This was a bit of a journey into the unknown for me tonight.

Jazz and Soul are not genres that I would normally come across in my regular gig going adventures so I approached the night with an open mind.

The opening act Gee Jay provided the perfect introduction with the added bonus of it being delivered with a Bournemouth flavour.

Mica Millar and the band took to the stage and opened immediately with Girl followed by Preacher Man before briefly pausing for hello’s and intros to the audience.

Flashlights and Trouble further showcased a voice that has seen her support Lionel Richie and Gregory Porter and secure a tour opening for Gladys Knight who will be appearing just up the road in June.

In a fair world that same voice will see Mica go on to bigger and greater things and headline larger venues in her own right.

Everyone on stage appeared relaxed with the mellow atmosphere reaching out to encompass the crowd in it warm embrace.

Many of the songs tonight were from her debut album Heaven Knows with a hint of new material and a new album to come at some point in the future.

With the backing of superb musicians and vocalists the night proved to be a near perfect intimate evening. T

he stage and band were a stripped back version of her normal show in preparation for a debut spot at Ronnie Scott’s on Saturday which on tonight’s showing will go down a storm.

All in all a great night and a revelation for me.

I will certainly make sure I look out for similar acts in future and will certainly make a point of arriving early to catch Mica’s set with Gladys Knight.