Concert Review - Joan as Policewoman - Auckland - 15th May 2025

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17 May

Written By Megan Moss

Joan As Policewoman Live in Auckland - Photo Credit Chris Zwagdyke

Review By: Leza E

Artist/Band: Joan As A Policewoman

Venue/City: Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Auckland, New Zealand

Date of Event: Friday 16th May 2025

‘Joan Wasser’ looked radiant and elegant as she stepped silently out onto the stage as a solo artist this evening, she gave a long, dramatic, low bow to her audience. Captivated already her audience erupted with cheers in anticipation of the fabulous show that would unfold before us, after that impressive entrance.

Joan moved gracefully to her position centre stage, at the awaiting grand piano. The only other objects on stage were an electric guitar, an amp, a small table and a tapestry mat.

Silence, followed by a short pause. Then the artist broke into song, just her and just the piano, as if they were one, with deep, smooth, soft tones and earthy character, expressive in her facial contours as her tune varied in pitch and pattern, molding into shape the story that she was telling us, singing it completely from her heart (as all of her songs this evening seemed to be).

After her first song she spoke to us, mentioning that she’d “heard that the bar had already run dry”. Her voice was controlled and calm with a hint of humour (laughter from the audience).

Joan is a multi-talented musician, clearly demonstrating her abilities by alternating between piano and guitar as the evening progressed. She also plays violin; however, we did not see that this evening. She did mention though, that she hasn't quite figured out how to play violin, piano and sing all at the same time yet. Working on it.

This girl is both funny and delightful! She speaks quite often, in low controlled tones, with a sense of cheeky humour.

Joan moved on to the electric guitar on stage and took a swig of her drink before playing the instrument, and did so with such style and finesse that one could almost pass her as a ‘Kiwi’. She took the swig, wiped her mouth with her hand, then wiped her hand on her pretty dress. (We were all collectively amused and impressed!) and then she sang her song ‘Christobel’, which was released in 2006 it was nothing short of amazing no backup music, just Joan with that guitar and raw talent. The crowd erupted again in applause, immediately at the close of the song.

It was better than good, it was terrifically fantastic, and the crowd loved it to bits! She told us that she was named after Joan of Arc and that she loved it here in New Zealand; and that she was happy to be out of her own country, America. Someone yelled out “marry me”, she replied “ok” and again we were all collectively amused. She's funny…really funny! Can we keep her please...?

Joan also played an assortment of songs from her new album Lemons, Limes and Orchids (released in September 2024) songs such as, ‘Lemons, Limes and Orchids’ and ‘Full time Heist’. She explained that the song ‘Lemons, Limes and Orchids’ was inspired by her walking the streets of Manhattan by herself.

Joan had us all singing along with her at one point “We are the champions, be heard”, repeat. totally gold!

To be honest, I didn't really know what to expect with this well acclaimed ‘gal’ and her accolade of musical treats, I was not at all disappointed. Joan Wasser is an American born, New York based icon and is currently on her ‘Joan as Policewoman’ NZ Tour 2025. Joan has returned to New Zealand for three dates, playing in Auckland City at Raye Freedman Arts Centre (last night, 16th May 2025), 17th May in our capital Wellington, at the amazing Old Saint Paul Church and 18th May in Christchurch at the intimate, purpose-built centre of music and arts - The Piano. Included in her fabulous line-up of tunes is an ensemble of her old and new material blending smooth, earthy toned jazz and charm, while bending dreamy elements into artistic ways that only Joan can do.

What an experience! You have got to hear it and to see her to believe it, her music is fabulous, remarkable and all things that are good, leaving one craving for more of what it is, that she has!

Superstar Iggy Pop certainly noticed her and recently recruited her to tour with his band as a keyboardist and backing vocalist.
Joan has also worked with many other notable artists some of which include Lou Reed, Sheryl Crow, Scissor Sisters, Jeff Buckley (and many more as a performer and writer). As a solo artist this ‘girl’ really brings things to life in her very own and unique style Joan as Policewoman is nothing short of marvellous.