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Caillat Still Lacks Polish

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By CURTIS ROSS

cross@tampatrib.com

Published: December 14, 2008

TAMPA - Were this 1998 instead of 2008, Colbie Caillat likely would have broken through on Lilith Fair, Sarah McLachlan's late '90s touring femme-festival.

As it is, she broke through thanks to MySpace, but that's the aughts for you.

Some of that sisterly camaraderie might have come in handy, too. Despite almost two years of touring, Caillat seemed stiff and a bit uncomfortable Saturday night at Tampa Theatre.

She certainly had the support of the crowd of 1,286, which was never less than adoring. She even talked about her struggles with performing - she had little, if any, live experience before "Coco" was released - but told the crowd that was behind her and that she was "having the time of her life."

It was hard to believe, though.

Granted, she loosened up a bit around a half-hour in, when she finally kicked off the stiletto heels that had her tottering around the stage early in the set. And a reggae version of Dusty Springfield's "Brand New Me" encouraged her to finally project her voice, which previously had been swamped by the band and backing vocals.

Of course, with lyrics such as "Baby, I will be your lady," projection would be a mixed blessing.

Caillat's music is pleasant, sunny pop, upbeat and melodic, reflective of her Southern California background. It's instantly familiar even if you've never heard it before and it obviously has struck a chord with a large audience.

And there's nothing wrong with a little pleasant escape now and then. But live, it's got to have a little more umph behind it than Caillat brought Saturday night. Caillat needs way more polish before she can carry a show on her own.
Opening act Jon McLaughlin was by far the more assured performer, even if his music is ultimately just as featherweight as Caillat's. But he gave his band some space to jam and, with "Industry," showed he's mastered the art of the power ballad.

Reporter Curtis Ross can be reached at (813) 259-7568.

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