Ivy Chanel is charismatic, full of positive energy and has been blessed with a beautiful voice and this combination guarantees that her audience have smiles on their faces.
This was the third time that my wife and I have seen a solo Ivy gig and we have additionally seen her twice fronting the Mo Pleasure Band. Ivy is a very likeable person and has a highly accomplished band of musicians including two backing singers.
Ivy sang two sets which were largely based around her own compositions which are all upbeat numbers which get the feet tapping and the body moving. Two of the best of these were ‘April’ and ‘Wind Blows’. To be honest this is not the style of music I would listen to at home but when sung live her music is compelling.
Ivy did a few covers and on these she showed what a great voice she has. Her version of Deniece Williams ‘ ‘Free’ showed the range her voice has the quality of her tone, I particularly enjoyed her version of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’ too.
As we were nearing Christmas the performance became seasonal with ‘Joy to the World’ on which she was joined by four more singers from her church, this was followed by a great version of ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, a carol I’ve heard so many times but Ivy gave this much sung carol a fresh sound.
I did not catch the names of all the musicians but Michael Brown on guitar and Tuca Milan on percussion were exceptionally good. Backing vocalists Lisa Graham and Nathan Lewis complemented Ivy’s vocals well.
Hideaway was at best three quarters full, I’m not sure why Ivy’s shows are not sell outs because her performances are worthy of full houses.
Johns London Music Reviews 