Ever since I saw Lianne La Havas play in one
of the tents at Glastonbury a couple of years ago, I've been desperate to see
her perform live again. I almost caught her show when I was in LA last July, but arrived a
day too late, and then was travelling in Southeast Asia when she was in London
in December. When I found out she was doing a one-off concert in the Royal
Albert Hall of all places, I wasn't going to let anything get in the way.
The Royal Albert Hall is arguably the best
venue in London for live music, and even from the restricted view seating areas
it's still an undeniably magical experience.
The Kenneths, a self-confessed odd choice for
La Havas' support act, kicked off the concert at 7:30, and whilst their punk
sound isn't what I would choose to listen to, they managed to provoke a good
level of interaction from the crowd, which isn't easy in a half-empty
auditorium of that size.
The venue quickly filled up in the short break
following The Kenneths' set, and by the time La Havas came onto the stage, the
historic building felt a lot more atmospheric.
Though I know her albums in depth, I never
cease to be amazed by Lianne La Havas' voice. It's beautifully mellow and husky
in a way that makes you assume an alto range with a soft head voice, but
instead the strength and rich tones of her lower notes rise indefinitely
upwards, into a smooth and soulful belt. Lianne La Havas is always a
captivating performer, but what made this such a special concert was her
ability to make such a large and overpowering venue feel like a really intimate
performance.
Beginning with a soft and understated No Room
For Doubt, La Havas had compiled a set list that offered the perfect balance of
upbeat, busy songs and more stripped back numbers. And in case you were in any
doubt of her vocal talent, the songs she performed as just herself and guitar
were perhaps the most enthralling moments of the whole evening.
Halfway through her set, Lianne La Havas
brought on the Norbury Manor Celeste Choir, her old school group, to accompany
her for a few songs. The girls were a beautiful addition both musically and
sentimentally, and they added another dimension to the magic of La Havas' songwriting.
Although it was obvious throughout that the choir was made up of extremely
talented young voices and was under excellent direction, they had the
opportunity to really showcase their abilities in the encore, with a stunning
jazz-infused a cappella version of Over the Rainbow.
La Havas also surprised us with an amazing
cover of I Say a Little Prayer, before finishing the night on a high with
Forget, one of her punchiest songs.
I honestly cannot praise her songwriting,
vocal and performing abilities enough, and this was a concert that I will
remember and relive for a very long time.
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