The difference between a singer and a songwriter

Tonight I had the pleasure of witnessing Corinne Bailey Rae live at NYC Town Hall. My first time at the venue was a great one. The setting and the acoustics were great (except for a few sound glitches towards the end). Going into the show I only knew "Put Your Records On" and didn't know what to expect from the show...but I was blown away. Although there were 10 people on the stage there was no doubt that Corinne was the center of it all. The band and backup singers were the perfect accompaniment to Corinne soaring and soulful voice.

The difference between someone who gets their songs and sings them and someone like Corinne who writes them isn't always evident on an album, but it is clear in a live show. The amount of emotion and energy that was put into each and every note of every song was moving. She was able to connect with the crowd and draw her audience into the palm of her hand.

ALthough it seemed effortless when she sang, the in between banter and praises is where she got flustered. Whether she was clapping along with the audience ("thank you for thanking me and enjoying me so much, perhaps?) or talking just a bit too much, it seems that is the only thing she needs to work on.

"Put your recods On" was played somewhere in the middle of the set and everyone was still there at the end of the show. At the encore she came out and said..."I only have 11 songs that you know, so i guess you're getting the whole album."

A great artist and one who is sure to be around for a few years.

Corinne was also recently nominated for several Grammy awards.