Buffy Sainte-Marie at Union Chapel

My second audience with Buffy Sainte-Marie this week was at Union Chapel tonight. I've been there a few times before and was wondering how Buffy would sound in that space - it really is a Victorian chapel. When we arrived there was already a long queue so I immediately gave up any hopes of being close to the stage but we weren't too far back, so that was ok.

I felt part of the 'in' crowd when I saw Mike come on stage to check his drum kit and open up his Mac because I knew who he was and had met him last year, and then Jesse came on to check his guitars and then Buffy's guitars, re-tuning them, and a new face, Leroy, checking his bass. All in black and beads that said 'we are different, we are Buffy's band'. They're all big lads and could look intimidating but they all wore big smiles and it was lovely to see how they responded to Buffy and looked after her throughout the show, especially Leroy (who Buffy said was 'Cree like me') who straightened Buffys guitar strap and quickly sorted out her guitar leads when she changed guitars.

On came Buffy and her band, all wreathed in smiles and waving, strapped on her guitar and launched into 'Piney Wood Hills' and we were off and running. Next up was 'Cho Cho Fire' with the wild powwow chorus, with both Jesse and Leroy banging on their guitars to amplify the powwow singing of the chorus and we loved it! The setlist included (not in the right order):

'Piney Wood Hills'
'Cho Cho Fire'
'Until It's Time For You To Go'
'No No Keshagesh'
'Little Wheel Spin And Spin'
'Up Where We Belong'
'Universal Soldier'
'Soldier Blue'
'Still This Love Goes On'
'Blue Sunday'
'Darling Don't Cry'
'Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee'
'Starwalker'
'He's An Indian Cowboy In The Rodeo'

It was great to hear Buffy chat about the songs and contextualise them and tell us that she received 18 yellow roses from Bobby Darin when he recorded 'Until It's Time for You To Go'. As a teacher she is still setting us homework in referring to the 'Indian Givers' and 'Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee' books, both of which I've read following past instruction from Buffy (and both are available from Amazon).


I heard some great songs this evening. 'Cho Cho Fire' is one of my alarm songs ('Hey you better wake up...') and one of my favourites from the latest album, 'Running For The Drum'. 'Still This Love Goes On' makes my eyes go moist through the beautiful imagery and melody. I was delighted with 'Bury My Heart' and 'Starwalker', both of which received huge applause, and I love 'Indian Cowboy' (the ultimate 'crush' song). 'Indian Cowboy' was the encore song, extended by powwow singing and drums on tape as the band put down their instruments and danced with Buffy around the stage, particularly Mike who danced from one side of the stage to the other with all the audience on our feet applauding - a great way to end the show! Buffy looked delighted to be bringing a little bit of powwow to London.

The set wasn't as long as usual and there was no meet'n'greet afterwards since a photo-shoot was scheduled but what a treat to see Buffy and her band in such fine form. They make a great noise and Buffy's songs are always worth listening to. Thank you Buffy!