Sidewalks On The Corner

England born singer Corinne Bailey Rae is making her way in this musical world of manufactured groups and singers.

With veteran artists like Nora Jones, Nelly Furtado and Joss Stone, who are already commanding a huge audience, how will the song writer / guitarist from across the ocean, keep her head above water?

Her self titled debut album has already spawned two singles "Trouble Sleeping" and the playful, hit single "Put Your Records On", which has listeners buzzing both overseas and here in the states. Corinne herself describes her sound as soulful, though at first listen, her sound is more earthy and organic than simply soulful. When you think soul, most think of the original "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin or Mary J. Blige, Angie Stone, Jill Scott, but here's what distinguishes Corinne Bailey Rae from the rest of the typical soul singer (not that the singer mentioned above are "run of mill"). Her cutesy, raspy voice is soothing to the ear, yet bares just enough soul to compete with today’s heavy hittin' soul singers.

Song writing is top notch and Corinne's guitar playing demands to be heard. Corinne Bailey Rae's album is not heavily reliant on synthesized sounds, nor is it concerned with computerized instrumentation, and because of that, the album is simply clean sounding and has some breathing room to it. This album is an essential part of the ever-changing scene of music today. And Corinne Bailey Rae will help shape the way we think about soul music for the coming years. A much needed album these days.

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CORINNE IN CONCERT (added August 1, 2006)

Corinne takes her audience to church in a live concert performance at Bimbo's 365 club in San Francisco on Thursday, July 27, 2006.

Two opening acts started out the evening, stoking up the crowd who wait in anticipation for Corinne Bailey Rae to appear. They finish with a somewhat warm response from listeners. Nearly an hour passed. And like in some foggy dream, Corinne enters a smoke glazed stage. Immediately she has the audience in her spell. She begins the set with one of her hit singles "Trouble Sleeping", and fans follow suit singing along with her. She has them right where she wants them. The crowd shouts "we love you Corrine" as she smiles and laughs a little, responding to them "I love you too".

Still commanding the stage and her audience, Corinne goes on to play her hit single "Put Your Records On". The entire club moved their bodies to the soulful sounds. You could literally feel what she was singing; you couldn't help but feel the rhythms. Corinne Bailey Rae doesn't speak much, but with some sweet giggles, she is able to explain the inspiration behind her music and the meaning of her songs. Then she expresses her love for San Francisco.

Several songs in, and the concert is coming to a close. Corinne plays her last song, or so we thought. She exits the stage with grace, but the crowd wasn't letting her go. They began to chant, shout and clap for an encore. A few minutes later the band returns to the stage. Corinne plays her last and most haunting song also the last song on her album "Seasons Change". Corinne leaves her fans in awe. She gives a wonderful performance. It's not to be missed.