PAULETTE TAJAH BENDS OUR EAR!

Paulette Tajah

By Coral Consciouslee
8th September 2016

When an artist decides to present their latest achievements, it is the norm to make an announcement or host an event to present it to all and sundry.  So when RFUK received an invitation from Paulette Tajah inviting us to a ‘listening party’ I must admit  I didn’t think it would be any different from other such events I had attended.

The party was held at Markethouse, Brixton and upon entering I realised that this party was going to be different.  We were welcomed by the lady herself and presented with a package which contained a biog about the artist, a CD containing a few of her latest songs and also – this intrigued me – a paper with printed questions and a pen(?).  I also noticed a select and specific crowd had been invited, consisting mainly of people within the industry rather than just the general public.

The food was delicious!!

It was a cosy atmosphere from the beginning, we had a bar to hand and Paulette had thoughtfully laid on a buffet of very tasty food, which I don’t mind saying I visited more than once!

In her welcoming address, Paulette told us that in our packages we would find paper and pen, which we would be using to basically state our preferences and not only that, our reasons for doing so.  She went one step further: if we thought any of the songs were weak or could be improved upon could we also make a note of the song and suggest any improvements? 

I looked at Paulette carefully.  I thought how very brave of her to do this and I told her so. I am not sure I could sit amongst my peers and know they would be critiquing my efforts for an entire evening.  I admired her courage!

DJ Natty B was an excellent Compere!!

So for the next hour, we were treated to 16 songs, presented to us by DJ Natty B.  Oh girlfriend done good!! There were more than a few “PULL UP” requests; I personally think she has more than one hit on that list and definitely enough from which to make a very good album.  My favourite is “What You See Is What You Get” which I asked her to play again before I left. Paulette Tajah singing a roots song...who would have thought??

This was the scene for several songs!!

What struck me in particular was the family atmosphere.  We laughed and chatted together, all the time being aware that our opinion was important in Paulette’s final decision-making.   It was a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon and I felt privileged to be there. It was also a pleasure to know that behind the scenes Paulette had been working very hard indeed on new material of which she should be very proud.

I look forward to knowing which of the songs Paulette actually chooses for her coming album.  A concept well worth taking into consideration, for all artists.

Pictures courtesy of Kenny Passley

We had a whale of a time!!