“The first time I ever visited London was 15 years ago, with Kanye West... when we were promoting The College Dropout,” John Legend reminisced on the opening night of London BluesFest. West might have become an increasingly chaotic performer in the interim but Legend remains a sure bet in a world full of uncertainties.
At his only UK show of the year, the singer/pianist made light work of charming the arena with a jazz-tinged set that seemed custom-designed for date night. Leading an 11-piece band, Legend’s lush rendition of first dance-favourite Stay with You delighted the dozens of dreamy-eyed couples assembled, while You and I was accompanied by a sweet home video of Legend with wife Chrissy Teigen and their young daughter.
Even more memorable were the solo performances of Ordinary People and Without You, Legend astounding during the latter with a capella vocals like liquid silk.
In less skilled hands, it could often have veered into schmaltz – and when Legend serenaded an audience member during Slow Dance it very briefly did. Happily, the 40-year-old proved he possessed both the chops and the charisma to pull it off.
