Julianna Barwick performs “Bob In Your Gait” at the Fox Theater Oakland, 6/22/11

I know I just posted a video of this song, but I thought a couple of you would like to see this.

Julianna’s performance was mesmerizing. I understand why her album is called The Magic Place, because the Fox Theater was transformed into that place for the 35 minutes of her performance. The only words she said were beginning hellos (not even sure she said her name) and, “Thank you. Have a great night.” at the end. She isn’t one for in-between-song banter, but I wonder if it would break the spell if she did talk. She did say thank you at the end of each piece because they fade out gradually and, I have to give the crowd credit, everybody waited (mostly) respectfully until she let us know she was done. I wish my videos were clearer, because I was struck by the emotion on her face as she sang. I’m not sure if this is the case, but maybe the way she holds her head up and to the side is to project her voice, and her voice is just beautiful. Maybe it just comes naturally when she concentrates on singing? It could also be shyness.

I’m glad she came back to the Bay Area. I tried to see her in April, but there was a torrential storm the day of her show (nearby Capitola was flooded that night), and I couldn’t bring myself to get in the car.