Metro
24 April 2007

Can a girl do no wrong? Chan Marshall, aka Cat Power, may famously lack self-confidence, but her gushing supporters may big her up if she feels a flaky moment coming on. Karl Lagerfeld is another addition to her rapidly growing army of fans, and recently signed her up as the face of Chanel jewellery.

Georgia-born indie singer-songwriter Marshall has suffered badly from stage fright in the past. She’s been known to walk if she thinks her live performances aren’t up to scratch, leaving some to question her professionalism, not to mention her talents. But one listen to her sleepy, Southern accented vocals, a serene sigh of maudlin magic, and all is forgiven.

The heavy-fringed beauty experimented with jazz and folk in the decade that led up to her releasing Brit nominated LP, The Greatest, last year. A blend of melancholy strings and Memphis geetar, courtesy of Al Green’s guitarist Mabon ‘Teenie’ Hodges, it’s an understated masterpiece and her most confident, least tortured album to date.

An extra Triptych date was added after the first sold out, and fans can whet their appetites with these live show before Marshall readies a second album of covers later this year.

Accompanied by guitarist Judah Bauer (of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and also a member of Marshall’s backing band, Dirty Delta Blues) there’s clearly plenty who think she’s the greatest, even if she doesn’t.

Tomorrow and Thu, The Ferry, 25 Anderston Quay, Glasgow, 8pm, tomorrow sold out, returns only. www.triptychfestival.com