A techie testing the microphones announces, “Leafs win 4-1.” A small outburst of emotion equals the loudest applause that man will ever receive. Twenty minutes later, Joss Stone roars out her first notes into that same microphone, and the sold-out Opera House crowd loses any remaining composure.

Not even the news that Toronto’s beloved Maple Leafs advanced in the playoffs could eclipse Stone, the 17-year-old British soul-singing marvel.

The moment Stone took the stage shortly after 10 p.m., it was evident that she had changed since she was here last. In October last year, Stone performed at a private showcase in a small Toronto club, and while there was no denying her incredible talents, she was nervous and rather uncomfortable in front of the adoring crowd.

This time, she was relaxed like a seasoned-professional. She was even dancing, majestically flying around to her music, moving like she barely did the last time. A lot has happened for Stone in the past few months. Elton John invited her to perform with him at his post-Oscar soir?e, her debut “Soul Sessions” album became a fixture on the Billboard album charts, and last Sunday she performed alongside Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight at VH1’s Divas Live.

The mostly 30-something crowd was composed of die-hards who knew every lyric and some who wanted to see what the hype over Stone was about. They were treated to a mix of songs off “Soul Sessions,” and a few from her upcoming album, which she said was due out in September.

Her new songs like “Torn and Tattered” and “For the Love of You” are definitely more pop-oriented than the blues-inflicted covers, but both have the same R&B vibe.

In between each song, Stone looked out at the audience with the same appreciative smile that she flashed many months ago. Missing the Leafs game was not a sacrifice; it was a privilege.

Set list:
The Chokin’ Kind
Super Duper Love
Victim of a Foolish Heart
Torn and Tattered
Fell In Love with a Boy
Jet Lag
Don’t Know How
I Had a Dream
Dirty Man
For the Love of You
You Had Me
Encore: Some Kind of the Wonderful


April 20, 2004
Joss Stone at the Opera House in Toronto
4*






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