Jorja Smith's Second Night In Manchester As She Continues UK Tour [Live Show]

You can hear the ringing of a telephone go off as a cautionary warning and then after a delay, the answering machine flicks on. The voice of the critically acclaimed Jorja Smith wafts through, vibrating the warm air of the O2 Apollo in Manchester.

Sheepish, she apologises for not picking up on the first ring -  the room darkens. And you can hear Jorja repeat the words “I’m fine” as the noise in the venue grows until soft yellow spotlights appear for each member of her talented band, the drums and the percussion get louder, thunderous even, they building anticipation, and then Jorja steps onto the stage for the second consecutive night. Both the ground floor and the second tier, from the balcony to the upper echelons, applaud as ‘Try Me’ signals the start of the next hour and a half.

Relaxed, casual, standing in front of her band centre stage. She spins it back, opting for a slower tempo. The chorus of 2018’s ‘Blue Lights’ – a song that arguably was her breakout song, was sang back to her by her faithful before going on to demonstrate the depth of her discovery and her seamless ability to move through it, by picking and choosing songs from her sophomore album Falling and Flying, debut Lost and Found, her 2021 EP Be Right Back and other singles released throughout the years.

There is something emotionally heavy about the Walsall songstress, from the first note you are taken away, magicked off to somewhere – the feelings that the experiences she sings about are relatable to you, and there is a deep understanding between audience and performer. There is an appreciated closeness.

Jorja,  performing ‘Addicted’ pauses, before announcing with a smile to the crowd in the sold-out show, “If you were here yesterday, amazing, but I think today’s going to be even better.”

The show proceeds to be an emotionally charged experience, with the 27-year-old simply enchanting, her soulful voice holds raw emotion and honesty as she sings with aching tenderness above the live, instinctive and well-practised instrumentation of her band.

Thursday was the first time she had performed in Manchester, and we joined her for her second night at the O2 Apollo, to witness one of her 7-date UK tour dates.

Her first UK tour since 2018, performing in Manchester, reflected Jorja’s desire for new experiences and changes that were expressed in Falling or Flying, which was released two years ago.

Of course, there was the aching, heartbreaking moment, the longing and slow-burning ballads that we all love, such as ‘Don’t Watch Me Cry’ that saw Jorja adopt a measured and drawn-out approach as she languidly released her vulnerability.

The soft affirmation, gentleness and encouragement in ‘Greatest Gift’, a song she revealed was written for ‘Little Jorja’ created a spiritual renewal as back-up singers and fans echoed the message.

A rendition of ‘Where Did We Go?’ deserved quiet appreciation, and also acknowledgement of Jorja’s growth. Before she lifted everyone up with ‘Go Go Go’, and performed ‘Falling and Flying’  and ‘Broken is the Man’.

But there was also joy, found in songs like ‘Come Over’ and ‘Be Honest’, where people rose from their seats to dance with loved ones, shuffling, stepping and wining.

Her latest single, the house-inspired ‘The Way I Love You’ was performed behind flashing red lights as she showed us where she’s at now, and also where she’s going by previewing unreleased music.

Manchester fully embraced the Walsall musician as she spent the night creating intimacy and fostering deep understanding. And when she decides to end the night with ‘Little Things’, she promises that she’s “only down the road”, and this is only the beginning.

Listen here