James Blunt played to a sold out Newcastle City Hall on Friday night, on the most recent date of his current World Tour, and left a lasting impression on everyone there. The diverse audience including people of every age, style and creed, brought together for one night.
The set opened with a stage full of musicians, but no James Blunt as the introduction rang around the venue. Shortly after it was joined by the sound of a wave of applause as the man himself entered from the back of the room and moved through the crowd itself. He hit the stage just as the vocals began, and the crowd went wild.
His vocals were record perfect throughout the night and it’s clear he has perfect control over every note he sings. His unique style and tone allow him to convey genuine pathos during his more emotional songs. Then he has the energy needed to pull off his high tempo numbers, with a rhythm which bounces through your bones and takes hold of your feet, if your not up and dancing you'll be tapping your toes.
In some circles it seems to be un-cool to like James Blunt, it could be his portrayed poshness or unusual speaking voice, either way it’s a shame. The man is one of our countries most talented artists and has produced quality songs, which are, loved the world over. Fans were treated to songs from his newest album, as well as his best-known hits from the albums Back to Bedlam and All The Lost Souls. It wont come as a surprise that i would choose Your Beautiful as the song of night, but when a tune unites the crowd in such a way, it is hard to look beyond it.
His music is melodic, thoughtful and beautifully crafted. The raw emotion which he poured into the performance of Goodbye My Lover, resonated in the room with anyone who had ever suffered a broken heart.
His encore was just a continuation of what was a quality night, leaving the hit 1973 until last, meaning every word was harmonised by the crowd. By the end of the song Blunt was riding his piano like a surfboard. Absurd and amazing, the man is the perfect live performer, and the smile across his face was testament to his genuine appreciation as he left the stage to a well-deserved standing ovation.
