Review: John Newman - Albert Hall, Manchester

Sitting upstairs in the Albert Hall in Manchester it seemed that half of Settle had come to see their famous artist, John Newman. There was a Spanish couple too sat next to me who had come to see the gig, such is his international appeal. Also in attendance was his mum, keeping it a family affair his brother James Newman opened up the gig.

Whilst he might not be as well known as his famous bother, James Newman has co written many hits for artists such as Rudimental, Little Mix, Calvin Harris and of course his brother John. With only a keyboard player on stage with him it was left to his soulful voice to win over the sold out audience. With a new single coming out in January it could be that there will soon be more than one Newman in the charts come 2016.

Rising out of the stage like a Phoenix, John Newman was sure he wasn't going to let anyone down, walking down the white steps he surveyed his audience and played a gig like his life depended upon it. It helps too when you have a rapturous audience who are also determined to make sure it was going to be a night to remember.

"It's good to be back" he informs his fans before singing one of his big hits, Cheatin' "We've got royalty in tonight" he announces as he looks towards his proud mother sitting in the balcony.

He spins, he dances, he drops to his knees (frequently) it's no wonder he splits his trousers down the side of his left leg. His voice is as good as ever. There are not many young performers around now who you would call a pure entertainer or showman but that is just what John Newman is. You get the feeling that he is still going to be around when some of his peers have faded into obscurity. He seems to have a vision of what he wants and appears focused.

The live band now have an added brass section and this complemented the tracks, most notably off the new album, Revolve. With the track I'm Not Your Man it shows he can turn out a soulful ballad too. We All Get Lonely the track that closes the album also closed the gig: it's one of the best tracks on the album with its gospel, soulful vibe.

Of course his fans weren't going to let him leave without playing his #1 hit, Love Me Again which followed after the track he first debuted with, the Rudimental hit, Not Giving In. Confetti cannons shoot confetti into the air as he throws his shoes into the audience.

He stands at the front of the stage and faces his band to salute them then turns towards his mother and then to salute the audience. He genuinely appears thankful and knows he has been given an opportunity that he is not going to waste.

The atmosphere had been electric, the gig a night to remember and it made you proud to come from Yorkshire. Pure class from an artist that appeals to all ages. A triumph.