Jessie J at Union Chapel
A concert under the light of a stained-glass window is one thing, but experiencing Jessie J live in the flesh is something else entirely. Last night, fans gathered at Islington’s Union Chapel for an intimate performance celebrating everything the singer is – and everything she’s still becoming. With classics and chatter, newbies and natter, it had everything it needed to be unforgettable. Jessie J is undeniable and her shows are unparalleled.
Do It Like A Dude gets us into the groove straight away, and it’s immediately clear this night is going to be special. What was originally a heavy-bass, grungy track is reimagined as a sultry blues number, with the pop icon scatting and ad-libbing like it’s nobody’s business. She explains there’s no setlist – she’ll be choosing songs based on “vibes.” Among these, excitingly, are unreleased tracks. Believe in Magic is a glowing ditty, full of love, and the flicks of guitar strings on Complicated are simply gorgeous.
A fan calls out and requests Flashlight. She shares that her friend had passed, and that it was their favourite song. The moment hangs in the air as the music begins, and Jessie J’s voice climbs higher and higher. Blue lights spiral around the room, and everyone inside is utterly transfixed. It’s one of those moments that can’t be described – only lived. Then, she sings Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing in the middle of the aisles, with no microphone, and it feels like another realm.
Her vocals are unbelievable – cutting through like glass, impossibly clear. A voice has never sounded so natural, so effortless; she has complete control, and it’s staggeringly impressive. It’d be easy to list moments like Who You Are and Domino as vocal highlights, but truthfully, there isn’t a single song where jaws aren’t on the floor in awe.
The intimacy here is at once beautiful and hilarious – she chats with the audience almost non-stop, quipping, asking questions and letting the flow take its own course. Some might say she talks to her fans too much (after an hour, she’d only sung nine songs), but it suits the atmosphere perfectly – and no one here tonight is complaining.
Jessie J cemented herself in the British music industry a decade and a half ago – and last night, she showed exactly why. With a vocal ability beyond belief, a laidback and friendly aura and a stacked hoard of hits in her pocket, any show she puts on is bound to exceed expectations. She closes with her new single Living My Best Life, and the crowd dance with her – words of joy bouncing in the air, following everyone home forever.
Talitha Stowell
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events visit Jessie J’s website here.
Watch the video for Living My Best Life here:
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