She may not be a household name yet a talent as rare as Beth Hart is something unmissable should she and her stellar band pay a visit to your neighbourhood.
The Grammy nominated singer/songwriter possesses a voice of quality and range that demands to be heard and in concert always delivers.
In front of an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd at Cardiff's St David's Hall her performance was immense and a showcase to any aspiring vocalist and songwriter and quite an inspiration taking into account her past issues with drug addiction and bi polar disorder.
Touring on the back of last year's excellent War In My Mind album, Hart is not one to dodge her past and puts her heart and soul into her songs, all of which comes with a side story, whether it be her own personal battles or songs about and for her loved ones, her family features prominently.
Opening with just long time band mate Jon Nicols acoustic guitar for accompaniment, ‘Lullaby Of The Leaves’ was may be a odd choice to start with, but started what was a slow build before Hart unleashed the fireworks that followed.
A multi-instrumentalist, Hart, kept mostly to her trusted keyboard but also delighted when taking centre stage with just her acoustic bass supplying a subtle and subdued backing giving proceedings one of the more intimate moments.
Supported by her band consisting of Tom Lilly on Bass, Bill Ransom, drums, and the previously mentioned Nicols, Hart is in good company and her confidence in her band mates allows her to mix up the evening plucking songs out like a magician pulling rabbits out of hats.
With such a killer voice it's hard pressed to pick out highlights yet her homage to Mother Teresa, 'St Teresa' and 'Sister Dear' were just two in a quite spectacular evening.
Photograph: Gareth Griffiths Photography