WX fills early in anticipation for Corinne Bailey Rae’s headline set to launch a new era of live music and performance at the venue.
The space is immediately inviting, some taking to the sofas while others buy in rounds, the most eager fans heading straight to the barrier to gain prime position at the front of the stage. As expected for a Corinne Bailey Rae gig, the vibe is relaxed with an edge of excitement, and it’s only as the stage lights come up and Daisy Dorothy steps out that the chatter drops to a murmur.
Strumming at the acoustic guitar, accompanied by accordion-player Steve Robinson, Daisy Dorothy does an excellent job of setting up the atmosphere for the evening. Her soft vocals drift into the audience, rich and gentle as the golden bird she sings about.
Between songs, she stirs the crowd with stories of giants and trolls and rattlesnakes, draws us into the narratives with her beautiful melodies, and holds our gaze like a charmer.
Perfect introduction to Corinne Bailey Rae, Daisy’s velvety voice and ethereal lullabies prepare us for the headline show.
Expectation rises in the interim. Lights are dim. Bodies are packed. One by one the entourage appear; Kyle Bolden takes the electric guitar, Myke Wilson sits at the drums, Stephen Brown on keys and Mica Sefia is on vocals.
The music slowly rises as Mica calls out to Corinne Bailey Rae and the artist emerges, dazzling in an eye-
catching green jumpsuit. The crowd cheers wholeheartedly, spurred on by the band’s enthusiasm and adoration for the singer, as she leans into the microphone and readies the acoustic guitar for her opening tune.
She commands the audience so effortlessly, starting soft, harmonies rolling out in waves as the crowd mirrors her swaying body. We all pause to breathe as her vocals trail off, her fingers stir the chimes hanging close to the mic stand, and her free hand raises and reaches to the front row.
Enamoured by her lyrics and the short bursts of air as she sings ‘Breathless’, everyone leans towards her. She takes the time to meet every person’s eye and sings directly to each of us.
When the drums start to pick up and the atmosphere turns from soft, drawn-out melodies to riot girl rock, the space is supercharged. Sways turn to headbangs, Corinne shouts out her admiration of beauty queens and mid-century radicals, the stories integral to her journey as a pop icon, jazz artist, and rock star.
The lights flash while the crowd claps and we’re pulled along as she takes to the electric guitar, guiding the band into a tide of solos, the cymbal crashing through each one. This is a group of artists having fun, letting us into their sanctum, playing strings and keys until the music beats in time to our heartbeats.
The stomping feet slow as Corinne evokes the image of an autumn evening and reaches for the chimes again. As each song passes, we’re reminded of her range as an artist, the influences and history that flow on the gentle rhythms of her music. She evokes the spirit of Chicago, calls on the strength of rebels, and transforms her voice into a cry of power. She sings odes to living beautifully and intentionally. Everyone in the room feels it.
Photography by Jazz Jennings.