It's so special to see pure talent beginning to blossom and luckily I am barely in the Islington Assembly Halls when Anoushka Lucas takes her spot in the support slot. It is a real treat as she offers a unique sound and a number of self penned songs including 'Brixton Hill'. Despite initial shyness it is clear that the audience have warmed to her and she has done her job very well by the close of her set. I am ready for Avery. Having seen and reviewed Ms Sunshine twice before I feel confident that she will deliver. I am ready to be entertained and she is more than able to satisfy. The whole gig drips of quality, truth and oozes with pure soul. This gig is the first time that the songs from the new cd 'the Sunroom' get the full band treatment as well as the classic favourites from the first cd. Tonight between snippets of Anita, Gladys, Maroon 5 and the acoustic Luretha Jackson medley encore we get Avery and that is so damn good that at times I find it hard to control myself. I am swept away in her Sunshine movement. She makes me smile in the knowledge that reminiscence is a beautiful thing when she sings 'Pining' and I really don't care who knows it! Each song showcases the most amazing vocal performance that I have witnessed since she was last here....but tonight Avery moves way beyond that first time and is even more accomplished. I am happy to hear that she is in Love and this shines through when she moves to the Grand Piano and tells us what this means on 'Nothing into Something' and 'Call My Name'. It reminds me of her support slot for Anthony David at the Jazz Cafe a few years back and her rendition of 'Ugly Part of Me'. I often watch that on You Tube as I was there and it shone as a moment with a truly sincere, soulful storyteller. Tonight the whole gig was chock full of moments. I really do not think I could have whooped harder or louder. She is outstanding on 'Safe in His Arms'; 'See You When I Get There' is wonderfully accepting of each persons different journey in this big old world and beautifully served with relish. An evening in the company of a truly beautiful, genuine star that shines like Ms Sunshine is a happening that all of London needs to experience. Even as I write this it is with pure tears of joy.....happiness....optimism....love....love....love...'Won't You Try Love'....thanks Avery xx.
Billy Strings
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