Bastian Baker Back in New York

Bastian Baker had a great 2018

He released a staggering self-titled album, opened for Shania Twain all over the world, and (most importantly) got a good write-up on PopDust. This now begs the question… what next? Barely stopping to catch his breath, Baker has an answer for the world: he's getting right back on the road. For his first show, he returned to New York City to hit up Le Poisson Rouge. Naturally, he did not disappoint.

Pre-show Baker's energy is already strong. He's pacing a little, doing a few light warm-ups in the green room, but mostly making jokes and talking about travel. He mentions how much he loves the Japanese, comments on how after all the travel he doesn't know what his accent is anymore (though for fun he affects a Southern drawl). When asked if he'll start on time he says "Of course, it'll give me more time to play," then recants a story of a German gig where they turned the lights off on him, despite still being three minutes under time. "I just unplugged and started playing Wonderwall, the crowd were loving it," he says, then quips "It's weird, the Germans usually end right on time, not early." Before long, it's time to take the stage.

He walks into the spotlight of Le Poisson Rouge with the same easy energy he took the stage at Barclays Stadium not eight months ago. The crowd are receptive, but he cajoles them a little for his and their amusement. "Is this how you do things in New York? You're so far away," he says to the crowd of wallflowers. "Come on in, get closer." With good natured laughter they gather around and he begins to play. His voice is effortless, and he launches in both old and new material with a good-natured smolder.

The set-list is long and varied, featuring everything from his first ever hit 'Lucky', through to his latest single 'Blame it on Me'. Baker has a gift for putting the audience at ease and making them feel like he's there personally for every single one of them. The crowd in turn respond by treating him like a beloved cousin; cheering for him, yelling out fan-centric jokes, and, most importantly, bringing him drinks to the stage.

Bastian reciprocates with great music, and tight banter that almost makes you wonder if he's secretly working on a stand-up routine. Gags include turning to the back of the house and yelling "And now please welcome Shania Twain! Oh wait, that was the other gig." As well as faking a phone call on-stage and proclaiming, "Sorry, that was the other 600 people who would've filled the empty space at the back. They said they'd be here but… traffic." He even takes an extended break from singing, puts down his guitar and recounts an amusing anecdote about a poorly executed plane landing he was on in Qatar. He revels in the intimacy of the performance.

The unquestionable highlight of the evening comes when he unplugs, jumps off the stage and gathers the crowd around him on the floor. He plays Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah', and makes the world wonder if Jeff Buckley might have just lost his crown. He plays a few more songs, and closes out his set with another bit, calling out the standard musician's "encore fake out" and refusing to do it. One song later and he's off stage, signing autographs and taking photos with fans.

It's easy to see why both Switzerland and Shania Twain love this guy, he just makes it so easy. Baker is a bastion of talent, no qualification needed. Smoldering presence, sensitive lyrically, and also just a guy you can grab a beer with. Those elements combined make one hell of an act, and if you're anywhere he's playing this year, you'll want to catch him while he's still hitting up smaller venues. Pretty soon he's going to be back in stadiums, only this time without Shania.

Check Out Bastian Baker!

BastianBaker.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Thomas Burns Scully is a Popdust contributor, and also an award-winning actor, playwright, and musician. In his spare time he writes and designs escape rooms. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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