Vanessa Peters Gig Review

Vanessa Peters kick started the UK leg of her current tour with an amazing show at The Beehive in Swindon. Vanessa was joined on guitar and backing/harmony vocals by Manuel Schicchi from her group Ice Cream On Mondays. It was a real race against time for Vanessa and Manuel who had travelled from Italy that morning. Vanessa performed songs from her latest album as well as songs from her back catalogue of albums. Vanessa had never performed in Swindon before but following the warm reception she received from locals she seemed keen to return next year all being well. Vanessa mixed new songs from her album SWEETHEART, KEEP YOUR CHIN UP with older songs from her albums LITTLE FILMS and THIN THREAD .She also threw in a few classic covers including a stunning version of the Dolly Parton song Jolene. Vanessa put her own stamp on the song, giving it a deeper, darker feel. Vanessa’s performance of the title song from the new album Keep You Chin Up was breath taking and really allowed Vanessa’s delicate vocals to shine. Vanessa and Manuel performed a rousing version of Good News from the new album along with The War, The Next Big Bang, Medals and Austin I Made A Mess, also from the new album. Other highlights included a stunning version of Little Films, from the album of the same name and Fireworks also from the LITTLE FILMS album. Vanessa was asked to sing something from the THIN THREAD album and picked Gone, a lovely slow song with splendid lyrics. Vanessa chatted in between the songs telling the audience what the songs meant to her and the inspiration behind them. Vanessa and Manuel did two sets and then due to the eager applause from the audience two encores, which went down a storm. Vanessa is a warm, friendly person and this was echoed throughout the evening. The evening ended on a real high with Vanessa performing a cover of the Travelling Wilburys song Handle With Care. The audience got involved singing along with the chorus. It was one of those nights that you just did not want to end.