Live Review

Frazey Ford – Purcell Rooms, Southbank Centre, London

• 22nd Oct 2010

It’s a shame that Canadian singer-songwriter, Frazey Ford is not more familiar on more people’s radars; a voice so eloquent is most deserving of more acclaim.

Last night at the Purcell Rooms, Southbank Centre, she left to a crowd feeling mysteriously enchanted, ending the last date of her UK tour. Luckily enough, being in attendance I was there to witness her charm. Starting the gig showcasing many of her own songs, she blended a essence of new and old, throwing in a few covers for good measure.

Starting with ‘September Song,’ Frazey took the stage to hushed silence, something she later mentioned, the quietness of British crowds. Setting into ‘Firecracker’ her stage presence grew, drawing upon her amazing vocal abilities to lead her through. After playing a flurry of hits from the new record ‘Obadiah’, Frazey ventured into a cover of the classic ‘Another cup of coffee for the road’ by Bob Dylan, putting her own little ditty twist on it.

From there on in, Frazey let rip, picking on an adventurous collection of numbers, including an Al Green track. Encoring a 1930’s soul melody said to be something of a Gospel classic in the US, the crowd were shown a much more bluesy side to Frazey as she finished off with a lovely harmonic piece, the last track of the tour. Confirmation of a beautiful singer/songwriter to keep your eye on in the future.

‘Obadiah’ is out now.