THERE can’t be a better venue in the capital to host jazz and soul luminary Sarah Jane Morris and her band of 15 musicians than the Union Chapel. 

This exceptional grade 1-listed gothic building in north London is a stunning space which has hosted many jazz, blues and soul giants of the music world, while its acoustics are pretty much flawless. 

Surrounded by a typically rich collection of talent, including co-writer and guitarist Tony Remy, the hugely charismatic Morris, now a veteran of 30 years on the music scene, knows exactly what to do to entertain her fans — and entertained they certainly are.

Proceedings are all very civilised — there’s no alcohol allowed in chapel of course — yet that still doesn’t stop her audience raucously jumping up and waving their arms whenever she or her band utter a note. And it’s easy to hear why. Morris is such a passionate and sincere singer, every single word seems to be imbued with great significance.  

It’s a raw and emotional roller coaster of a show from beginning to end as Morris soulfully belts out lyrics which address human rights, homophobia, love, loss and rape. 

And, for those audience members who aren’t that keen on her new  album, she even chucks in a fantastic cover of Piece of My Heart and finishes off with an electrifying version of the song that made her “unofficial” old band the Communards famous, Don’t Leave Me This Way.

An entertaining evening — even if, like me, you can’t bear the thought of an entire night out spent listening to jazz, Morris might just win you over.