Maria Tecce In Viva!

The surname of this sultry chanteuse might give her origins away, but otherwise until she switches from Spanish to English there’s no way you’d know this apparently southern European is actually a Boston-born Italian-American who currently makes her home in Dublin. Viva! showcases material from Tecce’s forthcoming album, a selection of smouldering love songs inspired, she tells us, by her personal experiences visiting Spain in her late teenage years. She’s certainly got a great feel for the foreign material, belting out the songs with genuine passion and interpreting others with real tenderness. And her performing of a smattering of English language numbers is no less riveting.

If there’s one criticism to be made it’s the venue – this show would be better suited to a nightclub rather than a hall filled with stadium seating. Still, that’s a minor quibble, especially as the set is atmospherically lit and dressed, and Tecce’s band, three handsomely attired gents playing guitar, double bass and accordion, provide sophisticated, understated accompaniment. Tecce herself, in a dazzling scarlet dress and long black ponytail, is both captivating and very seductive.

Assembly Rooms, 623 3030, until 30 Aug, 10.05pm, £11—£12 (£10—£11).