R&B puppy-love with crystal clear vocals

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In a rather unexpected booking, multi-Grammy nominated R&B artist Tamia performed a headline show at London’s KOKO last night. Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Tamia became a protégé of the iconic Quincy Jones in the late 1990s and has since occupied a treasured place in US R&B royalty.

It was somewhat surprising that for her first solo show in London Tamia did not have much to say to the audience. She worked her way through the set at a lightning pace, offering only a few cursory words to the audience. Beginning with ‘Love Falls Over Me’ from her sixth studio album Love Life (2015), she dotted around her seven studio albums. Her puppy-love R&B ditties such as ‘Can’t Get Enough’ (from 2006’s Between Friends), ‘So Into You’ (from her 1998 eponymous debut), ‘Lipstick’ (from Love Life), and ‘Officially Missing You’ (from 2004’s More) landed particularly well with the audience.

Armed with two big-voiced and fiercely choreographed backing vocalists, as well as a live drummer to thicken the backing tracks, Tamia performed with finesse. The lack of more authoritative showmanship was counterbalanced with some terrific singing – her vocals supple, clear, and powerful.

In the night’s most touching moment, Tamia paid homage to many recently departed musical legends with a medley including George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’, Luther Vandross’ ‘Never Too Much’, Aretha Franklin’s ‘Day Dreaming’, Whitney Houston’s ‘My Love is Your Love’, and Prince’s ‘Diamonds and Pearls’.

Her version of Mica Paris’ ‘You Put A Move On My Heart’, which she recorded with Quincy Jones for her 1998 debut, was a particular highlight, as was the emotional ballad ‘Stranger in My House’.

(Image taken from Tamia’s Facebook page)