Tracy Chapman / James McMorrow

Support tonight is from James McMorrow; a charming young man from Ireland, who performs songs in the style of James Blunt. He has a lovely husky voice, although I think he has a cold. McMorrow has just supported Al Green, to the shock of the audience (“You lucky *%&!” I hear...). He’s a very modest performer too; he knows what we are waiting for, so the audience love him even more.

For years now I have waited to see the delightful Tracy Chapman perform, either with a backing band or solo. We are in for a special treat tonight as this is a rare solo show, going back to where Chapman started from, busking and playing in Coffee shops in the States. “You don’t need a band!” shouts one audience member.

Sounding croaky from a recent cold (it started in Scandinavia, which is cold, but it is very cold here!”). Chapman is as charming as ever. A little shy but still comical; she’s taking requests and telling us stories of the backgrounds to some tunes, old and new. Most of the crowd are in awe. One request is for a birthday shout to a guy (or gal) called Muppet, which prompts the story of Tracy’s stint on Sesame Street. “You start talking to them after a while like they are real people. I knocked Elmo in the eye with my guitar!”. Some other people have given her jokes (they are that bad she only reads out one) and even an invitation to Christmas Dinner!

The new songs in tonight’s set get as good a reception as the ones we all know. Upbeat ‘I Did It All’ with it’s un-autobiographical lyrics and ‘Save Us All’ about extreme religion are highlights, it’s just a shame this is a seated show and we can not get up and dance. We also get a treat with a couple of covers, one being ‘House of The Rising Sun’ dedicated to those living in New Orleans (as it was when it was first written as an old folk song). The simple backdrop of a sun rising and setting gradually throughout the set and the minimal lighting is very effective for the mood too.

It’s all about the hits though. ‘Baby Can I Hold You Tonight’ gets a huge sing-a-long early on, as does ‘Talking ‘Bout A Revolution’. It’s ‘Fast Car’ that many are here to hear, and the beautiful solo version is very moving.

There are a few technical difficulties with one of the many guitars Chapman is using, though ever the great performer she sings through it and jokes of it at the end. The use of a bit of paper to partially mute the guitar strings near the bridge is also a unique idea, which I will be pinching!

After trying for months to get tickets I am sad that I have to thank ebay, because without it I wouldn’t be at this show. There are decent people on there though, and I paid face value, so thank you to them, you made my year.

Taking requests at the end she tries to split the sold out crowd in four or so groups, so that it would be easier to hear the shout outs. This doesn’t work, but Chapman says she had already chosen a song that we all might know, and starts playing ‘Ben E. Kings Stand By Me’. What a show.

Behind The Wall
Baby Can I Hold You Tonight
Sing For You
For My Lover
I Did It All
The Promise
Say Hallelujah
Across The Lines
Save Us All
Telling Stories
House Of The Rising Sun
Fast Car
Give Me One Reason
She’s Got a Ticket
Talkin ‘Bout A Revolution

Stand By Me
For You

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.