Raye feels the necessity to remodel the stage right into a New York jazz bar. The decor of Down The Rabbit Gap did not appear appropriate for this earlier this month, however the North Sea Jazz Competition is – maybe not surprisingly – a bit extra applicable for this. She travels within the Nile by means of a tormented life stuffed with heartbreak, addictions and abuse with a voice that grabs you by the throat.
Pictures Dimitri Heels
She already warns the viewers: ‘I am a drama queen!’ She would not simply imply the textual content material of her music, but in addition the tail that every music will get. For instance, in the course of the ultimate a part of Mary Jane she sits on the ground, whereas she meanders with vocal feats that will irritate you with a mean singer. Nonetheless, the English singer will not be right here for a dutiful karaoke session.
Raye likes to speak her songs collectively. She exhibits herself female, open and susceptible. This creates contrasts between her talking moments and singing, as a result of on the one hand she appears nearly embarrassed to be allowed to face on such an iconic stage, however sings as if she is aware of full properly that she belongs there.
She seems apologetically at her guitarist. He has been strumming the identical line for minutes, however a smile and a nod inform her sufficient: I can proceed for some time. On this means, each third act truly turns into the middle. This types the impression we get of Raye as an artist; not somebody who merely likes to sing, however who maybe wants it. All of the pent-up feelings type a cannonball in her abdomen, which her voice, the cannon, shoots out explosively.
The reactions appear to be divided. Some folks might discover it a bit too dramatic and stroll away in a tense temper. ‘She has an exquisite voice, however…’, you hear somebody say earlier than he disappears into the viewers. The truth that the Nile is packed is symbolic of the excessive scores Raye made final yr with the extremely profitable album My twenty first Century Blues and received at least six BRIT Awards. A report win.
Most individuals stay standing. Some develop into followers on the spot, together with a person who jumps up and down with waving palms and repeatedly professes his love for Raye. ‘You are a legend, Mike from Amsterdam!’ the British singer responds after a sympathetic chat.
Raye jogs my memory of Amy Winehouse in some methods. Not a lot within the sound of her voice, however in a tormented existence that seeks its expression in no matter means. When it comes out musically, it’s not solely a blessing for the artist himself, but in addition for the viewers that will get to see it, as a result of simply as Winehouse was a really massive artist, Raye can completely obtain star standing.
Seen: North Sea Jazz 2024, Friday (11:00 PM) within the Nile.
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