Last week I posted an article entitled Spotlight on… Lianne La Havas.  Her album Is Your Love Big Enough? was made available for purchase in UK shops yesterday morning, and last night I had the great privilege of seeing Lianne perform, and the even greater privilege of meeting her after the show.  (And what a show…)

The setting couldn’t have been more perfect.  Tucked away on Brick Lane is one of London’s coolest independent record stores: Rough Trade (East).  For those of you who’ve never been… go!  It’s like walking into a scene from Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity: I guarantee that you’ll be torn between saving your rent money and just buying a bucket-load of new records.  Classic Vinyls, CDs, New Releases in both forms are bursting forth from every direction, and headphones on every column and wall feature the very finest picks from every genre throughout the store.  Sadly, such establishments are dwindling in the digital age, and also with competition from HMV and the like.  Thankfully, Rough Trade doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon.  Still with a finger firmly on the pulse of the music scene, and with dozens of live music events throughout the year, Rough Trade is definitely worth many a visit.

And so it was, in this most glorious of settings, crowded with music junkies, that Lianne La Havas stepped shyly onstage with her band in the way only a breakthrough artist can – unassuming and modest, free from arrogance about how truly gifted they are, and stunned at the number of people who recognise that talent within them.

And then… one of the most incredible set openings I have ever been blessed to hear: a simple, stunning, four-part harmony entitled Don’t Wake Me Up, the first track on the new album.  Two bars in, I was absolutely rapt: my pre-gig excitement completely vindicated.

After a few more brief, modest thank yous, and a drinkless toast to “live music, debut albums and Rough Trade”, we were treated to more from the album, which, at the risk of piling on the pressure, is nothing short of a masterpiece.  Each track is carefully crafted, has a distinct personality, and stands on its technical musical merit as well as its sheer enjoyability.  With its funky riffs, soulful harmonies and gentle cymbal cadences, this debut album takes listeners on an emotive journey of love, passion, heartbreak and hope.  La Havas’ voice is capable of power and attitude, yet equally capable of soft sighing whispers, and, to my mind, her voice is a touch reminiscent of a young Lauryn Hill.  In any case, her voice has people talking, and with good reason.

The set was concluded with the title track from the album, Is Your Love Big Enough, during which the audience were introduced to Lianne’s incredibly talented band: Jay Sikora, Chris Dagger and James Wyatt, who really do deserve credit for their beautiful backing vocals and tight rhythms.  Though La Havas proved during the set that her guitar playing and vocals are exquisite on their own, the band undoubtedly enhanced the experience of the night, so thanks boys!

After the set, I had the chance to meet Lianne very briefly, and I am delighted to report that after an hour of signing albums and, I imagine, mundane chit-chat, she was still absolutely beaming and bubbly and perfectly delightful, and took the time to actually connect with all her fans.  She has a great sense of humour, and for one reason and another, she even drew a willy on my album sleeve!*

Lianne La Havas is beautiful in every sense, and I genuinely hope she can retain her grace when she is – as I’ve no doubt she will be – propelled to stardom.

*On a vaguely connected side-note, I’d like to express my delight, upon unwrapping the new album, at finding real liner notes with lyrics and all, and a whole page chockablock with thank yous – the kind you used to find when artists remembered their humble roots, their fans, and their loved ones.  Mostly when I buy a new album these days, I’m saddened to find pages and pages of pictures, and not much substance.  This album, conversely, has a personal message and dedication in the middle of the lyrics, aimed at an original composer and a loved one.  It’s a really nice touch that I think is noteworthy.  It’s just one more reason to go out and buy this album!