Carroll Thompson – the Queen of Lovers Rock – was utterly radiant on stage

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Born in England to Jamaican parents, Thompson rose to prominence in the 1980s when her best-selling debut album Hopelessly in Love (1981) became a mainstay of the UK reggae charts. She has since become a seminal figure in the London-centric, grassroots phenomenon of ‘Lovers’ Rock’ – a romantically-charged and melodious sub-genre of reggae music. In an article for The Guardian prior to the release of The Story of Lovers Rock documentary, David Katz wrote that Lovers’ Rock ‘became crucial to the formation of a black British identity during a politically and socially turbulent era.’

A commanding presence in London’s live music scene – with sell-out shows every year at the likes of Pizza Express Live and the Hideaway – Thompson is able to deftly combine nostalgia with strong musicianship. Her singing is effortlessly bright and resonant, with a tendency to round off her phrases with the gospel inflection honed from her church background.

Beginning her set last night at Pizza Express Live, Holborn with ‘Sing Me a Love Song’ from her debut album, Thompson bettered her original recordings in terms of the clarity and expression of her vocals. She oozed charisma through a beguiling rendition of ‘Mr Cool’, the unavoidably hummable ‘I’m So Sorry’, and the pleading but flirtatious ‘Just a Little Bit’. With strong support from a band of four – producing a full yet measured sound – Phil Ramocon on keys shone.

Honouring her influences from both reggae and soul, Thompson delivered Diana Ross’ 1973 hit ‘Touch Me in the Morning’. Staying true to the original in the gossamer opening chorus, Thompson infused her reggae flavour into the first verse onward. Her version of Erma Franklin’s 1968 hit ‘Piece of My Heart’ (famously sung by Janis Joplin) was perhaps a touch too playful for this writer’s personal tastes, but she had brilliant interplay with Ramocon on keys before dialling up the rest of band for the final chorus.

In the second set Thompson featured two original songs from an upcoming album, the highlight of which was ‘Night Train’ – a poignant reflection on loss and grief. She closed the night with John Holt’s reggae version of Kris Kristofferson’s ‘Help Me Make it Through the Night’, opting for an emotional big-finish on the final line.

The Full Band
Colin McNeish (bass)
Kenrick Rowe (drums)
Phil Ramocon (keys)
Peter Lee (guitar)

(Image taken from Carroll Thompson’s Facebook page).