Photos by Andy Argyrakis

She began making a splash with the British band Matt Bianco in the mid-1980s, but it wasn’t until going solo that Basia found her worldwide breakthrough. The Polish singer/songwriter with a three octave range struck back to back rounds of platinum with 1987’s “Time And Tide” and 1989’s “London Warsaw New York,” allowing for continued stardom across the 1990s and a revered place in the global fusion pocket through today.

And that’s exactly how City Winery appeared to feel about Basia, especially when the beautiful but punchy “Promises” closed out the encore, accompanied by more roars for an artist who’s never forgotten no matter how long she spends out of the limelight.

Despite the seven-year gap since last visiting Chicago, she instantly sold out two City Winery shows in support of the brand new album “Butterflies.” In her late night engagement backed by an internationally renowned band (including members of Matt Bianco and Simply Red), Basia caught the sophisticated crowd up to speed via the current “Pandora’s Box,” which sprung open with a potpourri of jazzy rhythms.

The veteran kept switching between now and yesteryear, sounding as spectacular as ever throughout the danceable “No Heartache,” the splashy “Cruising For Bruising” and the cocktail pop of “Half A Minute” from her old group. One of Basia’s most exceptional vocal displays came during the optimistically-themed “New Day For You,” then “Baby You’re Mine” switched to a samba groove and her backers breezed through the complicated time signatures of “An Olive Tree.”

A lovely remembrance of the bittersweet “Time And Tide” sent everyone straight to their feet, while “Drunk On Love” celebrated the cheery flipside of falling head over heels. And that’s exactly how City Winery appeared to feel about Basia, especially when the beautiful but punchy “Promises” closed out the encore, accompanied by more roars for an artist who’s never forgotten no matter how long she spends out of the limelight.

Click here for more photos of Basia at City Winery.

For additional information on Basia, visit BasiaSongs.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Chicago Plays The Stones featuring Ronnie Baker Brooks & Billy Branch (Oct. 12); Incognito featuring Maysa (Oct. 14); Surabhi Ensemble Global Tour Project with Massamba Diop (Oct. 15); Grant-Lee Phillips & Josh Rouse (Oct. 17); Steven Page Trio with Wesley Stace (Oct. 18); Isaac Mizrahi (Oct. 19); Wasabassco Burlesque (Oct. 19); Terisa Griffin (Oct. 20); Jim Messina (Oct. 21); WildClaw Theatre Presents – “A Taste of Deathscribe” (Oct. 22); The English Beat (Oct. 24); Algebra Blessett (Oct. 25); Kevin Griffin (Oct. 26); Matisyahu (Oct. 28-30) and David Cook (Oct. 31). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

Related Articles

Basia: “Butterflies” Tour at City Winery Taj Mahal Trio: “An International Treasure” Tour at City Winery The ladies swoon for Freddie Jackson’s City Winery sell out with Chris Tucker in the house Freddie Jackson: “You Are (Still) My Lady” Tour at City Winery Timothy B. Schmit: “Leap Of Faith” Tour at City Winery A standing room only City Winery savors Taj Mahal Trio’s flavorful shots of the blues For first of two City Winery sets, Timothy B. Schmit flies like an Eagle The grooves of Tony Toni Tone, laughs from Joe Torry and bonus acts benefit Mayfield Family Foundation