James Vincent McMorrow: Live at the University Concert Hall

Dublin’s soulful/folk singer-songwriter, James Vincent McMorrow recently told Hot Press: “For the first time in my life I actually know what I’m doing.” If you want confirmation, look no further than his live performances.

The University Concert Hall is quite a step up from his last appearance here in the much smaller Upstairs @ Dolan’s. For the occasion, James was supported by the extremely impressive Slow Skies. The Dublin alt-folk duo weren’t in the least bit daunted by having to fill such a big stage. Their trump card is singer Karen Sheridan, whose voice is all kinds of delicious.

McMorrow opened with ‘The Lakes’ and it was a powerful statement of intent: everything – from the light show and the illuminated pyramids to his clean cut vocals – was top notch.

An infusion combining tranquil soul and passionate, breezy folk, McMorrow’s sound really flows. And as he moved through a set of predominantly Post Tropical creations, his stage presence was warm and friendly. “It feels like I’m playing in a giant living room,” he said and I knew exactly what he meant. Stand-out tracks included ‘Red Dust’ and the gorgeous ‘Cavalier’, as well as the older ‘We Don’t Eat’, a crowd favourite which saw James excel on a floor tom!

Drawing the night to a close, McMorrow seemed genuinely grateful for the enthusiastic reaction of the crowd. The encore offered a raw solo performance of ‘And If My Heart Should Somehow Stop’, sandwiched between an impressive ‘If I Had A Boat’ and the brand new ‘Digging’.

Already confirmed for Longitude 2014, I suspect we’ll be seeing lots more of the Irish songster this year. He is on the verge of the long-awaited breakthrough he deserves. Watch him go...