Here are The House That Soul Built’s favourite concerts of the year!
5. Gladys Knight at Royal Albert Hall (REVIEW)
Thank goodness for us that the reigning Empress of Soul did not retire from touring, as she pledged she would a decade ago. Because she can still leave an audience spellbound.
Standout Moment: A masterclass performance of ‘Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)’
4. BBC Proms Celebrates Aretha Franklin (REVIEW)
It is a tall order to deliver a worthy tribute to the late Queen of Soul. But vocalist Shelea, alongside conductor Jules Buckley and his orchestra, did an exceptional job, offering reworked renditions of Aretha classics as well as more straightforward takes delivered with total aplomb.
Standout Moment: A performance of the oft-neglected tune ‘Sparkle’
3. Angela Winbush, Regina Belle, and Brenda Russell at the Barbican (REVIEW)
Seeing just one of these artists in concert would have been special, especially given how infrequently they visit the UK. But witnessing Angela Winbush, Regine Belle and Brenda Russell in one evening for this intimate affair at the Barbican was a soul-enthusiast’s dream.
Standout Moment: Angela Winbush singing her solo hit ‘Angel’, hitting the same stratospheric notes she hit back in 1987.
2. Jazz Voice at Royal Festival Hall (REVIEW)
An ensemble concert stacked with talent, this year’s Jazz Voice brought together the wonderful voices of Carroll Thompson, Amythyst Kiah, Dana Masters, Mica Millar, Marisha Wallace, Ian Shaw, Kurt Elling, and Shingai. With orchestration from Guy Barker and the London Jazz Festival Orchestra, the gala was a thrilling two hours of jazz and soul with some obscurities thrown into the mix.
Standout Moment: Amythyst Kiah roaring her way through ‘Black Myself’
1. Lady Blackbird at the Union Chapel (REVIEW)
Lady Blackbird is the artist of the moment. She can cover a song – often an obscure soul or jazz cut – and extract new meaning out of the lyrics with that stirring alto. Her concert at the Union Chapel was the musical highlight of the year.
Standout Moment: A sinister, snarling performance of ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’
