Piano and I: An Intimate Evening with Alicia Keys and Her Piano

Background

Keys announced the tour in April 2011 on her official website. In the blog post, the singer stated a deluxe and collector's edition of the "Songs in A Minor" re-release would be highlighted by two intimate concerts in London and New York City. Later in the month, Keys added Paris and Los Angeles to the agenda. The singer expresses her goal for the concerts was to provide the audience with the journey of her recording career. Each concert will be set in an intimate atmosphere, with only Keys and a piano on stage. The trek not only featured Keys original works but also covers of artists that have inspired her. Keys says the reason behind the show's setup was to reflect the early stages of her career, when she would perform for record executives with only a microphone and a keyboard. To introduce the promotional tour, Keys stated:

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of '[S]ongs in A [M]inor, than by holding a special, intimate concert for my fans. It’s my absolute favorite way to perform. There is something so special about just me on my piano connecting with the audience. It brings me back to the very beginning when I could only perform with a keyboard and to now be able to take it back to the essence of who I am with this show, it is so exciting".

Critical reception

During the outing, Keys received high acclaim from music critics. Caragh Logan (Rewind Magazine) commented the singer's show at the historic Royal Albert Hall, London. She writes, "Seeing Alicia perform just about her entire body of work makes you realise what a consistent artist she is. Song after song, you are reminded why you own the entire Alicia Key[s'] album collection. Closing the show with 'Empire State of Mind', 'Sure Looks Good to Me' and 'No One', the audience were on their feet, lighters (and “cell phones”) in hand, belting out the songs with all our might—just like we did at home ten years back, when Songs In A Minor became one of our all time favorites".

The praise continued as the singer moved her tour to the United States. Ben Wener (The Orange County Register) notes despite the intimate setting at the Pantages Theatre, Keys was still able to deliver a powerhouse performance. He continues, "To her credit, Keys has been deftly striking a balance between meaningful artistry and commercialism all along. Most everyone else in the game went the other way around: they started as mere entertainment, then dug deep so as not to be forgotten. Alicia was soul-deep to begin with, a virtuosic talent struggling to be heard, who then had to learn how to be an entertainer". For the show at the Beacon Theatre, Jim Farber (New York Daily News) comments that the R&B singer shines best in the "less is more" setting. He explains, "Here, with the piano once again her anchor, Keys was back in her element. The setup also provided the best way to showcase the sturdy bones of her melodies, as well as the purity of her vocals".

Opening Acts

Setlist

1. "Raindrop Prelude"
2. "Blackbird"
3. "Stay with Me" / "A Dream" / "Real Love" / "Never Felt This Way"
4. "Butterflyz"
5. "Trouble Man"
6. "Troubles"
7. "How Come You Don't Call Me"
8. "Goodbye"
9. "A Woman's Worth"
10. "Girlfriend"
11. "Why Do I Feel So Sad"
12. "Caged Bird"
13. "Moonlight Sonata"
14. "Fallin'"
15. "You Don't Know My Name"
16. "Diary"
17. "Karma"
18. "Unbreakable"
19. "Like You'll Never See Me Again"
20. "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart"
21. "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)"
22. "If I Ain't Got You"
23. "New York State of Mind"
24. "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"

25. "Sure Looks Good to Me"
26. "No One"

Source:

Broadcasts and recordings

The promotional tour was filmed at the Beacon Theatre on June 30, 2011. The show was streamed live on AOL Music's Sessions +1. Keys was the first artist to be broadcast on this new programming. The special, entitled, Alicia Keys: AOL Music "Sessions +1" Concert in NYC, is available on AOL and VEVO.