When supporting their debut albums, new artists who have major label marketing support often find themselves appearing anywhere and everywhere in an effort to build a fan base, which can result in unfortunate disasters or live magic. In 2009, Melanie Fiona took one such opportunity to go for the magic when promoting her first album, The Bridge.
The setting is almost comical. Fiona was appearing live on German breakfast television with a local band, the Rockhouse Brothers, a group of likeable “squares” who would appear not to have an ounce of soul. Likewise the program’s hosts, who surprisingly get very into the performance (albeit with a silly, awkward little dance). Fiona looks wary as she begins singing, but smiles and nods warmly at the drummer a few bars in with a look that says “oh my God, this is working!” And it really is: The Brothers can groove!. Their very spare, jazz-style accompaniment appropriately puts the focus on Fiona’s vocal, which she delivers flawlessly. Enjoy.
By Robb Patryk
