James Morrison Makes It Real

“It is so good to be back in Sheffield after over two and a half years away,” declaimed James Morrison as he smiled and introduced Undiscovered.

When he released his debut album Undiscovered sixteen years ago, few would have doubted that the British singer/songwriter would still be selling out concerts such as on his current Greatest Hits tour which arrived at Sheffield City Hall.

As he and his six piece band arrived on stage, the singer with his distinctive soulful voice, was casually dressed; much like his music there is nothing complicated about him. His songs are timeless and will be remembered and played on the radio for years to come.

The stage set was a simple one with nothing to take the attention away from the songs, proving that you do not need an elaborate stage show when your music is as strong as his.

Taking his guitar off to perform So Beautiful gave Morrison the opportunity to move around the stage, as like many times during the evening, it felt he was singing directly to each and everyone of us as he reached out into the audience.

“Last time we were here you were great singers, I am sure you still are,” he taunted the audience as he introduced You Make It Real.

Broken Strings is the track he is mostly associated with. The fans literally took over the singing and the smile on his face said everything as he proudly looked on. It was at this moment I realised how much I had missed live music and the interaction only a live concert can bring.

Thankfully, Morrison kept the arrangements to his biggest hits the same, rather than re-imagine them as on his recently released Greatest Hits album, with only tracks such as Beautiful Life, receiving a slight make over.

You Give Me Something is a song that sits fittingly alongside those of his idols such as Al Green and Stevie Wonder. When he sang it, you could have closed your eyes and thought you were listening to one of the soul greats.

As the evening closed with Wonderful World the uplifting song brought the atmosphere to a powerful conclusion. “ You have been fantastic tonight Sheffield, I love coming back here and I will not leave it as long next time” promised Morrison.

It was a believable statement on a night that had been as honourable as Morrison himself.

Throughout, his words were genuine, his performance enthralling and his audience enthusiastic.