Sonic Sufi songs about being high in Persian is the only way I can describe 'Haale's show. 'Haale' a Bronx born Iranian ex-folk singer was the opening act of Firstworks Providence's six week festival of the arts. 2 guitars, a cello, hand drums and some mysterious middle eastern stringed instrument make up the band. 'Haale's vocals conjure up both minarets and PJ Harvey.

Her songs both in English and Persian reference Sufi mystic poets as well as Kurt Vonnegut.

As an American born Persian she can behave and dress with a freedom unknown to millions of Iranian and Iraqi women. Long wild brunette hair fell over her shoulders and mini dress. She wore black knee high boots. What's more rock than a mini dress and boots?

 

'Halle' played on the stage of the RISD auditorium an early 20th century theater owned by Rhode Island School of Design. She filled the hall with her vaguely psychedelic sound. I would love to see her in a club setting. Her band is not at all theatrical. They are more? music dorks.

Fantastic musicians, each and every one of them.

The only thing I knew about 'Haale' before her show was from an email blurb by David Byrne.

A mixture of experimental downtown stuff with the vocal intensity of U2, but more intimate. David Byrne.  David Byrne's opinion means squat to me but I figured what the hell. Kathleen Pletcher is the mastermind behind Firstworks and if she thinks something is good she is usually right. This was then opening night of a 6 week festival celebrating the arts; all of them; So 'Haale' had to be excellent, world class. 'Haale' is.

After the show was a Q & A with 'Haale'. I hate Q & A's so I split. My date and I went for a walk and a cocktail. We discussed and digested the show. 'Haale' rocked but she also made us think.

 That's Art.