Rachel Higgins was impressive on her debut appearance at Pizza Express Holborn to the delight of her audience.
Before we booked for this event, my wife and I had not heard of Rachel Huggins. We read her biography on the website and based on her gospel singing background decided to see her without listening to any of her music beforehand.
Rachel sang two sets which, apart from covers of Chaka Khan’s ‘Sweet Thing’ (the Mary J Blige arrangement) and George Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’, were all her own compositions. This demonstrated her belief in her own music and her courage. Neither was misplaced. Her songs were soulful and had strong melodies. Many were sung whilst she played piano.
The titles of the songs that I enjoyed most were ‘Take Control’ and Three Wishes’. Rachel’s songs are about love and life’s up and downs. She told us that she has given up music a few times, we are pleased that she did not because she is a talented singer and songwriter.
Rachel was supported by an excellent band consisting of guitar, bass and drums together with an outstanding backing vocalist whose voice complemented Rachel’s superbly on in some numbers. The songs had a feel of being duets such was the blend of the vocals.
The show closed with a song that Rachel had intended to be sung with a Gospel Choir. She got the audience to sing the chorus and to then continue singing the chorus overlaying the verses that she and her backing vocalist sang. This worked surprisingly well.
During the interval and after the show Rachel spent time to individually thank every member of her audience and to talk with them. She is a warm, humble person and has a likeable personality.
We will definitely go to see Rachel perform again given the opportunity. I would recommend any lover of soulful music in an intimate setting to go see her when she next performs.
Johns London Music Reviews 