Joss Stone at Museumsplatz

In 2005 Joss Stone was crowned ‘Celebrity Dog Owner’ for her pets:  One a poodle and the other a rottweiler.  I mention this because the former Jocelyn Stoker herself seemed on Saturday night to be a friendly, contented poodle who had to slip into a more biting persona when the lyrical mood demanded.  It was very nearly her downfall in the Museumsplatz on Sunday night – She had been her friendly, bouncy ‘poodle’ self singing happily ‘I Love my cup of tea’ and telling us not to take life too seriously – “It should be a chuckle!” She had exclaimed.  Then the slow brooding intro to ‘Choking Kind’ began and just where the rottweiler was needed the poodle refused to leave – result: Stone had a fit of the giggles that threatened to stay the night.

It was an endearing reminder of the Joss Stone we had seen a few years ago on this very stage and proof of where she has come since then.  A reminder too of the teenager who won Britains “Star For A Night” in 2001  bouncing around the stage like the energetic and spirited young girl she was -  now we saw a young woman in fashionable long flowing dress, striding elegantly and confidently from one wing of the Museumsplatz stage to the other.  Don’t panic too much lovers of the old rebel Joss Stone though – the nose ring is still present and the shoes are still absent.

Another Absence was Gill Scott Heron.  Visa problems in USA had shortened the bill somewhat, meaning the gates opened at 6pm and Joss Stone appeared at 8.30pm with support band the Bonn Boogie Wonderstars having to stretch out their set in between.  One smile from Joss to the 1500 expectant faces before her though and the waiting was clearly forgiven in an instant.  Where before in the last show at Museumsplatzwe had long instrumental solos from a super jazz/soul band, this time around there was still a very capable 10 piece band but they were there to add colour and texture to the voice – which, when you have a soulful  voice like Joss, is as it should be.  When they did have solos though it was clear these were top class musicians – as with Jeff Watkins magic Sax solo on ‘You’re Incredible’

There are three official CD’s and, due to ongoing contractual problems with EMI, an unreleased one to provide ample material now though so we had every reason to ‘chuckle’ with happiness at the increased repertoire at her disposal.  I’d like to hear Joss Stone get stuck in to a Billie Holliday classic though .  Something like ‘Lilac Wine’ would be a treat to hear.

With her beautiful soulful singing voice, friendly ‘girl next door’ accent and advice (“Men – you have to chase after us girls.  We don’t have time to be chasing you!” she smiled at one point) she does have a wide ranging colour, class and age appeal.  Even the US President spotted this – Obama asked her to write/sing a campaign song for him precisely because of these qualities (‘The Governmentalist’)

Certainly Joss Stone is a great communicator.  When she starts giggling before ‘Choking Kind’ she chides the audience ‘You lot!’

By shows end she is singing  ‘No woman no cry’ and elegantly handing out white roses.  A classy way to finish a classy act.

Your little girl has grown up fast Mrs Stoker.

More Pictures

footnote: I’m told that the elegant dress Joss wore  was a present from her fans at the largest Joss Stone Community in Brazil on Orkut  – and very good taste they have too as she looked great!