Local singer/songwriter Elles Bailey took to the BBC Radio 2 Showcase stage at Cheltenham Jazz Festival after Georgia Cécile on Sunday May 1st.

Many fans in attendance were wearing Elles Bailey t-shirts so it was obvious her set was going to be incredibly popular.

Playing a handful of her songs from her chart topping album Shining In The Half Light, we were treated with songs such as The Game which opened the set, Stones, Riding Out The Storm, Different Kind of Love and Sunshine City which she closed with.

As well as songs from Shining in The Half Light, we were delighted to have had Help Somebody on the set list and a cover of Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You by Wilson Pickett. The fans sang along with Help Somebody in the chorus and everyone was having a brilliant time.

Elles vocals were on top form as she filled the Jazz Arena with her gorgeous, gravelly tones and her on stage presence was confident, engaging and fun! Hearing these songs live after continuously enjoying the new album was really wonderful and Elles is without a doubt a natural performer.

Elles is heading for the big time. She was a breath of fresh air to listen to. Her music and lyrics are wonderfully authentic and her vocals are second to none. Her humble, down to earth persona also makes her that much more loveable and fun to watch.

A double headline show, Elles was only given about 40 minutes to perform and that went very quickly. It didn’t feel right somehow. Whilst we are of course aware this was a festival we just felt it was way too short. It has however, made us crave a full set from her which we hope to do soon.