Jamie McDell - Gig Review: Jamie McDell @ The Crystal Palace, Auckland 16/5/15
The resplendent Crystal Palace in down town Mt Eden was the venue for the wonderfully talented Jaime McDell, performing the penultimate gig of the nationwide Ask Me Anything tour. The classic old theatre was full of happy young fans and their mums with a few dads too, would this be a night where the parents would have to grin and bear it for their children? I can safely say no, the young pop singer song writer is a wonderful example of New Zealand talent, who showcased her passion for writing and performing her mature songs in a wonderfully modest and down to earth manner. I recently reviewed her album and can happily report that Jamie and her band delivered amazingly faithful reproductions of her charming songs.
The music that filled the many crevices of the old theatre resonated beautifully and the sound of Jaime's crisp vocal was mesmerising, her voice was in great form, and her songs have such tender and smooth melodies, with the band providing a wholesome groove and when they harmonised on the choruses it really did raise the energy and spirits in surprising way. Her songs themes are of real life, from missing friends, or trying to imagine what you'll be dong 5 years from now, and they were articulated in song with a persuasive beauty that was powerful and gratifying. Occasionally Jamie sang with a slight American accent, and certain sections had a real country rhythm and feel, a sign of some of her influences showing through.
The great rapport with her band was obvious, with Jamie's Drummer Scotty Pearson from Elemeno P fame not only keeping perfect time but also delivering some well-timed humour most of which was about the band not being included on a trip to Costa Rica. The venue was intimate as was Jaimie's stage presence, and in the end we all came away feeling very entertained and privileged even, Jamie's live performance won over the crowd and we were very gracious in applause and there were a some loud yells from the adults in the room too. I plan to be seeing her again, within 5 years from now, maybe in Costa Rica.
About Jamie McDell
Now at age 30, New Zealand singer/songwriter Jamie McDell has achieved a prolific amount in her formative years. Being signed to EMI at age 16 sparked the beginning of a successful musical journey, making her a household name across the nation. With the release of her debut album Six Strings and a Sailboat, she went on to achieve Gold album sales, receive three NZ Music Award nominations, winning Best Pop Album of 2013. Then her sophomore record Ask Me Anything gained global attention, seeing album track Moon Shines Red featured on American TV series 'Pretty Little Liars'.
In March 2017 Jamie made a trip to Nashville, looking for a change of scenery and to
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