KT Tunstall Entertainment Art Vic Theater Chicago, Ill. May 16, 2008

The Vic was set up nicely but unusual with rowed seats as if one were to watch a play rather than a rock concert. Even thought the show was sold out, the venue did a great job of not pushing its capacity so the audience could comfortably fit and enjoy the concert without crowding and elbowing one another. On a huge background screen, projected moving lights simulated a calm and sunny late afternoon sky, a sharp contrast to the busy world outside.

Casually dressed in tight jeans and t-shirt, Kate “KT” Tunstall opened the night with “Miniature Disasters” from her debut album, “Eye to the Telescope” (2004). Tunstall’s charismatic personality quickly sprung forth. She interacted with the audience way more than the average rock star, telling stories and cracking jokes with the lovely Scottish accent - you know what I am talking about – that made her persona all the more charming.

Much like SIA earlier this year, KT’s good mood was simply infectious. She teased the audience about “free will” proposing a “bodypop” or robot lesson, which we all gladly followed her instructions with laughter and ovations. “Little Favors” and “Hold On” got people standing up early in the night: from there on, they would not sit down again.

With all the good humor and clever remarks, one might expect happier songwriting. But Tunstall’s lyrics are no joking matter, actually quite the opposite: there is no lack of depth in her lyrics. “Everyone goes mental at one stage of their lives”, says KT introducing her tune “Funnyman,” “to my friend who used to talk to plug sockets”.

Through the course of the evening, KT sang and finger-picked solo during a couple of tunes including “Paper Airplane” and “Beauty of Uncertainly.” Comparison to Norah Jones is inevitable due to her also sultry and hoarse vocals in these songs. As expected, “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree,” the sing-along and GRAMMY nominated song that helped her break into the music scene, generated intense applause, almost as much as the hit “Suddenly I See,” which brought the house down clapping and dancing.

Last but certainly not least, we have to give props to the fantastic 4-piece that supported KT: Sam Lewis’ tone of voice nicely blended in with KT’s as backing vocalist, and he did most of the lead guitar as well. Luke Bullen (KT’s fiance) on drums, Austrian Arnulf Lindner on both cello and upright bass, and the “silver haired” Kenny Dickinson on keyboards, made it all converge into a high quality and enjoyable performance.

As an encore, KT sang “a song for the lovers” called “The Universe and U.” A cover of Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” with Sam Lewis on mandolin gave a perfect happy ending to an already uplifting Friday evening.

Please meet KT Tunstall: Talented musician, songwriter, guitar player, singer, storyteller. KT’s a refreshing human being that creates meaningful music in a non pretentious, humble way with big results. She seems to be someone who understands and reflects on the darkness, yet has chosen not to live in it herself.

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