By Lucy Parford
From out of nowhere singer/songwriter Laura Mvula is
suddenly everywhere – from Later with Jools Holland to the front covers of glossy
magazines. She's being lined up as the next big thing after being shortlisted for a
Brits' Critics' Choice Award (which has previously been won by Emeli Sande and
Adele).
But it's a disservice to compare Laura Mvula to anyone else, as she has a startlingly and refreshingly unique, soulful voice all of her own.
The event in the Jazz Arena was one of guest director Jamie Cullum's picks and he was waiting in the wings to introduce her: "It's an amazing honour for me to introduce this artist, a new artist I've been playing on my record player for the last six to eight months.
"I think she's amazingly original and exactly what we need in this country right now. You will remember this night, you won't be able to see her in venues this small after this."
Birmingham-based Laura, who was wearing a striking white dress and silver choker, was thrilled to be endorsed by Jamie who she later admitted was one of her heroes. Towards the end of her set, he came back on stage to sing a song with her from his new album, Momentum, to the delight of the sell-out audience.
Before the surprise duet, Laura captivated the Arena with tracks from her debut album including the wonderful title song Sing to the Moon, as well as jazzy a capellas and soul-searching numbers reflecting on lost loves.
Her six-piece band includes her sister, Dionne, on vocals and violin and brother, James, on vocals and cello accompanied by keys, double bass, drums and harp. Laura revealed the upbeat single, Green Garden, was inspired by her siblings who are on tour with her and their times spent growing up together and playing in the garden.
The song was one of the highlights of the night, as well as the feelgood That's Alright which got everyone on their feet. The encore was a beautiful version of Michael Jackson's Human Nature which ended the night on a high.