SONGBIRD Zee Avi had several hundreds of her fans up and dancing during her maiden appearance in Penang.
The 26-year-old singer-songwriter was in town to promote her sophomore album, Ghostbird, and played new material along with earlier favourites.
Her earthy vocals carried the catchy and whimsical tunes well while her suave dance moves elicited similar swaying motions among the crowd at the Straits Quay Convention Centre in Tanjung Tokong.
She was on the second leg of her live Malaysian tour, having performed in Kuala Lumpur earlier.
Born Izyan Ali Rahman in Miri, Sarawak, Zee Avi is perhaps better known outside the country, thanks largely to her self-titled debut album peaking at 120 on the US Billboard Top 200 album charts.
As such, the homecoming tour provided a great opportunity for her to make her presence felt in her homeland.
Having just finished touring Japan, South Korea and Taiwan recently, she was glad to be back, and in particular, to make her maiden appearance in Penang.
“It’s great to be on this side of the island. I haven’t had the opportunity to play for you before, so this occasion is really special.
“I hope to be back soon,” she said to an adoring crowd.
She also revealed that she would spend an extra day on the island to take in the sights.
Her repertoire of songs during the concert included Milestone, 31 Days, Just You and Me, Madness, Mojo, Siboh, Swell Window, The Book of Morris Johnson, Ghostbird and Bitter Heart, the last one a popular number wherever she performs.
She was supposed to finish off with Kantoi but returned for encores of Honey Bee, Clouds and Roll Your Head, sending the crowd home happy.
