There was a clear buzz emanating from and around the Philharmonic in the build-up to David Gray’s set. As the sun was closing in on the city a warmth around the Phil’ was clear, spring has sprung and what a way to bring it in.
The atmosphere carried straight into the city’s historic venue, up through its storied steps and into the room where David’s set would follow. The stage layout made full use of the space with prominent silver walls reflecting colours toward the crowd in harmony with Gray’s tenor. The evening got under way quickly and with impact staring with “After the Harvest” after a passionate response to David’s entrance to the stage.
From the first track the crowd were in, the union was clear. David moved on to another track from his newest album “leave taking”, the self-proclaimed catalyst for his most recent LP. With an explanation of the track that spoke of the disillusionment felt in the wake of the pandemic and the human unity it brought. The crowd responded in a manner directly encompassing with the ethos of the city, a true togetherness.
The eclectic mix of tones and atmospheres across the stage really shone as this track filled the room. Drummer David Clune, or ‘Clune’ as he’s known, powered a heartbeat David harmonised with as the music built. The connection was clear despite the time apart the musicians have had. Gray was loose and passionate standing before the microphone inviting the crowd to join the journey of the track and they did. ‘Leave Talking’ had set the tone.
The entire band were truly on the ball with each part of the set allowing another to shine. ‘The one I Love’ followed and the crowd exploded. Calls of ‘go on David lad’ in the warm and abrasive tones only an enthralled scouser can muster echoed in droves.
Next it was ‘Alibi’. The lights dimmed and a personal highlight began, as the smooth yet eerie sythn twinkled with the keys the song became the only part of the room. Gray’s voice shone and the impact of the song truly made use of the space, carrying the melodies up the Philharmonic’s cascading ceiling and into the crowd.
In some ways David Gray’s performance was a homecoming, having attended college in the city and citing Hardman street as somewhere he had recorded in the past. Gray also spoke of Liverpool staple ‘Ye Crack’ as a place he would often spend afternoons leading into nights it, was clear he held a longstanding affinity with Liverpool. This reflection of his past in the city brought us onto ‘From here you can almost see the sea’ A sweet and melancholic track, with falsetto elements that raised with a choir style accompaniment of the band members, Gray’s voice was truly brilliant.
Talia ray joined david for ‘Plus or Minus’ and ‘Fighting Talk’ as on the album and brought the same unique tone to the live performance as on the records.
After Talia’s departure from the stage a wave of David’s best known songs began and carried straight through till the end of the show. ‘Please Forgive Me’ shook the room as it reached its crescendo with the classic acoustic lead singing through the venue, most if not all the crowd were on their feet. Again calls of ‘Go on David’ flew through the air.
‘Flame Turns Blue’ Was fantastic, starting bare as Gray glided on, the Cello entering the tune set its motion strong as it continued to build, ending with a huge atmosphere.
Then it was world renown classic ‘Babylon’, not much needs to be said for this song truly, it was played and received exactly as you would hope for. Magic.
David’s newest album, ‘Dear Life’ is available here and is definitely worth a listen: https://open.spotify.com
A wildlife and nature preservation charity David Gray supports is also open to donations here.
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