Nocturne Live 2023 - Gregory Porter, Emeli Sande, Tunde Baiyewu - Live Review

Nocturne Live returned to The Great Court at Blenheim Palace in 2023, once again bathed in glorious sunshine. The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and widely regarded as ‘the UK’s most beautiful venue’ was looking sublime and ready to host another unforgettable evening of live music. With a lineup headlined by Emeli Sande and Gregory Porter, the stage was set for a night of soul, jazz, and timeless melodies.

The evening began with Tunde Baiyewu, best known as the vocalist of Lighthouse Family. Dressed in a summery orange shirt, Tunde brought a relaxed and nostalgic vibe to the stage, performing a mix of solo material and Lighthouse Family classics. Tracks like Lifted, High, and Ocean Drive reminded the audience of just how many hits the band had, and their easy-listening charm was the perfect way to ease into the evening.

Tunde’s smooth vocals and warm stage presence were a delight, and he seemed to genuinely enjoy his time at Blenheim Palace. Taking a bow with his band at the end of the set, he soaked in the applause from the crowd, who were clearly thrilled to hear these familiar songs live once again.

Next up was Emeli Sande, the award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter whose powerful voice and heartfelt compositions have earned her a place among the UK’s most celebrated artists. Backed by a fantastic band, Sande delivered a set that was equal parts emotional and uplifting.

She performed hits like Next to Me, Clown, and Read All About It, sharing with the audience how much she enjoyed working with Professor Green on the track but also how meaningful it was to write her own verses and sing it her way. Sande also showcased songs from her latest album, Long Live the Angels, including Hurts and Breathing Underwater.

Her ability to connect with the audience was remarkable, as she shared stories behind her songs and expressed gratitude for the support she’s received throughout her career. Every note was delivered with passion and emotion, and her performance was a true highlight of the evening.

The final act of the night was Gregory Porter, the Grammy-winning American jazz singer whose smooth and soulful voice filled the Great Court with warmth and joy. Porter’s mastery of jazz and his charisma as a performer were on full display as he worked through a flawless set of standards and original songs.

He performed classics like Mona Lisa and Smile, alongside his own hits such as Liquid Spirit and Take Me to the Alley. For many, including myself, Porter was a relatively new discovery, but his performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. The audience sat in respectful silence, soaking in every note, while the band’s sax solos added an extra layer of magic to the evening.

Porter’s ability to command the stage with such grace and ease was a delight to witness, and his set left the crowd feeling uplifted and inspired.

This evening of soul and jazz at Nocturne Live 2023 was a perfect blend of nostalgia, passion, and musical mastery. From Tunde Baiyewu’s warm and familiar start to Emeli Sande’s powerful and emotional performance, and Gregory Porter’s flawless jazz finale, the night was a celebration of artistry and connection.

Nocturne Live will return to Blenheim Palace from 12th-16th June 2024, and if this year’s event is anything to go by, it’s sure to be another unforgettable series of performances. Keep an eye out for the lineup announcement later this year!