A few thoughts after seeing Lianne La Havas' Twin Cities debut Sunday at the Varsity Theater:
• The rising British pop-soul star was genuinely taken by the turnout (about 500) and the reception (very enthusiastic).
• In her 75-minute set, the 23-year-old came across as very talented. As a vocalist, she was more impressive live than on her encouraging debut disc, "Is Your Love Big Enough?" As a performer, she was confident, friendly and quite
likable.
• As a singer, La Havas reminded me, at various times, of Sade, Alicia Keys and Corinne Bailey Rae – only she's stronger and more versatile vocally than those stars. She has an accomplished sense of vocal dynamics.
• Her artistry was more impressive than her band. Her drummer, Jay Sikora, was too loud, aggressive and distracting from the allure of her organic soul sound. La Havas was most impressive when she was accompanying herself on electric guitar or it was just her voice and James Wyatt's electric keyboards.
• La Havas' balladry seems inspired by Prince.
• Was Prince, an admitted fan who has covered La Havas' "Lost & Found" in his shows, there? We suspect he was observing from the "royal box" in the mezzanine, which was closed to the rest of the concertgoers. (That's where he sat for Janelle Monae a few years ago.)
