Since her appearance on ‘Later with Jools Holland’ to an astounded audience that included Jeff Beck and Elbow, Imelda May is the up-and-coming artist of 2009. Her unique blend of stomping rockabilly tunes mixed with bluesy vocals has won her Best Newcomer at the Irish Music Awards, and that sound is now going on the road with a tour that spans Europe.

BY RUTH MAGENNIS

First up on stage were Belfast old skool rockers the Sabrejets, who raced through a tight set with a technical veracity that put to shame many younger bands, and set the tone for the rest of the gig.

However they were completely overshadowed by Imelda when she strutted onto the stage wearing a skin-tight green leopard print dress with a gravity defying hairdo. Storming through songs like “Smoker’s Song” and “Big Bad Handsome Man”, her voice was brassy and rough, hitting notes in a furious passion that’s reminiscent of an on-form Amy Winehouse. She suddenly switched to more delicate numbers such as “Falling in Love with You Again”, sounding more sultry and smooth and showing off her great singing ability.

Her band supported her well, with a clear and controlled sound; and the trumpet player Dave Priseman gave an authentic blues edge to the ensemble. The music had a dirtier, grittier layer than is found on the album “Love Tattoo” sounding like a party roaring straight out of hillbilly country. However, towards the end of the night the music threatened to enter pub band territory, with covers of “Ring of Fire” and Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and was only just saved by Imelda’s incredible vocals.

Stop arguing over whether Cheryl Cole mimed on her X-Factor “live” performance; go see Imelda May, a performer who can really sing.