A new generation of jazz enthusiasts soak in the sophistication of Iceland’s Laufey at United Center

Photos provided by Nicole Mago

During the pre-internet era, chances are a jazz, bossa nova and classical-oriented artist like Laufey would be splitting time between The Green Mill and Symphony Center playing primarily to the graying audience, but thanks to an explosion on TikTok and becoming the inaugural artist to perform alongside an orchestra at Lollapalooza, she’s quickly become an arena-filling superstar capable of attracting mainly teens and twenty-somethings.

The closest sonic companion of this century thus far is possibly Norah Jones on steroids, yet make no mistake, this 26 year-old singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist and cello player is in a charismatic class all her own, who now joins easygoing A-listers Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion or Adele in selling out the United Center.

In fact, the Icelandic/Chinese chanteuse, who graduated from the prestigious Berklee College Of Music, has a truly international presence at this point that’s been building since 2022’s debut studio album, “Everything I Know About Love,” the following year’s “Bewitched” and the new “A Matter Of Time.”

Throughout nearly two hours, backed by a live band, string section and four dancers, Laufey more than lived up to the fuss, dividing the classy show into five carefully-curated acts and pulling heartily off the last pair of projects.

It all operated like “Clockwork,” yet with the warmth and wonder of such spine-chilling selections as “Lover Girl,” “Falling Behind,” “Silver Lining” and “Too Little, Too Late,” each placed against the backdrop of a ritzy, multi-story, Roaring Twenties-styled set.

In spite of the grand scope, Laufey still left room for improvisation and conversation, seeming genuinely blown away by the response in the Windy City, bringing out mascots Mei Mei The Bunny and Benny The Bull, picking a best dressed fan out of the many lyric-inspired crowns or costumes and expertly covering Carmen Lombardo’s “Seems Like Old Times” to start a stretch of similar intimacy at the end of the clock-themed runaway.

The spellbinding streak continued across originals “Let Me Break Your Heart Again,” “Promise,” “Tough Luck,” “Snow White” and “From The Start,” to cite a mere handful of at least a couple dozen charmers further documenting her rapid rise.

“Sabotage” was a riveting way to steer towards the encore, which is when Laufey dropped the locally exclusive surprise “Bewitched,” then vulnerably and vibrantly shared a “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self,” reflecting on just how far she’s come and inspiring the multi-generational masses in the process.

For additional information on Laufey, visit LaufeyMusic.com.

For a list of upcoming AEG Presents concerts, visit AEGPresents.com.

Upcoming shows at the United Center include P1Harmony (Oct. 14); Brandy and Monica (Oct. 18); Adam Sandler (Oct. 20); Tate McRae (Oct. 21); Nate Bargatze (Oct. 23-24); Playboi Carti (Oct. 30); Tame Impala (Nov. 3); Kaytranada and Justice (Nov. 5); Jo Koy (Nov. 7); Druski (Nov. 8); Maroon 5 (Nov. 13); Paul McCartney (Nov. 24-25); Burna Boy (Dec. 1) and 107.5 WGCI Big Jam (Dec. 6). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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A new generation of jazz enthusiasts soak in the sophistication of Iceland’s Laufey at United Center

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