Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall, Esplanade, Singapore
Date: 2nd October 2012
Promoter: Greenhorn Productions
Review by: Mandy L.
Special Thanks: Sylvia and the Greenhorn Productions team
Easily one of the top acts in today’s music industry, 28 year old English singer-songwriter darling James Morrison opened the show with a cheery grin before unleashing an onslaught of heartfelt soul with “Beautiful Life”, “This Boy”, “In My Dreams” and “Say Something Now”. His passion and talent was evident in his voice as he belted out hit after hit, sending the crowd into ecstatic screams and wolf whistles.
When he finally launched into the ever popular ballade “I Won’t Let You Go”, couples all around the concert hall had their arms around each other, singing along as they gently swayed to the music. I have to say, Morrison definitely has a talent in churning out emotional ballades with musical notes that reach into your heart and touching lyrics that speak volumes.
One of our personal favourite songs of the night was jazz number “Up”—pitch perfect; as if playing back a studio recording. Acoustic renditions “Broken Strings” and “Slave to the Music” showcased Morrison’s talent that turned the concert hall into a dance floor despite the visibly older audience—it was hard not to put all that excitement and energy to good use.
As the gig drew to a close, encores were in place, closing off with “The Awakening” from his latest album and “Wonderful World” to a crowd of 1,500. Growing up with influences of soul, blues, folk and country, Morrison’s innate talent was evident in tonight’s sell-out performance—arguably one of the best gigs of the year.
Setlist
Beautiful Life
This Boy
In My Dreams
Say Something Now
I Won’t Let You Go
Up
Broken Strings
All Around The World
Slave to the Music
Nothing Ever Hurts Like You
I’m a Man
Person I Should Have Been
Previous Love
You Give Me Something
Encore:
The Awakening
Wonderful World