Duffy did a gig at Cardiff's Clwb Ifor Bach. There's a slideshow of excellent photos from the gig here.
Rockferry:
Online Videos by Veoh.com
Mercy:
Online Videos by Veoh.com
Live Review: Duffy
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
Thursday 28th February 2008
By Jay Cockayne
Thank goodness Duffy didn't have a support act tonight. For one thing, she doesn't need one, and even if Bob Dylan had been warming up the crowd, it would have been unfair to Duffy not to dedicate this entire review to her and her alone.
What Duffy also doesn't need is an introduction. As her hit single Mercy went straight to number one and (thank you, oh thank you!) finally knocked Basshunter off the top spot, you'll have heard Duffy's tantalising tones crooning over the waves even if you don't own a radio. Numerous TV appearances have bolstered her growing reputation, and frequent coverage on local news has virtually catapulted her to Welsh-icon status. Dame Bassey should be quaking in her diamond-studded wellies.
However, if tonight's performance is anything to go by, Welsh-icon status may soon be replaced by simply 'icon status'. The privileged few (just 220 rammed in like excited ballerinas exercising our tip-toeing muscles) witnessed the start of her amazing UK and International tour at Cardiff's Clwb Ifor Bach; the club's most sought-after gig to date. It's a sell-out, as are the rest of her dates, silencing anyone who's daft enough to try and pin tonight's success on her homecoming.
Homecoming is pretty appropriate though, and the girl from Gwynedd showed her appreciation to the crowd in both Welsh and English, so that nobody felt left out. She kicked proceedings off with a rendition of her first single Rockferry, a hit in its own right, but one that may benefit from a re-release once her name has saturated the soundwaves a bit more. It's a melancholic piece about moving away from an old lover, gradually building up in volume, octaves, hope and optimism. It's a beautiful example of Duffy's ability to portray feelings and emotions not just through her lyrics but through the music itself, making a great first impression with anyone who cocks an ear to it. Breaking My Own Heart is another example of this, changing between minor and major keys to reveal not only her outstanding vocal abilities but also her uplifting and despairing emotions.
By Duffy's own admission, however, the song she feels is the most heartfelt is Stepping Stone, a soulfully haunting yet at the same time comforting song, written for a guy she thinks she fell in love with. She sings: 'I will never be your stepping stone - take it all or leave me alone.' Don't worry Duffy, we'll take it all.
It's hard to conceive that such a soulful, raw, and powerful voice can come out of such a petite 23-year old - not to mention her sex-appeal. Her acoustic version of the sultry Syrup and Honey is seductively captivating and just as alluring as her little dimples and luscious locks, leaving every woman there wanting to be her and everyone man wanting to marry her.
In her one-hour slot she manages to pack in ten songs, and finishes things off by belting out Mercy, much to the satisfaction of the crowd. Duffy's clear enjoyment on stage is infectious throughout the venue, and she hasn't even walked off before the crowd is calling her back for an encore.
It's been said time and time again that Duffy is the 21st century's Dusty Springfield, which, as compliments and comparisons go, she has to feel good about. Yes, there are clear influences, but the time will soon come when people will (and should!) stop comparing her to others and concentrate instead on the unique talent she has to offer. It's not often that one person can dominate the radiowaves across the entire spectrum, but this girl is, and will do for a long time to come.
The above review taken from here.
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