Confession time. I have a “moderate” obsession with Later…with Jools Holland. Every time it’s on I find myself giddy with the enthusiasm of a 14 year old girl watching The Beatles for the first time on Ed Sullivan. In my defense, it’s probably the best musical showcase show of the last 25 years. The format is unique, the bands (mostly) always sound good, and it’s a great source of finding new music. Even still, sometimes I get more than I bargain for.
Back in November I had planned to sit down and watch Bon Iver take the stage on Jools. What I didn’t plan on was being totally consumed with another artist I had never heard of before. When Lianne La Havas was introduced with just her vintage Alden 9908, I didn’t know what to expect. It only took about ten seconds and I was hooked. She easily overshadowed all the other artists, and before I knew it I was scrounging to find any material of hers I could get my hands on.
2011 saw two back to back EP releases by Lianne. “Lost & Found“, and her free EP “Live in LA“. Both are flawless representations of her stylistic versatility. Clearly, she is as comfortable without a band as she is with. Yes, she can sing, but she also is one hell of a guitar player. “Lost & Found” is truly unique. Managing to blend her obvious jazz roots with over the top industrial production, it’s pretty easy to get a feel for why she is going to be the next big thing. “Live in LA” approaches things from the opposite end of the spectrum, stripping her material down to the absolute minimum. With nothing to hide behind (except maybe a whiskey), she manages to pull off a hair raising performance in front of the most intimate of settings.
This year is poised to be huge for Lianne. Her video and studio version of “Forget” dropped, and we’re waiting expectantly for her full length release. If things continue to shape up like they have been, it won’t be long until you see Lianne everywhere.
Head to Lianne’s Facebook to download her EP “Live in LA” for free. Listen to her live rendition of ”Forget“ below and watch the official video while you’re at it. Additionally, you can catch Lianne live in NYC at the Mercury Lounge on March 20th.
Connect with Lianne La Havas – Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Website
