It’s a shame, really, that not enough people appreciate Joan Osborne’s talent.
She hasn’t had any significant commercial success since her first hit, “One of Us,” in 1995.
And Tuesday night at Toad’s Place, fewer than 200 people turned out to hear her ravishing voice.
Osborne acknowledged the mostly-seated, mostly-middle-aged crowd by thanking them for coming out on a Tuesday night “in the middle of an economic disaster,” but spent most of her 90-minute set speaking through her potent music.
Backed by an impeccable four-piece band, Osborne kicked off the show with The Band’s “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” a song that appeared to be chosen expressly for her Richmond date, as it wasn’t even noted on the set list taped to the stage floor.
Even though it was disheartening to see the venue so empty, that open space just provided Osborne’s voice with more room to soar.
“St. Teresa” showcased her formidable range, which seemed to effortlessly segue from bluesy rawness to melodic sweetness, while the searing roots rocker, “Who Divided,” underscored how well the undemonstrative Osborne does the sultry thing.
During most songs, Osborne used the heels of her black sandals to slide in little steps across the stage, fully devoured by the rhythm of the music.
But on her stunning, attitude-soaked version of Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Help Me,” Osborne turned a little more physical, strutting around her band guys and swinging her hips to the song’s funky blues.
As muscular as her voice sounded all night, Williamson’s oft-covered classic provided the perfect outlet for her unstoppable instrument.
The bulk of Osborne’s set focused on her excellent new album, “Little Wild One,” and songs such as “Sweeter Than the Rest” (which sounded a bit like a grittier Stevie Nicks) and the title track breathed a little deeper live.
The most moving moments, though, were when Osborne presented her love songs to her adopted hometown of New York. “Hallelujah in the City” is simply a wonderfully warm anthem, while “Cathedrals” was intensely moving, despite the audience member who chose that moment to traipse in with a 3-foot-high birthday balloon that both interrupted the pensive atmosphere and blocked any views of the stage for anyone standing behind her.
But even if you couldn’t see her, fortunately, Osborne’s clear, potent voice can overpower any obstacle.
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