Singer-songwriter Leon Bridges has generated tremendous interest since releasing two demos late last year; the cavernous Village Underground is packed tonight.
Bridges takes to the stage in a vintage tux and bowtie almost certainly twice his age. Bathed in backlight – at times almost silhouetted – he is winningly shy, hurriedly introducing songs in a mumble.
But this twentysomething Texan assuredly belts out self-penned 1960s-style R&B and gospel straight from the heart – crystal clear and sonorous even in this acoustically unforgiving venue, soaring above his 7-strong band: note perfect, robust and resonant. He may not have adjusted to burgeoning fame, but his voice is already a star.
The set lasts only 45 minutes, but it’s clear he’s no one-hit wonder. His debut single, Coming Home – wonderfully catchy, laidback, soul – has received heavy airplay, but his unreleased tracks are as good if not better.
Smooth Sailin’ – again hypnotically catchy – is an uptempo R&B number with hot stabs of sax, and brilliant. Twistin’ and Groovin’ tells the story of his grandparents’ first meeting, underpinned by bluesy guitar twangs.
He closes out with a trio of ballads that let his voice take centre stage, supported only by guitar and backing singers. Jessie Ware joins him to duet on Lonely Road, and he experiments with flourishes of falsetto.
Bridges’ small body of work already contains minor classics that would sit comfortably alongside his 60s inspirations; excitingly, this is just the beginning.