In 2001, British siren Sophie Ellis-Bextor released her debut solo album, Read My Lips, and it did rather well in her native United Kingdom and not so bad in most of the Western world.

It largely went unnoticed in the USA, however, which was too bad, as Sophie is a wonderful performer, a true disco maven, and an entertaining spirit. Her American fortunes changed in 2023, when the dark comedy film Saltburn used her debut album’s second single, “Murder on the Dancefloor,” in the movie’s ridiculous closing scene, celebrating the main character’s macabre achievements. And thus, Sophie quickly lit up the ears of Americans who suddenly realized they were missing out on more than 20 years of great music.

Capitalizing on this momentum, Sophie booked a USA tour — her first! — which included a recent sold-out date at 9:30 Club in DC.