Imogen Heap / Ben Christophers / Geese

Belfast and the Empire Music Hall on Wednesday night marked the starting point of leg seven on the 'Ellipse' world tour for Imogen Heap. The doors opened a little later than billed leaving the queue outside at the mercy of autumn downpours. Unphased the Belfast crowd eventually made their way inside to a brief warm up by support acts Ben Christophers and viola duo, Geese.



This was Imogen's first time performing in Belfast so the sell out gig had been eagerly awaited by most there. After rapturous applause at the start of the set, audience and act quickly warmed to each other. Informal and chilled out the evening felt more like an evening with Imogen Heap as opposed to a gig. In between songs Immi joked about, told the stories behind the songs and showed off her array of instruments. Heap has a fantastic ability to fish out music from just about anything she can get her hands on. With microphones on her wrists she sampled bells, a saw and glass of water to name but a few. The Empire stage was rammed full of instruments, and during any one song Imogen would dance between two or three instruments (be it the mbira, piano, keytar etc). This can only serve as testament to the Grammy Award-winning star's vast musical talent and creativity.

The beauty of social networking meant that the Belfast crowd had a personally tailored set list as voted for on facebook. The result was an ecliptic mix of old and new gracing every bit of Heaps back catalogue. Immi powered into the set with 'The Walk' off the album 'Speak For Yourself'. After this the first half of the set was owned by material of her latest EP, 'Ellipse'. With frequent backup from support acts Heap belted out the like of 'Wait it out', 'First Train Home', and 'Little Bird'. Further into the set crowds got to experience better known hits ('Let go', 'Goodnight and Go', 'Hide and Seek') which any self-respecting fan of the OC, Grey's Anatomy... or Jason DeRulo (head hanging in shame!) should be well acquainted with.

When it came to singing 'Just For Now' rather than using her own backing vocals Immi conducted the audience into the song, turning the show into an impromptu choir lesson from the hot famous music teacher I never had! Apart from her sound Immi's ability to make herself at home with an audience has got to be one of her defining characteristics. With so many bands out at the minute trying too hard to be cool such interaction is a rare treat.

Minus a few vocal hiccups towards the end Imogen started off Leg seven on a high. The set list couldn't have been better being wrapped perfectly with 'Hide and Seek'. This is one not to be missed. If you happen to be in London around November 5th, you might want to check out Imogen conducting at the Royal Albert Hall for the score of the film 'Love the Earth', should be pretty special!

FUTURE GIGS

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