Jessie Ware played a triumphant show at Theatre Corona (review)

Jessie Ware @ Theatre Corona
Friday, April 3^rd 2015

Sprits were high–this past Friday seemed to be the first day of spring in Montreal. Positive energy poured from the bars along Notre-Dame. It was a mild evening, the streets busy with post day drunk bodies in search of dinner, or potentially even more alcohol. Wandering into Jessie Ware’s sultry show seemed too perfect an end to an already dreamy day.

Jessie looked stunning in an androgynous and sleek wide legged pantsuit that echoed David Bowie’s Hunky Dory period. She sauntered up and down the stage, almost purring the lyrics to her single “If You’re Never Gonna Move” from her debut album Devotion. A large white backdrop hung behind the band with her name printed bold in block letters. It seemed to express a sense of newfound confidence.

Jessie’s immaculate stage presence is undeniable; she knows exactly how to seduce a crowd. Between songs, she spent a considerable amount of time speaking directly to the audience, mentioning local pleasantries she’d experienced and waving hello to a barista she’d met earlier in the day. The English beauty has such natural charm and wit; her anecdotes were just as enjoyable as the music.

The music itself was consistently polished and pristine. Throughout, Jessie’s vocals were refined and beautifully melancholic. During “Keep on Lying” from her most recent LP Tough Love, the flicker of the lights was timed to mimic the trembling of her voice; these subtle audio-visual effects added a depth to the performance. During “Kind of…Sometimes…Maybe” she crooned and flirted with the front row, causing some to fall to their knees. It often felt as if Jessie were performing for her own personal, miniature stadium. Her devoted fans sang in time and unison to almost every single song. Others took shelter in the balcony; holding loved ones close with eyes closed, just simply listening. Crowd favourites seemed to be “Tough Love,” “Wildest Moments” and “Sweetest Song.”

Although she took full command of the stage, Jessie did not forget to introduce and thank each member of her gorgeous backing band. The band has a distinct presence of their own, rocking and swaying alongside their instruments. The drum kit stood out: a picture of Jessie’s face plastered across the bass’s skin. The band almost resembled a doting army following orders from the sergeant. Jessie is tough, but fair. She took control, holding the room gently in the palm of her hand. Nearing the end of her set, a single red rose was thrown onto the stage. She held it as she sang her closing number “Say You Love Me.” Jessie thanked the audience repeatedly, claiming Montreal to be “surely the loudest” crowd and explaining why she wouldn’t be playing an encore, simply because encores are silly.

“That’s just the way it is if you come to a Jessie Ware concert,” she reminded the crowd, and no one dared to disagree.