JESSIE WARE RETURNS TO SCOTLAND FOR TWO SOLD-OUT SHOW’S AT GLASGOW’S LEGENDARY BARROWLAND BALLROOM.

★★★★★ (5/5)

JESSIE WARE PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S BARROWLAND BALLROOM
PHOTOCREDIT; KENDALL WILSON

I think it’s fair to say this is the first gig in a while I’ve been at that a fan threw underwear on stage to the act, what could only happen in Glasgow though, is that the underwear in question, while being black and aimed directly at Jessie (good throw) was also a very sensible pair from M&S. It’s the safe approach to pop star worship these days! Clearly the thought process was I want to throw these up there but it’s cold, wet and Jesse may appreciate the extra warmth.

The choice of music before Jesse came out was excellent, Chaka Khan, Denise Williams etc finishing with classic Whitney Houston, it was all designed to get everyone up for a party before a note had been played, it’s not normally the case that people get so excited about the microphones coming out on the stage but the lady next to me was clearly a big fan.

Which brings me to the point, Jessie Ware is every inch the pop star, from her dramatic entrance to the, at times, extravagant show, to the sheer exuberance of the dancers, the quality of the backing singers and the Queen of the stage herself, Jessie, this show was a massive expression of joy and the happiness of being alive!

The entrance was quite spectacular, the male dancers got their horns out, blowing on them when needed, the backing singers shimmied and sung beautifully, the dancers then threw some tremendous shapes, either individually or as a partnership, the backing band were tight and the lady herself was a massive stage presence in a spectacular red outfit.

What did come across very strongly in between the songs was Jessie’s no nonsense, taking no prisoners but thoroughly enjoying herself all of the time attitude. The banter with the crowd was excellent, the dance moves when she broke them out perfect and the whole thing was a dramatic and musical success.

None of which detracted from the fact Jesse is an excellent singer, when she finally slowed it down for a ballad you could hear a pin drop in front of the stage. There is no doubt Jessie has it, whatever it might be. She commanded the stage like a modern day Boudicca, commanding her subjects to enjoy themselves and sing along, a command gleefully accepted by many of the crowd.

The innuendo and sheer naughtiness continued throughout the show, there was no holding the backing dancers back in particular., not that anyone wanted to When Jesse slipped into choregraphed routines with them it was an exuberant joy to behold. She was having so much fun she didn’t even bother leaving the stage to change outfits, a change facility was set up on the stage and she continued singing, her head appearing over the top, while slipping out of everything apart from her thigh length red leather boots and re-emerging resplendent in a new outfit.

It was a mixed crowd when it came to orientation, gender, age and willingness to shake it but what they all had in common was the sheer joy they took from this gig. What brought it altogether was the stage presence and sheer joy of the conductor in chief.

Jesse has come a long way since playing the Fruitmarket, but it wasn’t a step up, she completely owned the Barrowlands last night. It was effortless, she is born to perform.

If you haven’t seen Jesse Ware live and get a chance to go make sure you rectify that glaring omission and go, if you want to party then Jesse will bring the nightclub to you, along with the emotion and sheer talent.