BLUES FEST 2017
Friday 27th October 2017 Indigo O2 Arena London
The annual Blues Fest at London's O2 Arena got off to a funky start with Chic and Jack Savoretti headlining Friday's lineup.
Songwriter and poet Jack Savoretti put on an impassioned set over at the Indigo, eight years after he last played there. His vocals fit somewhere between Joe Cocker and Paolo Nutini and his fan base seems to grow show on show. His smoky, sexy delivery is perhaps one of the appealing factors that gather him a largely female audience. Make no mistake though, despite his good looks, Savoretti is a superb wordsmith and performer. His ability to tear down his defences and show a softer side, a masculine vulnerability also endears him to those that have discovered his music.
Armed with a guitar, Savoretti and his musicians keep the stripped back show firmly on the songs, with no detracting frills or ego trips. The commitment Savoretti has to every single song is nothing short of astounding. Breaking The Rules is one such exposing track that is delivered with heart-wrenching emotion and equally applauded by the sold-out venue. Almost in awe,
Savoretti is humbled by the reaction from the crowd on more than one occasion during the night. As a nod to the Blues an upbeat cover of the Allman Bros classic Midnight Rider gracefully creeps into the set. Another rousing song, When We Were Lovers closes an emotional rollercoaster of a set. Thanks to BBC Radio 2, Savoretti has become something of a household name among listeners and because of his fervent songs like Whiskey Tango, Sleep No More and Catapult he has established himself as a modern balladeer of extraordinary talents.
Funk pioneers Chic headlined over on the main stage. Nile Rogers now thankfully cancer free is relishing his new lease of life and clearly enjoying every moment of playing some of his defining tracks, Everybody Dance, He's The Greatest Dancer, Lucky and Like A Virgin. Armed with one of the best bands and female backing singers (Kimberly Davis and Folami) you will ever hear, there is very good reason why forty years on the songwriting of Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards has had us up and dancing and having some seriously good times to some fabulous music.
