CARO EMERALD | LIVE REVIEW
St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Tue 4 Apr
The glamorous Ms Caro Emerald and her impressive seven-piece band of extremely talented musicians transported St David’s Hall into a smoky jazz club – this show being part of her Emerald Island Tour, named after her brand new EP of the same name.
Her sultry voice was pitch perfect throughout, never faltering. The time-honoured combination of jazz and blues took in variations from her band – from the haunting ska/reggae number The Ghost Of You, to the incredibly infectious Liquid Lunch and my favourite, the tango-influenced Tangled Up – kept the predominantly middle-aged audience shoulder-dancing along. Indeed, That Man actually got them on their feet, clapping fervently.
Emerald’s newest songs were straight out of a 1950s Rivera Coast-set Technicolor movie, with highlights including Tahitian Skies and Never Ever, before Whatchugot closed the set. In the final minutes of the show, meawhile, her rendition of Nature Boy was beautiful, soulful and faultless.
Interesting as Caro Emerald’s new material is, it was her older hits which, performed live, proved a real treat for her fans. Her infectious style and feelgood performance makes for a genuine pick-me-up night out.
words ANTONIA LEVAY photos GARETH GRIFFITHS