‘Diva’ is a term used with such abandon; it has lost all of its original connotations.
Forget your Mariah Carey backstage wobbles and think instead of the power and grace of a classic lineage of female vocalists, from Billie Holiday to Sade, to Adele.
All outstanding artists representing a true talent and determination, regardless of fashion, critical acclaim or discrimination.
It would be no large stretch of the imagination to add London based vocalist Jessie Ware to this distinguished lineage.
Having made her mark as unusual vocal prop to the underground UK bass scene, Ware hit home last year with her critical acclaimed and commercially successful debut album Devotion.
Despite being less well known in Australia, Ware has been avoiding the snow as part of the ever successful and surprising Laneway festival. And tonight’s sell out Beresford show is testament to the buzz surrounding her, including a few surprise guests in the audience – but more of that later.
Support band Collarbones make a spirited attempt to liven up the crowd. The young duo boast a combination of dual laptops and a soulful voice that seems to belong to a well versed Motown artist, rather than a post-pubescent Australian youngster.
Despite this exceptional range however, Collarbones seem to struggle to understand exactly who they are. The opening numbers show potential offering a post-dubstep groove, but after that the act seem disjointed and (understandably) wary of their surroundings.
They are nothing if not enthusiastic however, and a genuine sense of gratitude goes a long way to endearing them to the crowd.
As the lights dim for the opening act the packed room breathes a communal sigh of expectation.
A Jessie-look alike towards the front is only momentarily distracted as the fire doors fly open to announce the arrival of none other than Russell l and his entourage to a hastily roped off VIP area.
Arriving on stage, despite her immaculate grooming and suave entrance, Ware reveals herself to be incredibly self-depreciating and genial.
Notwithstanding the occasional South London flourish (no shortage of the F word!) she seems to have an almost immediate bonding with the crowd. And this natural charm only adds to the aura, its a lot more “God I love it here,” innocence than “Helloooo Sydney,” rock posturing.
But then the band strikes up with set opener “Devotion”, the voice appears and the sudden transformation from chirpy girl next door to quite extraordinary soul sensation is complete.
There’s no studio trickery at work when it comes to Ware’s voice. Saying she can sing would be the grossest understatement of the year. An incredibly complex vocal range incorporates full throttle vocal delivery with the subtlety of a mere whisper.
Despite a heritage in the hipper end of British electronic club music tonight’s performance relies more on her remarkably solid three-piece backing band than any sort of electronics.
The guitar and rhythm section adds warmth and sincerity to Ware’s chrome-lined pitch. The irresistible chorus of “Night Light” especially benefits from this arrangement, and is met by a raucous response from the audience.
To those present there is a sense of witnessing something special, a star in the making with enough humility to be grateful for the opportunity to just do what she loves.
The in-between song banter captures this feeling brilliantly, smashing away any barriers that might remain even in such an intimate venue as the Beresford.
Despite an impeccably straight face from Mr Crowe, “Wildest Moments” (perhaps the highlight of the album) is met with a rapturous response.
From swaying hipsters to gently embracing couples, the ascending chorus and heartfelt sentiments are universally infectious. This is perhaps Ware’s greatest opportunity to veer into X Factor-style vocal gymnastics, but the restraint and grace on show echo the refined style of another era.
By the time we reach final song, the UK hit “Running”, it really looks like Ware is having as much fun as her audience. Not one for unnecessary stage theatrics, it’s the gentle ribbing of the between song banter that holds the connection.
In its recorded form “Running” is a sublime piece of music, funky enough to be credible whilst being laced with enough soul and pop goodness to guarantee a permanent home in anyone’s head.
Live, it is even more impressive, stretched out to a mid-tempo almost jazz-funk arrangement complete with subtle funky guitar solo.
Not shy at the best of times, Ware really lets go as the evening draws to an end and the crowd are with her, ending an extraordinary night in an extended communal sing along chorus.
It’s difficult when faced with star quality and talent in such quantities not be slightly star struck. But even the most hardened cynic would be able to appreciate a genuine talent in the making tonight. To those in the audience, this might well turn out to be their very own ‘I was there’ moment to tell the kids. Russell was.
