Photo by Gary Morrisroe

Last year an unknown SuRie emerged as the UK’s favourite after winning You Decide — the BBC’s national selection for Eurovision. During her performance in the Eurovision final, her performance of “Storm” was met with a different kind of storm in the guise of a stage invader. Thankfully, all that is behind her.

On Monday evening she shimmered and wowed the crowd at the Bishopgate Institute in London, as she played the piano whilst accompanied by nine violins, three violas, two cellos, a harp and a double bass. The concert was conducted by Bjorn Dobbelaere who also serves as the artistic director of her new album and concert tour, Dozen.

Speaking exclusively to wiwibloggs, SuRie explains:

“Dozen is a concept album because of the twelve tracks. These tracks represent the twelve months of the year and feature chronologically on the album. I really love sitting down and listening to an entire album. These days, we do have a lot of fast food music. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. A lot of people love that. However, I am hoping that with this album, people would take the time to sit down and enjoy the whole album.”

Dozen — SuRie

And so they should. Dozen‘s interpretation of classic songs using piano and strings is an interesting concept that SuRie manages to pull off live with ease. An eclectic collection of songs by Prince, Nina Simone, Tori Amos and Carole King take flight with SuRie’s dulcet tones. Her rendition of “February Stars”, “November Rain” and “May Queen” stand out, owing partly to the new instrumentation and arrangements that depart sharply from the originals. SuRie glides smoothly from track to track, providing the cohesion the album needs.

This approach to music stems from SuRie’s classical training. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, SuRie’s passion sits between live music and classical music. Bjorn Dobbelaere, her co-producer, infuses ambience and a touch of class with his orchestration. Together, they make a stellar team.

Surie’s Dozen is available now as a physical CD and on all digital music platforms.

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Stephen Kolawole
Stephen Kolawole
5 years ago

I’m loving her album so much that have been listening to it every day. It’s simply amazing

Bob Mat
Bob Mat
5 years ago

To wiwiblogs: Why don’t you write in your article that this year’s greek singer Katerine Duska was there and they even exchanged stories on instagram with Surie?

Hannah
Hannah
5 years ago

Love both this album and SuRie so much, she’s an absolute angel and her voice is fantastic. Would love to see her representing the UK again

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago

So proud of SuRie, she slays. And it’s a very pleasant experience to listen to her music with more classical approach. By the way, happy 30th birthday SuRie!

Dom
Dom
5 years ago

Debanaderemiwiwibloggsdotcom we demand Lithuanian final songs reaction and your opinion who has to win!

Deban Aderemi
Deban Aderemi
5 years ago
Reply to  Dom

Alen Chicco is my favourite act.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
5 years ago

Sorry for being off topic but it has been announced that Israel’s entry is called Home and will be released alongside the music video on March 10th

Brooklyn
Brooklyn
5 years ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

And its a BALLAD