Joss's giant talent on show at hometown spectacular

DEVON soul sensation Joss Stone was responsible for transforming a normally tranquil Tuesday in Exeter into one of the most exciting and memorable nights experienced by music lovers in the city.

Only 200 fans, plus an army of friends and supporters of the star, were lucky enough to witness Joss stage a rare and intimate gig at Mama Stones, the city centre live music venue her mother Wendy Joseph owns.

Despite being able to take her pick from any venue in the UK, Joss chose to kick off her new tour with a homecoming gig in Exeter.

It is one of only two gigs the 25-year-old, from Ashill, near Cullompton, will perform in this country before embarking on a world tour, starting off in Europe then US, Canada, and South America.

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Beaming at the crowd, the barefooted singer said: "Hi everyone, how's it going? I've got some new ones from the album and some old ones for you," before launching into (For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People, from latest album The Soul Sessions Vol 2.

Keeping with the new vibe, next came While You're Out Looking for Sugar, the first single to be taken from the album, a recent top 10 UK album chart hit.

Addressing the crowd again, Joss said: "The next song is called Stoned Out of My Mind, but it's got nothing to do with being high, I promise!"

After a rendition of Teardrops came one of the most memorable moments of the night – a medley of music with a twist from her first album, The Soul Sessions, which launched Joss in Britain and America 10 years ago.

Asking for some help from the crowd, Joss said: "Basically I'm going to sing four songs from 10 years ago. I figured I would give you the choice because if I picked my favourite one it might not be yours. You decide as I'm too lazy to figure it out myself, okay."

But not all good ideas go according to plan and at the end, when a voice in the crowd shouted, You've Got the Love, covered by Florence And The Machine, Joss took it in good humour and pulled out a quick rendition before treating the audience to old favourite, Fell in Love with a Boy.

The evening wasn't short of goosebump moments, created by songs like an acoustic rendition of I Don't Want To Be your Landlord Anymore, Music and The High Road, all of which showcased what an incredible voice the singer has.

Ending the encore, and a performance of almost 90 minutes, Joss made a final lasting impression with Right to be Wrong, from her second studio album, Mind Body & Soul.

Anita Merritt