James Morrison - Manchester Apollo

4 years is a long time to be away in the music industry but James Morrison returned late last year with his latest album, Higher Than Here. His popularity is still here too, tonight's gig was full and the fans gave him a real warm northern welcome.

In a recent interview with James he told me that he enjoyed playing to audiences in the north as they really are more appreciative than other parts of the country. He seemed well chuffed with the reaction he received at the gig. He seems to be a natural on stage although he says at one point in the concert, that it was not always this way.

Carefully mixing tracks off the new album and playing his older songs, it was a recipe to keep the fans happy. Under the Influence and Nothing Ever Hurt Like You were great songs to get the gig underway. By the time we get to Wonderful World the fans are well and truly warmed up and the track is met with rapturous applause.

Slave To The Music and Easy Love, the latter a track off his latest album worked well back to back as he and the band really gel together.

Broken Strings, now performed in its customary acoustic setting is taken over with the fans singing as Morrison looks on proudly.

He wraps up the night with Just Like A Child and then delivers his big hit You Give Me Something which again is a superb track and one which is still played on radio today nearly 10 years after its release. There was no where Higher Than Here in Manchester tonight. A great gig from a true talent.
.