Live

James Morrison: Wembley Arena 27/11/09

Having previously seen James Morrison earlier in the year at the Hampton Court Festival and been impressed to a degree with an ex-busker who essentially hides his talents (well almost), behind his guitar while trying to whip the crowd into a frenzy - left me with a feeling of being shaken but not entirely stirred. Tonight however it was a different story, as the real James Morrison stood up - signed, sealed AND delivered on ALL fronts!

As I entered the arena I was greeted by the rockier sounds of One Republic who proved to be very tasty appetiser for the musically ravenous Morrison crowd. As the uber cool Republic guys performed their polished set, you could feel the temperature rising to almost fever pitch as finished their catalogue with the, classic in the making, 'Apologise'. With the crowd singing along to each note it was at this point you got the feeling, along with my other 12,000 mates, it was going to be a reeeeeally special evening.

Dressed in boots, jeans, white long sleeved-T, waist coat and more silver jewelry than a side-show psychic. The dare I say, slightly overwhelmed, people's champion took to the stage as he was met with a raw of unified approval from his expectant fans. He in-turn warmed them just nicely with fodder from his second album 'Songs For You Truths From Me', before rounding their voices up for 'Please Don't Stop The Rain' - one of the many sing-a-long performances of the night (and there were quite a few). Enhanced this time with purple river effect lighting gobo. It was also at this point that our would be superstar shot up in my estimations, as he put his guitar to one side and picked up a mic to sing his heart whilst performing with abandon for the adoring public. "Yes" I shouted, as this dark horse had now taken off his reigns (ok it was a guitar strap, but you know what I mean?!) and was now free to enjoy his new found musical abandonment. The audience were to prove time and time again that they knew every single word of each song, as if the words flashed across the screens a la Karaoke - instead of following the raw vocals of Mr M.

Now enlisting first album 'Undiscovered' into the proceedings, 'This Boy' sounded a little different in a more laid back loungey sort of way. This slightly slower arrangement did nothing to deter the backing of the audience as I started to wonder if the two backing singers Ms's Brown & Macintosh were indeed needed!? 'Get To You' gave the proceeding a little rest-bite as it mixed in nicely with a sweet tune that Morrison had written for his daughter.

'You Make It Real' was then delivered with the aplomb and distinction of an old master - I remember thinking, James Morrison has written some outstanding music to date. Being two albums into his career and becoming a real force within his chosen genre, the by now totally devoted audience had a well rounded point here. This guy is something quite special (thanks for pointing that out by the way)... And if that wasn't enough, onto the stage in black sequined dress walked Nelly Furtado to produce a truly outstanding performance of the hit duet 'Broken Strings'. Wow! I think is the right term here!

Then as this juggernought of a gig rolled on, picking up his guitar once more Morrison wasn't going to rest on this lamentable moment (oh no) - he announced "I like this bit, cos I get a chance to kick the show up the ass!" Producing amongst other gems 'Under The Influence' and 'Nothing Ever Hurt Like You' which morphed into Sam and Dave's 'Hold On (I'm coming)', then Stevie's 'Uptight' and finished back with 'Nothing Hurts Likes You' once more - jumping off, with guitar in hand, the drummers stage on the last note for full The Who effect - the night was almost over. As he thanked the audience for all their support, he finished with his first hit 'You Do Something To Me' sounding as fresh as it did when it first charted.

Was that it... Of course not! Don't be silly - you think this lot would let him go without an encore, not on your Nelly Furtado they wouldn't... and what an encore... With just piano and acoustic guitar Morrison produced standout moment 220 & 3/4 with his homage to MJ, delivering 'Man In the Mirror' with enough soul that I'm sure if Michael were looking down - he'd have a rye smile on his face.

Now we can finish the evening, but only after one of my fav's (and most around me) 'Call The Police' which validated itself as not just a kick ass tune, but a super cool track incorporating Bill Withers 'Keep On' as a backing track before hurtling back to 'Call The Police' once more. Cherry on the top of this gourmasticly delightful evening came in the guise of ever upbeat 'Wonderful World', of which I'm sure all in attendance would agree - was apt indeed.

All photos care of B&S' Romain Kedochim. For more visit ROMAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Words LEE TYLER