Lillian Boutte at The Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival 2014

Posted on: 2014-03-11

Our rating:

She sings the first note and, in a second, here comes the magic.


 

Lillian Boutté Gospel Concert with Chris Barber at The 2014 Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival

She needs no introduction at all, she reaches the centre of the stage, minute, informal but elegant in her black clothes with a pair of light colour sneakers on her feet, she sings the first note and, in a second, here comes the magic. Our Sunday afternoon couldn’t start better.

The final day of the Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival 2014 hosted a monument to jazz, gospel and R&B with Lillian Bouttè and her New Gospel Project. An artist that critics have compared to the legendary female voices of Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. Born and raised in New Orleans, Lillian has literally travelled the whole world bringing her music from Asia to Europe and this is the reason why, thanks to her many decades of activity, she was decored Ambassador of Music by the city of New Orleans. Before her this honoured title was received by none other than Louis Armstrong!

Here in Bristol, in the main auditorium of the Colston Hall, Lillian is accompanied by great musicians and, among them, there is someone really special; trombonist Chris Barber,  another legend who was a pioneer of the UK jazz scene. He is another star that lights up the stage and although he is not properly a youngster, if we consider that he is in the 65th year of his career, Chris shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, in the middle of the concert, when Lillian takes a rest, he goes on executing a touching solo.

During the show, Lillian and her band play different sounds and the result is sometimes overwhelming and exciting and other times passionate and moving, but each song is a pearl, from “The Battle of Gerico”, “Down by the riverside” to “Call him up”, “Didn’t it rain” and so on. Her voice is powerful, stunning, fine and her unique charismatic personality is evident even when she talks to the audience creating an intimate, nearly spiritual, atmosphere. Her dynamic presence on the scene gives you a sense of joy and grace thanks also to the band and the solos they play. At the end of the performance she shakes the hands of the people who are sat in front of her but she says that she would be capable to hold everyone hands. We trust her! During her closing song, the evergreen “What a wonderful world”, the audience goes ecstatic and, in the end, reacts with a long standing ovation as a sign of gratitude to Lillian who still continues to share her music throughout the world. When you leave the Hall a state of grace pervades your soul and your mind and, of course, you think that these are those kind of emotions that make you feel alive. And finally, when you arrive in the street and a warm sun welcomes you, then, you are definitely sure that what you were thinking was true.

Reviewed by Evita Sabatiello for 365Bristol 5/5

Lillian Boutte plays The Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival 2014



Article by:

James Anderson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.