Acantha Lang – Pizza Express Soho 28/02/2019

The first time my wife and I saw Acantha Lang perform, we thought she was superb. We have seen her perform several times since and every time she improves on her previous performance. This show was the best of them all to date.
The show began with 9th Ward, a New Orleans song sung by a New Orleans native with a distinctive New Orleans vibe. Acantha played a mixture of her own songs, some of which were new, and some scintillating covers. The self-penned songs sat comfortably alongside those written by Bob Dylan, Bert Bacharach and Hal David, Phillip Mitchell and Bobby Lance and Fran Robbins whilst her versatility was shown singing gospel, blues, R’nB and soul superbly.
It is impossible to pinpoint a highlight because every song was delivered to such a high standard. Acantha had the support of a great band, Emlyn Francis (Guitar), Mike Horne (Drums), Dave Mian (Trumpet), Ricky Mian (Sax) Neil Raymond (Bass) and Andy Noble (keys) with CeCe and Ruthie on backing vocals. All were given an opportunity to shine.
Amongst Acantha’s own songs, there were two that I had not heard before ‘He Said, She Said’ (a song about mis-information on social media) and ‘Come Back Home’ (about Acantha’s father who she did not see for twenty years, written before their reunion) and look forward to hearing them again. ‘Breathe’ (my personal favourite) and ‘Lois Lang’ (a song abot Acantha’s Mum who is a superwoman) which were written in the last year featured again, together with old favourites ‘Ride This Train’, ‘Eventually’, ‘Gonna Be Alright’, ‘Keep On’ and the encore ‘Mighty Mighty’.
The covers included ‘Hurt So Good’ sung in the style of Millie Jackson, ‘I Shall Be Released’ in the style of Nina Simone and the Janette Mason ‘D’Ranged’ version of ‘I Say a Little Prayer’.
Acantha managed her sell-out audience well, encouraging participation at times and telling a small noisy group to keep quiet when she slowed the tempo down. She is charismatic with a bubbly personality.
I am delighted that Acantha announced that she is recording a full album with band as a follow up to her Acoustic EP. It promises to be an album worth hearing and playing over again.
The small venue circuit is full of accomplished artistes, but few can match the charm and vocal ability of Acantha Lang.