and is a captivating performer. She sang the beautiful "Babushka," a song dedicated to her late grandmother, in Russian. I had no idea what she was saying but it was absolutely stunning live. Though she did a number of songs solo (accompanying herself on piano), Nick added his talents accompanying her on acoustic guitar. For the song "Hope," my favorite from her newest album Modern Fairytale, she proved she's quite capable with an acoustic guitar too. With the exception of the closing number, The Beatles "Here, There & Everywhere," all of the songs were Marina & Nick compositions. They happen to be excellent songwriters as well.
With the size of the venue, it felt like you were sitting in someones living room. Marina's strong voice would serve her well on a big stage and I'd love to see her in that setting. But, it was nice being able to hear her in such an intimate space where crisp clean vocals such as hers shine. Both Marina and Nick lit up the room with their warmth and charm. They put on a terrific down to Earth show. After the show, they greeted their fans with hugs and smiles.
Marina has a lovely voice and is a captivating performer. She sang the beautiful "Babushka," a song dedicated to her late grandmother, in Russian. I had no idea what she was saying but it was absolutely stunning live. Though she did a number of songs solo (accompanying herself on piano), Nick added his talents accompanying her on acoustic guitar. For the song "Hope," my favorite from her newest album Modern Fairytale, she proved she's quite capable with an acoustic guitar too. With the exception of the closing number, The Beatles "Here, There & Everywhere," all of the songs were Marina & Nick compositions. They happen to be excellent songwriters as well.
With the size of the venue, it felt like you were sitting in someones living room. Marina's strong voice would serve her well on a big stage and I'd love to see her in that setting. But, it was nice being able to hear her in such an intimate space where crisp clean vocals such as hers shine. Both Marina and Nick lit up the room with their warmth and charm. They put on a terrific down to Earth show. After the show, they greeted their fans with hugs and smiles.
Marina & Nick after their set @ Cafe VivaldiI had a great time and look forward to seeing them perform again.
Set List
- I'll Be Alright
- Rain On The Butterfly
- The Strength I Need
- Hope
- Sunshine Guaranteed
- Babushka
- Wilhelmina
- Underneath Your Sky
- Something Of My Own
- Here, There & Everywhere
Marina V - Hope (live)
Online
http://www.MarinaV.com
http://www.myspace.com/marinav
(all photos ©L.R. Adams)
