Richard Hawley Live Review @ The Lowry (Manchester) - 28 May 2006

Richard Hawley Live Review @ The Lowry (Manchester) - 28 May 2006

Photo:Gareth James @ 7th Heaven

Live Review

There are two sides to Sheffield’s Richard Hawley. Excellent stand -up comedian, and incredible singer-songwriter. Both sides of his character came out at the Lowry’s Quays Theatre. Looking remarkably like a 21 century Buddy Holly, clad in dark silver suit and black cowboy boots, the earthy Yorkshireman put on a dazzling display of humour and fantastic music, primarily drawn from arguably 2005’s best British album Coles Corner. It also bagging Best Pop album at this year’s South Bank Awards. For over an hour and a half, the ‘bloke next door’ crooner kept everyone spellbound with his repartee and craftsmanship. He’s also pretty handy at handling hecklers, even when he encourages it – it’s all part of his stage charm that works with devastating effect. Backed by a superb four-piece band he brought his opus to life in his customary laid-back manner, giving a brief insight to what inspired each song, not that you needed it. After a jokey start and guitar reverb set to ‘high’, he glided into the lush and gorgeous Coles Corner which engulfed the intimate venue. What immediately hits you is the quality of his singing – a deep, rich and rounded voice like no other on the British music scene, with more than a touch of retro-Jim Reeves about it. More jokes, and a song written for his wife follows, the magnificent Ocean which took you to another place, as he tenderly strummed his shiny red Gibson. Chugging along came the bright and breezy Just Like The Rain, his latest single – the voice was still intact and improving with every note. Jangly guitars opened Baby You’re My Light, while further into the set we got a brilliant Bad Sign and even better Darlin’ Wait For Me. Closing the main set on a climax, tension builder Run For Me was belted out in a rockier mode with some steady rock-riffing and solos by Hawley, proving he’s not just a romantic balladeer.

The encore’s three songs, Who’s Gonna Shoe, I’m So Lonesome ( at this point he introduced to the line-up, local harmonica genius Clive Miller who he met in the pub ) as they built up a steady crescendo while Hawley and Miller battled for top-dog, culminating in a rockabilly blast of That’s Alright Mama which brought the ‘dancers’ to their feet.

A glorious night for a man from the other side of the Pennines.

Elly Roberts

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