Anna Calvi – Islington Assembly Hall – 8^th October 2013

Having played Wilton’s Music Hall in September, Anna Calvi once again dips her toe into the waters of London’s live music scene with a gig at Islington Assembly Hall to mark the launch the previous day of her new album “One Breath”.

Support comes from former Coral guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones, who persuaded Domino to sign Anna having seen her play in Manchester. He refers to that gig tonight, describing it as the best gig he’s ever seen. Bill’s career has been relatively low key since he left The Coral, presumably by his choice. That’s not to say he hasn’t been busy. Since 2011 he’s been responsible for four film soundtracks together with two albums: “If….” and “A Bad Wind Blows Through My Heart”. Tonight we get a pleasing display of slow acoustic-led balladry, which displays little of the jauntiness of The Coral until the last couple of songs. Ryder-Jones is a modest and self-effacing frontman. Perhaps he should crow a bit more.

Projection is something that Anna Calvi doesn’t lack however. Although she’s not necessarily the most mobile of performers, she doesn’t have to be: her astonishing voice and guitar playing do the talking. There is something almost sexual about the way that she looks at the audience as she smiles and drinks in the applause. A little like a cat relishing the sight of its potential prey.

For the “One Breath” campaign Anna has dispensed with her matador look and has replaced it with a simple outfit of a white top and black trousers with cummerbund. Her hair is scraped back in a way that makes her look a little like Eva Peron.

Anna has retained her usual band (Mally Harpaz on harmonium, percussion, bass and additional guitar; and Damien Maiden-Wood on drums, harmonies and 150% enthusiasm) with the addition of a keyboard player who also plays occasional bass.

The set starts in familiar territory with “Suzanne & I”, before we get a hefty chunk of the new album beginning with “Eliza”. Bearing in mind that “One Breath” was only issued the day before this is potentially a brave move. However, the audience gives each song a rapturous response.

Anna and her band all have an inventive approach to the way they play their instruments, which sets them apart from many current artists. During “Suddenly” Mally Harpaz plays the frame of her glockenspiel with a violin bow, whilst during “Tristan” Anna plays her guitar with a drinking straw.

There is a great sense of dynamics and drama throughout. During the introduction to “Cry” Anna stands with her head bowed and her fists clenched as if she’s about to explode; which in a sense she does later producing some great effects on bottleneck. During “I’ll Be Your Man” she produces some lead licks that Jimmy Page would be proud of.

As a performer Anna Calvi is both captivating and intoxicating: it’s impossible to take your eyes off her. Whether she’s vocalising with abandon, is hushed, is seemingly lost in reverie during “The Devil”, or is pealing off astonishing solos during “Love Won’t Be Leaving”, she’s electric. When did we last have so complete a performer as this in one package? Jeff Buckley perhaps?

After answering a question about whether she’ll be playing Glastonbury with an embarrassed “er….probably” Anna encores with “Bleed Into Me” and “Jezebel”, in which she gives Edith Piaf more than a run for her money. Anna Calvi is a warrior princess guitar slinger for the 21^st Century. Long may she reign!

                                                                                                                 Mark Kelly