Frances @ Norwich Arts Centre
A big star in the making.
It's the first night of the UK tour and Frances has got a new toy to play with. It's a spanking brand new black Yamaha piano, which she introduces as Polly. Heaven help the road crew if they put a scratch on Polly during the load-out at the end of tonight's show.
And that is it on the stage of Norwich Arts Centre tonight – just Frances and Polly bathed under the golden lights together, making beautiful music. It is Frances' first visit to Norwich, and she makes the usual 'great to be here' noises. The evening has sold out, which is surely gratifying for any opening night. The 22 year old's remarks are laced with deserved self-satisfaction, yet delivered with an endearing self-consciousness that is surprising for one who has already worked with some big names - Howard Lawrence from Disclosure (Borrowed Time), and Greg Kurstin (who co-wrote Hello with Adele). There are nervous giggles, and connection with the audience, but it's when she sings that we realise that we are listening to something rather special.
The album is due out in the autumn, and songs like Let It Out and When it Comes to Us will no doubt receive the full studio embellishments (In fact, she lets slip that a string quartet has been booked for the London date). But for tonight we get the intimate un-plugged performance that nobody present will ever forget. The rendition of the single Don't Worry About Me, with its acapella opening, is a real heart-stopper.
The adoption of the single-name moniker has been rather over-used of late, whereas it used to be earned only after a period of artistic courtship, and acquiring household name status. In the case of Frances, I would argue that the honour is already justified. A big star in the making.
