Paul Carrack and the SWR Big Band and strings delighted a packed Playhouse, Charing Cross audience.
I have enjoyed the music of Paul Carrack since 1974 when I first saw him performing as a member Ace at the Greyhound in Croydon. 44 years later and I still enjoy his laid back vocal style that helps one relax when one needs too. However I’ve never been a Big Band fan, I’ve grown to appreciate the musicianship of these bands as I’ve started to understand and like jazz more. The combination of Paul with the SWR Big Band worked and was enjoyable.
They played two sets the first consisting of Paul Carrick songs and some jazz standards, the second focussing on Christmas Songs.
I enjoyed the songs that I have always liked the best. ‘How Long’ (The Ace Classic), Living Years (the Mike and the Mechanics song) and ‘Love Will Keep Us Alive’ (a Paul Carrack/Jim Capaldi/Peter Vale song recorded by the Eagles). Of the Christmas songs ‘A Christmas Song’ and Silent Night were my favourites, the latter being the first encore. The show ended with a rousing version of ‘Over my Shoulder’ which was co-written by Paul with Mike Rutherford.
An enjoyable evening. This was my wife and I’s 100th gig of the year. Not the best of the 100 but still worth seeing. We will definitely see Paul perform live again but I’m still not sure about the Big Band.
Johns London Music Reviews 