23 Oct Corinne Bailey Rae @ Royal Festival Hall, London | Live Review

Despite my good intentions, for whatever reason the opportunity to see Corinne Bailey Rae live had, until last Monday, evaded me. I therefore snapped up the chance to see her at the Royal Festival Hall, regardless of my misgivings about the suitability of the sizeable, somewhat sterile venue for an artist whose music suggests intimacy as much as hers. Any concerns that Ms Rae’s presence couldn’t fill the space were swiftly dashed to one side as this very emotional set progressed. It’s fair to say that Rae’s is not the conventional big soul voice - and it’s all the more endearing for it. She can bring the room to a standstill anyway, with a heartfelt delivery complemented by the child-like vulnerability of her voice and phrasing that reveals a strong jazz sensibility. Monday’s concert reflected an artist who seems more comfortable with herself on stage than when she first hit the limelight. Her vocals, however, remain as gentle and unassuming as the lady herself appears to be. Corinne proves that you don’t have to scream to the rafters to hold the audience’s attention or pluck a few heart strings. Soul music can and should be more than that...