Concert review: Elizabeth Marvelly's Heartland

Poise, elegance and superb vocal control are just a few words to describe the talented Elizabeth Marvelly.

Marvelly, who started her Heartland Tour in Rotorua on Sunday, performed to a packed crowd at the Rotorua Civic Theatre. Along with new songs from her up-and-coming third album, she also performed her own versions of songs by artists such as Burt Bacharach, Whitney Houston, Joni Mitchell and more.

In the first half of the show, the Rotorua songstress performed a collection of material which gave me goosebumps - her Bacharach medley, her dedication of Whakaaria Mai to the late Sir Howard Morrison and her rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

But it was the second half of the show that we really got to see the young star shine, performing her new music including Again and Lucky Escape.

She also delivered a faultless performance of Tarakihi - her voice was beautifully strong and she gave everything she had to it.

Throughout the show Marvelly was beautifully dressed, consistently gracious and a pleasure to watch. She interacted with her captivated audience and had perfect vocal control.

She was joined on stage by her equally talented band, which featured the well-known Carl Doy on keys and Austrian violinist Ben Morrison. The tour runs until July 30 with shows in Tauranga, Whakatane, Taupo, Auckland, Kerikeri, New Plymouth, Hamilton and Wellington.