The Yorkshire chanteuse makes her first appearance in Newcastle for five years in support of her debut album.
Lauren Housley has been making waves in recent times. Her latest single has been receiving airplay on the likes of the Jeremy Vine Show on Radio 2 as well as being booked to play at the prestigious BluesFest at The O2 in London. Tonight she brings her seven-piece merry band of men to The Cluny in Newcastle.
Lauren’s set sees the band playing the lion’s share of her latest offering Sweet Surrender. They take us through the beautifully heartfelt “Show Me What Love Is” which highlights Lauren’s phenomenal voice, she sings through her infectious smile. The incredible “Ghost Town Blues” has soulful Motown elements with undertones of Massive Attack and shines a light on Housley’s diverse array of influences.
The set is interspersed with several covers including a funked up version of The Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody” and a spellbinding rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” before rocking their way through Paul Simon’s “Graceland.” The band seemed to be enjoying themselves just as much as the audience.
Lauren closes her main set with the foot stomping country rock number, “Nice To See Ya,” and leaves the audience wanting more. Lauren brought the night to a close with a superb cover of “The Weight” by The Band, for which a friend is invited to the stage to join them for an all out jam and everyone got their moment to shine.
Lauren Housley’s brand of Americana blurs the lines between rock and soul through to country and blues. Her music is genre defying, and will appeal to all. Tonight Lauren truly sang her heart out; we look forward to more of what is to come from a rising star on the UK music scene.