Event Reviews

Upon uttering the words: “Its pleasure to play in the town where rock and roll started”, James Morrison became one with his Summer Pops crowd, despite an all round lack of charisma. But who needs witty crowd banter when you’ve got a voice like his? In front of a sell-out 4,500 strong Aintree Pavilion, the recent Brit Award winner let his music do the talking as he ran through the songs from hit debut album Undiscovered.

And what a genre-busting array of songs he has, be it folk, jazz, pop, blues, soul or rock and roll he ticked every box. He looked the part too. Rocking out, or trying to at least, by thrashing at his acoustic guitar in a v-necked white shirt and jeans.

Standing ovation

Most of the arena remained seated though until the Cornwall lad beckoned us stand: “It’s a concert, you’re not in church!! He yelled. “You’re Liverpudlians, show me what ya got!” And stand we did, to behold just what a fine voice this young man has. Comparative to a younger Rod Stewart, James’ ranging, husky voice was in fine form as his band left the stage for him to sing Better Man, before he finished his set with his second signature tune Wonderful World, which was “for all the weirdoes in here tonight!” This head-noddingly chirpy number became the climax though, as his three-pronged encore fell a little flat, even if he played the “rockiest” tune on his album Call The Police. But fans screamed and cheered nonetheless and gave him the standing ovation his performance deserved.

Cynics may say that in beating a weak field including the likes of Lemar and Paolo Nutini to that Brits best solo male gong in February, James had an easy ride, but judging by his vocal talents at the Pops alone, he was a worthy winner. Quite astounding really, considering this from a guy who is just a month shy of his 23rd birthday and who, just a few years ago, earned his pennies through busking. There’s hope for us yet.