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The drizzly late summer rain falling on the evening of August 29, 2006 was perhaps the perfect setting for a Corinne Bailey Rae concert at Chicago's elegant Park West. Rae took the stage as an ethereal figure in long white dress nearly instantly bathing the room in the warmth of her jazzy, soulful, slightly bluesy, but ultimately optimistic sound.

Quick, But Radiant Set

Populated almost entirely by songs from her self-titled debut album, Corinne Bailey Rae's set was relatively brief but filled with warm moments of artist-audience connection.

Her first solo single "Like a Star" received a gracious welcome from those in attendance, but it was the hit single "Put Your Records On" that generated a spontaneous singalong atmosphere.

The only cover version of the night was Corinne Bailey Rae's take on Led Zeppelin's classic "Since I've Been Loving You" from the album Led Zeppelin III. Rae credits the rock legends as a primary musical influence in her teen years.

Corinne Bailey Rae - New Artist With Confidence Based in Experience

On stage Corinne Bailey Rae exudes the confidence of a well-seasoned performer. Although she has released only one solo album, her experience in the musical spotlight stretches back to her teen years as a member of the female indie rock group Helen. Now, 12 years later and with heartfelt inspiration from the soul and blues side of the popular music spectrum, Corinne Bailey Rae inhabits the stage with the aura of a veteran performer sharing the precious fruits of her artistic labor.

Corinne Bailey Rae is an artist on the cusp of major international commercial breakthrough.

She is planning to return to North America in a few months, and it is the perfect time to catch her performances in intimate settings before this type of performance is no longer possible.