As I was walking down South Street towards the Theatre of Living Arts hours before Corinne Bailey Rae’s sold out show I had one goal in mind, which has seemed to be a reoccurring trend for me: use the law of attraction to create the opportunity to meet Corinne and get a quick picture. The planets in the universe must have been aligned on that humid Saturday afternoon because the timing could not have been better.
An incredible surge of excitement ran through my body as I walked out of a used record store only to see this gigantic tour bus slowly pass before me. What other reason would a bus of this size that was pulling a small trailer have to drive down this small one-way street? At the time, it seemed like I was the only one who knew that answer. There must have been something in the air.
After grabbing a bite to eat, I figured I would make my way back to the TLA to try and listen to sound check from the back alleyway prior to the show. Then, out of nowhere, as I’m walking back to the venue, from about thirty yards away, I spotted Corinne’s puffed-out, frizzling hair as she was strolling the streets, casually looking in the windows and enjoying the sunshine with one of her guitarists, Jennifer Birch. As I neared the two, trying to revive myself and keep it cool at the same time, I enthusiastically introduced myself and told Corinne how big of a fan of hers I was. Corinne was kind enough to say hi and stand for a picture with me, it immediately made my year.
Her second studio album, The Sea, which debuted in the U.S. on January 26th, is much of a departure from the Corinne who burst on the scene with “Put Your Records On” and “Like a Star” in 2006. To me, this record is much more complex and intricate, where the textures and layers that make up the record provide incredible depth to the collection of songs.
At times, there are swelling climaxes that resemble crashing waves that quietly recede back into the ocean, as displayed in the moving lyrics and powerful transition on “Love’s On Its Way.” And there others that embody tranquil calamity and peacefulness as heard on “I Would Like To Call It Beauty.” Other highlights include a dreamlike jetsetter mantra as personified on “Paris Nights/New York Mornings” and her free spirited nature on “The Blackest Lily,” which features Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, of The Roots, on drums and tambourine. Corinne’s involvement in co-producing all of the tracks on The Sea also allowed her to craft exactly what sound she had envisioned in mind, while also acting very much as a learning experience.
Just waiting to absorb Corinne Bailey Rae’s presence in the moments leading up to her sold out show in Philly felt magnificently eternal. Once Corinne, dressed in a hip black jumpsuit wearing ballerina slippers, accompanied her awesome five-piece band on stage, the audience erupted in excitement. It was great to see her smiling ear to ear as she slung her electric guitar around her neck, pushing back her hair and diving into the opening chords to her ever moving song “Are You Here.” Beginning without the accompaniment of her band, you could feel the emotion in the opening lyrics to the song, “He’s a real live wire/ He’s the best of his kind/ Wait till you see those eyes.”
After uplifting the audience with “Paris Nights/ New York Mornings,” she transitioned into a trio of songs from her first record. Fans at awe of her talent, Corinne featured “Breathless,” “Like a Star” and “Till It Happens To You.” Her connection with the audience was more of a friendship for the time being. I’ve heard her speak of how important the vibe is in determining the direction and the uniqueness of each show. Having the same group of individuals in the same room would be nearly impossible to replicate at any other time and it was so fantastic to experience it such an intimate setting.
Following, was what I feel is one of Corinne’s deepest and most beautiful songs, “Love’s On Its Way.” It’s almost like I was holding my breath up until the closing of the song when the bass takes over and she lifts off vocally. Each time I hear it I get chills, and the effect was so much more personal hearing it live for the first time.
“We know this is a great city for music and we know you guys have great taste. Thank you so much for coming out, we really appreciate it,” Corinne said to the audience before transitioning into “Feels Like The First Time.” Her voice truly is like angels singing and it was remarkable to see how gracious she was of everyone. I’ve never seen a musician so appreciative and so in tune with the audience.
She really got the crowd going with tambourine in hand during “The Blackest Lily,” one of the most upbeat tracks on the new record. Featured solos included an extended talk box/guitar solo by John McCallum and drum fill by Luke Flowers. Later in the evening, Corinne featured a slowed down dub version of “I Only Have Eyes For You” that really set the cover apart from other renditions. It had such a laid back feel to it and seemed to drift off in a prolonged decrescendo at the closing.
Towards the end of her main set, Corinne featured “Seasons Change” off of her debut album. “This is a song for all the people who are waiting,” she said as she led into the Stevie Wonder-esque tune. I feel that the song itself provides great closure to the first record. The depth of “Seasons Change” and its vocal range makes me feel that it is the closest related to the group of songs on The Sea. She dives down to some of the lower notes in her amazing vocal arsenal, which were brought out most notably on “Feels Like The First Time” from her latest record.
Returning to the stage to a roaring encore, Corinne featured a cover of “Que Sera Sera” that really made the song her own. “This song is another song that is a favorite of mine and I’ve love for a long time. I’ve been waiting for a reason to do it, you guys seem like a good reason,” she said with excitement. The slowed down version featured John McCallum on vocals and harmonies between the two.
It was such a thrill to finally get a chance to see Corinne Bailey Rae perform live, and even more of a treat to actually meet her in person. Her voice was as magnificent as ever and her appreciation towards her band and the audience was undeniably the greatest I have ever seen in an artist. It seems like no matter how you may feel, after hearing Corinne sing it’s like every tension has been relieved and your day is automatically better. I know for sure that her voice will be heard for years to come, I just wish her peace and joy.
