CityLife

Curtis Stigers

Curtis Stigers
Bridgewater Hall
October 5, 2009

CURTIS Stigers is remembered for two things in the UK; his huge hit from the nineties, I Wonder Why, and the fact he valiantly tried to get GMTV presenter Penny Smith to sing in tune on TV show The Two Of Us.

Anyone expecting pure pop is reminded that Stigers is ‘a jazz singer’ but the smooth American also manages to cover songs by the likes of Vera Lynn, Roger Waters, Annie Lennox and John Lennon; albeit with mixed results.

The small but loyal audience love this suited and booted, warm hearted crooner.

Laid-back delivery

He mentions the low attendance a couple of times, but his set and band deserve a smaller venue as they are swamped by the Bridgewater stage – regardless of how many seats are unsold.

The lack of variation within the set list does start to grate after a while, as does some of the more self indulgent moments such as when Stigers chooses to beat-box – jazz style – and the end result is slightly embarrassing, as it reminds you of your dad on Boxing Day after a few whiskies.

Stigers has the voice and a great laid-back delivery, but he needs to choose his material wisely, as when he’s good he’s really on the money.