@ Odder Bar, Manchester, 19th May 2009There really is nothing better than great live music - especially when it is free - and particularly when it is delivered with the passion, relaxed assuredness and talent that Kirsty Almeida and her band bring to the table.
Housed in the "quirky and intimate surroundings of Odder," Almeida's music and vocals perfectly fill the room and wrap themselves around the packed crowd. It is jazz, it is soul and blues, but via Parisian Walkways, Las Ramblas and the Caribbean. Backed by a string quartet, a 3-piece horn section, guitars, keyboards and even a steel drum, Almeida's 'sound' will hopefully give the corporate bods a real headache when trying to pigeon-hole her into a particular category.
And she is all the better for it. Perfect for a slot on Jools Holland, for example, her eclectic mix and variation of influences would be wasted on today's youth, and her band too talented for anyone in the Top 40. Think Amy Winehouse or Corinne Bailey Rae, but with an understanding of the world outside of CD sales figures, and a determination to do her own thing. "This is the story of my life," she announces as an introduction to 'Wrong Mr Right', as the intimacy levels raise just that little bit higher, her eye-contact with the audience members drawing them closer and involving them in the tale.
Born in Gibraltar, but raised in numerous locations around the world, Almeida seems to have absorbed every style of music that has passed her ears, and is now giving it back to the masses in her own way. She has the sound of an artist that has honed her craft, paid her dues and pursued her own path.
She is undoubtedly a great talent, and is highly recommended by yours truly. See for yourself, and catch her live as soon as you can:
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