The most immediately striking thing about Adele’s live performance is her profound sense of confidence. Compared to the litany of UK vocalists usually bandied about in the same breath, at 20 years old, the London singer is the same age as her peers, but somehow totally owns her complete onstage persona. Although the popularly defined female British vocalist definitions include everything from cute, charming and precocious as well as powerful, emotive and moving, Adele seems to be the one who in the live setting can deliver all of the above, as well as add her own sense of wholly unique strengths.
[Photo by Devyn Caldwell]
This confidence, though, is not just in her presence. While, yes, she does seem more at ease under the bright lights than most, her witty repartee and natural stage banter that seems to have really added to her audience connection are only part of her confident front. Adele oozes musical confidence as well. For one, as much as she is backed by a full band and a string quartet, these side players are always just an aside. The show is about Adele, whether showcasing her on guitar or bass, or just her amazing vocal range, the spotlight is 100% focused on her as is the audeince. Secondly, while handily invigorating her album tunes with unique arrangements, she also steps out with daring covers. It’s one thing to cover Bob Dylan. It’s another to try Etta James. But it is definitely daring to stretch from those confines to a soulful send up of The Racontuers track, “Many Shades of Black,” which she does with aplomb. But none of these is a misstep in her capable hands, and she knows it. And that’s why she’s so convincing.
[Photo by Devyn Caldwell]
