Line-up

Headliner
Jessie Ware Last time in Toronto: 2 years ago

Venue

Massey Hall

178 Victoria Street, M5B 1T7, Toronto, ON, Canada

www.masseyhall.com/

Capacity: 2,752

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Additional details

Doors open: 20:00

Concert in your area for Pop, Funk & Soul, R&B, and Electronic.

Find out more about Pop and Electronic.

Jessie Ware biography

Jessica Lois Ware, better known as Jessie Ware (born 15th October 1984) is a singer-songwriter hailing from London, England, blending contemporary electronica with her soulful vocals.

Jessie Ware began her musical career working as a backing vocalist for Jack Peñate, accompanying him on an American tour. For Ware, this was a valuable experience, learning how to perform in a live environment without having the pressure of being the lead singer.

Following this, she was introduced to producer SBTRKT, with the pair going on to collaborate on a number of releases to great success across 2010 and 2011, including the tracks "Nervous" and "Sanctuary" which appeared in his self-titled album. Her duet with vocalist/producer Sampha, "Valentine" was also a quality release, printed on a heart-shaped vinyl for an added romantic touch. Her appearance on Joker's track, "The Vision" was one of the strongest displays of her vocals, proving her voice powerful enough to cut through even the heaviest of bass lines.

In 2012, Ware released her debut album "Devotion." The album was a critical success, with the singles "110%" and "Wildest Moments" charting in the top 100 of the UK charts. The album itself, released on 26th August 2012, reached number five in the UK Albums Chart. Her talent and success with "Devotion" was awarded with a Mercury Prize nomination, narrowly missing out. Since the album release, Ware has embarked on several tours and performed worldwide at festivals.

The first single to be taken from her second album, "Tough Love" again garnered positive responses, with Zane Lowe declaring it the 'Hottest Record' of the week. The album featured collaborations with top musicians such as Julio Bashmore, Kid Harpoon and Ed Sheeran. The album reached number nine in the UK Albums Chart, becoming her second top ten album.

Her powerful, soulful vocals have achieved significant praise, with the stylish production of her music making Jessie Ware a well-respected artist. Comparisons with Adele, Sade and Tracey Thorn have being made, with their soul-inspired music and voice.

Live reviews

After charming the hell out of Osheaga-goers back in August, Jessie Ware made a welcome return to Montreal on Tuesday at the Théâtre Corona Virgin Mobile for a notably more intimate set. Coming on stage wearing her huge trademark gold hoops and signature slicked back hair, the UK chanteuse wasted no time getting into the thick of things with the smooth jazz-infused number No To Love, and then immediately chatting up the crowd and grabbing some lucky fans’ hands.
The interaction with her fans cannot be overstated because it actually comes off as genuine. She was as personable in front of thousands of rained out concertgoers at Osheaga as she was in front of a few hundred at the Théâtre Corona, and actually brought up her rainy set multiple times throughout the night (not to mention the already famous Osheaga catering). There were clearly many repeat fans in attendance, this reviewer included, and their love for Ms. Ware seems to have increased tenfold in the few months since her last appearance.
The night was peppered with funny tour anecdotes, fist pumping and crowd teasing. She pointed out a dancing couple during Sweet Talk while proclaiming that this was the 1 year anniversary of the first time she noticed a couple dancing at a Dublin show. She took a moment to thank opening band The Invisible, and particularly singer and guitarist Dave Okumu who produced and wrote many of the tracks off her debut album Devotion, including the title track. She orchestrated a little dancing interlude on her beat machine before launching into a cover of collaborator Julio Bashmore’s Battle for Middle You and then declaring Montreal to be “such a fun audience, I love you!” She took a bit of time to introduce her very well groomed band before closing the night with her two biggest hits Wildest Moments and Running.
While Jessie declared she “never does encores,” she did come out to perform a brand new track she wrote for her sophomore album about “someone back home” (we’re guessing her new fiance). I’m usually skeptical about artists who proclaim to never do encores, but I am actually inclined to believe Ware this time as half the band’s equipment was in fact unplugged and the lights had been already been turned up. But the crowd was adamant about wanting just a little bit more Ware before the end of the night and she gratefully obliged. And while the sound suffered a bit from some of the missing instruments, a “proper scrappy” version of the as yet untitled track as she put it, I nevertheless had chills from what is sure to be a standout song. I can’t wait to hear the recorded version and feel privileged to have heard its demo version.

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