Shaznay Lewis at the Jazz Cafe

A much-anticipated date in the music lover’s diary, All Saints frontwoman Shaznay Lewis performs her first solo gig in two decades. The singer/songwriter showcases new material ahead of her second album release Pages, which drops this week. A packed Jazz Cafe sees a diverse crowd, which highlights the appeal of a true artist. Lewis was the main songwriter behind All Saints, picking up a prestigious Ivor Novello Award and has since written for such acts as Little Mix.

The show starts strong with Kiss of Life. The track exhibits Lewis’s expert ability to construct a sing-along pop tune and a catchy chorus, typical of both her solo work and the pop classics she created with her group. It’s followed by one of All Saints biggest hits, Black Coffee, with the entire auditorium belting out the lyrics, revving up an already enthused crowd. There is a lot of love in the room and the atmosphere is instantly one of jubilation. There is a real feeling of celebration as we enjoy 90s and 00s hits alongside fresh material, proving Lewis is only growing stronger both vocally and lyrically.

Miracle showcases Lewis’s stellar vocals with another infectiously catchy chorus. We are then taken back to the artist’s first solo single Never Felt Like This Before, which sounds as fresh now as it did upon its release back in 2004. Got To Let Go was designed to be performed live – its buoyant beat adding to the uplifting vibe that envelopes the venue. 

Good Mourning sees another 90s legend take to the stage – collaborator and friend of Lewis, Shola Ama. The pair’s performance of their latest single is one of many highlights of the evening, with Ama visibly moved by the reception she receives. Never Ever – arguably All Saints best known single – drenches us once more in nostalgia before Lewis plays performs tracks from her latest album.

Closing with crowd-pleaser Pure Shores, the evening ends on a high with Lewis mirroring the excitement of the crowd. The artist is clearly having fun, and while she might have appeared a tad nervous at the start of the night, the love of the audience allowed her to open up and interact with her signature laid-back style.

With a well-considered set and the support of a tight and cohesive band, the evening successfully offers welcome nostalgia while at the same time exciting us for what is still to come from this immensely talented artist. Despite such an impressive back catalogue, it seems Lewis is at the top of her game with a new-found confidence to match her assured new body of work. It’s truly great to have her back.

Jonathan Marshall
Images: Zak Hussein / Backgrid 

For further information and future events visit Shaznay Lewis’s website here.

Watch the video for the single here: