It was the 2nd of a 3 night residency for Carleen at the Jazz Cafe, and it was good to see her back on the live circuit to promote her 3rd solo album "Alberta's GrandDaughter". After opening with a jazz influenced track from the new album, Carleen welcomed us all, sat at her piano and took a sip of rum (her "friend" Captain Morgan) before delivering a set of old favourites and new tracks to her receptive audience.
This was only the second time I've seen Carleen live, the first when she fronted The Brand New Heavies - but it still amazes me that such a voice can come from such a little lady. It can vary from the strength of a deep roar to her ultrasonic high notes to a gentle whisper. It truly was the finest instrument on stage. Although Carleens second album was somewhat of a departure from her "True Spirit" debut, tracks from "Blessed Burden" fitted well into the set, especially the autobiographical Texan blues of "Fortunes Drive" and touching ballad "Woman in Me", alongside newer tracks such as "Love's Remedy" and classics like "Mama Said".
The finale of the main set was the fantastic rendition of "Nervous Breakdown" featuring Ben Castle (son of the late Roy Castle) giving his all on Sax, which going by the appreciative cheers afterwards was one of the evenings highlights. Not to be out-done, all the band members were given a chance to shine, and it was during moments like this that it was great to see Carleen also stand back and watch with a smile, enjoying it all as much as the crowd.
Seated at the piano for the encore, "Don't look back in anger" previously an Oasis anthem became a touching soulful ballad and the night was rounded off in style with "Apparently Nothin" from the Young Disciples days. Carleen (looking great I must add!) now has the material and a band behind her strong enough to see them performing together much more often, 3 nights all sold out speaks for itself! (SAV) |
