DES'REE sure knows how to set the atmosphere - red candles positioned around the stage set the hymnal mood, while strategically placed wind fans blow air on her half-open white blouse and loose strands of hair. It looks like Michael Jackson in Jurys Cabaret, and if it wasn't for the several half decent soul songs played with a basic instinct by a funky band, it would be a wasted exercise in pastiche.
Of course, the success of this gig depends on where you stand in relation to uplifting, virtually Zen-like, lacklustre acoustic-based soul music. Image and stage posturings notwithstanding (lithe and lissom, but curiously asexual and not at all provocative), Des'ree plays the sincere positivity card far too often. Just because you're imbued with a certain degree of New Age spiritualism doesn't necessarily mean you have to preach it through your songs. Which is exactly what Des'ree does - to the bemusement of the crowd who clearly just want her to get on with the next song.
That said, it's impossible to deny the strength (and, indeed, the message) of a song such as You Gotta Be. Or the occasional contemplative groove that is allowed to billow above the less gripping material. It's not enough, though. All in all, this was a poor show from an established chart act.
