James Blunt Live Review @ Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] (Manchester) - 28 Apr 2005

James Blunt Live Review @ Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] (Manchester) - 28 Apr 2005

Photo:Lynn Cambpell

Live Review

Word is fast getting around,because there's a new super-star on the horizon.It's hard to believe that witnessing atrocities in Bosnia may well have shaped James Blunt's repertoire.In just one hour-the running time of a CD and three songs-Blunt consolidated his credentials as the next 'big thing'.The ex-army officer's talents are baring fruit,as he enters Civy Street.Serving his time as captain with a round of duty in the Balkans,he's been storing up material for four years,which is finally being unleashed as a 'weapon of mass delights'.Much to his surprise,a collective roar and wolf-whistles greeted the handsome singer-songwriter.3G phones went into action:the flashbulbs almost overwhelmed the unassuming newcomer.This new kid on the block is making a name for himself as an outstanding composer of melodic driven classics,some might say in the McCartney mould.He has the looks to swoon the girls,(screams of 'James we love you !' rang out all night)and his skills appeal across all ages.Playing his biggest gig so far,things are slowly falling into place.With exposure on BBC Radio 2,his first two singles High and Wise Men have made the industry sit up and listen.Not making the top ten just yet,the next single You're Beautiful(released Monday May 2) is set to be a monster.His album Back To Bedlam,from which most of the set was taken,is proving to be a slow burner in the Damien Rice mould,but that's where similarities end.

I first saw Blunt supporting Katie Melua at the Royal Court Theatre Liverpool in March 2004.I was negotiating Melua's setlist with a sound engineer.On he came,opened up with this resonating voice,and the place went silent.I was totally gobsmacked:I knew there and then that I was hearing a new sensation.This night was no different.All the songs went down like a bomb,particularly the emotionally charged No Bravery which he played on piano.You could hear a pin drop as he sang the melancholic ballad in the deathly silence.Tears were visible as he recollected his war experiences.Further on,he raised the roof with Out Of My Mind,the funky So Long Jimmy and closer Wise Men.For his encore,he let rip with the glorious You're Beautiful,the song that will make him a household name.

Britain's most exciting prospect in years.

Elly Roberts

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