Exclusive gallery below – Ana Popovic returned to UK shores this March as part of her 2023 World Tour. The US based artist has been touring since the end of the pandemic. During which she was diagnosed with, and then beat breast cancer. Ana is not missing out on being able to continue sharing her talent along with time with spending time with her young family.
Suffice to say from the moment she took the stage, the audience were in the palm of her hand. Supported by a five piece band (including horns), Ana opened with ‘Can you Stand the Heat’, ‘Object of Obsession'”‘, and then ‘Love you Tonight’ (including a fine saxophone interlude!). Three songs done with the camera, we all finally evacuated the pit and could get on with enjoying the show
Ana has a fine band around her, and I was particularly impressed with bassist/band director Buthel Burns. His mastery of his five-string during the show made everything look effortless. One could not help but note the interplay between himself and other band members at any point of the show. What’s more, you’ll see below he was not shy of stopping and posing when he saw a camera on him. With Ana up front, photographers could be forgiven for forgetting the rest of the talent on stage.
Next up was a fantastic Tom Waits cover; “A New Coat of Paint”. Unquestionably the ease in which Ana flows through the solos is highlighted when covering masters such as Mr Waits. ‘Power Over Me” was powerful, great lyrics expertly delivered to that trademark red microphone. ‘Johnnie Ray’ and ‘Brand New Man’ were up next, followed by ‘Like It On Top’ (obviously notes for the Brand New Man were immediately forthcoming!). Fear not however, as the tone got romantic for ‘Lasting Kind of Love’.
‘Queen of the Pack’, ‘Doin’ it’ and ‘Ride’ saw out the end of the set. Suffice to say the crowd wanted more. The evening was not a sell out, but it sure felt and sounded like one at this point. Returning to the stage for an encore, Popovic closed the night out with ‘Rise Up!’ and ‘We Can Change The World’.
Ana has been through a lot in the past few years. It’s not surprising that she had considered retiring from music. However, you’d not believe that when you saw the power on that stage on this late Friday evening. The guitar would wail, the vocals were clear and engaging. It made for a beautiful symphony in the venue, full of passion and emotion that could surely wrench the heart out of a stone mans chest. I’ve waited a long while to see Ana Popovic live and finally caught her. It was more than worth it!
Words and Photos by Chris Griffiths.
