Georgie Fame performing at The Nottingham Playhouse on Tuesday 20th October 2015.


Review by  Kevin Cooper

Georgie Fame, with his much love blend of Jazz and Rhythm & Blues came to The Nottingham Playhouse last night to celebrate 50 years since the release of his first number one single, Yeh Yeh.

This icon of the British music scene appeared on stage accompanied by his two sons, Tristan Powell on guitar and James on drums, and with Fame on keyboards, the evening started with Loving Brought Me Into This World, Loving Will Take Me Out Of It.

In no time at all, Fame showed how he is still one of the few who is able to bridge the gap between sophisticated jazz and inspiring catchy compositions, with songs like If You Live and You Came A Long Way From St Louis. Choosing from his immense back catalogue, in the first half there was Get On The Right Track Baby and a soulful version of Georgia On My Mind. Son Tristan took a turn on the vocals with He’ll Have To Go, before Yeh Yeh, which Fame explained, people think was originally recorded by Matt Bianco.

With his name dropping anecdotes and excellent storytelling, this charming professional’s sheer talent, and charisma made for a very entertaining evening. The second half took up where the first had left off, with Green Onions and his 1966 hit Get Away. Informing this engrossed crowd that the first time he had played Nottingham was in 1959, it was as though he had never been away.

Not being allowed to leave the stage without treating us to The Ballad Of Bonnie & Clyde, he did not disappoint, and with an encore of The Whole World’s Shaking, the audience were up on their feet in appreciation to an artist who has aged gracefully and who’s rich soulful voice was still a pleasure to hear.