Can you help me?

The general consensus these days is that Cat Power is a much more accomplished, comfortable and assured live performer than she used to.

But having watched her on Later With Jools Holland, I beg to differ a little.

But first, let's clear up a few things. I saw Cat Power live a few years ago at All Tomorrows Parties and was so disappointed by the shambolic performance that I walked out and went to see whoever else was playing in the smaller room. Words can't truly express how awful she was. I'm not sure she even sang a complete song. You've probably heard similar stories about her stage fright, nerves and lack of confidence. Trust me, they aren't exaggerated. I haven't seen her live since but all the reviews I've read suggest she's over all that and is now a terrific live performer.

But having watched her on Later, I'm not so sure that she has overcome the nerves that once crippled her. I just think she's found a way of channelled them. Of turning them into new forms of expression. Where once she would be hunched over her guitar, head down and completely still, now she appears a bundle of nervous energy. All awkward dancing, fidgety shapes and constant movement. At times it almost feels like she may be afraid to stop moving lest the old frailties slip back. Not that it takes away from the performance. Not at all. It just occurred to me that her new found live persona isn't so much to do with confidence, as dealing with her nerves.

But regardless, the performance was great. How could it not be with that voice. She seems to sing so effortlessly. The comparison on the show was that of Mary J Blige. You could actually see her singing. If that makes sense. You could almost see the power Mary J was using. The engine behind the voice. The effort she was giving to perform. Whereas with Chan, the voice just seems to happen with ease. Almost like she only has to open her mouth and the soul just flows out like water from a tap. It is quite beguiling to behold how natural and graceful it appears.

So here are the songs. The first two went out on the show and are great live performances. With the full band backing her, she sounds so sultry and seductive. She really has stamped her mark on these covers. She has a way of playing with the words and phrasing that is both a joy to listen to and unique to her. And where she once was merely a great indie singer songwriter, now she seems to have developed into a soul singer from a by gone era. A female Otis. A subtler Aretha. A modern Dusty. The third track is a gorgeous acoustic version of Silver Stallion that was recorded behind the scenes and not shown on the tv. It is simply stunning. If you want to watch the performance, you can see it here.

Cat Power - New York (live on Later With Jools Holland) original version available on the album 'Jukebox'

Cat Power - lost someone (live on Later With Jools Holland) original version available on the album 'Jukebox'

Cat Power - silver stallion (live on Later With Jools Holland) original version available on the album 'Jukebox'

mp3 / music / later with jools holland / cat power