Review: James Morrison + support Rainy Boy Sleep - Hammersmith Apollo, London
JAMES MORRISON
Rainy Boy Sleep was support this evening, playing a variety of guitars to accompany his voice. Hailing from Northern Ireland, his accent could be heard amongst the raspy, soothing vocals on a number of tracks, Shopping Centre Song a firm favourite with the audience, as was his final song of the set, Ambulance. Rainy boy Sleep went down a treat, nice to listen to.
After the break, James Morrison took to the white draped stage to a standing ovation, the drum beat kicked in and off he went with opening number Beautiful Life.
The eight piece band were sounding tight, which consisted of Drums, Bas, Guitar, two keyboard players, and a brass section (sax, trumpet, trombone). Two female backing singers added nice harmonies throughout the evening.
In My Dreams was a great track to listen to live, it had a nice funky bass riff with a slow Acid-Jazz feel to it. The audience had a chance to sing along with I Won't Let You Go, and James then did a duet with one of the backing singers on Up.
After this, most of the band disappeared, leaving behing a hammond organ and electric guitar for Right By Your Side and Broken Strings, another chance for the audience to sing along.
Going to a more upbeat song, James sang his new single, the Michael Jackson inspired Slave To The Music with full band back on set. A few more numbers and he finished with You Give Me Something, yet again, another crowd pleasing sing along.
Standing ovation at the end of the set, he came on to do three more songs, ending with the classic Wonderful World.
A great evening had by all, James sounded good, the band were in great form, and the set/staging was simple yet effective.
Remaining tour dates
Friday 10 London Hammersmith Apollo
Sunday 12 Southend Cliff Pavilion
Monday 13 Bristol Colston Hall
Wednesday 15 Glasgow O2 Academy
Friday 17 Leeds O2 Academy
Saturday 18 Nottingham Royal Centre
Sunday 19 Newcastle O2 Academy
