San Francisco CA USA
Written by Sason Bishope Parry
On Saturday, July 27th, Davies Symphony Hall was the epicentre of an extraordinary musical journey as Ben Folds, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, joined forces with the San Francisco Symphony. The collaboration brought to life a meticulously crafted setlist, blending Folds’ poignant lyrics and vibrant melodies with the grandeur of the symphony, creating an evening that was nothing short of magical.
Nights at the symphony are always a grand event, and when exceptional artists join in, they are on another level of excitement. Fans of the quirky and fun songwriter came out in droves, packing the hallways as we all geared up for what we knew would be an entertaining night with one of music’s gifted songwriters and pianists. As we took our seats, the fantastic conductor Edwin Outwater took the stage, and Ben Folds immediately followed. For someone with such a range of charisma, showmanship, and talent, he always has this humble and timid appeal that connects well with fans.
He spoke softly, often cracking jokes and giving praise to the Symphony. “What do you think of my band tonight?” he shouted just before kicking off with his first song. The concert began with “Capable of Anything,” setting an energetic and optimistic tone. Fold’s nimble fingers danced across the piano keys, his voice carrying the hopeful message with conviction. The symphony’s rich and dynamic support added layers of complexity, making the performance an electrifying opener.
“Fragile” followed a tender and reflective piece that showcased Fold’s ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety and grace. The symphony’s harmonious arrangement elevated the song, creating a lush, atmospheric soundscape that enveloped the audience. Like many great singers who have played with the symphony in the past, Ben gave backgrounds on each song and how they came about. His songwriting approach is quick and straight to the point, often singing precisely what the story entails. “Kristine from the 7th Grade,” for example, brought a touch of nostalgic storytelling to the evening. Folds’ narrative style, paired with the orchestra’s playful yet poignant accompaniment, painted vivid pictures in the minds of the listeners.
“Gracie,” a heartfelt ode to Fold’s daughter, was another highlight, its simple yet profound lyrics resonating deeply with parents and music lovers alike. The mood shifted with “Effington,” a quirky and humorous number that had the audience chuckling and tapping their feet. The symphony’s lively arrangement added a whimsical touch, enhancing the song’s playful nature. “Free Coffee” continued the whimsical theme with its inventive use of unconventional sounds and rhythmic patterns, blending seamlessly with the orchestral backdrop. “Zak and Sara” closed the first half on a high note, with its upbeat tempo and
catchy chorus. The symphony’s vibrant and full-bodied performance added a new dimension to this fan favorite, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the second half.
After the intermission, the concert resumed with more exuberant energy with the song “What Matters Most,” a reflective piece highlighting Fold’s lyrical introspection and the symphony’s emotive playing. “Still Fighting It,” a song that delves into the complexities of fatherhood and growing up, was another standout moment, with Folds’ heartfelt delivery complemented by the orchestra’s nuanced arrangement. “You Don’t Know Me” featured a dynamic interplay between Folds and the symphony, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captivated the audience. “Fred Jones” brought a somber yet beautiful narrative to the fore, with Fold’s evocative storytelling matched perfectly by the orchestra’s subtle, melancholy tones.
Another crowd favorite and singalong was the fun and upbeat “Landed,” which soared with its anthemic chorus and powerful orchestration, eliciting a wave of applause from the audience. “Not the Same” was a transformative experience, its layered harmonies and driving rhythm enhanced by the symphony’s robust performance. One of the night’s biggest highlights was the penultimate song, “Steven’s Last Night in Town,” which was a raucous and fun number. The symphony’s exuberant arrangement and Fold’s energetic performance brought the house down, setting the stage for a memorable encore.
Of course, Ben Folds had to oblige as the thunderous applause for an encore continued to ring through the hall. He returned smiling and bowing as he took the stage for the last time to perform “The Luckiest,” a song that encapsulates the beauty of love and the passage of time. The delicate interplay between Folds’ piano and the orchestra’s gentle strings created an intimate and touching finale, leaving the audience in awe.
Edwin Outwater’s masterful direction and the SF Symphony’s exceptional musicianship complemented Ben Folds’ unique blend of wit, emotion, storytelling, and musical brilliance. I was never a massive fan of Ben Folds or Ben Folds Five, but he won me over tonight with his charm and great narrative tunes. The synergy between Folds and the orchestra took the songs to a whole new level, as the musicians were pure perfection in every composition.
It was an evening of unforgettable performances that highlighted the best of both worlds and, once again, the power of music. As the final notes faded and the audience rose for a final standing ovation, cheering on the night’s special guest, it was clear that this concert was more than just a collaboration between Ben Folds and the SF Symphony. It was pure art in motion, and we loved every minute.
For more info on Ben Folds, go to: www.benfolds.com
For more info on the SF Symphony go to: www.sfsymphony.org
