Even though she shares the same first name as a cousin of the Comtesse de Ségur, it is rather Sophie herself that Camille would resemble. Bold, sometimes insolent, a live wire, and endearing, the young artist came to promote her new album, Ilo Veyou, at the Lino Ventura Theatre last evening.
Barefoot, with long, tousled hair adorned with a few braids and dreadlocks, and wearing a dress that accentuates her hippie side, delicately made from a silky fabric that reflects the sepia-toned lighting to appear white, beige, or coppery, Camille steps onto the stage. There is no apparent microphone. A bulb hanging from a wire lights her silhouette, projected in shadow against a crumpled backdrop. Conversely, two of her musicians wear miners’ helmets where the light has been replaced by a microphone.
Camille is surrounded by a double bassist, who simultaneously plays the Charleston with his left foot, a guitarist-pianist, and a violinist for this tour, just beginning. Each adds to the show (conceived with South African choreographer, Robyn Orlin) their personal shadow, sounds made by their mouth, hands, feet, and even performs a few tracks with no instruments other than their anatomy. A memorable show.
The audience remains highly attentive. Not a sound is heard. The Lino Ventura hall is full, yet silent. Hanging on Camille’s every word, the fans and newcomers respect the harmony and exploration that the artist offers in her opus as on stage. Attention to detail is paramount. Whether in the slightest breath, the seemingly simple yet sophisticated stage decor, the choice of fabrics, colors, brightness, everything is meticulously planned. So much so that when she repeatedly sings “I’m leaving,” while oscillating her giant pendulum along the stage edge, the swings of the bulb keeping her profile in motion from one end to the other of the “screen,” coordinate perfectly with her phrasing, slowing down synchronously.
Just like in the studio recording, Camille’s live performance delivers emotions: goosebumps on “Wet Boy,” smiles during “Bubble Lady,” an urge to shout “Go, go”… There is poetry, subtlety, and intelligence in this girl, which commands respect. At the same time, let’s admit, it takes more than just wanting to go to hypokhâgne. And this kind of advanced studies is inevitably felt in the writing style, the reflection, and the proposal of an artist. Yet it sometimes takes her further, back to the schoolyard, with childish tones and a pouty demeanor. You almost want to jump into puddles with her, and you join in the game right away when she tries to engage the audience: making cat and dog noises, the revised alphabet, finger snaps, hand claps. A nice way to change your mind at the end of the day by admiring a show and participating a little.
“She was” gorgeous!
And if you missed the concert last night, there’s still a chance to hear Camille hum some consonants and vowels today at 5:30 PM, as she will be performing at a showcase at Fnac in Nice. Don’t miss it!
