Christmas Carrack-er

Posted by Kathryn Carr on November 26, 2008 12:45 PM

Paul Carrack made a welcome return to the North West this week with a gig in Southport - but the sub-zero seaside temperatures did nothing to stop fans of the velvet-voiced one (including me) beating a path to the theatre door.

The singer, whose soulful vocals have adorned hit after hit for bands including Ace, Squeeze and Mike and the Mechanics, was flying solo, joined by a six-piece band and some striking strobe lighting.

After opening with the sultry crowd-pleaser, 'Satisfy my Soul', Carrack beamed at his cheering audience and thanked everyone for coming out on such a freezing cold evening (Any time, Paul!) Dressed in a sophisticated black suit, along with his trademark boho hat and shades, Carrack delivered a cool first half of hits including 'My Kind', 'Don't Dream It's Over' and 'Am I in That Dream', fresh from his new album, 'I Know That Name'.

The second half saw Carrack stepping up the pace with Ace anthem 'How Long' and new single 'I Don't Want to Hear Any More' before breaking into a brilliant Mike and the Mechanics section, featuring favourites like 'Over My Shoulder' and 'The Living Years' - which had fans young and old singing along.

'Another Cup of Coffee' (as always) went down a storm with the audience, but for me the highlight of the evening was a bouncy, smile-inducing reggae version of 'Eyes of Blue'.

As well as their funky, soulful sound, Carrack's band were compelling to watch, with great chemistry. Backing singer Lindsay Dracass was a fantastic addition to the mix, with her strong, rich voice, and it was clear she was enjoying the gig as much as the audience.

Carrack's onstage persona matches his music - his laidback style indicates he has nothing to prove - having written and peformed with legends of the music industry from The Eagles to Elton John, it's safe to say his music speaks for itself: fantastic.

Paul Carrack is on tour until the end of February, so go and catch him live at a venue near you!

For more details visit www.carrack-uk.com

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Pachelbel's Kanye

Posted by Kathryn Carr on November 20, 2008 1:35 PM

Entertainment-wise, I've had a great week. And not just because of John Sergeant's disproportionately high profile departure from Strictly Come Dancing, although that was entertaining, to say the least.

This week's music-fest started on Saturday when I braved rain, wind and rail replacement buses to get to Birmingham to see Kanye West.

It was SO worth it. I've always quite liked Mr West (as he was frequently referred to throughout the show - quite a formal guy, apparently) but I wasn't really sure what to expect. I liked his Graduation album, and Gold Digger made me laugh... and I LOVED his contribution to Estelle's American Boy. But a whole concert?

It was unbelievable. As the electronic intro to 'Stronger' faded into the opening bars of 'Good Morning' and the man himself became visible against a futuristic, spacey set, the crowd went crazy. And stayed crazy. For two hours. Mr West certainly made sure we got our money's worth, as he tore through hit after hit, from Touch the Sky to Homecoming. Highly recommended.

Last night I found the perfect winter warmer in the form of The Four Seasons by Candlelight at the Philharmonic Hall. Performed by the Mozart Festival Orchestra in - get this! - full period costume, the concert of 18th century and Baroque classics was nothing short of breathtaking.

As we settled down to enjoy a candlelit set packed with classic pieces including Bach's Air on the G String, Pachelbel's Canon and Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, it really was like going back in time. Crispian Steele-Perkins and Tom Rainer gave invigorating and humorous trumpet performances, and spectacular violinist David Juritz had the audience cheering for more.

If you get the chance to catch the Mozart Festival Orchestra they are definitely worth a watch, I can't wait to see them again.

Now tonight I'm off to see Mamma Mia for the fifth and final time before it closes after a whopping FIVE months in UK cinemas... My my, how can you resist it...?

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MTV blues...

Posted by Kathryn Carr on November 6, 2008 4:59 PM

THE MTV Europe Music Awards are landing in Liverpool tonight and I for one cannot wait! Not because I'm going or anything. No, I had about as much chance of getting tickets as Jonathan Ross has of being booked as an after-dinner speaker at a Fawlty Towers convention.

I'm not bitter. Really..

I will be watching it from the comfort of my living room, all warm and cosy, with no queues, no £8-a-pint lager and no one trampling on my feet, or blocking my view of Gary Barlow. And let's face it, there's nothing better than an armchair music fan is there? I can still enjoy myself.

What could be more fun than kicking back in my flat with a bottle of Blossom Hill while the music industry's glitteratti brave the icy Kings Dock winds in their finest Roberto Cavalli?

Who wouldn't want to be sitting in their grey marl tracksuit and giraffe slippers, plate of chicken korma in one hand, glow stick in the other, bellowing with rage at the TV set as Coldplay beat Take That to the 'music industry teacher's pet' award? Again.

Oh who am I kidding? I can't believe it's all happening just a few miles away and I'm not going to be there! I can practically hear Beyonce's diamonds rattling from here!

There had better be a reeeeally good dose of TV coverage, that's all I'm saying.. Holly Willoughby rampaging up and down the red carpet guffawing at Paul McCartney's jokes will not suffice.

Now where did I put my glowsticks...?

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