Midland Vibes

Vonda Shepard maintains a close bond with her UK audience. Despite having released her eponymous debut album on Reprise Records back in 1989, her status as a mainstream artist on these shores really arrived almost a decade later when she featured prominently on the hit TV series Ally McBeal. Armed with an array of originals and inspired cover choices, she went from being a critically acclaimed recording artist to a high-charting artist in an array of territories. With a UK tour every couple of years, the adoration for her craft has never waned, and it is clear from the diverse age range in the audience at the packed Huntingdon Hall in Worcester that, while there are many original fans still loyally following, Shepard's appeal is far broader-reaching.

Having recently released her tenth studio album, Nine Songs, her foray across the big pond this year sees her not only celebrating those earlier hits but also showcasing new material. With an evening of two sets ahead of her, there was plenty of opportunity to explore the breadth of her catalogue, and Shepard wasted little time in reminding everyone why her songs have endured.

She opened with the still-classic The Wildest Times of the World, immediately setting the tone for an evening that would balance heartfelt songwriting with the infectious energy that has long defined her live performances. There was an added poignancy to the occasion, given that Shepard had been forced to cancel her Shrewsbury appearance a few nights earlier after losing her voice. While the circumstances might understandably have raised concerns, she delivered a beautiful first set, with highlights including Hallelujah Anyway, Walk Away Renée and Dirty Laundry Line. Her voice carried an emotional depth that made these performances all the more special, while the intimacy of Huntingdon Hall provided the perfect setting for her distinctive blend of pop, soul and piano-led songwriting.

Following a brief interval, Shepard returned for the second set's opening number, Sugar Rush, moving away from the grand piano and bringing a different dynamic to the performance. The set continued with Boxer in the Corner and Searchin' My Soul, the latter inevitably drawing the strongest connection to her Ally McBeal years. Yet, while that television association remains a significant part of her story, the evening demonstrated that her appeal extends well beyond nostalgia. There is a warmth and natural ease to her stage presence that makes the audience feel involved in the performance, whether she is revisiting a familiar favourite or delving into a less obvious corner of her catalogue.

Perhaps the most endearing moment came when Shepard appeared to forget that she was supposed to leave the stage before returning for an encore, instead continuing with a run of covers associated with Ally McBeal. Among these, Tell Him, originally recorded by The Exciters, was particularly impressive, showcasing the playful spirit and vocal confidence that have always made her interpretations so compelling.

With the audience still hungry for more, the prospect of another song was already cause for excitement - with Vonda opening her new encore open to the audience fore their own request. Then came a moment that made the evening truly personal: Shepard performed my own request, By 7:30, the 1999 classic that she rarely plays live. My heart skipped several beats as those opening notes arrived, and hearing such a treasured song performed in person was an absolute privilege.

She closed with her rendition of It's in His Kiss, bringing the evening to a joyful conclusion and leaving the audience with one final reminder of the irresistible charm of her musical influences. What made the concert so memorable was not simply the familiarity of the songs, but the sense of connection that ran throughout the room. Shepard's willingness to revisit the music that first brought her to a wider audience, while still celebrating her own songwriting, made for a wonderfully balanced performance.

For an artist whose career spans decades, the ability to make a concert feel both nostalgic and immediate is no small achievement. The evening at Huntingdon Hall was a celebration of a remarkable catalogue, delivered with warmth, musicianship and an unmistakable affection for the audience gathered before her. And for me, the inclusion of By 7:30 elevated an already special show into something unforgettable. A truly memorable night with an artist whose songs continue to resonate long after the final note has faded.