Yes, it’s only October. But John Legend is releasing his Christmas album this month, and if you want a soulful Christmas you best get planning now. So kindly detach your brain from these lovely autumnal colours and check out our list of London-based soul shows this Christmas. These events are all very likely to sell-out so we would strongly suggest booking well in advance.
Motown and More… With Natalie Williams’ Soul Family – Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Soho
Earlier this year, The House That Soul Built reviewed Natalie Williams’ Soul Family – Ronnie Scott’s longest running residency. With Ms Williams at the helm – a gorgeously charismatic and respected vocalist, particularly within the jazz scene – Soul Family comprises an ensemble of gifted soul singers. Each December, Williams’ and her cadre perform several Motown-themed Christmas shows which never fail to sell out.
Motown and More… is running from 3rd-5th December, and 10th-12th December. Each day has two shows. You can buy tickets here.
Hideaway Christmas Show – Hideaway, Streatham
I always leave a Janette Mason show in utter admiration for her musical intuition and imagination. Whether it be Aretha Franklin or Prince or Cheryl Lynn, Mason can take any song and reinvent it entirely. This December, she will be joined by Australian jazz vocalist Lily Dior and the dapper soul singer Kevin Leo to celebrate the Christmas season. Expect sophisticated, sleek, ‘d’rangements’ of Christmas classics at this fine venue.
The Hideaway Christmas Show runs from 13th-15th December. You can buy tickets here.
Motown Jam with Motor City Revue – The Fiddler’s Elbow, Camden
Changing moods a bit here. You may want to enjoy some soulful musicianship while sipping a gin-based cocktail in one of the above jazz club/cabaret venues. However, you may want to shake your limbs wildly to a live soul band in a rock and roll pub in Camden. Reviewed here, Motor City Revue are a high-calibre function band who frequent the London Blues Kitchens and venues such as the Boisdale. However, their natural habitat, in this writer’s humble opinion, is The Fiddler’s Elbow – a retro, unpretentious, and boisterous venue. Fronted by Leonora Williams, the group has style!
Motor City Revue will be performing at The Fiddler’s Elbow on 7th December. You can buy tickets here.
(Image copyright: Hideaway, Ronnie Scott’s, and Fiddler’s Elbow. Collage image created by Malik Yaye).
