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John Aizlewood's rating
, Confessions of a natural soul star
By
John Aizlewood
3 Dec 2007
A star back home in the United States, where she has entranced and helped empower a generation of black women, Jill Scott means little here but still has the fans to sell out three Shepherd's Bush Empire nights.
Dressed as if auditioning for a situation comedy in a leopard-print kimono with footless tights, topped by liberally lacquered, meticulously sculptured hair, Scott proved a most undiva-ish diva.
Blessed with a crystal clear (but only showy on All I, late on) voice and the sunny but smart disposition of a most likeable natural star, she veered from a set of vulgar mimes delivered with a knowing smirk, to confessions ("I never thought I would be standing here before you as a divorced woman"), via chit-chat about the weather and sex talk recalling the similarly frank but smutty Millie Jackson.
Like her neo-soul male peers D'Angelo and Musiq Soulchild, Scott's struggle to compose a winning melody undermines her records but backed by an expertly marshalled 10-piece band, her music leapt into life.
The Real Thing and Hate on Me were the highlights of a two-hour set, plodders on disc transformed into glorious, genre-hopping cacophonies, part Destiny's Child at their most thunderous, part soul revue but at the centre of it all, smiling to herself, was Scott. There was nothing here to take her into the mainstream, but those in the know were richly rewarded.
• Wednesday night (returns only, 0844 477 2000).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (6)
How patronising! You ask anyone who listens to soul music anywhere in the UK, black or white and they'll know who Jill Scott is. How can you say Jill Scott "means little here" then go on to say that she managed "...to sell out three Shepherd's Bush Empire nights"? Just because she's happy with who she is and isn't going off the rails. Not every musician/singer lives to be mainstream and they shouldn't get a sloppy written review just because of that. I've read worse better written reviews.
- El Lever, London, 11/12/2007 11:37
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I've been to all of Jill's London gigs and have followed her development. She has made me cry at every gig, and I certainly wasn't alone in this. Her generosity of spirit and willingness to perform to such high standards despite clearly being under the weather, is something that other music performers should take note of.
I challenge this reviewer to think of another time at a London gig where he has seen the audience standing , waving their arms in the air and singing the artist and ALL of her band off the stage after THREE encores. ( Maybe he left after the first encore?) London audiences are notoriously cynical and Jill manages to cut through cynicism and touch the hearts and souls of individuals. My 16-year-old daughter enjoyed it on a deep level too, this was REAL music and a real education in being human.
How exactly does Jill Scott make all her fans feel that they know her personally?
- Diane Goldie, London, 10/12/2007 18:40
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I totally agree with Rachel Barrymore's comments - I don't think the reviewer 'got' Jill. She is a storyteller, not just a singer - her conversation is just as important as her songs at a gig - she's a package - and has a huge following in the UK - all hail Jill !
- Nighean, London, 08/12/2007 13:36
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Jill Scott was fantastic and left the crowd buzzing with two encores. She looked wonderful...and sounded great!
- Kemi, London, 05/12/2007 07:22
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Saw Jill on Sunday and thought she was magnificent. Feel like this reviewer didn't really GET Jill. Contrary to meaning little here, she means a great deal to a lot of people.
- Rachel Barrymore, London, 04/12/2007 15:02
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Saw Jill last night... she had us all singing. She has fantastic energy and spirit. What a night!
- Fan, London, 04/12/2007 09:00
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