Up-and-coming singer Eleri Ward’s Keep A Tender Distance, her second indie-folk Sondheim album, and the subsequent Tender Tour connect Stephen Sondheim’s music to new audiences.
While I didn’t have a chance to talk about her album when it was released last fall, I figured there was no better time to talk about the album and Eleri’s artistry than after seeing her live from her opening night of the Tender Tour —Eleri’s first headline tour.
I have been a fan of Eleri Ward from pretty early on. I came across her TikTok sometime in early 2021 and was amazed by her vocal talent. Her voice is unique and special and at the time she was doing covers of some of my favorite lesser-known musical theatre songs, like selections from The Band’s Visit. Her rise to recognition has been no small feat, and it’s a gentle reminder of how quickly putting art out into the world can transform your life.
Last year, I talked about seeing Company and Into the Woods as someone who did not grow up knowing Sondheim’s music and lacking the sentimental connection many theatre fans and professionals have to Sondheim’s music. I really felt like I was missing something and wanted to be as crazy about both of these revivals as so many others were, but I struggled to connect with the music.
This is where Eleri Ward’s work has become transformative for me.
Her Indie-folk Sondheim albums combine two of my favorite things: indie-folk music and musical theatre.
Keep a Tender Distance was released shortly after I moved to a new city and it quickly became a bit of a soundtrack for living in a new place. I listened to it while walking around and exploring a new place on foot, or by train, and it became interwoven into growing into a new place. Because of the styling of the lyrics, this album has helped me appreciate Sondheim’s lyrical work on a whole new level. Eleri’s covers are slower and folkier, which has helped me to audibly process the lyrics a little bit easier.
Something I personally struggle with is audibly deciphering Sondheim’s lyrics because they’re so quick and clever, and often overlapping. It takes me a few listens to really understand it, and even then it can still be tricky. The pacing and clarity of Ward’s voice has helped me appreciate some of the lyricism, which can be quite difficult for me at a traditional musical theatre tempo.
My journey with Eleri’s music has put her high on the list of artists I would love to see live. I missed the opportunity to see her open for Josh Groban on his tour last summer, but as with all things, everything happens for a reason.
Now she’s touring her album as the headliner, and I was lucky enough to snag a ticket to see Eleri Ward on the opening night of the Tender Tour in Boston. She sounded wonderful, though that is a given. Eleri has a very special stage presence, because she has attracted this large audience, yet somehow still creates this atmosphere where you feel like you’re watching your friend up on stage with a guitar.
Eleri has a personal connection to Boston, having attended school in the city and recording her first album, A Perfect Little Death, in her closet in Boston at the height of the pandemic. As for me, it was special to get to see her in the city where I fell in love with her newest album.
Her set for the Tender Tour combines selections from both of her albums, as well as medleys of some of her songs. It was incredible to get to hear her voice live, and unsurprisingly Eleri’s voice can fill a room with ease. I loved seeing her in a smaller venue where it felt like she could really connect with the audience.
I am excited to see where Eleri takes her career from here. I was especially thrilled to get to see she was in the company of Only Gold, however, did not have the chance to see her go on, since she was a swing.
If you have a chance to see her perform, I highly recommend it! Many of her tour dates are already sold out, so even if you miss the chance to see her live, I recommend checking out her music.
The Broadway Edit 