Union Chapel, LondonWhile a certain
Football match unfolded elsewhere, the rising soul star’s second gig in 18 months proved just as gripping
It takes real command to hold London’s attention against the competition of an international football semi-final. Celeste Waite, billed opposite
England v Denmark for only her second gig in 18 months, has the nerve to attempt it, the voice to do it, and the dress to match.
At the centre of the Union Chapel’s small stage, ringed with art deco-style lights (Celeste’s own), she stands like some jazz-age snake goddess, sculptural loops of black coiling round her wrists and calves. She opens with a calm declaration of resolve. Ideal Woman, with its sinuous melodies and languid froideur, lists all the reasons why Waite will be no one’s paragon, and warns drily: “Please don’t mistake me for somebody who cares.” Her stage presence is contained, still; all the energy goes into the voice, and the spell never breaks, even in extra time.