JESSIE WARE-DEVOTION: ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW

JESSIE WARE

DEVOTION

ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW

15TH September 2012

The UK just seems to be on a roll when it comes to producing talented female vocalists, all clambering for the right to claim the ‘next big thing’ title. So now we are presented with another for our consideration.

Jessie Ware has been quietly building her musical status over the last couple of years, both through her solo work and a few cool & clever collaborations. Her image evokes the classier side of the 80’s and has a musical style that is gives a nod some of that decades most successful UK female artists, with both Sade and Lisa Stansfield both being clear influences (although vocally very different), while maintaining a very modern electronic sound.

Plan B in Brixton was the venue for her album launch and having been to the venue on a few occasions in the past I personally have never seen it quite so busy for one artist. As a local girl, this was an extra special homecoming gig for Jessie, with many family and friends in attendance.

From the start you could tell that she was extra hyped up for this performance. Kicking off with the album’s title track, the audience was immediately captivated.

More tracks from ‘Devotion’ followed, including the uptempo “110%” and forthcoming single “Sweet Talk” which she dedicated to her boyfriend (although explaining that he would hate that).

Jessie was soon to be joined on stage by the first of two special guests. Dave Okumu, singer, guitarist and frontman of ‘The Invisible’ was introduced as the man who first helped Jess out in the studio and has been a major influence on her ever since. He played and rapped on the track ‘No To Love’

Next, we were treated to another guest appearance. Sampha, vocalist and keyboard player with SBTRKT is the man responsible for producing Jessie’s sparse cover of the Bobby Caldwell soul classic “What You Won't Do For Love”. He joined her for a version of that song but not before performing the beautiful non album track ‘Valentine’.

The radio hit ‘Wildest Moments’ then followed and previous single ‘Running’ rounded out the show and brought us to the end. I believe we had all witnessed the emergence of a great new talent. Jessie more than proved that she has the material and the ability to deliver her sound to a greater audience.

With the album released this week, it will be interesting to see how she fairs but my hunch says that the title of best British female next year is going to be a hard fought battle with Jessie Ware being among them.