'Kind And Generous' is a simple to the point song of gratitude. 'Break Your Heart' was composed to encourage young people. India Davenport who sung on the studio version joined Merchant on stage. Their vocals combined were potent and enhanced by a soulful horn. Throughout Storytellers, Natalie's compassion for others shines through. She is genuinely concerned and uses her music to bring attention and hope to personal and social woes. 'Wonder' is a prime example, Merchant shared that she has worked with special needs children and spoke of a woman who overcame insurmountable handicaps with the love of her adopted mother. 'Wonder' is a song that so many can embrace as their own. Natalie sat at the piano as her powerful vocals carried the message of hope. She was accompanied by a cello player and the two closed the set with the romantic 'Verdi Cross'.

The bonus tracks included the entire version of 'These Are Days' with Merchant smiling and swaying during the instrumental parts. 'Life Is Sweet' was another song of solace featuring violins. Natalie was in exceptional voice, her band was first rate and the production was excellent.

Alanis Morissette's debut 'Jagged Little Pill' was an authentic, gritty record. In 1995, she had a number of hits from the CD and was considered a potent performer. Since than she has released four albums that were more sedate than her freshman release but still diverse, earnest and passionate.

Alanis appeared at The Roxy in New York City on July 29, 1999. She was wearing a exotic, dark purple dress and slacks with sneakers. Her fingernails were multi-colored. Morissette was supported by a full band and she played acoustic guitar, flute and harmonica in the course of the evening.

The set opened with Alanis sitting on a stool surrounded by her band singing with power 'Hand In My Pocket'. She welcomed the crowd to Storytellers, stating that “I was encouraged to speak a lot between songs, which I rarely do.”

Morissette talked about coming from an innocent, isolated background and moving to LA observing negatively, hence the album 'Jagged Little Pill' and the song 'You Learn'.

A question from a fan inspired a dialogue about Alanis' songwriting technique and her search for inner peace and eventually gratitude. A good lead in to 'Thank You', with its funky beat and Alanis' descriptive lyrics. 'Unsent' is a song about relationships and conclusions.

Alanis described 'You Oughta Know' as a difficult song to write and perform as there had been no closure before her first tour. Since than she has spoken to that person and has moved on, yet she still sings the song with brutal, honesty backed by seductive instrumentation. Morissette prowled the stage as she executed this cutting composition.

'That I Would Be Good' opens with Alanis playing the flute accompanied by the piano. She sang a group of lines before the band softly joined in. 'Still' was inspired by the movie Dogma and is Morissette's take on what God is. It had a Middle Eastern groove that was haunting as she juxtaposed positives and negatives with ideas of growth and unconditional love.

The bonus tracks included the versatile 'Uninvited' and 'Head Over Feet'. Alanis was entrancing, her band was intoxicating and the production was first class.

THE DVDS: The DVD versions with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound were released by Warner Home Video in 2005. They include the songs that were played on the original broadcasts along with bonus tracks. The package also contains brief bios, artist background and the musician's discography.

Related Links: For more information on Alanis Morissette, Natalie Merchant, VH1 Storytellers Series CD and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Alanis Morissette DVD | Natalie Merchant DVD | VH1.com

(Originally Published on May 02, 2005)