The Correspondents at the Jazz Café

If you think you know what showmanship is, you don’t. Hands down, this was the most energetic performer that audience has ever witnessed; major respect to Mr Bruce for being able to sing while performing at such a level. We felt quite sorry for the poor photographer in front attempting to capture spins and jumps.

The energy and searing charisma pale in comparison to the musical artistry that occurs on a stage occupied by this MC/DJ pair, The Correspondents. There is no way you can’t totally respect the musicianship behind their creations. A true musician, ladies and gentlemen, who somehow manages to deliver a stunning musical performance, while really going for it physically.

Launching their debut album Puppet Loosely Strung, the set was track after track of intelligently lyrical, energetic magic. The duo not only performed new songs from the album, including What Did I Do?, Fear and Delight, and Puppet Loosely Strung, but also weaved in previously released material, the centrepiece of which appeared to be (according to the crowd’s reaction) What’s Happened to Soho? Their presence onstage sets them somewhat apart from their recorded material, but where’s the fun in going to see an artist perform their work exactly as it appears on the album? Particularly when the live variations manage to entirely eclipse their solely digital selves.

There is no denying their style, from the impact of their music to the wardrobe, and hats off to any artist who can pull off a costume change mid-song with approximately two feet of changing space. The Correspondents are a band that need to be seen live, and anyone who refrains from experiencing them, even if it wouldn’t usually be their thing, is doing themselves a grave disservice.

Phoebe Person
Photos: Ambra  Vernuccio

For further information and future events visit The Correspondents’ website here.