By Max Modell

There are few things more cathartic than dancing in a classical concert hall or somewhere you feel as if you shouldnÔÇÖt. However, these opportunities are few and far between, after all, if you felt you could dance there all the time it wouldnÔÇÖt provide the same thrill. Last night at St DavidÔÇÖs Hall Caro Emerald provided the audience with that opportunity, with her toe-tapping vintage swing with Latin influences, transporting the audience from the Welsh capital to a Cuban bar.

Caro Emerald has been active since 2007 and rose to prominence thanks to early hits ÔÇ£Back It UpÔÇØ and ÔÇ£A Night Like ThatÔÇØ. These tracks came off her debut album Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor which sold 1.4 million copies worldwide and was followed up by The Shocking Miss Emerald which entered the UK charts at number 1. The setlist for the show was drawn mostly from these two albums along with some new material and some tracks off her 2017 EP Emerald Island.

As soon as Emerald started to sing the whole room knew they were in for a treat. However, this is to be expected from Emerald, a master songstress, globally renowned for her vocals. Yet, it is still hard to describe that feeling you get when you first hear her sing live, itÔÇÖs magical. She also offered a performance to match, the audience on strings, Emerald the puppet master. It was nearly impossible to take your eyes off Emerald as she swaggered across the stage and interacted with her band members while performing her achingly sexy songs.

The only thing which could distract from Emerald was the prowess of her band who matched her every step of the way. Throughout the evening each member of the seven-piece band were given a chance to solo and at no point did they disappoint. They also truly excelled during an extended instrumental in the middle of the set as Emerald changed outfits, one of the evenings highlights. A particular standout from the band was guitarist Wieger Hoogendorp with his slick hair, slick guitar licks and slick dance moves.

Emerald provided an evening of infectious songs, stellar vocals and was accompanied by a killer band. This is unlikely to be a night I forget anytime soon. Caro Emerald smashed it out of the park.