Karen Elson played Le Poisson Rouge in NYC & SXSW (pics)

photos by Samantha Marble

Karen Elson, wife of one Jack White, played her first New York show Monday night (March. 22) at Le Poisson Rouge in Manhattan, showcasing songs from her forthcoming album ‘The Ghost That Walks’.

Oldham-born Elson played acoustic guitar and was backed by a five-piece band during her hour-long set. Prior rumours of an appearance by her husband were proved false, although White produced and plays drums on Elson’s album, out on May 25.

It was only Elson’s fourth solo appearance, though Elson herself is far from inexperienced, having contributed vocals to Robert Plant’s ‘Dreamland’ album in 2003 and duetted with Cat Power in 2006 on a cover of Serge Gainsbourg’s ‘I Love You (Me Neither)’. [Spinner]

One of Karen’s first three solo performances took place at the Third Man Records pop up store (aka Franks Deli & Grocery) at SXSW in Austin on Saturday, March 20th. Samantha Marble got some pictures and reports:

The line to get into Karen Elson’s last performance at SXSW was more than half way down the block only moments before the show was scheduled to take place. The show took place in a small, dimly lit room in the very back of Frank’s Deli & Grocery. The setting was a perfect accompaniment to her enchanting voice and haunting lyrics. In between songs joked around with the crowd, explained what inspired her songs and raved about the musicians that accompanied her. The entire performance stood out as one of the loveliest shows I went to during SXSW.

More album info HERE. More pictures from the Texas show below…