Corinne Bailey Rae Rocks The Lyric in Los Angeles

 
This past February UK soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae teased audiences in Los Angeles when she made a brief appearance on-stage at fellow UK singer Lianne La Havas' last solo US show (assisting in a fun cover of “Say a Prayer” along with Moses Sumney) and followed it up the next night as a featured guest at the legendary Roots Grammy Jam. Attendees of both events had little time to lament over the lack of recorded music from the Grammy award winner, as she dropped a teaser announcing the release date for her latest record, The Heart Speaks in Whispers, within days of the performances.
This past Friday, Bailey Rae returned to Los Angeles for the second of two sold-out nights at The Lyric Theatre in support of the new record; her first full length release in 6 years. The crowd packed into the standing room only venue early for an intimate set from the singer who was backed by a four piece band. With the mic stand and rafters adorned in ornate flower arrangements, the singer arrived on-stage and kicked off the set with the current record’s lead single “Been to the Moon.”
Vocally, Bailey Rae straddles a fine line between a delicacy and lushness that is all her own and difficult to imitate, but easily enjoyed. The audience was eager to hear her. So much so that there seems to have been an unspoken rule in the room that while it was okay (and even encouraged) to sing along with more upbeat songs, only Bailey Rae’s voice was to be heard for the ballads. A few rulebreakers were shushed by neighbors throughout the set.
Bailey Rae performed a mix of tracks from her 3 albums that included favorites like “Green Aphrodisiac,” “Till It Happens To You,” and “I’d Do It All Again.” She ended her set with “Like a Star” before returning to the stage with “Put Your Records On”  after the audience began to chant for an encore performance.
Although years have passed since the last release, her fans haven't lost their zeal for her. These tour dates at intimate venues have been her way to show her appreciation for their enthusiasm, support, and patience. Although the night marked the last of her US dates for this current go-round, be sure to catch her when she returns in late Summer/early Fall.