“Apparently I’m the next big thing,” Krsytle proclaimed while standing on the Jazz Cafe stage with a wry smile on her face, before deciding to “f**k the setlist” and play what she wanted.  It was cheeky rebellion at its best.

Standing on stage Ms. Warren has the look of a vagabond who’s travelled more and seen more than every person in the audience combined.  Someone who travels around, hitch-hiking and sleeping on strangers sofas with her guitar strapped to her back.   Her face looks like it has a story worth hearing; unglamorous and worn yet friendly.

When she opens her mouth to sing it encompasses all of this; graciously unkempt.  The sound reminded me of how Nina Simone would poor her heart and soul into a record, bellowing a piece of her into every note.  It’s the ability to be harrowing on one song then charismatic for another – songs like Central Park and Little Wonder captured this perfectly.

Krystle and her guitar may not be everyone’s cup of tea.  It’s a challenging listen at times; sparse and lacking hum-along melodies.  Put the effort in and Krystle Warren is well worth it; kind of like reading an autobiography.  Oh and she’s apparently the Next Big Thing, didn’t cha know!?!

Soulside Funk