KATIE MELUA | LIVE REVIEW
St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Thurs 29 Nov
Starting the evening alone, Katie Melua takes to the dimly lit stage to perform You Are So Beautiful in her Georgian native language. There’s a performance element to the show from the start, as projections of a naturistic scene play out on drop-down screens, filling the entire background of the stage and compliment her effortlessly smooth voice.
Melua is joined by her brother Zurab, on electric guitar, and they face each other whilst they deliver Plane Song as the spotlight shines down on them like a bright full moon. The band grows in size with the addition of a double bassist, pianist and drummer; however the delicate momentum continues through Belfast, which maintains the softest drumming my ears have ever had the pleasure of hearing.
The crowd remain completely captivated throughout every single song, and Melua’s voice never wavers from pitch-perfect. Every word is heartfelt, and travels flawlessly throughout the tall stalls of the stadium. The vibe picks up – as much as it can at a Katie Melua gig – with a familiar track, Nine Million Bicycles, followed by Just Like Heaven.
The singer then proudly introduces The Gori Women’s Choir. She met them three years ago in Georgia to create In Winter, which she tells us “is designed for this time of year”, and treats us to her favourite Christmas carol, O Holy Night. The choir add breathtaking yet subtle harmonies to four more tracks throughout the night, prompting explosive applause at the end of each.
After a short break, Melua returns to the stage with her guitar for Diamonds Are Forever. The Gori Women’s Choir return for Perfect World, followed by Little Swallow; we get to hear more Georgian songs, as Katie stands amongst the choir, looking upon them in admiration for Satrpialo. We are left on a loving note, Melua complimenting Wales’ “deep understanding of music”.
words SARAH MORGAN photos NICK WOTTON
