| Anthony Allcock : Profile | Ant lives in Beeston. In his spare time (from reviewing gigs) he works for Rolls Royce in Derby. He bangs the drums and is probably Mercury Rev's biggest fan. He also likes to travel without using travel guides. |
James Blunt is an up and coming singer song writer with a difference. It's not that he supports Elton John, and it's not because he was in the army, its actually because he is pretty good at writing and delivering beautiful songs that hit an emotional nerves and he’s here tonight supporting one of the greatest bands in the universe, Mercury Rev. James Blunt is a singer/song-writer based in London who, tonight, is supporting Mercury Rev as a one off gig. He has just finished a tour with Elton John and is about to join him again on his forthcoming UK tour. The best way to describe James is a somewhere between Nina Simone and an English version of Damien Rice. However the difference between James and Damien is James’ songs have stark realities drawn on from his time spent in the army and the experiences of war in Kosovo. Since leaving the army two years ago he has grown his hair long and got himself a US based record deal with Atlantic records. The songs he writes are obviously based upon the harsh realities of war, but instead of making obvious political statements, he has opted to turn his experiences into beautifully crafted and emotionally themed songs (check out his song – ‘no bravery’). James varies his shows depending on his mood, sometimes he will have a five piece band backing him and sometimes he will do it on his own. Tonight he has opted to sing a solo set which allows his songs to be heard as stripped down angelic melodies that keep the crowd transfixed. With it being his first time in Nottingham he offers an olive branch out by dedicating his song ‘You’re Beautiful’ to the crowd, and it all was quite beautiful. Definitely a great prospect for the future. His album ‘Back to Bedlam’ is out now on Atlantic Records and he will be out promoting it in January, here’s hoping he calls back to Nottingham. James Blunts Set list:
High
Cry
No bravery
Tears of rain
Goodbye my lover
I really want you
You’re beautiful
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