There is an honesty – and freshness – about Aria’s music that could make her a big star in the coming years.

Showcasing her debut album, Rectify, at Pizza Express Live in London’s Soho before a full house, Aria wore her heart on her sleeve as she delivered a set based around the relationships (good and bad) that have framed her tender years.

It was brave, from the heart, and veered from the angry to the emotional. Echoes of Amy Winehouse. Soulful. Contemporary, Gutsy. Raw.

Aria (real name Maria Butcher) has come a long way since she tip toed into London’s music scene three years ago, encouraged by Sarah Gillespie, a singer-songwriter, producer, poet and artist (yes, rather talented).

Back then, she had little music to her name but her rendition of Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose helped convince Gillespie that Aria had a big future (the musician is now signed up to Gillespie’s Patische label).

Her delivery of Piaf’s 1945 classic at Pizza Express Live Soho was achingly beautiful. But the night was really all about Rectify and the collection of songs that give us an insight into her life experiences: the passionate and tender Belong (written from the heart); the cry to be loved (Kiss Me); the self-explanatory It’s All Your Fault; and Resentment (‘one emotion guaranteed to hurt us’).

Interspersed between her own songs were excellent covers of Bonnie Raitt’s Something To Talk About and Erykah Badu’s meandering and incessant anthem I Want You.

Also, Aria’s take on Lauryn Hill‘s Ex-Factor – a song written abut the pain triggered by  a failing relationship – was beautiful, enhanced by the magnificent Chris Montague on guitar.

Aria wasn’t lonely on a tight stage with a trio of backing singers (Elisha Zion, Siobhan Naomi Prince and Lauren Marie Fretwell) providing great support. There were also super trumpet and flute contributions from Poppy Daniels and Bella.

William Hobson on keys (excellent on Aria’s take of Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose), Harry Gould on bass and Daniel Hester on drums completed the set.

For Aria, the night was an undoubted triumph. With the guidance of Gillespie and the input of others (the likes of the wise Montague and Hobson), she has every chance of succeeding where others fail.

‘Music is my love,’ Aria told us when introducing  Home to You, the current release from her album and the final song of the night. It shows in everything she does.

If you like your music gutsy and raw, soulful with a dash of jazz, catch Aria at the EFG London Jazz Festival, Crazy Coqs, Piccadilly on November 17. You won’t be disappointed.

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