This was the 23rd and final night of Vika Bull and the Essential RandB Band’s ‘Etta James Story UK tour and fittingly it ended with a standing ovation from the Cadogan Hall audience.
Somehow Etta James’ music passed me by when she was alive. I remember Chicken Shack covering ‘ I’d Rather Go Blind’ in the 60’s but I had not developed a love of the blues at the time. It was when I heard Ruby Turner sing the same song and talk warmly about Etta James that sparked my interest.
The show had a narrative of Etta’s troubled life between many of her songs. We learned of Etta’s troubled childhood, her struggles to find love, her addictions to drugs and alcohol and her times in prison. However through the strife her music was the constant factor.
Vika Bull sang with energy, strength and raw emotion and her performance was first class. She excelled when singing those much covered songs ‘ I’d Rather Go Blind’ and ‘ At Last’ and was superbly supported by the band.
This is show that I would recommend to any lover of good music and I would imagine that Etta James fans would be delighted that her music is being showcased once again.
Johns London Music Reviews 