Vonda Shepard @ Pigalle Club, London. 27/02/2009
5/5
Yes, you have heard the name Vonda Shepard before. She’s sold 12 million albums, and must have a specially made cabinet for all the awards she’s won. Still can’t quite place her? She’s the lounge singer from 90s law series Ally McBeal. And so it’s quite apt, then, that Ms Shepard should be performing tonight at Piccadilly’s stunning Pigalle Club. Looking remarkably similar to the law firm’s bar in the series – where a conclusion to each show is inevitably drawn and secured by showing the episode’s protagonist dancing, singing along to Shepard’s bluesy-gospel vocals – the swish venue, with its patrons mostly seated, is perfect for Vonda’s piano-led pop-rock.
It’d be hard to argue that the 45-year old Californian is a bad performer. She’s incredible. With the energy of Girls Aloud all combined, Shepard gracefully pounds the grand piano and despite sitting behind the instrument for almost the entire set, she manages to ooze a presence which seeps into the spellbound audience. Her band complements the relaxed yet professional ambience to perfection, leaving the limelight to the star. Picking tracks from her latest album, ‘From The Sun’, the set is peppered with covers, including a fantastic feel-good rendition of Dusty Springfield’s ‘I Only Want To Be With You’, and an enjoyable take on Betty Everett’s ‘The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss)’. Of course, the Ally McBeal theme ‘Searching My Soul’ is much anticipated; its rousing, uplifting and the entire venue can’t help but sing along. In an age where music is all too often styled, fashionable or fake, it’s thoroughly refreshing to see such inherent talent performed naturally with such sunny disposition. Delectable.
– RED
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Vonda has always been an amazing talent. We are so happy that so many people are able to experience what we have know for years.
Vonda is an amazing talent. We are happy that so many people are able to experience what we have know for years.