David Gray @ Corn Exchange, Cambridge, 2nd December 2014
Tuesday night’s audience at the Cambridge Corn Exchange seemed reluctant to remove their coats as they came in from the cold wet streets. David Gray had rolled into town for his Mutineers Tour and his fans were in need of warming up. Gray along with seven band members took to the stage and clearly defined the show in two acts.
The first act was boldly chosen to showcase several songs from his new album. Gray started off the night with the sorrowful Birds of the High Arctic. Playing piano accompanied by haunting cello the track slowly built up until the band exploded and their charismatic singer jumped from his seat soulfully singing out “You were never there” to the excited crowd.
As a handful of songs from his new Mutineers album followed, he switched regularly from piano to guitar and bobbed his head in his trademark fashion. The new songs had a classic David Gray feel and were executed effortlessly but new song after new song was a lot to ask of an audience. It didn’t help that this was a seated show! Who wants to sit at a David Gray gig?
The second half saw performances of some of his classic songs. My Owe My and Flame Turns Blue brought big applause. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye was spellbinding as Gray sang to a silenced and mesmerised crowd. An acoustic version of his biggest hit Babylon had everyone singing along and cheering and a rendition of Sail Away with the inclusion of the cello and wailing electric guitar had a more edgy, ethereal feel that really renewed the song.
There was now a huge change in the atmosphere and Gray knew it was time to get everyone up on their feet. It didn’t take a lot of persuading either as everyone rose from their seats and clapped along to Please Forgive Me and The One I Love. This was the performance everyone was hoping for. It’s just a shame the setlist didn’t have a more diverse arrangement to warm us all sooner.
Review and photographs: Matthew Thorpe