Corinne Bailey Rae has had a tumultuous 4 years. 2006 began with the release of her irresistibly sentimental self-titled debut album. Singles like the sparklingly sweet “Like a Star” and the vintage Bill Withers-esque “Put Your Records On” became the soulful jazzy anthems of the year. Grammy wins and BRIT award nominations ensued, culminating with Rae being voted as the breakthrough act of the year in the Sound of 2006 (a prestigious annual BBC poll of music critics). However, after the tragic passing of her husband Jason Rae (saxophonist for the Haggis Horns) in 2008, Corinne went on an understandable two-year musical hiatus.

Remarkably, Corinne re-emerged earlier this year with an album of immense beauty and profound poignancy entitled The Sea. The record is delicately produced featuring rich, rustic instrumentation, with Rae’s gracefully lithe vocals being the richest instrument of all. The Sea is an astounding piece of magic that somehow managed to surpass the brilliance of her debut, all done in spite (or maybe because) of such immense personal turmoil. As introspectively intimate as this record was, nothing beats the bluesy vividness of Rae’s live performance. Catch the mesmerizing Corinne Bailey Rae at the Esplanade Theatre on 28th July courtesy of Greenhorn Productions.

GetWize: Tickets will be priced at $148, $128, $108, $88, $68 (excluding SISTIC fees). Stay tuned to Sistic for purchasing details shortly.