Hania Rani at The Fillmore

by Jon Bauer

Hania Rani continued her west-coast mini-tour in America before heading to Europe in support of her new neo-classical album “Ghosts.”

Rani started studying classical piano at the age 7 and has since evolved her music to be something very different. Her albums have become more and more complex and have incorporated synthesizers, collaborators, a mix of soaring strings and passages of loud dramatic swells.

The Fillmore’s majestic chandelier’s and twinkling disco ball enhanced the ethereal ambience created by Rani’s use of warm spot lights. The subtle lighting flourishes offered a minimalist backdrop, so the focus remained on Rani’s pieces. Even Rani’s instrumental placement left her with her side or back to the audience the vast majority of the show. Even her vocal sections were in service to the music.

At one point, Rani addressed the crowd to say that she was touched to see so many people and commented that a previous US show was at a former funeral home (the Chapel). Rani’s appeal to a dedicated and growing fan base included fans who drove several hours to see her, those arriving early to stake out prime Fillmore tables as well as those curious about Rani’s work.

Playing alongside Ziemowit Klimek on keyboards and stand-up bass, Hania wowed the sold out and rapt Fillmore crowd. 

She played a mix of tracks from across her 6 album career including:

Oltre Terra
Dancing With Ghosts
The Boat
Moans
Hello
Don’t Break My Heart
Pale Blue + Instumental
Dreamy (Hania Solo)
Piano Impro (Hania Solo)
Thin Line
Komeda
Always In the Dark
Hawaii Oslo
Leaving