Chasing Time - The Bedlam Sessions - James Blunt DVD + CD Review

Chasing Time - The Bedlam Sessions - James Blunt DVD + CD Review

Photo:Lynn Cambpell

DVD + CD Review

There's another 'Posh' in the music business - this one's got talent though. The past 12 months have been absolute Bedlam for new kid on the block James Blunt, 28.

Double 'Brit 2006' winner (British Male Solo Artist & Pop Act), finds the ex-army posh boy's star rising even higher. Right now, he deserves all the accolades bestowed upon him. Released in October 2004, 'Back To Bedlam' made its gradual rise up the charts by word of mouth.

First two singles, High and Wisemen (set for a re-release soon) made little impact: then came the summer anthem - You're Beautiful: it did the trick. He's now a household name in the UK, and chasing time since the summer of 2004, all caught on this excellent double pack. His recent gig at The House Of Blues in LA was a triumph, (Robbie Williams was there, and probably green with envy, picking up much needed tips I bet). This week You're Beautiful has zoomed to number 2 in The Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, with the album sitting nicely at 9. Now in its 34th week in the UK charts, at number 2 this week (W/C 13 Feb) it's now the best selling album of 2005, and the sixth of the 21 century. Close to 6 million copies have shifted world-wide.

The unassuming pop star still looks uncomfortable with his new found fame. Prior to his summer big break, I saw him at Academy 3 in Manchester last May, where he seemed quite astonished at the adulation. However, I knew then he was going to be big: very big.

The DVD of the BBC broadcast from his showcase in November, and live CD recorded in Dublin, December 2005, catches him on song at both gigs.

The BBC show seems very unreal, as do all TV concerts. The lack of atmosphere is in sharp contrast the show I remember in Manchester, where the crowd went nuts. Backed by a four -piece band, back-up singers and the Millennia Ensemble, Blunt casually strolls through his relatively small repertoire, though for a first-timer, he possesses a strong observational songbook of achingly beautiful and catchy ballads, which seems at odds with the current crop of British male pop stars. Emotions surface when he tackles Goodbye My Lover an unattainable lover and No Bravery, a document of the atrocities he witnessed in Kosovo: his eyes fill up and his face reflects the indelible memories. These are the definitive moments which have inspired his present songbook. Inevitably, questions will arise surrounding his next creation, now that he's attending Polo matches etc.

The CD is effectively an audio replica of the BBC gig. He may not have much stage persona: the music does the talking, as songs seamlessly match up.

His background sets him apart from the rest - we all know he's taken up his guitar instead of an Army tank, though his new ammunition is proving to be equally powerful. One thing he's achieved in a very short time, is winning over hearts and minds with a brilliant album.

There's none of your strutting or pop star antics, and so far, no stories of television sets being hurled out of hotel rooms.

For the next 8 months he continues to tour, then in the studio for 'difficult' album number two. It's all a far cry from the first time I saw him with just a guitar, as a support for Katie Melua in February 2004.

Blunt has achieved all this in the UK and USA without an ego.

One question arises. Will the Brits trophies end up in the loo, with his other gongs?

Elly Roberts

Gigs

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