Natalie Merchant - Carnival (1995) E. Rutherford, NJ

Meadowland Sports Complex
E Rutherford, NJ
December 15, 1995

[@yjmsrv]

Natalie needs to re-launch her career by convincing Jennifer Turner to get back out and tour- that tone- that taste, that ridiculously great playing never, ever, ever get's old. I could listen to Jenn do that all day long. The definition of outstanding humbucker tone!

[@jamespriest9658]

Lol🤣🤗😘, Nat needs no relaunching u silly goose. She was will always b greatest singing stage dancing hippie chick ever. Now she does what she wants.. still a treasure but she's moved on. Paired with Jen well hell yeah this was amazing.

[@ethanreed8400]

her tone is impeccable

[@EshockT]

Natalie's new album is incredible, but yes! They need to get the band back together and crush us. Take my money, I'm watching it live.

[@LeonTrotsky6782]

Needs no advice from you😅

[@CesarClouds]

I would love a 10k maniacs reunion.

[@kemart537]

No one digs this song the way Jenn Turner digs it. Her lead is mesmerizing, and along with Natalie’s vocals, makes the song flow. Thumbs up to the entire band!!

[@abrahamkim1078]

Jennifer turner has to be one of the biggest anomalies in music. Prodigy, obvious. But, to be so raw and precise in her play at her age. Her bends echos the best of blues kings. Her timing and cadence on mundane chord progressions is elite. The tone she gets from her PRS is the best I’ve ever heard of over any PRS artist (including Santana). It’s so effortless for her. Wish Natalie and Jennifer did another album. But I understand. 22 years old. Remember how young, dumb, adventurous we were back then?

[@kennyness8881]

This version has 2 lead singers: Natalie AND Jen’s guitar. The arrangement is nothing short of fantastic!

[@JohnSmith-te5oo]

Yes! Such a great guitarist - serves the somg and the artist . Not worried about flash. SEARING tone . Those licks have.become integral.to the song in my mind . I can't even listen to the new guitarist I like Jen' s band Furslide also

[@arammartinez3251]

Superguitar player

[@arammartinez3251]

Súper singer jaja

[@Tom-lq6nn]

@@JohnSmith-te5oo I think the video would be better without Natalie.

[@trinidadapodaca7027]

they pick up on each other with eye contact

[@feenixrunner9638]

Wow!! That gal plays lead like it should be. No showboating just pure talent. Like it should be.

[@dannyscarpati7049]

Jennifer Turner

[@brandonthompson8411]

That guitar work is so raw and fits Natalie's voice perfectly.

[@jonathanzeemeeuw6180]

The leadguitar is amazing!

[@bobito8997]

Natalie's voice and Jen's guitar was a match made in Heaven. Sad that it was only for one album but WHAT AN ALBUM!

[@simonbailey6592]

Back in 95 I was travelling around Australia. A local pal who worked at a record label gave me a cassette as I was about to head up the coast. She just said "listen to this", months before it came out Tigerlilly blew my mind. Just beautiful. It's the album of 12 weeks up the east coast of Australia and my leg home. It was the music I listened to on my seat of the pants flight home from Thailand not knowing if my mum was going to be alive when I got home. It was the first album I bought back in the UK and her music has stayed with me ever since. It evokes happiness and sadness every time I hear it.

[@jamespriest9658]

Natalie Merchant.. absolutely the best stage dancer ever.. she still can shake it. Wish Jen was on the 2023 tour

[@Defender78]

she not so much dances, but "hovers/prowls" and looks so smooth as she floats

[@search4truth104]

She dances like Elaine on Sienfeld LOL

[@jackschleich9475]

dances so good that you want to go behind stage for the next dance😅

[@GeneTrujillo]

Jen Turner + Natalie are an unbeatable duo.

[@lajack5273]

What is she playing a Les Paul with Humbucker pick ups

[@nosajybsorc]

@@lajack5273 She's playing a PRS Custom 22 equipped with humbuckers.

[@trinidadapodaca7027]

thats true, they compliment each other well

[@abrahamkim1078]

JT was one of the most talented guitarist on the late 90’s, at the age of 22.

[@eugenewardjr.3506]

My personal favorite live performance of Carnival. JT really cuts loose and improvizes to great effect instead of playing closer to the original studio version. She is so damned creative I wish she had been able to find a niche somewhere so there was a huge catalog of albums to listen to her phenomenal talent.

[@veeherreraJanecka]

Love the guitar and her dancing. And of course her mesmerizing voice and movement

[@kylekilleen3891]

This was Natalie's best solo album in my opinion and her best band. It has aged so well.

[@gvalley07]

Back in 95 I bought the Tigerlilly CD specifically for the guitar work on this particular song. I first heard it on some alternative radio stations in southern California. I had no idea who Natalie Merchant was or that the guitarist was female, the tune just rocked (especially the guitar)! I became a big fan of the music on this CD. It's one of my most cherished in my music collection. One of the best recordings of the 90s.

[@lindacole7393]

Motherland, Tiger Lily, and Ophelia - the holy trinity of otherworldly genius. You only need 7 more for your 10 desert island albums! : ))

[@portcullis5622]

​@@lindacole7393Well, add the 2014 eponymous album, the new album Keep Your Courage, The House Carpenter's Daughter, Our Time in Eden, Blind Man's Zoo, In My Tribe and The Wishing Chair and you have your 10.

[@metalogical5131]

I'm a metal head and I have always really liked this amazingly talented artist! Her band is great as well!

[@alexfall]

Respect

[@paulbeligni4525]

If David Gilmour's Mother and Frank Zappa's Father had a kid...she would play guitar like Jen Turner. She's one of the best ever to play the instrument. Wow!

[@kabernat]

I’m so happy Natalie also let Jennifer shine with her exceptional guitar playing! Truly gifted and amazing! It takes the whole band, the whole team to make this song work. Gotta have Jennifer AND Natalie and the whole exceptional band to make it all work. Remember that ❤️

[@lilith3953]

No it doesn't. Natalies voice is more then enough without random guitar solo.

[@kabernat]

@@lilith3953 You gotta' have that guitar solo, it totally makes the song. Without that awesome guitar solo it would have been a totally different song and a totally different vibe all together.

[@cardo1111]

Well said. I once watched an interview with Neil Young and he essentially said the same thing his voice is the one you hear but it takes the whole band to make it work 👍🏽

[@jts0184]

I'm so happy Jennifer let Natalie shine with her singing parts...

[@eugenekennedy9053]

Perfect example of, where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Fantastic guitar,bass, drums, keyboard and vocals contribute to a special performance. ❤ what a groove…just love it.

[@brucehanson4147]

I don't know which is more alluring, her voice or her moves...and yes, the guitar work is a whole other subject!

[@bags5150]

Need another Jen and Natalie collaboration 🙏

[@pete2479]

I remember being impressed years back by the guitar playing on the studio version of Carnival. Just the other day, I stumbled upon this video and learned from the comments that the player was a 23 year young Jen Turner, making this piece of perfection even that much more impressive. She has her own unique and beautiful musical voice and it sounds like she listened to a lot of Pink Floyd and DG influence comes through. The way Natalie and Jen magnify each other's talents is a beautiful thing indeed.

[@sagegoodwin1]

The vocals are amazing and Jens tone is just sick!!!

[@iansnyder274]

Jen is killin' it! Love the wah/phase shifter sound. She gets such a great tone.

[@mayanation]

Jennifer Turner is one of the greatest guitarist ever. I've played the CD Tigerlily more than any other I own. Jennifer co-wrote it with Natalie.

[@eugenewardjr.3506]

Seems impossible but Jen Turner just keeps getting better and better as the years go by. Just listened to her do an awesome solo on the blues classic Stormy Monday. She totally nails it. Every great bluesman you care to name has covered this gem & Jen's solo stands up with them all. God how I wish there was more performances spotlighting Jen.

[@markboerner2227]

Amazing performance!!! Jennifer Turner and Natalie merchant are so fantastic together, great musical chemistry. Very dynamic. Natalie merchant. Wow

[@asdf51501]

Coming back to this years later to reiterate that I absolutely ADORE the guitar work on this performance. Outstanding, and bravo!

[@arlancastillo1637]

The best ever...bass..lead guitars...natalie...the dance....whole band package...omg

[@outtathyme5679]

Indescribable

[@CFMRocks]

What An inspirational track to say the least. 3 times listening back and I'm still wanting more. well written groove, solo was so effective and simple. The bass line was epic and pretty much is the whole feel of the song. I guess Ive been Hypnotized

[@JoeskiPolski]

Kids these days will never know. Never understand. What we had. Pure talent. God i miss this world.

[@kennyness8881]

I’ve listened to this version so many times and am amazed every time by Jen and her guitar. She keeps playing perfectly appropriate, irreverent, unpredictable accompaniment that adds so much to the song. So glad this version is here and available to watch.

[@trinidadapodaca7027]

she's ok can't compare to nancy wilson but she's not bad

[@kennyness8881]

@@trinidadapodaca7027 I like the Heart lead and bass guitars (esp. on Night at Sky Church), but that’s not Nancy-it’s a couple of guys. It’s not a competition, but I’d listen to Jen Turner playing the way she did with Natalie Merchant every time over Nancy Wilson playing with Heart.

[@trinidadapodaca7027]

great lead runs and notes

[@CFMRocks]

It trully is a great song and feel

[@ursafan40]

I think Jen Turner made the Tigerlily album special. Great songs, love Natalie's voice, but Jen's playing is spectacular

[@jamespriest9658]

Can we go back to when this was? Jen killing it while the greatest stage dancer, super hippie chick ever explores every inch of the stage, love u Nat always even now that we are old..

[@search4truth104]

Just enjoy it happened, and you where there for it. I know I am.

[@isimonsez]

I was introduced to her music by a friend who’s 10yrs older than me back in 2008. Love her music. While there’s quite a few good artists today the 90s rocked. The Lilith fair ladies (idk I spelled it right) are golden 🎶

[@Rollimggiant]

Aileen Wourhous loved this song she felt it was written for her a ballod of her tragic painful life . A tortured soul that walked the streets to survive beginning as a child. Emotionally remained a child . Broken. This song will always remind me of her Florida murdered her and judged her with no mercy . Her trial a joke . Rip AW hope you now walk streets of gold

[@JerFhilm]

I love Jennifer Turner's guitar sensibilities. One of my favorite guitarists.

[@blueshorecreative3146]

Yes, sensibilities is the correct word, brother.

[@juliegray5765]

I can think of 10000 reasons why Natalie was is and always will be the cooliest woman in rock

[@TheSilence1]

That's alot of maniacs, lol

[@bobloblaw9791]

I see what you did there

[@Ncharlestun]

Jennifer we love you. When you play we cry over the sounds your guitar makes.

[@eamondunne8325]

If any Man watches this and is not even remotely enchanted by the beautiful thing that is Natalie Merchant, then I must say that he does not see absolute Femininity in its finest form!! What a beautiful Woman.❤👍🎸🎶

[@twelvepolesdaroot7453]

DAMN STRAIGHT FEMININE PROWLESS AT ITS FINEST.

[@georgeburbach3605]

At age 56 she's a year younger than me and I still have a thing for her...grey hair and all!!!! She is gorgeous and what a unique voice...

[@stevececardo9926]

Eamon Dunne agree bro! She is so soft and feminine here

[@flash1034]

The guitarist is much hotter

[@roundsm18]

Bill Beverly Jennifer Turner

[@johnmiddlesworth694]

Natalie..--you were the best--I’m dying now at 73 but I will take your music with me

[@nealm6764]

You still with us bro? I wish you well...

[@jerryhdzNtexas]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Iris_Transforms_Healing]

I hope you’re still with us and doing well.🦋

[@rpgober3048]

God speed....

[@bebeysmael1.]

HOLY CRAP that girl can play guitar AND THEN SOME. Holy Moly. I want her in my band.

[@yankee2558]

It's really to bad that era us gone because there's absolutely nothing near it today , fantastic vstuff seen it in person , best concert I was ever at or real real close to it

[@ThomasHardmanJr]

Jen Turner. A true great, surprisingly hard to find her excellent music on the internet.

[@mgm8393]

This song is so insanely tight. The combination of Jen Turners flawless lead guitar and Natalie Merchant's music, voice, and dance seem to surgically cut through the organ fabric, yet tie it all together. Ica never listen to this song without goosebumps and chills. Absolutely intoxicating.

[@Mike-lv4us]

Love Natalie...the best version I've found live and the guitar by JT.....amazing!!!!

[@youtubister]

This style of dancing will never go out of fashion ;-) Nor will this style of guitar playing. Go Ladies

[@suminshizzles6951]

Make up your own shit and dont give a funk. The way to do it, really.

[@timothytwombly4595]

Talent and charisma flow so beautifully from Natalie a treasure of a woman

[@warrencrawford5141]

I can't stop watching this....over and over. Jen completely aloft with my new favourite solo. Just sublime.

[@Staylogical]

Guitar goddess.As good as I've ever heard by anybody.

[@bigbobvub]

Jennifer Turner rips it on lead guitar!! Way, way underrated!! She's absolutely crushed it on this tune!

[@INFLUENZI]

Hell yeah. Jenn kills it, as usual. Crazy talented. That's the real shit. +

[@markvarney2998]

Best rendition of this song by Natalie, her lead guitarist was amazing!

[@kennyness8881]

3:12 Jen Turner 🙏👍👏. So subtle, and yet so magnificent.

[@TheCadman069]

that is one TASTY lick!

[@aussieroddy]

That is about the sexiest thing i have ever seen, a girl that beautiful playing the guitar that well. One of my favs and this is a great version, makes me cry to think i cannot see live version with j turner ever again.

[@genxalternative3111]

Have not heard this song in 20 years. Wow it took me all the way back!

[@prairiedog2482]

I cried the first 50 times I heard this, I'm about to start again.

[@markrothkopf5598]

Yeah, what is it about this?!.... makes me cry too

[@DavyMackNYC]

Me too. Right now. Snot flying everywhere. Those were the best times and the music was amazing. I’ve been doing lots of covers recently of 80s, 90’s songs and I’m thinking of doing this next.

[@xthepierrex]

I had such a huge crush on Jennifer Turner when I was 18. I remember I recorded this video on VHS and would watch it over and over. Its so great to get to see it again!

[@poozmeister]

Beautiful. I saw the last concert on this tour in 1996 in Poughkeepsie, NY. This brings back great memories. Natalie danced all night to each song where she wasn't playing piano, and Jenifer Turner with her tone and tasteful electric guitar.

[@srvjediknightsrv750]

The Best female voice EVER

[@beboprichie]

Srvjediknight SRV Amen my brother

[@FallInIntrigue]

Srvjediknight SRV safe :/

[@josephlyons8134]

She has a great voice... But way behind Benatar....

[@marcusj97]

ever hear of whitney houston? lol. Unique voice and song...good memories of a good time in life

[@johnford4395]

Have you forgotten about Whitney, Anne, Pat, Aretha, Barbara Gladys? Granted she has a awesome voice, we even have men who had voices at her level. Boy George, may not like him, dude chirp, Steve Perry, chirp, Jon secada, chirp, Seal, Michael, Kenny,

[@pierresmusic]

I fell in love with Jennifer Turner and her guitar tone when I watched this on VH-1 back in the day.

[@jlguitarman7102]

Jen plays some mighty tasty leads!

[@gainesp2003gainesp]

One of my favorite guitar albums, really.

[@jpcodnia9133]

Natalie did all right but her friend... she played the heck out of that guitar and funk

[@kimibear9]

Very good performance, especially Jennifer Turner on guitar. Too bad they had to part ways. Reunion tour!

[@eugenewardjr.3506]

THESATURNSSC1 Jen got more & more attracted to the idea of singing while she played lead. Of course you can't be the lead singer in the same band as Natalie.

[@veronicasuestarlite4080]

To be fair, it wasn't a "band" anymore, Natalie left 10,000 Maniacs in 1993 and went solo. Jennifer played backup to Natalie. Semantics, I know but facts....

[@thespartan8476]

Thanks, my family own Carnival rides in Australia, I played this Song every Night just before Khe Sanh by Jimmy Barnes and Everybody loved it. It is also her most successful hit in Australia.

[@georgegeysen6499]

Natalie ... hypnotizing and mesmerizing

[@veronicasuestarlite4080]

Absolutey correct, George. Natalie is hypnotizing and mesmerizing. One reason being, she doesn't or never has seen herself in that light. Have you watched her explanation of the song she wrote "Wonder"? Very moving...powerful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6OrYaaeqNChi6c. If you're interested. xo

[@kirkhepburnmiddleagedwhiteguy]

Jennifer Turner is an incredibly gifted guitarist. Her natural sense of melody, phrasing, grace and flow are second to none.

[@swagjetlife1830]

Natalie's stage antics starting about the 4:00 mark are spectacular. Killer guitar solo. Quite a little vibe going with this awesomeness. Just discovered this performance tonight and have already watched it 6 or 7 times! 🤘🏻

[@domingomota3946]

Haha! Yeah, that happens. Saw her in Boston a few weeks ago. Mesmerizing true artist!

[@_JimS]

That PRS sound........ and Natalie's vocals, what a duo.

[@paulkoskinen8895]

Seriously, we need more women like these in music today more than ever. True talent will always rise to the top.

[@KP-zi6jx]

I was in my 20's when this came out, and at time when various chicks were regularly kicking ass on the radio releasing hard charging sick grooves one after the other...like all the stars aligned for a point in time...Natalie Merchant, Joan Osborne (One Of Us), Alanis Morissette (You Oughta Know/TigerLily cd), and Melissa Etheridge (If I Wanted To/I'm The Only One- w/her hitting the mainstream w/her breakout CD 'Yes I Am'). Great times, great tunes, and GREAT memories....the best of times really, and the best of music, aside from an era when I was way young, but even then realized epic tunes of 70's w/Elton (early stuff)/Fleetwood/Eagles all top of their game basically at the same time.

[@jimmiv5449]

Jennifer's sound comes from her fingers. True talent & rhythm how can you not love her.💕

[@gregoryoakes7476]

that solo by jen turner incredible

[@alanbodell2050]

That is some guitar playing there on top of a lovely song, that girl can play.

[@iggystim]

I first heard this song back in the 90s and as of today in 2022 it still blows me aways!

[@jamespriest9658]

I really hope more people are still listening to this than just me. Best stage dancer ever.. Jen kills, so does the rest of the band

[@snappy-strat-snacks1551]

Jenneifer's solo was /is filthy! I love every note! Natalie Merchant ❤️ is a great artist, singer, song writer.

[@johnnyh3684]

Anyone watching July 2020? Jen turner, a PRS, Natalie and this song ... Wow!!!

[@Thedailysideshow]

Simply an amazing song. An completely under rated, under the radar song. Jennifer Turner’s guitar work is utterly spell binding. This was Aileen Wournos’s song she liked and had played it at all times while she was on death roll and had it played during her funeral.

[@HASHYE]

First time ive recognized Hendrix style used in a original way! Im stunned!

[@1foolishcaribou195]

We love singing and dancing around in our pajamas, too! This is so cool.

[@robertmarcone3219]

I also love her unorthodox way of dancing too..

[@runn4235]

You're so beautiful and a voice like an angel, simply love it, thanks.

[@driver8M3]

I've been hypnotized and mesmerized...by Natalie Merchant.

[@jamespriest9658]

Don't know don't care, greatest stage dancer, one of the most haunting voices, awesome writer, beautiful soul, softest hands I have ever held, oh and guess what? She's exactly the same in 2020. Greatest hippie chick fn ever.. should u not agree that's ok, I know it for a fact.

[@MrWahooknows]

Honestly, she oughta stick to wearing dresses.

[@alexanderstopka4957]

Two of the most amazing and soothing voices of my younger years. Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star and Natalie Merchant. The world is blessed to have these two beautiful women and their beautiful voices. Talent like this does not exist today and it's truly sad.

[@hoobymarburg167]

Really great song, loved it straight away and although that guitar girl did a fantastic job here, on the original studio album though that guitar part is a timeless beautiful example of great and so tasteful guitar playing. I will love it to the end of my life.

[@Randsurfer]

The guitar girl (Jen Turner) also did the studio album. Or did you mean that she did it better in the studio? Btw, she's 17 years old here and plays with the soul of David Gilmour. Awesome.

[@hoobymarburg167]

Randsurfer Honestly, I wasn`t aware that she played that great, great studio version. All I said was, that I didm`t like the version she played here, but this is up to her and the band what to perform, and it is up to me what to prefer. But it`s a mystery to me, how you can compare her guitar work with David Gilmour. Both fantastic guitar player, but totally different. Somebody else wrote about Jen Turner: "I too have followed Jen’s brief flirtation with super-stardom. Her deft and elegant intro to Carnival alone is worth the entire TIgerLilly album - her solo still gives me chills. I believe she made a conscious decision to walk away from being a guitar-hero/heroine - much to our (but not her) dismay. We should be happy for her - few get to choose so succinctly - but I find myself more selfish than that. To me, it’s like Mozart deciding to become a pretty good pastry chef instead - the music world is poorer for it. I wonder if she appreciates just how much joy she is capable of dispensing by “just” playing the guitar like that - few have the ability to touch so many people. It is, of course, selfish - she has no obligation to do more than she already has. I just wish she would…

[@Randsurfer]

hooby marburg I just mentioned Gilmour because there is a bit of playing in the middle of the solo that really sounds like his soaring style. For me, the shocking thing is how young she is to not only play so well, but also to already be writing so well.

[@user-zd3me7eo3h]

My God, she commands the stage with dancing pirouettes, then standing behind the mic with that incredible vocal. The lead guitar is eloquent; Natalie has them all in a trance.

[@ruby055]

Natalie with Jennifer Turner...love this music

[@user-yz8mc8pk4m]

I honestly believe she will be recognized as best female musicians in last 50 yrs

[@antoniorivas476]

2020 Covid- 19 you can't kill rock and roll!!!! We here to stay!!!!

[@user-zd3me7eo3h]

I didn't realize her impact at the time of this song's release. Her music and her stage presence are eloquent. This is Grammy material.

[@zyphod]

I love Natalie, but Jennifer Turner on guitar.....Wow!!!

[@nealm6764]

Dead eyes and vacant from heroine, so amazing!

[@blackdawg7361]

Natalie Merchant is pure poetry in motion.

[@Ledprostate]

Must confess, the only reason I ever listened to this song more than once was because of the guitar solo.

[@REDchichiandthesalazarfamily]

This will never go out of style... just love it

[@rickandrew6397]

One of her best compositions 👏🌹 great guitar backing by Jennifer, perfect fit 💙

[@EJ.Quarry.Dweller]

The lyrical message is spot on for 2024 . It is a carnival and every one wants you at there booth. Some bad some good.

[@MiamiTiger100]

Redhead on the PRS completely owns this. This is David Gilmour level lead guitar playing right here.

[@willardarmbruster8111]

came here to watch JT and immediately thought of DG

[@Tommy-do2vd]

M.T. @@willardarmbruster8111, D.G. My Guitar Hero! I Posted on: Another Video. How many Guy's, Does it take. To play: "Carnival?!" 2 Guy's or 1 P.R.S. 24. Marshall, Full Stacked: Jennifer Turner! :)

[@blueshorecreative3146]

oh I think it's just really great passion

[@matteowatteo1296]

Let's not get carried away. I saw version of this song on Letterman. Sid McGinnis, Lettermans house band guitarist does a far better job on this. As for the Gilmour comparison ..... foolish.

[@blueshorecreative3146]

@@matteowatteo1296 Sorry, but bullshit. No way some house band guitarist plays better. This girl has feel, bro.

[@jm12green31]

There's another great version on KZbin from a British television show in 1994.

[@henryrios4798]

Que guitarra de Jen Turner,wow!! Es un monstruo,se acopla perfectamente a la voz de Natalie..wow!! Q locura,ya voy viendo este video 10 veces seguidas

[@trailrunner919]

Absolutely one of my all time favorite live videos any genre of music! The band is incredible but Jen's playing and Natalie's dancing and vocal performance make this extraordinary... lightning in a bottle captured live!!!

[@cartwrightanthony5431]

I came across this song for the first time today never knew song or artist existed, great voice and song, gonna check out more of her stuff, girl on guitar is awesome but love the bass on this track.

[@fransalas663]

Thank you, right in the heart ❤️. She was 13 years old and was already listening to quality music!