The large crowd, crammed into the small room, welcomed her with rapturous applause. This crowd was diverse and dedicated, with a wide age range and with many who had travelled far to be there - such as the gentleman who told me he faced a three hour drive home- and many who had either been to see her already on this tour or were going to other dates. Some had, of course, seen her on her other visits to the UK but for others, including myself, it was the first time seeing her live - and she didn't just live up to all the good things I had heard about her live show; she completely smashed them.The opener, fast paced and catchy 'Rundown Neighbourhood', was the first of many songs from her most recent release Faded Gloryville, the album that this tour was in support of. 'Half Moon', a lullaby to the moon, sounds gorgeous recorded but is a song that is even more gorgeous live, a perfect showcase of Lindi's unique and brilliant vocals and she showed off more of her musical talents when she toook briefly to the drums during 'Run Amuck'.
Songs from other albums were mixed in the set, including the fan favourites 'Tin Star' - with added twang - and 'Cigarettes and Truckstops', both from the albums of the same names and both proved especially popular. Three covers also featured: Lindi's take on The Bee Gees' 'To Love Somebody' (that also features on her most recent release), a stunning version of The Eagles' 'Desperado' and a brilliant cover of the Cash classic 'Ring of Fire' to close the night.
Between songs, she chatted about away about her love of Primark and haunted toilets as well as breaking into an impromptu Jazz song or two with her superb lead guitarist, 'Champagne' James Robertson (her backing band, comprised of Robertson, drummer Noah Hungate and bassist Ryan Gavel also just have to be mentioned as they were fantastic the whole night). An assured performer, Lindi looked completely at home on stage the whole night and, like the audience, seemed to be having a ball on stage, breaking into wide smiles at numerous points.A big voice with a big talent, it's always a treat to see an artist and their band of such a high calibre at such intimate venues - that evening was no different. And if that was Lindi Ortega with a cold, then I'd love to see her without one - as she has already set some very high standards for all the 2016 concerts lined up in my calendar.
Still touring the UK, there are still chances to catch her on the following dates:
January 26 - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
January 27 - The Cluny, Newcastle
January 29 - East Village Arts Club, Liverpool
January 30 - The Ruby Lounge, Manchester
January 31 - The Globe, Cardiff
February 2 - Thekla, Bristol
February 3 - Komedia, Brighton
February 4 - Islington Assembly Hall, London
