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Nov
26
2006
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Reviews Misc
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Saturday, 25 November 2006 |
 Charity music night Oxjam is known as “Oxfam’s biggest, most ambitious music event ever”, and having never experienced any of the nights they’ve been putting on for quite a while now, I was chuffed when the latest one fell just a day after my 23rd birthday. I had been stuck for going out ideas and this was perfect. Not only that but it was being held at the glamorous Café de Paris nightspot and promised superb performances from soul queens such as Terri Walker, Kym Mazelle and newcomer Danielle Senior.
Having rounded up The Birthday Crew, we made ourselves comfortable on a few of the luxurious armchairs upstairs, sipping champers, ready for the show to get started. First up was Danielle Senior, who is fast becoming the UK’s biggest soul sensation. Having developed a loyal following on the underground scene over the past five years, she is now set for mainstream superstardom. Looking gorgeous as ever in an elaborate white gown and locks aflowing, she sang her heart out, and despite a few technical hitches (which she took in her stride), gave a first class performance. We were treated to songs from her EP, such as the Don E-produced “Take You Home”, as well as new material, such as a colourful Latino-inspired number, leaving the audience swaying along to the reggeaton-esque beat.
Next up was the phenomenal Ki. A band that I have not seen play live prior to tonight, it was hard to categorise their sound, which fused many elements such as Soul, Latin, Jazz, Funk and House. They put on a very energetic and up beat set, and everyone was loving them. Having already toured the world and worked with people like Katie Melhua and Daniel Beddingfield, it can’t be long before they are huge.
It was brilliant to see such a high calibre of new talent in such an intimate setting, knowing that soon they’re going to be massive and we get to see them here first. It is no wonder that Oxjam has developed a firm rep as bringing us the hottest new talent in relaxed yet prestigious settings, with live bands supporting each performer contributing greatly to the vibe.
UK veteran Terri Walker was fantastic when she took the stage, performing tracks from all three albums, but for some reason leaving recent hit “Alright With Me” off the play list, perhaps to fit in with the none-commercial feel of the night. Tonight was all about raw talent and the songs she picked, such as the brilliant “I Am”, showcased her talent to full effect.
Another amazing performance followed from disco diva Kym Mazelle, who has been going since the Eighties and was tonight accompanied by the sensational nine-piece Urban Blues Band, who she has since teamed up with permanently. This band comprised of James Brown’s MD Pee Wee Ellis on Saxophone and the legendary Skip MacDonald on guitar. Perhaps best known for her Romeo and Juliet hit “Young Hearts Run Free”, she didn’t perform this track perhaps for the same reason Walker may not have done her recent big track, to move away from the hype and make it all about the music. It was great to see such a talented and legendary (if grossly under-rated) singer in action, and boy can she put on a show! She truly surpassed even our wildest expectations and left everyone in awe of the ex-Soul II Soul star.
The setting was perfect for the amazingly talented array of performers tonight, and the lovely folks at Café de Paris definitely deserve a mention for looking after The Birthday Crew so well.
An unforgettable night at a truly exquisite venue!
Words by: Anna Nathanson
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