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Liverpool’s St. George’s Hall Small Concert Room is a beautiful place: tranquil, sedate and almost contemplative in its atmosphere. Last night, for very nearly two hours, there was no place for any of these characteristics as Mica Paris – actress, author and, above all else, singer – took hold of the building and her audience sat within it and quite simply refused to let go.
Dressed from head to toe in black and armed with a smile that outshone even the great chandelier that usually illuminates this most grandest of rooms, Mica Paris quite simply tore into her set with the first of many highlights being Where Is The Love, with its beautiful rhythmic lyrics being accentuated by some classily smooth musicianship provided by her 6 piece backing band.
Three songs in and Paris is almost imploring the audience to stand. “I’m here in Liverpool to party … are you with me, St George’s Hall?” To a man and woman they were and as the hits rolled out – not least of which being a cool starting, but quickly rising version of Summertime – so the temperature began to climb in response.
Her interaction is exemplary and her admittance that she has been “suffering from a bit a of cold,” for the past couple of days and is “just getting over a week where everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong,” only underscores that clearly to Mica Paris, the music, the performing and the very act of being on a stage is more than just a powerful remedy, it is the elixir of her life.
When Young Soul Rebels and South of the River are belted out as part of a medley of her hits, the place was rocking and we were sweating like Ibiza Ravers in meltdown, so that by the time One Temptation and an immaculate version of Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together – a version that makes Tina Turner’s sound positively timid it should be said – those there gathered are completely and utterly absorbed in the majesty of Mica Paris’ rich technique, honesty and forthright brilliance.
Mica Paris: Queen of UK Soul? Unquestionably and, with a new album on the way, although this might have been her first concert appearance in Liverpool, it can only hoped that it won’t be the last.
Mica Paris: Queen of UK Soul
Liverpool St. George’s Hall Small Concert Room
May 14th, 2016
PR Rating: ***** Unforgettable