John Grant With The Royal Northern Sinfonia @ Birmingham Town Hall, 24th November 2014
Touring with a 29 piece orchestra is no small feat, but this is exactly what John Grant is doing for his latest tour. The venue tonight is Birmingham Town Hall, befitting for this spectacular evening.
The show has been sold out for months, but interestingly the front two rows have not been used, maybe because from that viewpoint the full stage ensemble couldn’t be taken in. It’s an early start, 19:30 with no support, and this does catch a few people out who obviously haven’t read the time on their ticket. The stewards ensure that latecomers are only allowed entry during a song-break so as not to disturb those already witnessing greatness. For John Grant, greatness doesn’t really do him justice. He’s one of the most original songwriters of our time with a voice to match, and in-between song chat proves he is a genuinely nice guy.
Tonight’s set-list resembles his last dates in England, back in June, but we are treated to four new songs, all superb but the stand-out being “Global Warming” with John having a dig at Facebook for not being able to comment on such topics without drawing cries of ‘middle class wanker’ from other users. His sense of humour knows no bounds, and “No Tangles”, about relationship difficulties was made lighter by referencing 1970’s shampoo adverts.
The orchestra is a wonderful spectacle, and perfectly enwraps each song, even on “Pale Green Ghosts” when John’s backing band take full effect, the keyboard and drums throbbing off the walls, they are there, and soar and for the first time I’ve ever witnessed at the end of each song there is not one early peel of applause or crowd shout, instead we sit in silence, mesmerised, until the last note has drifted from the stage and then the applause reigns down.
John Grant is a true talent, but with stripped back versions of some songs his vocal range is laid bare for all, and on another new song “Black Blizzard” his range is breath-taking. I could’ve listened all night, and my only criticism is that the show lasted only two hours, yes two hours, but had he played three hours I’d have said it should’ve been longer.
I’m privileged to have seen a spectacular show, in a beautiful venue, and honoured to have now seen John Grant twice (I thought his last show in the Midlands at the RSC in Stratford would not be topped) but tonight really was one of the most wonderful performances. However it also saddens me that I’ll likely not see this production again, for it’s unlikely he will tour this show again, and given the number of personnel involved surely he must be making a loss on the tour?
So, rather than do a set spoiler for those yet to witness this beautiful spectacle, imagine John Grant at his very best, with a full orchestra and four new songs that compliment his existing back-catalogue. His detail for tenderness, yet with the most fantastic wit shows he is one of the most original artists we have. Embrace him, for he really is a wonderful man, with the voice of an angel.
Review: Glenn Raybone
Photograph: Hordur Sveinsson