Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

A Dutch invasion and surrounded by the scent of intrigue and the possible hint of tulips that hangs in the air, a purveyance, a regal like flourish to the autumn serenade in which Caro Emerald, the undisputed Queen of European Jazz, returns to Liverpool, and alongside her in the carriage of musical expression, something, a passion for expression, a dominating thought of what we might miss as a society if we continue to turn our collective backs on Europe, the artistry of the young, of the timeless, and of the Netherland’s own Loren Nine.

It is with a magnitude of sadness that we might find ourselves in the unenviable position of seeming to neglect our friends in such a way, that the music of the continent might be lost to us for a generation, something that cements us a human-beings, rather than the moments that tear us mentally apart. Such a prospect is not good for society, it is against a natural order to let our own children suffer from exploring all that is good, and perhaps whilst we are able to enjoy young, talented musicians from across the other side of the Channel, then to embrace Loren Nine is appropriate, a realisation of just how regarded she is.

As with any support slot, time is a premium, perhaps more so when the appearance of Caro Emerald has been salivating the Jazz loving minds of those in attendance for what may have seemed like weeks. Time though is a peculiar beast, in the right hands it can slow, it can become deliberately measured, a gentle Childlike persuasion in which the hammers of the clock are held back for a little while and the enjoyment of what is unfolding becomes inherent, almost ethereal.

Aside from the song Childlike, Loren Nine brought such songs as Cherry Stains, Chasing Sharks and her new single, Who Needs You, to the attention of the appreciative crowd. It was a feeling of indebtedness, of understanding in which the applause and message was loud and clear, if we lose our ability to enjoy such marvellous young talent from across the waters, what then does that do to our own sense of imploring our young to see that there is more to life than the bleakness we have suddenly told them is in their future.

A sense of occasion kicked off with the right melody and support from a musician destined to become a big name in Europe, and hopefully in the U.K.

Ian D. Hall