Young James Morrison appears to have it all: striking looks, a likeable, humble personality and the best British blue-eyed soul voice since George Michael perhaps or even a young Rod Stewart. And with a UK number one album in The Awakening, a Brit nomination and a sold-out tour, all the elements of a celebration are in place on this rainy Sunday night. And so it proved! From the moment he bounded onstage for a soulfully energetic ‘Beautiful Life’ (a stand-out from the new album), the 27 year-old could do no wrong with the (largely female) audience who shrieked and swooned over his every move.
If his material hasn’t always matched his vocal talents, he has enough decent songs in his armoury to paper over any cracks. With a solid band and a pair of backing singers, he delivered the goods. Predictably, the big hits elicited the most ecstatic response, including the life affirming ‘Wonderful World’ and mournful ballad, ‘Broken Wings’. If at times his influences seem to veer a tad close to Stevie Wonder (who’s Songs In The Key of Life album was aired before show-time), the newer songs are more clearly stamped with his own personality, in particular the barely accompanied ‘Right By Your Side’ revealing some serious vocal chops. But it was the hits that mattered most and an extended version of the achingly soulful ‘You Give Me Something’, his breakthrough hit and still arguably his best creation, leaves them screaming for more