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Alice Russell Review: Jazz Café London 07/04/09

Alice performed to perfection, electrifying a sold out Jafe Café. The venue was so packed there wasn’t any chance of getting to the bar incase of losing your prized place near the stage, a minor inconvenience as you anticipated the nights performance.

Covering old and exciting tracks from her critically acclaimed new album ‘Pot of Gold’ she lifted the mood to the crowd’s delight and making sure it was well worth the wait.

With her cheeky boyish manner, that you couldn’t help but fall for, she kept the audience dialogue between track’s humorous and dynamic. TM Juke who produced the album was superb on the bass throughout, giving their version of ‘Seven Nation Army’ something that little side of special. A lot of the night’s music was owed also to Alice’s Band, or ‘Alice’s Boys’. Complimenting her voice the collective’s funky energetic sounds maintained a constant vibe and tempo creating a beat infectious in everyone’s feet. It’s true to say seeing Alice Russell live is something of an oddity.

There stands a small blonde Brightonion lady almost shy and reserved on first impression that is until she starts to sing of corse. A voice that is sweet yet harsh nurtured in experience captivating the crowd with pure funk and soul and leaving us with an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. The highlight of the evening, to an uproar of applause was ‘Turn and Run’, ‘Life of a Dreamer’ and the classic ‘End of the Road’. Proving yet again why on wax or live Alice is a UK soul gem we should all hold dear.

All photos care of Romain Kedochim. For more visit ROMAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Words ALI RAYMOND