ShareAmy Macdonald performing her Under Stars tour with special guest Newton Faulkner at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on Saturday 1st April 2017
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
Amy Macdonald is one of those artists whose songs you know but you just can’t quite put a face to the name, but at The Royal Concert Hall last night there was no doubting that this packed venue knew exactly who she was.
With nearly every seat taken, it was the brilliant Newton Faulkner who took to the stage to give a commanding performance that set the bar very high. Coming on stage shoeless with his obligatory mug of tea, he simply mesmerised this crowd. With just a spotlight and a guitar he delivered such treats as Where To Start and I Need Something before he got the crowd clapping along to Clouds. With his superb use of a kick drum and loop pedals, Against The Grain and Dream Catch Me were simply awesome. To the amusement of the audience he introduced a couple of new songs intended for his yet to be released sixth album, by saying “I’ve got a verse, a chorus and that’s it”.
With his engaging banter and easy going manner he finished his set with a version of Bohemian Rhapsody which set the place on fire. With the magnificent use of lights and his immense vocal range, Faulkner very nearly stole the show.
Seemingly hidden behind a huge guitar, the diminutive Scot Amy Macdonald took to the stage to deliver a set just shy of two hours. Supported by an enthusiastic but by no means stage stealing band, she opened with the title track of her latest album, Under Stars, and the crowd knew that they were in for a real treat.
With four studio albums in her locker, each was revisited. Don’t Tell Me That It’s Over from A Curious Thing was instantly recognisable and Spark from her debut album, This Is The Life, had the audience on their feet. With the tempo slowed down a little for Youth Of Today, the audience were roused again for a very lively Mr Rock & Roll.
With entertaining between song banter and her effortlessly powerful voice with its slight Scottish lilt, the politically charged 4th Of July went down a treat as did new track, Automatic. Her biggest hit, This Is The Life was dutifully belted out, before she finished the main set with Life In A Beautiful Light.
The encore treated us to new song Down By The Water which has a folksy feel before she finished with Let’s Start A Band. With her unique and distinctive vocals, she plays her songs with incredible emotion. With the band occasionally drowning out her voice, Amy Macdonald still showed last night that she is a little belter of a singer.
