On Thursday, April 3, Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat transformed Madison’s Majestic Theatre into a space of wonder, delivering a performance that was emotionally rich and musically mesmerizing. Touring in support of her latest album “Basia’s Palace,” released in February, Bulat brought along The Spine Stealers and Maya Friedman as openers, who set the evening’s tone with their own haunting, heartfelt sets.
From the moment Bulat took the stage, it was evident the show would be something special. Bulat cradled her autoharp like an extension of herself as she played different selections from “Basia’s Palace” and songs from earlier in her discography. Her connection with the instrument was entrancing. The hypnotic strums, paired with her soaring vocals, created a remarkable sonic experience for the entire audience. The layered production of her songs translated seamlessly to the live setting, where her band brought dimension to every track.
It was Bulat’s own presence that truly held the room captive. It was made clear by the warm reception from the crowd that Bulat had been missed in the years since her last visit to Madison. Looking out into the crowd, I noticed only a few people snapping photos or short videos, while the majority simply absorbed the atmosphere and Bulat’s musical presence.
Midway through the set, Bulat’s band stepped offstage, leaving her alone in the spotlight for a stripped-down interlude. During this interlude, her storytelling shone even more clearly. A highlight was her performance of “The Shore,” a track from her 2010 album “Heart of My Own,” which was an audience request. The raw, intimate rendition showcased the full range of her voice, delicate and commanding, and prompted overflowing awe from the crowd.
Bulat’s music is rich in introspection and emotional nuance. It invited the audience to sit with their feelings and be taken on a harmonic journey. This stop on Bulat’s tour was not just a concert, but an experience, which swept the audience into a dreamlike state.
At the end of Bulat’s set, the crowd stood for a well-earned ovation, not quite ready to leave the spell she had cast. Basia Bulat didn’t just perform a show at the Majestic — she turned it into a palace of her own.
