Sara Bareilles

Up-and-coming singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles has proven herself to be more than capable of delivering consistently outstanding performances since her 2007 major label debut, and she demonstrates every ounce of her promise as a young musician in Between the Lines: Sara Bareilles Live at the Fillmore. This newly released DVD/CD compilation is so much more than just a recording of a live performance. By incorporating the show with backstage footage, scenes of a separate and intimate jam, and commentary from the artist herself, viewers have the chance to observe Sara in an up-close and personal light.

Bringing together the right combination of soulful vocals, blues chords, pop rhythms, and an endearing personality, Sara captivates the entire Fillmore Auditorium with performances of her hit songs “Bottle It Up,” “Fairytale,” and “Love Song.” From one song to the next, she manages to pack in an abundance of her own personal style and charm, with just one exception.

Unfortunately, the only song that left anything wanting was the one that the concert was named after. While “Between the Lines” is an emotionally powerful ballad, it seems generic in comparison to the rest of the set-list, lacking the quality that marks all her other songs as one-of-a-kind. However, she more than makes up for this with her cover of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and her closing performance of “Gravity,” both of which are breathtaking.

Beyond the concert at the Fillmore, footage from her band’s glittering acoustic set on a houseboat and glimpses of Sara in her hometown make this DVD a very artistic piece. Backstage scenes of her interacting with the rest of the band fill out her personality further and garner even more respect and admiration (with the exception of the grimace she succumbs to after taking a shot of hard liquor).

The inclusion of her three hit music videos and the accompanying CD make this package well worth the money. For those who are drawn toward the music of siren-like female vocalists and the classic sound of a piano with a twist, à la Sarah McLachlan or Norah Jones, this set is definitely worth picking up and checking out.