New To Q Gigs - Clare Maguire, Cocknbullkid, Liam Bailey
In the second night of New To Q Sessions hundreds gathered to watch the much talked about Clare Maguire perform what was to be her first ever headline show. The Q Awards 2010 Next Big Thing winner was about to prove why she was worthy of all the praise pundits have lavished. As anticipation and excitement buit ahead of this moment, the crowd enjoyed two more of the finest acts around as picked by Q.
Liam Bailey, a man with two EP's to his name and an upcoming album expected this year, was first to warm the venue with his soulful material. Despite admitting to suffering from a sore throat, the 25-year-old Nottingham raised singer brought a classic R&B sound and a hint of Caribbean reggae to Shepherds Bush. It is no wonder Amy Winehouse was quick to sign him to her Lioness label, as her shares his ability to make contemporary music with a vintage edge, transporting listeners to the Motown inspired '60s soul era.
Next up it was the turn of Hackney's CocknBullKid. 25-year-old Anita Blay is the woman behind a name you have to be very careful about pronouncing, particularly with a London accent. We don't want a Jeremy Hunt situation on our hands. She dazzled with a theatrical performance which began with a brave a Capella into choral quartet harmony.
Blay's stage presence added another dimension to the well written pop she showcased from upcoming album, Adulthood. Her set included the upbeat yet introspective single,Hold On To Your Misery, and the incredibly catchy, One Eye Closed, which beautifully allows her vocal prowess to take center stage.
From one Brummie to another, Q's Editor-In-Chief, Paul Rees, then introduced the act everyone had been eager to see. With the added weight of expectation on her shoulders, Clare Maguire made a dramatic entrance amidst mood setting synths. She stood with her back to the audience, adding to the anticipation, before perfectly singing debut single, Ain't Nobody. Her powerful vocal range captivated those in the room as though spellbound. Although no pins were dropped, the audience was silenced and plastic pint pots could be heard falling to the floor as people were gripped by her incredible persona.
Jay-Z said to Maguire that star quality was all in the eyes and that he could see it in hers. It's no wonder these compliments from the legendary rapper were bestowed on her considering the dark, intense gaze she imparts when singing her gothicly tinged tunes. Luckily between these atmospheric moments, Maguire breaks from the supernatural guise to flirt with audience members, wave to her family members, and to tell people to stop looking at her sister.
Maguire's first headline slot was a huge success, showing she can certainly cope with the expectation which now precedes her live shows. With her debut album, Light After Dark, expected towards the end of next month, her self-confident stage demeanor will be seen in much larger venues throughout the year. But for those fortunate enough to witness this note-perfect gig in such an intimate setting, there is a belief that we were among the first to get close enough and view the star quality Jay-Z talked of in her eyes.
In Photos: New To Q Sessions Day 2 - Liam Bailey, CocknBullKid, Clare Maguire
2:48 PM | 26/01/2011
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