Macy Gray: Live, at Hamer Hall and touring

The distinctive rasp and soul are there in abundance, as is the rhythm. In fact, syncopation is very much in her wheelhouse.

Macy Gray and her most attractive sounding “wigged” band mates and backing singer and warm up act, soul and R & B singer Emi Secrest, are as one.

Gray, resplendent in orange, has taken to the stage.

Armed with an attractive set list, she has fun with the audience.

A few songs down, she officially introduces herself and the enthusiastic crowd roars in approval.

But wait, she is about caring and sharing.

So it is that she wants to get to know us.

On the count of three, she implores us to sound out our names, like she has hers, in what becomes a shoutout word sandwich.

Ever playful and highly talented, while reflecting on the goodness in the world, she draws inspiration from jazz icon Billie Holiday.

Fifty minutes in, Gray exits stage left, enabling drummer Steven Stewart Jr. to go to town with the sticks.

In an elongated pilgrimage that whips us up into a frenzy, he showcases his skill and endurance.

Then Emi Secrest enters, big smile on her face, also powerful and commanding, borne of a gospel tradition, soon thereafter joined by Gray.

The mood changes. It is party time.

A larger assortment of up-tempo numbers follows and we, are well and truly, up for it. Many take to their feet, dancing.

It is all about the beat and the vibe. In fact, the whole show pivots around it.

Near the end, comes the superb, catchy, breakout hit I Try, that climbed to the top of the charts in Australia, also peaking high in the US and the UK.

Along the way there are other Macy favourites, like Sweet Baby, Still, Do Something and Sexual Revolution.

What also resonates strongly is her version of the classic I’m Too Sexy. Loved that number.

This is a lady who knows how to engage and entertain.

But it is not only Macy Gray on song, but her fabulous band, which anticipates her every move.

Apart from the drummer, we have Justin Clemons on keys, Grant Higgins on guitar and Darryl Pruitt Jr. on bass.

And here’s another nod to Emi Secrest, full of life, who you get the impression simply loves being a part of the theatricality of it all.

So it is that Macy Gray and friends knock it out of the park in what is known as The Encore Tour.