Natalie Duncan is fast turning in to one my favourite discoveries for the year.  This was cemented by her emotional show in the Elgar Rooms of the Royal Albert Hall.  Seemingly watched over by Ella Fitzgerald, a large photograph of the singer hanging on the wall behind Natalie,  she put on a display worthy of such a grand audience.

Making the most of playing Elton John’s famous red piano she donned a red dress, red nail polish, red lips… she was only let down by her shoes for the full set (I guess Kurt Geiger had sold out!).  As she settled down there was a sense in the air this would be a special performance   My only previous experience of Natalie had been her quick fire set at the Station Sessions where she played with precision and grace her best album tracks.  This was a different affair all together.

The album songs were there, however what stood out were some of the songs which did not make Devil In Me.  Dig My Own Grave and the complex End both stood out in the early part.

As the show progressed, it all just kept on improving.  When she played Old Rock, as a tear trickled down her cheek, emotion seemed to pour out of each word she spoke and in to each beating heart in the room.  Too often shows pass by without moments which truly touch the soul and pull on those heartstrings, that was one of them.

Find Me A Home was another highlight, played to perfection, oozing with dark, brooding blues undertones soften by the warmth of the piano accompaniment

Natalie is a great talent, and I feel so happy I pulled my ass out of the office to  the Station Sessions at the end of summer.  I really enjoy evenings like this and watching Natalie grow as an artist will be a pleasure.  Looking forward to more  live gigs to come in 2013.

Rob