Laura Mvula was the opening act at this weekend’s jazz festival. We decided to go based on my American niece’s recommendations – she is a big fan. Two grand pianos, a woman with the most extraordinary voice, and a backer musician, who turned out to be also gifted in both writing and voice. A brilliant introduction for us to her music.
Music, songs, can lift you and move you and be perfect. The acoustics of St Mary’s church carry this music around in an extraordinary way. Laura’s music has been described as a waterfall of sound. Crescendos and silence. Melodic and soulful. It felt like a deep meditation to close my eyes and let Laura’s huge, beautiful, voice peel out: “Sing to the moon and the stars will shine over you, lead you to the other side.”
Her concert moved me so much, I Googled her name when we got home. And I realised how meaningful Laura’s brief introductions to her life had been through her Rye concert. Her first albums over 10 years ago were huge, but then she got dumped by her label and had to re-invent herself. Her own lack of confidence and struggles for recognition has led to a new re-awakening with first piano and then “pink guitar” funk. She has battled and succeeded beautifully.
Laura asked this Rye audience various questions about her background: “How many albums have I produced?” and “Where am I from?” Weak, random answers were called back, and she clearly sussed out in the beginning we applauded with politeness and a general lack of awareness. But our clapping and whooping gradually grew through the two hours of listening to her.
Please return, Laura, to our church in Rye! I promise next time, I will be more prepared. Ready to recognise and support your extraordinary voice, and depth and sound. I hope this is the first of many many more visits. I have become a loyal fan.
Image Credits: Abigail Cooper-Hansen .