SINCE the release of her debut album “Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor” in 2010, Caro Emerald has built a reputation as an outstanding live performer, and her easy listening jazzy vocals and catchy tunes have made her a radio favourite.

Her last visit to the area was across the river at the City Hall in 2014, but she seemed delighted to be back in the more fitting surroundings of the Sage this week with her Emerald Island tour. Being something of a style icon, a number of the crowd followed suit and were duly dressed up to the nines.

Emerald’s six piece backing band took to the exotically lit stage, shortly followed by the Dutch-born singer who was attired in a figure hugging black dress and silk blouse until the first costume and jewellery change mid-set. The band may have looked young, but they certainly knew how to swing and bring an old-style Latin feel to the hall.

For this reviewer, not previously an aficionado, two things were noticeable – first, just how much fun everyone, both onstage and off, was having. Second, how many songs I actually knew and found myself singing along to - “Tangled Up”, “Back It Up”, “That Man”, “Liquid Lunch”, “Riviera Life” and, of course, “A Night Like This”.

The new songs are trademark, retro-feel, Emerald. “Tahitian Skies”, “Never Ever” and the big-band feel of “Ghost Of You” were greeted like old friends, and the fun and tongue in cheek “WhatChuGot” seems destined to be a live favourite for some time.

Dave Lawrence