A powerfully dark set from Nadine Shah at Blacks in Soho

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Photograph by Brad Inglis (UBPICS)

The Society of Golden Slippers is cementing itself as one of London’s premiere singer-songwriter showcases, having played host to the likes of Lucy Rose, Luke Sital-Singh and Jens Lekman.

Last night this trend of displaying not only up and coming talent, but exceptional vocal ability continued, as Nadine Shah took to the armchair of the Blacks sitting-room, penned in by the musically attentive onlookers the evening attracts.

Her sound perfectly suited the smoky Dickensian setting, surrounded by candles and a roaring fire. An incredibly powerful voice forced its way through husky tones and melancholic jazz melodies – a nod to her time as an understandable member of that genre. A seductive finale rendition of ‘Cry Me A River’ served as a brilliant example of the depth and genuine power of her vocal.

Dark piano riffs and wintery themes, exemplified in the twinkling ‘Winter Reigns’ were mixed up with the flashes of dissonance in ‘Used It All’. This diversity ensured the set was as interesting as it was eye-opening of things to come from Nadine Shah.

Set List
Dreary Town
Used It All
Cannit Leave
Winter Reigns
Cry Me A River