Rachael Yamagata Brings Soul + Passion to Final Show of 2014

Rachael Yamagata has had quite the eventful fall season. First, she announced her plans to crowdfund her latest full-length album, and within two weeks, had 80% of the project covered. As part of that campaign, she also gave fans a chance to own the first-ever vinyl edition of her record, 'Happenstance' -- an album that is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. To honor that anniversary, Yamagata hit the road for a massive North American tour.

Like we said, it's been an eventful time for the singer-songwriter.

Last week (Nov. 18), we had the chance to catch Yamagata's final show on that massive tour at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Throughout the evening, she performed new songs and fan-favorites -- but the real focus for the crowd were the tracks from 'Happenstance.' She played every single one for the anniversary, and one of the many highlights came in the form of the record's fourth track, 'Paper Doll.' Not only is it a powerful song in and of itself, but Yamagata made it extra-personal that night as she invited Kevin Salem out to the stage to help her perform it.

Salem has been a longtime friend and mentor to Yamagata, and actually helped co-write 'Paper Doll.' In addition to producing, Salem is a partner and engineer at Applehead Studios in Woodstock, N.Y.; he made the trip into the city to help his friend and protégé celebrate all the greatness that still surrounds 'Happenstance.'

For the entire night, Yamagata's attitude was beyond positive -- she always interacted with the audience and appeared eternally grateful for the constant adoration that emanated from the crowd. This thankfulness was on full display when she grabbed the cell phone from one of her fans in the front row so that she could video chat with someone who got kicked out of the venue. At another point during the show, to help the front row get even better photographs, she got on her hands and knees to pose onstage.

It was a night packed with fun and good music, but most importantly, it was a night full of love; love from the audience to Yamagata, and love from Yamagata to her diehard fans. There could have been no better way to end her tour than by spending it in a sold-out venue with some of her biggest fans and best friends.

‘Happenstance’ peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers charts in the U.S. and continues to be a crowning achievement in Yamagata's ever-evolving career. Her new, yet-to-be-titled LP will be her fourth studio album -- and you can get details on it and her PledgeMusic campaign right here.

Rachael Yamagata -- New York City's Music Hall of Williamsburg

Chris Kissel, Diffuser